Izomandakus questions the giant guard while swinging once and once again with the staff!
+2 if within circle vs evil
+0 if within circle vs evil
Seamus hits but once, but with the feinting and the fire, it’s a deep cut, and Galenmir, a simple front porch guard, crumples at his feet - dead.
The hall remains quiet due to the silence, but those who shift to the south, hear snores through the heavy stone wall to the dire bears.
You have a moment before something happens, so just three rounds of actions please and we’ll stay in initiative.
Kast takes an action to dismiss the silence. He looks around, wondering what is next.
"So how long will the wall on the 'bear room' stand?"
Kast listens until he can confirm that he can hear again, not exactly enjoying the perfect silence save for his own thoughts. Sometimes it’s better to have the distractions than hearing only one’s internal voices all the time.
”The wall? It should stand until them bears or a giant knocks it down,” Kast answers, trying to keep his voice low and avoid waking the sleeping bears. He watches as Val gets healed, and looks around.
That fight went pretty good, I think. Almost perfect. Perfect.
”’Mus, where to next?” Kast asks, thinking about what’s next.
"Quick, let's hide the body on one of those lateral caves before another of those walls appear." Izomandakus smiles and drags the body into the cave in.
There he quickly tries to sort out the giant's equipment, helping himself with his appraising eye and detect magic.
Val is happy for the healing, and she takes a hit off her wand to top herself off.
”Goodness. That bastard hit harder than I would have liked. Though I think I still came out ahead in that front.”
She then refreshes her mirror images.
And provides another pair of hands to help move the giant body out of the way.
Kast will help Izo stuff the body over the wall to the bears, and be ready to move on.
You quickly loot the body and find quite a bit of value. Unfortunately, you cannot shift the body as yet, as it takes longer than three rounds to remove the armor. Unless you want to leave it behind… Yeah, I didn’t think so. :)
Breastplate +3
Light steel shield +2
Heavy Pick +3
Cloak of Elvenkind
19pp, 24gp
As you’re getting the magic armor off the body, a handsome stone giant (image) having apparently watched the battle from around the corner, comes around said corner to join you. She holds her arms peacefully out to the side.
”I am Conna. Some call me wise, and I suspect I know why you are here. We don’t have much time. Let us dispose of Galenmir quickly and come to my chambers where we may talk more freely. As a token of good faith, I shall show you the location of the best of Galenmir’s treasures. That is my payment to you for your silence on what we shall speak of.”
She is wearing a well woven shift - could be religious in nature it’s hard to say for sure. She carries a ‘short’ spear slung over her shoulder, and a dagger.
What do you do?
Val sheathes her sword for the moment as a sign of goodwill—she can get it out again quickly if need be—and analyzes the giant’s face for any signs of deception.
She also tries to figure out if the giant is a religious figure of some kind based on the shift.
Kast looks and listens to Conna with interest. He looks over at ‘Mus, then Val, then Izo…and then shrugs. He’s willing to go with it. And will go along after the looting is done if no one objects.
Valena senses no deception with the giant, at least not so far.
Rastaf and Valena see nothing specific on her, but stone giants have a great variety of gods and goddesses that they worship, including Erastil, Fandarra, and Minderhal.
Val smiles and bows to the giant. ”I would be delighted to hear you out, darling.”
"Oh, a giant who finally wants to talk with us? I am in" Izomandakus ends slowly picking up the giant guardian treasure and hiding it behind a cave corner as best as possible.
Then follows along the giantess "Conna the Wise, aside from being wise enough not to fight against us, is there any particular reason you are helping us to hide Galenmir's body?"
The boy tries to advance himself to any trap the group might be leaded to.
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Then follows along the giantess "Conna the Wise, aside from being wise enough not to fight against us, is there any particular reason you are helping us to hide Galenmir's body?"
”I’ll explain all when we’re in no danger of being discovered. We should hurry.”
Conna flies up and to the giant’s dead body. She picks it up and flies quickly into the pit below, causing a few crows to flutter up and out of her way, ”Follow me, the path is safe.” she says as she glides to the largest of the caves in the pit.
Assuming you follow, you are lead into a chamber lined with an impressive collection fo scalps and war trophies, including the preserved head of a frost giant jarl, the beards of 100+ dwarves (each neatly bundled and secured with a silver ring), part of a marsh giant’s grossly elastic but impressively tattooed hide, and bits of broken and dented breastplates from the plate armor of a dozen different warriors.
Apparently his favorite collection though includes a neatly sorted group of 33 shields. Each is marked with the name of a human, elf, or dwarf hero Galemnir defeated in combat. She reaches out to one, and hands it to you. ”This belonged to Anstan Jeggare of Korvosa. If you return it to the family in Korvosa, I expect they’ll reward you greatly.”
She hands you a heavy steel shield +2 arrow catching and leaves the body in a simple bed (once the armor is stripped), covering him over with bear skins as if he is sleeping. ”No one will bother him, at least for a while, he had quite a temper. Please, come to my chambers where we can talk quietly.”
If you agree, she’ll lead you deeper into the complex.
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Kast follows, and graciously accepts the shield and stows it for later return (unless anyone else wants). Kast already has a sweet ass Sihedron shield that is in no way connected to any evil cults or anything.
Izomandakus does a quick magic inspection at Seamus prompt "We just met and you are filling us with treasures. I am liking you Conna the Wise, let's go talk about that business."
The boy follows the giant a bit more calm now, but still with his staff at the ready.
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Val folds her arms behind her head. ”Who am I to turn down a lady asking me to her chambers.”
Izomandakus only sees the shield as magical.
Conna leads you back up the ramp whereupon she lands. She motions for you to wait, and she walks to an intersection. Standing there a moment, she waives you on and you pass her quickly, catching a glimpse of what looks like maybe a dining hall with a few stone giants milling about - none looking your way. You turn left into a large chamber just beyond.
The walls of this cave are painted with red, yellow, brown, and black figures, among which are apparent images of giants, mammoths, elk, deer, and wyverns. Others are harder to figure out: ogres, perhaps, or giant children, or even humans.
The dwarves are very clear, with beards and tiny axes being crushed under enormous giant feet. A simple oil lantern lights a small altar at the far end of the cavern. A modest offering of antlers, hooves, and patches of fur has been piled in front of the altar.
- - -
As you enter the room, and the entire time you’re in it, just out of the corner of your eye, the paintings on the walls seem to move. When you look at them however, there is nothing. The whole thing is somewhat unsettling and seems to be worse the closer you are to the altar. The affect is very unsettling, and seems to slow your movements.
Conna joins you quickly and the sensation passes, ”We can talk here, if you keep your voices low. No one comes here anymore. It is haunted by the soul of my dead husband, once leader of these tribes before Mockmurian came.” she nods to Izomandakus, ”That should answer your prior question too.”
”But why have you come to Jorgenfist? I see from your dealing with Galenmir, that you’re not here peacefully. What are your intentions?”
Val meanders as she talks with the giantess. ”We understand that Mokmurian serves a power that we are opposed to, one that has harried us for many months. It is in-service to this power that he wishes to attack our town and level it. We really just care about defeating him and stopping further attacks. I take it there may be some agreement here between us? I imagine your husband was very much alive before Mokmurian arrived to take over.”
Izomandakus nods to Seamus completely in agreement "The place seems dedicated to the giants ancient spirits more than a particular god." he eyes the unsettling movements, trying to understand what it is the source.
"Indeed, we have been suffering the zombies, assassins, lamias and ogres of his cult. This needs to end. And we would appreciate to know why is he doing it and the source of his power." the boy adds, letting Valena conduct the rest of the conversation.
Kast glances at the shrine, preparing to argue religious dogma if needed.
Know (religion)
And Kast listens to Val, but then chimes in with a question of his own.
"And do you happen to know why Mok sent an army to destroy our homes...over some stupid rock? I can't figure that part out. It's just a rock. An old rock. But a rock."
Conna considers your answers, nods, and has a few answers of her own. She knows nothing about the rock, but she does know Mokmurian sent teams all along the coast, not just to Sandpoint, seeking something. She’s not sure what.
”I do not know the source of his power, only that it is great, and terrible - and apparently you share it.” she gestures to the sihedron symbols on Kast. ”I have also heard a name. Karzoug. The Plateau People are not meant to live like this - slaves to a higher power’s whim. I can help you get to Mokmurian, and keep many of my people from harassing you.”
She then draws you a quick map of the complex, along with what opposition there may be in the tunnels between you and the descent to a library - where Mokmurian spends his time. She then suggests you head easterly from here.
”Quite frankly I would have you spare my brethren. While they are misguided, if you can remove Mokmurian, I can guide them back home in the north. We won’t bother you any further I promise you.” she looks at you seriously a long moment.
Eventually, she looks back at the map, ”Here is your first challenge, though an optional one. Lokansir is a rune-touched hill giant of great power, if a little dim. He favors Mokmurian, and his club, and when he grows weak he flees through the earth itself making him hard to catch.”
”Whether you finish him or no, you’ll next need to pass by the sacrifices. In this chamber, where Econtredor and Sulaminga are held captive. These two young red dragons are in thrall to the members of the next chamber along - the Lamia Priestesses. They worship Lamashtu,” she frowns in disappointment, ”but they are good with spells so protect your mind.”
She looks back down at the map, ”After that it’s just Durek and Hurek. They’re a pair of trolls you see. Should be no trouble for you lot though, right?” she looks hopeful.
”I can help you with Lokansir, but after that, I will stay behind to calm my brethren, so you’re not hunted every step of your way. It’s all I can do at this point. Until Mokmurian is destroyed of course.”
She looks up at you, ”Will you do it? Will you kill Mokmurian, and end the slavery of my people?”
At the name Karzoug, Kast really thinks about what he knows now that he has heard the name for third or fourth time. It can’t be coincidence. He closes his eyes and thinks.
Know (Religion) - Karzoug
Know (History) - Karzoug
Kast is inclined to help, but won’t say anything until he is done thinking.
"Karzoug..." Izomandakus says pensive and frowning, then updates his new companion "Rastaf, we found a statue of him below Sandpoint, and some more references to him below Thisletorp, plus he was the one who bound the abyssal devil to power the Skull Crossing's Damned Dam"
The boy nods agreeing with the others the giantess deal is favorable "Let's do this for the benefit of our peoples."
"These two dragons you speak of... you say they are captive... are they inside some kind of jail?" Izomandakus asks while clearly starting to plot something in his mind "I am confident I can talk with them. Do you think it is possible to convince them to help or at least ignore us on exchange for their freedom?"
The modern Karzoug could be anyone, but you’ve heard whispers of that name throughout the north country - especially among the giants (as now) and other demi-human races. Some sort of wizard - likely charming his way to power.
- - -
”The dragons?” Conna points to her simple map, ”They are chained, but only loosely. You’ll need to fight them to proceed, and I expect their screeches to rouse the Lamias. You may promise them their freedom, but you’re up against magical control, so I don’t think it will work.”
Conna smiles at your general assent, and says hopefully, ”Lokansir then? Or do you want to leave him to me when Mokmurian is destroyed?”
Lokansir can just sail through the earth? I have no magic that can stop that. Maybe someone else does.
"Ah, we should try, however. Might be that we can take him down before he has a chance to flee," Kast says bravely, and hopefully. "We should start there."
Izomandakus stares at Conna, trying to understand her motivations, just in case Mokmurian is in fact the good guy here.
"Magical control... I see..." the boy mutters almost to himself.
"If this Lokansir is a danger to our deal, let's go and make sure he does not cause trouble to the coastal Varisian cities." Izomandakus starts walking after Conna.
Val smiles as their new giantess friend gives them the full lowdown and winks at Seamus when he suggests their new friend would make a better leader. ”I think we can make this work smashingly. We do not tend to let many escape from us, so I am not particularly worried about this Lokansir. Just hit him very hard and very fast and the only ground he will not be getting any farther than six feet underground.”
”I can purge him once from entering the ground, but only once.” she comments as she leads you to the door. She stands to one side and opens it once you’re set (her surprise round action). She then delays until right after Lokansir so she can react to him if he takes flight.
The doors to this room are made of stone and carved with an immense seven pointed star - the Sihedron Rune. The doors are unlocked, but incredibly heavy. Conna struggles to get them open, but she manages on the second try.
This immense hall is an unexpected break from the rough stone walls of caverns and caves. The rectangular chamber is fifty feet wide and a hundred feet long, with rib like spines arching up to a vaulted ceiling fifty feet overhead. The room’s floor is loose soil, while the wall opposite the doors is carved with an immense bas-relief of a seven-pointed star.
Throughout the room, seven fifteen-foot-tall tree trunks have been driven into the ground like immense stakes, their sides carved with countless more stars. Each trunk has been fitted with an iron ring from which dangle chains affixed to manacles. Next to each trunk stands an iron brazier filled with smoldering coals. A long branding iron, its tip also featuring the seven pointed star, leans against each brazier.
The sole occupant, a hill giant apparently named Lokansir, is meditating when the great doors are opened. While there are a few unlucky souls hanging from the chains in this room, none are left alive at this time. All are branded with the Sihedron Rune.
- - -
Round Surprise, Init 2
Kast offers up a blessing of perfect intentions...getting everyone but Seamus, unless he delayed.
hp: 85/85
AC: 29/23/18 (always on shield) +2 with MCaE + 4 SoF
Saves: F5/R11/W8* +7 vs. mind affecting
Furious Focus, GWM=+3, SoF = +4
Aroden's Verve: 0/0 used
GlitterBomb: 0/0 used
Extend GammaRadiation: 0/0 used
Extend Rods: 3/6 left
Quantum Leaps used: [ooc]
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Think Really Hard: 7/7 left
1: 6/8 left
2: 6/8 left
3: 6/8 left
4: 4/7 left
5: 4/6 left
6: 4/4 left
to hit; (BS, GMW)
magic cold iron damage
to hit; (BS, GMW)
magic cold iron damage
[spoiler=Kast's Pre Exploration Magics][ /spoiler]
[ spoiler=Perfect Blessing Round 1/12][ooc]Choose one at the start of your turn:
[list]
Round 1, Init 2
Kast quickly double moves into the room, air limping for all he's got.
Val enters the room and mentally sharpens her blade.
Val subjects their mighty foe to her stare as she finishes her approach, just managing to get herself into a flank with Seamus. ”How do you do, big guy?” She barely finishes speaking before her blade is driving towards the huge foe’s flesh.
HP: 104/104
AC: 33/20/25
Saves: F12/R16/W15 +2 will vs charm and compulsion, +2 fort vs poison and drugs, +4 fort vs alcohol
Hypnotic Stare: Lokansir
Painful Stare: Lokansir
Active Implanted Tricks 2/7 used): Mesmeric Mirror (Seamus, active, 1 image), Mask Misery (herself, unused)
Hero Points: 3
Spells/Conditions: Freedom of Movement, Mirror Image (6), Eldritch Weapon(keen), Apport Object (scroll BoL), Heroism, Perfect Blessing, Tough Crowd
0: (Dancing Lights, Prestidigitation, Mage Hand, Message, Read Magic, Ghost Sound)
1: 2/6 used (Vanishx0, Psychic Reading, Ill Omenx0, Faerie Firex0, Invigoratex0, Eldritch Weaponx2)
2: 2/6 used (Mirror Imagex1, Placebo Effectx0, Lesser Restorationx0, Tonguesx0, Apport Objectx1)
3: 1/5 used (Sendingx1, Displacementx0, Major Imagex0, Invisibility Spherex0)
4: 2/2 used (Freedom of Movementx1, Tough Crowdx0)
[ dice]1d20+19[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6+10[/dice] damage.
As the door opens and Kast bless the party, Izomandakus goes inside with a fervor of speed.
Then, grasps his staff with both hands, concluding his movement with a switch to fervor for enhanced strike.
+0 if within circle vs evil