GM Euan's Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

Don't forget the dice rolls for Rastaf, and maybe Seamus if he goes with him. Two perception and two survival (tracking) rolls to try and spot the enemy. Looks like everyone else is staying put. I'll have more on their activities later.

Finally relieved to be leaving the meeting, Seamus happily leads Val to 'Cracktooth's Tavern.' Walking through the doors, he waves and smiles to Cracktooth, setting his heavy pack behind the bar, like he had so many times before. Tapping at the bar, he points towards Val "Cracktooth, you remember my friend Val, I'm buying whatever she's drinking." He then quickly moves to the stage and places his hat on the edge, marking that he wants to perform after the red-haired teenager singing a song about being an orphan.

Returning to the bar, he orders an ale, and between Cracktooth taking orders from other customers, he tells his oldest friend about their journey up north. As the red haired girl, finished her eighth song, (apparently it was some sort of musical they were doing at the theatre) Seamus went to the end of the bar and pulled out the book of sheet music he had found on the harpsichord and began showing it to the tavern owner. As the red haired girl finished her musical, Seamus smiled, "I'll be back."

Picking up his barstool in one hand, he carried it and the book to the stage. Setting the stool down and the book on top, he returned to his pack fetching his lute. Returning to the stage, he kicked his hat under the barstool, tuning his lute, he began to play the ancient sheet music. The sound was absolutely alien, The melodies fit together in ways the crowd never thought possible and took them places they'd never been. Song after song he played. When he had finished the sheet music in the book he smiled and bowed to the awed crowd. Slinging his lute on his shoulder, he picked up the book and his hat from under the barstool. Smiling again he waived, "I'll be back later." Returning to the bar, he looked from Val to Cracktooth and asked. "What did you think? It was my first time playing it for an audience."
performance: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Later in the evening, after having put away his music book, eaten some of Cracktooth's famous bar food and drank a couple of ales, he returned to the stage and began to play several of the popular songs he had learned there at the tavern. Before he realized it, the folks had gone home and Cracktooth was putting chairs on the tables. Smiling at his friend, he helped finish closing up like he had done so many times then gathering his pack headed towards the 'Kitten.'

Smiling at the big Shoanti at the door, Seamus took his pack to the attic, but quickly returned with his lute and the sheet music. Going to the foyer he sat down in one of the overstuffed chairs. setting the music on the end table beside him, he swung one leg over the arm of the chair and started to play. It was late enough that business had slowed down, as the ladies made their way to the large sitting room, he'd wave at the ones he still recognized. As Kaye entered from her office, Seamus nodded, she had been very kind to him, the least he could do was return some of that kindness. He again played through all the sheet music, as everyone in the building eventually sat in the room or stood in the hallways listening. When he finished he smiled, nodding to the applause, and asked Kaye, "Can we talk?"
performance: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31

Once he was in Kaye's office alone he explained the situation with the giants. That they were going to try and defend the town, but that he didn't think it would be safe. He recommended she take the folks of the 'Kitten' to the tunnels under the old glass factory, he thought they would be safe there. After his conversation he went to the attic and slept in his old bed, waking several hours after dawn.

Stumbling out of bed, Seamus pulled several shirts out of his pack, smelling each one. Selecting the light blue one, he realized he's need to have some wash done before too much longer. Having missed breakfast, he headed to Sandpoint Savories, both to get something sweet to help with the hangover and to see if anyone was around.

Eventually finding Rastaf, he told the cleric of Sarenrae that he was ready to 'Air Walk' Not really sure how comfortable he was with the idea, he brought along his lute to distract himself as they 'walked'

perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (16) + 25 = 41
perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (17) + 25 = 42
perception: track: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (3) + 25 = 28
perception: track: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (6) + 25 = 31

Rastaf isn't very perceive-y, but he'll try to assist.

perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

We can fly up to 60 mph for 11 hours, searching in a grid pattern. With a good idea of how far away they are and their numbers, we might just find our targets.

Kast spends part of the day guarding a certain home, and the town of course as well, from a great height. He’ll see some drills organized by the Sheriff of both troops and civilians. The troops are organized mostly as the watch to warn of oncoming danger. He knows that a dozen town guards, even supplemented by Rastaf’s forces, are no match for giants. In order to keep eyes on the three entrances to town, and work them in shifts, they’re pretty spread out in any case.

The civilians are preparing for fire. Sure, these aren’t goblins, but a place like Sandpoint burns quickly when put to the torch, and the Sheriff has no illusions about the upcoming fight - anything goes.

Valena keeps her eye on the three main taverns in town, making sure the liquor doesn’t go anywhere. She’s joined by many in the town, worried about the upcoming brawl.

Izomandakus tries to assist the town’s defenses, but there’s not much that can, or will, be done structurally. The north wall is in disrepair, and there is no gate. Hasn’t been for decades. The two bridges to the east and south over the sluggish and shallow Turandarok River are sturdy enough to support a giant or two, but the Mayor is quite opposed to their destruction or trapping. After all, the giants can just wade across, and villagers may need to flee into or out of the town across them. She doesn’t want to see those lanes blocked in an emergency. And of course there are no walls or gates on either of those entrances to reinforce.

Rastaf heads out into the wilderness with Seamus, lighter than the wind, and nearly impossible to see in the cloudy sky. They travel far and wide along the possible paths of the giants. Certainly, even with the cover of the trees and hills, he should find some evidence of so large a troop of giants as 17.

And they do! But mostly in passing. A burned out farmstead here, a ravage trade wagon there, and a lone woodsman who had been torn asunder. Following these signs, and doing a bit of low-flying tracking, you do find some giants. Three to be exact. They’re hunkered down in the Nettlewood sleeping and resting watchfully. Apparently they’ve been traveling by night, and in small groups, to avoid being spotted - but the eagle eyed Seamus, with Rastaf’s assistance, found them none the less.

There are others somewhere out there to be sure, just based on the damage done in the hinterlands. But in small groups sleeping by day, they are going to be very difficult to spot. Still, you’ve found one group of them, so you have a better sense of their arrival and it won’t be tomorrow. You’re able to refine your target to Neth 27, Oathday (the day after tomorrow).

You’re done with your sweeps by lunch. You could sweep in the afternoon too, flying lower and hoping for the best, but that’ll increase the likelihood of being spotted (tough, but not impossible) and puts you in range of their rocks (though you do have some DR in that eventuality).

So you have a whole extra day to make preparations.

In other news, Seamus attempts to play the discovered melodies before a Cracktooth crowd. And it doesn’t go well. The music is really hard to play, and he fumbles it. I mean, he does well enough for most ditties, but his fingering is thrown off on a tough part near the end and it just doesn’t come together. The crowd knows him and applauds anyway by way of support, but he knows they’re just showing him respect and not for the tunes themselves (DC 30).

However, later in the evening, when the pressure to perform is off and he’s just playing for his friends and a few late owls, the piece comes together in his mind. OH MY! The tune is miraculous!

He knew he had been playing the music of life itself. The music of light dancing on water that rippled with the wind and the tides, of the life that moved through the water, of the life that moved on the land, warmed by the light.

The whole room stopped to listen and most closed their eyes as their slack jaws hung open exploring the beauty for themselves. It was a stunning experience.

Everyone in the room, including Seamus, gained a +2 morale bonus to attacks and skill checks. The music lingers in the mind for 24 hours…

Only 3? C'mon, Seamus. We can take 'em.

At Cracktooth’s with Seamus

Lore (wine): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24

Val uses her sommelier instincts to pick out something dark and rich for the evening, or at least as dark and rich as she can get at Cracktooth’s, and suggests the same for Seamus. When he finishes his first performance and inquires as to how she liked it, she smiles and pats him on the shoulder. ”You know how sometimes you are trying out something difficult and new and it just clicks? I am asking because that was definitely not it.” She pays for his next drink as recompense for the joke at his expense.

After his next try is far more successful, she claps enthusiastically. ”Ah! I see you got it this time. Clearly thanks to my influence.” She winks at him playfully, pleased with her self-aggrandizing humor.

Now

Val does her usual scouting around of the bars, just to make sure alcohol is not going to waste, but she also makes sure to check in on Kast. ”So, Kast, darling. You talked to your wished-for sweetie yet? Or shall I have to psychic surgery the name out of your head?”

At Cracktooth’s with SeamusAfter his next try is far more successful, she claps enthusiastically. ”Ah! I see you got it this time. Clearly thanks to my influence.” She winks at him playfully, pleased with her self-aggrandizing humor.

Wonderful, if I had known Val was going to accompany him to the brothel I'd have written her in.

Oh and he rolled a '24' for the first one, so it wasn't That Bad :)

Kast probably misses 'Mus's performance, as he's still very worried about the attack, and doesn't want to let his guard down by having fun, or interacting with others, or being human. He feels that if he can just get through this week, then...then...then he might be able to do what he's supposed to be doing.

He does go look for Izo, however.

"Izo? Do you think the gear we ordert in Magnimar is going to get here in time? After what Seamus announced, maybe we could get it? Or not?" Kast asks.

Rastaf relays the info he and Seamus were able to glean:

They travel at night in small groups. They will likely attack at night. They will be here in 2 days. They are leaving a trail of death and destruction along their way.

Parley is off the table. We go full Blorgon.

Eradicate!

"Oh, true, Kast. We can just go for it, eh Pachemu." Izomandakus will teleport to Magnimar and spend the day gathering the items commissioned by the group, preparing an extra teleport that day to come immediately back upon finishing, specially if Valena can confirm the work is done via sending.

He will also try to update the Lord-Mayor about Rastaf findings, if he is willing to and the bureaucracy is not too much.

The wind buffeting the lute made it harder to play than Seamus expected. But he was able to entertain himself by constantly thinking about falling out of the sky; except when they were observing the devastation done by the giants, then he worried about what was going to happen to Sandpoint. Once the aerial reconnaissance was done and they had returned to Sandpoint Seamus told Rastaf, "I'm going to find Val, then go speak with Ameiko about playing at the 'Dragon." Pointing towards the north side of town. "If you want to tell Kast what we found, he's probably up near the jewelry store. He's been diligently watching from above that part of town."

Finding Val at the 'Rusty Dragon' at there usually table, he dropped his rucksack in the corner taking a seat. Telling his friend "We followed a trail of carnage and located three giants hunkered down in the Nettlewood." Waiving at the waitress, he continued. " Looks like their traveling at night and in small groups. At the pace their moving they'll be here sometime Oathday." As the waitress appears Seamus orders some stew and bread, then asks the waitress, "Is Ameiko around, I'd like to talk to her."

He had heard from Rastaf that last night Ameiko had offered to help with the defense of the town. He would use that as an excuse to talk to her. He looked at the stage, but really he wanted an excuse to show her the sheet music and ask if he could play it for her. Pulling the sheet music out of his rucksack he started looking around for Ameiko, standing, he told Val, "I'm going to go look for Ameiko."

Wandering through the kitchen he found Ameiko preparing for that evening. Starting with small talk about the attack, he let it slip out that he had found some sheet music while in the fey woods. Excitedly he took out the sheet music, showing it to her, and abruptly asked, "Can I play it for you tonight?"

Having gotten permission, he headed back through the dining room picking up his rucksack, waiving at Val, "I'll see you tonight." After the two very different performances the night before he realized he needed to practice. Heading to the 'light house' he found someplace quiet to play and practiced till dusk.

Once the sun started to set Seamus headed to the 'Dragon' to meet up with the others. Hoping Izomandakus had returned with the items they had ordered from Magnimar. Heading to the table in the corner Seamus dropped his rucksack in the corner and waited for his friends.

After whatever dinner conversation we have

Once the evening began to wear on, after a nod from Ameiko, Seamus took the stage. Placing the sheet music on an actual music stand, he took a seat on the stool and began to play the sheet music. Copied from GM Euan :) The piece comes together in his mind. OH MY! The tune is miraculous!

He knew he had been playing the music of life itself. The music of light dancing on water that rippled with the wind and the tides, of the life that moved through the water, of the life that moved on the land, warmed by the light.

The whole room stopped to listen and most closed their eyes as their slack jaws hung open exploring the beauty for themselves. It was a stunning experience.

maybe only just this once, but taking 10 on perform 10+19+2 get's me that 31 :)

Seamus learns what the music can do but, alas, he also learns (after his second performance) that the effects only occur on the first hearing of the musical piece. The memory of that first listen lingers in the mind as a special moment in your lives, but the bonuses don’t occur on each subsequent listen.

Still, Ameiko is enraptured, and pleased she gave Seamus the stage to perform that night. ”You are quite the virtuoso aren’t you?” she says after the performance. Recognizing the magic, she further suggests that he coordinate and play a concert for those assisting the town the day before the raid (the night of Neth 26 - the theater has enough room for that group she thinks).

But first to finish off Toilday. The Sandpoint farmer’s market is a packed affair, and filled with the gossip and fears of an invading army. That said, most try to put their fears aside and enjoy the day. And it is a lovely day. Sunny and warm, considering the season. Many of the outlying farmers plan to remain in Sandpoint during the raid - for they feel safer here than alone in their farmhouses. The population of Sandpoint swells…

You rise early on Neth 26, a Wealday. All but Valena and Seamus are enjoying the bonuses the music provides throughout the day (+2 attacks, +2 skills). The giants could arrive as early as tomorrow, possibly before dawn as Rastaf suggests. Kast thinks it more likely, based on what he knows of the creatures, that their attack will be post-dawn however. They see poorly in the dark. Well enough to walk through the forests and hills of the region, but battle is another thing altogether.

So the attack could happen tomorrow at dawn.

The last of your magical supplies will be ready this afternoon (after 2pm or so). Izomandakus can teleport, but to cut down on the risk, Rastaf, and any who fly with him, could easily pop over to Magnimar to collect the gear. It’s just an hour to Magnimar so you’d still have plenty of time to try and find the giants too. Let me know who goes to Magnimar.

Oh, Izomandakus is pretty sure he’d not see the Lord-Mayor on such short notice. Lord Farquar is possible, though also not likely based on what Valena knows of politics. Both are likely waiting for you to succeed - or fail - and they’ll then act according to your actions either embracing you or shunning you. Such is politics according to Valena.

So, to recap, it’s the day before the earliest day of the attack, probably after dawn. You know they’re looking for ‘a stone’ and that they number 17 ‘somethings’ in total. The Sheriff has the town about as ready as they’re going to be.

How do you spend your day?

Come fly with me!

Yes, Rastaf could get the gear himself, but he's not so good at giant spotting. If someone better at it goes with, we could maybe learn more.

Toliday night
The virtuoso?' smiling, Seamus, while he enjoyed the compliment, he didn't think it was true. Shaking his head, no, he answered. "I think I just got lucky finding the music and being inspired by a friend."

The idea of playing at the concert hall made him nervous, he shook his head, and fiddled with his lute, then answered. "Only if you play with me. I'll leave the music here, and we can practice tomorrow. If you'll duet, I'll do it."

Leaving the music there on the music stand so Ameiko would be tempted by it, Seamus resisted the urge to play for the crowd, and returned to the table with his friends.

As the hour got late Seamus headed back to the 'Kitten' taking a moment to speak with Kaye Tesarani. He told her Ameiko's idea of playing for the volunteers to give them a little confidence. Then he asked her to speak with the sheriff about how inspiring the music was. If anyone could convince him it was a good idea, it was her.

Heading to bed he used a 'Ranger Trick' he learned from Hasslo to help sleep. He stuffed cotton in his ears.

Wealday morning
Having gotten to bed at a reasonable hour Seamus got up much earlier than the day before. He pulled out his last clean shirt, the 'burnt orange' one from his mom, and put it on. He definitely needed to get his laundry done.

Leaving his heavy pack in the 'kitten's' attic he headed toward the 'Dragon' to have breakfast with his friends.

Sitting down at the regular table he ordered a light breakfast of eggs, bacon, ham, hash and sausage and biscuits. As he others came downstairs or entered from the street, he announces. "The only plans I have today are to make sure the sheriff arranges the concert for tonight and practice a couple hours with Ameiko before hand." Smiling as he looked at his friends. "So I am available for whatever. Who can I help do what?"

Before we get to the concert I would like to know what were doing through the day. Since he doesn't get the 'boost' from the music, I'm hoping Ameiko can give an 'aid' so he can just take 10, I hate gambling with anything other than Seamus life :)

Kast continues to make sure every resident in Sandpoint knows of the expected time of the attack, and what they are supposed to do when it happens. He will tirelessly patrol as well, even though the attack is not expected, one pressed march or something could push the attack to today...and Kast wouldn't be caught unready. That wouldn't be perfect.

That said, he will stop to eat and talk, and try to keep up hopes even though he is deeply worried for the outcome...and 17 giants? 17!? Giants? That's a LOT of giants. And that worries Kast...

...up until Izo returns with his new equipment. And then he feels better.

After all, he has fancy new armor now. Not that he minding his chainmail bikini with its open midriff, but the new stuff...it was nice enough that maybe even Marigold might be impressed. Maybe. Better not risk it.

And yes, Kast might be a bit more strutful in his new armor. Still limping of course, but a strutful limp.

"Hey 'Mus, I'm sorry I've missed your shows, there is so much to do right now," Kast says, flexing nonchalantly in his new very flexible armor. "I can't help much with the music. Maybe...maybe tomorrow..." ...if we live.

Given a bit of free time, and if Val is still sparing, he might engage her a bit to get used to his new armor.

If the group winds to Magnimar to pick up the items and his teleporting is not needed, then Pachemu and Izomandakus pass the last day before doom enjoying their time in the Savories.

"You know Aneka, I have not spent much time as of late with you, and that is not fine..." the boy will take his hands into the flour and work preparing new cakes and cookies "You know that I love you, isn't it? Have not been for you I would be one of those bad ones the Sheriff and Kast put into jail. I do not tell you that often, but as tomorrow might well be our last day of life I wanted to let you know..." there is also a sincere smile for Pachemu "You too pig"

Izomandakus and Aneka will work on cinnamon cookies until they are exhausted, and then they will follow on until there is no more flour and sugar at the shop. They share a lot, have fun, and make something productive until the time runs out.
Craft (cookies): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Val is not exactly perceptive and she hates being out in nature so she will abstain from scouting again

Val does indeed take up Kast on the suggestion of a spar. She seems to have become noticeably harder to hit since the last time Kast saw her fight. Despite her armor not having changed, it appears to have become magnificently more protective than before. ”I wish us both luck in avoiding the giants’ blows.”

Val spends most of the prep time doing very little work, though, unless specifically asked to. When faced with mortal peril, she prefers to follow Cayden’s example and just let it happen. Stressing about trying to prepare will just make her too tense to perform well in combat. At least that is what she keeps reminding herself. She does noticeably spend more time than usual inebriated. She even spends a night at the Kitten providing some financial support to a lady or two there.

Neth 26 passes much like the day before, but with no farmer’s market - so a bit more slowly. The people are a bit quieter, everyone worrying about tomorrow. Some have left town, traveling south in the cold to relatives, or some even as far as Magnimar.

But most remain. Everyone is carrying a weapon, whether they mean to flee to the ship in harbor or one of the designated ‘safe’ spots. There are few illusions here. They know this will be tough to survive for some.

They have hope though. Hope in a small band of adventurers who have agreed to help save their city and fight back against these giants. But still, they’re quiet.

Rastaf and Seamus head out again that morning, before Seamus’ rehearsal with Ameiko in the afternoon. She wanted some time with the piece in the morning to familiarize herself with the tune and, ”…to make all the embarrassing mistakes.” she laughs. Ameiko will aid Seamus.

Anyway, the pair spot a group of four giants, different from the prior three, in the Tickwood. Based on their position they can easily make Sandpoint by dawn - assuming they don’t travel until nightfall. So the attack is almost certainly tomorrow.

In the afternoon Seamus practices with Ameiko and Kast spars with Valena. Rastaf returns from Magnimar with the last of the parties possessions - so you’ve now received everything you ordered.

That evening there’s a special presentation by Seamus and Ameiko at the impressive Sandpoint Theater. It is packed. The seats on the floor are filled with those who will be risking their lives tomorrow. The fire brigades, the watchers, the guards - everyone who will be in harms way to save the town and its people. That includes the party of course, if you are so inclined (though someone should keep watch during the performance just in case. The sheriff, at least, will be on the north wall).

The balconies are filled with everyone else who could cram in. Sandpoint is an artistic town. Their main export, aside from food, is hand blown creations in glass after all. The Theater is regionally renown for the performances held there.

Well rehearsed, the performance is a grand success. It will go down in the history of Sandpoint, however short that may be depending on tomorrow’s battle, as one of the high points. And of course everyone will be just a little bit better at their jobs tomorrow!

By now it’s getting late, and you want to be up early - just in case.

I’ve switched the map back to Sandpoint. If you use the ruler you can see how far away things are, but please note it’s only half right. The distances should be doubled. So if it says 15’ away, it’s actually 30’. I’ve left your icons large so I can see roughly where you are on the map without squinting. For close up combats we’ll have tighter maps in some cases, and no maps in other cases perhaps. We’ll play it by ear.

This next bit is a very long and involved combat lasting dozens of rounds. So strap in, and let’s have some fun with it! If you split up the party, remember, you’re dealing with giants here. Don’t thin the herd too much or you may find yourself overwhelmed.

Place yourselves on the map where you plan to be in the pre-dawn dimness of Neth 27 and let me know what preparations you make. There are no signs of any giants as yet.

Neth 26
Having returned from scouting with Rastaf, Seamus informed the others of what they saw. Then that afternoon, he fulfilled a lifelong dream, he got to play his lute with Ameiko Kaijitsu the greatest bard to hail from Sandpoint. It was amazing, the way she understood the notes and anticipated his playing style. Once done practicing, he found Izomandakus and thanked his friend for picking up all the new equipment. After an early dinner at the 'Dragon' Seamus went to the Sandpoint Theater and took the stage to do a sound check. Another dream come true.

The performance felt like an afterthought. He had gotten used to playing for small crowds, and though he knew the theater was larger than anywhere he had played, with the lights down, he could only see the first few rows. Once the lights came up and the crowd came to their feet in a roar, Seamus realize the breadth of the show. Smiling he lowered the lute to its strap, gesturing towards Ameiko with both hands then applauded her. She, and he sheet music, had been the star of the show.

Sneaking out the stage door quickly, Seamus moved quickly to the back alleys of Sandpoint where he had played as a youth. Making his way to the 'Kitten,' tomorrow would be an early day and he needed to be sharp for it. Asking the Shoanti guard to wake him before dawn, he headed to the attic and to sleep.

Predawn Neth 27
Being wakened by the pounding of the nighttime guard, Seamus knew it was close to dawn. Realizing he had not washed his clothing, he rummaged through the dirty shirt, deciding the grey one was the cleanest. Or at least it showed the dirt the least. Leaving his lute with his pack, he fastened the new rapier on his left hip, and the mithril long knife on his right.

Leaving the kitten he headed past Sandpoint Savories picking up some coffee and breakfast pastries. Waiving at Izomandakus he headed towards the Northern gates where they had fought the goblins what seemed like years ago now. Seeing Kast air-walking over the church, he waived.

"Thanks for the practice, Val," Kast experiences one last moment of less-worried joy, in a good practice session, before returning to reality. In practice, one works toward perfection. And that is where Kast is truly happy. And now he must face tomorrow remembering what Val had reminded him...how slow he can be, how difficult some foes are to hit, and how to maneuver against foes more spry than himself.

* * *

Daily prep: Gr. Magic Weapon (11 hours). When giants are first spotted locally: Air Limp (about 2 hours). As he moves to intercept foes: Extended Bulls Strength, Extended Magic Circle vs. Evil (3.5 hours).

Kast awakes early, and fully armored for he felt it best to be fully ready in case of a night time attack. He is pleased that others are up and about as well, for he feels he might not be eating for a while.

He knows where he is going to be, near Sandpoint Cathedral and waiting for whatever might happen.

Rastaf stands at the bridge and waits.
Buffs coming.

Val begins every day with her typical sending to Sapphira checking in on her and giving her updates. She also casts one of her new spells on that breath of life scroll, holding off on finishing it until its needed. Apport object on her scroll of breath of life, the version where she can finish the cast later as a swift action

Once she hears word of the oncoming giants, she adds spells to keep herself free of constraints and—once the party has gathered—to help protect everyone’s minds versus illusion and enchantment.

Freedom of Movement on herself and Tough Crowd on the group as a whole

Izomandakus wakes up late, his cookie session with Aneka having expanded deep into the night and ended with a white wine twins' confession talk among the flour while everything was cooking in the oven of the Savories.

Short after this, and a recently baked breakfast with Pachemu and mother, the boy goes check with Ameiko everything is ok, and skims the sky for the watchers "It is fine Pachemu. Kast is in the sky, he is watching for us. Everything will be ok"

The pig looks back not believing, and then both go visit the Sheriff and try to convince him to do more, not deflating and offering a few more crafty crafting services.

The only magic he uses before there is actual evidence an attack is going to happen are the hours long greater reversion, mage armor and greater magic weapon.

As the earliest day the giants could arrive dawns, you see most of the townspeople filing to the stabler buildings of the town. The church, the garrison, the town hall, and even the exceptionally sturdy glassworks.

Some more able bodied remain behind, meeting with the Sheriff in front of the church. After a short discussion, they break up into groups and head to various buildings around town.

Seamus and Kast may make perception checks. Kast is, as it is approaching dawn, airborne if he wishes to be as it is a regular time for him to elevate.

The party is scattered far and wide as the sun thinly rises over the water…

Not sure Kast is airborne just yet, as he was waiting for giantsign, but also he might have gone up at 8amish to get a look at things.

1d20 + 0 ⇒ (9) + 0 = 9 Perception

Eating the last of the pastry he had gotten from Sandpoint Savories Seamus climbed the stairs to the top of the northern wall. Standing on the wall above the lost cost road, Seamus peered out over the forest as the sun rose.

perception: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29

Seamus is well attended by Alma Avertin as the twins made a late night stand. Pachemu is though there and makes a show of rolls and piggy eyes to the half-elf showing him esteem as he eats the pastries. The pig seems very happy to see Seamus after a few days passed like a stone.

Sorry Seamus, it was a DC 30 perception from where you were to spot the giants early. I also gave the church a shot with their spyglass.

You had hoped that your early warning systems would work sooner than they do. None of the giants are spotted shifting about at dawn getting into positions - but a few of the giants at least start by having a little fun at the northern wall (image)!

Seamus and Kast are on hand. Rastaf, you’re a round off the map, Izomandakus and Valena are two rounds off the map. All this assumes you’re running through the streets of course. If you want to be elsewhere in the town, just let me know.

The whole town hears the ringing bell of the church and the thunderstones thrown by the guards at the north wall as they giants break through the tree line and toss a few rocks lightheartedly. They laugh as they do so, making no initial movement to charge the wall.

Seamus, I’ve put you on the wall, but you could be on the ground in the gate-way, or anywhere else on the map really, if you preferred.

Seamus and Kast, please make perception checks at the top of your round. Also, from the Old Light, you hear a thunderstone followed by a firework launched to the northwest… over water? It’s a signal that something is coming from that direction! Maybe they did bring a boat!

- Round 1 -
Izomandakus (2r away)
Kast
Rastaf (1r away)
Seamus
Valena (2r away)
Stone giant red
Stone giant blue
Stone giant green

I’m going to assume the most beneficial order between players and otherwise won’t track it.

Assuming Kast only has Air Limp and Gr. Mag Weapon going.

Round 1, Init 19

Kast moves toward the ruckus, casting extended Bullstrength as he moves.

Poop is about to get real. Be perfect, Kast, perfect.

The cleric casts Greater Heroism (11 min.) on himself and runs to the wall to join Seamus.

As the ruckus of rocks falling over the northern gates boom through the beach village Izomandakus raises his head to the North and leans his hands over the staff "So it seems, the day has come war is calling to our gates Pachemu. It is our time to protect our home and those of whom we love"

Concerned the boy starts walking towards the center of the town while casting heroism in the process "We will do our stand here and come to the help of whomever needs us the most pig"

Pachemu nods resolved.

Val runs as fast as she can, beginning to wish she had learned some magic to let her move faster when Izo is not close by with a haste. She conjures some extra protection for herself on the way.

Mirror Image: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

spoiler]

'Kast has been 'watching' this part of town for a while.' Following a hunch, Seamus kept peaking over his shoulder to see if Kast was hanging out near the 'jewelry store.' Obsessed with his friend's inclinations, he total didn't see the three towering giants approach within spitting distance of the wall he was standing on. "Blast!" Cursing himself he calls over his shoulder. "Kast their here!"

Realizing that he and his small bow would do very little good on the wall, he began running towards the steps that lead down to the gate area. Passing Rastaf on his way, he yelled to his new companion, "I'll do more damage on the ground." He gives the closest thing to a wicked smile as he could muster, "Especially if I'm behind them!"

Double move?

The streets rapidly clear of people. Oh there are a few remaining die-hards in their homes, or in the pubs more likely, but most folks are under stone with guards for their protection. That leaves two guards at each of the bridges, and two at the wall. Oh, and the last two are with the Sheriff, mounted and ready for whatever comes if they make it past the party.

Izomandakus moves to the center of town (not far) and prepares himself. He sees the Sheriff not far off. Kast further prepares and begins to shift north. Rastaf runs through town to join the northern flank. Seamus climbs down the wooden ladder propped up on the southern side and moves into position. Valena duplicates herself and begins to head north as well, waving to Izomandakus and the Sheriff.

Izomandakus and Valena hear the battle in the north, and whomever is on the Old Light is freaking out, but otherwise things are quiet for the moment.

- Round 2 -
Izomandakus (1r away)
Kast
Rastaf
Seamus (-19hp)
Valena (1r away, MI 5)
Stone giant red (-8hp)
Stone giant blue
Stone giant green

Next up - everyone!

"Shall we go north or stay in the reserve?" Izomandakus shouts to the Sheriff while his skin turns hard like clay as he completes the corresponding spell.

Depending on what the Sheriff says, he will attend his directions or stay put otherwise.

Seeing multiple Valenas taking the street he waves with a hand "Seems they started attacking the gate, shall we go there?"

kn. arcana: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 Rastaf is clueless.

1d20 + 16 ⇒ (14) + 16 = 30 Know (Arcana)

DRs? Special attacks? Is it on the good team?

"Oh piddlespot! I don't think that dragon over there is Izo, Seamus! I think that's the real deal...might even be Longtooth!" Kast yells to Seamus as he limps to engage. He was really hoping that dragon was just Izo with his game face on, but no.

He knows he's moving slowly, but he's also giving time for others to catch up as he isn't likely to want to engage 1, 2, let alone 3 giants on his own, no matter how well 'Mus has sung this week.

He casts extended Magic Cirle Against Evil and moves up 20'.

The Sheriff looks at Izomandakus, "What are you waiting for? If you can stop them at the wall, do so!"

Hearing Kast yell something about a 'real deal' Seamus looks over his shoulder, just as the giant threw a rock at him. Looking back too late, it hit him in the shoulder. "Blast!" Moving out from under the gates cover, clicking his heals together, Seamus rushes forward drawing his new rapier in his right hand and his mithril long knife in his left. Realizing he was so busy playing music he had forgotten to spar with Val to learn how to fight with the rapier. Shrugging, he tumbles attempting to get closer to the giant. "I guess I'll just have to stab him with the pointy end." But chickening out a little, instead he tried to drive the mithril long knife into the giant's foot.

Rogue’s Edge: Acrobatics: 5 Ranks: You can move at normal speed through a threatened square without provoking an attack of opportunity by increasing the DC of the check by 5 30 ft move, attack: + 1 giant bane mithril shortsword, WF
acrobatics: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (13) + 23 = 36
attack: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 14 + 3 + 1 = 25 for damage: 1d6 + 6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (6) + 6 + 3 + (3, 5) = 23

Val waves back at Izo. ”Seems we shall need to!” She continues rushing as quickly as she can, swiftly making her weapon sharper as she does.

Just moving this round and a swift to activate eldritch weapon to give her sword keen

"Not sure..., it seems a strange decision to attack from the best defended zone in the village" Izomandakus casts clay skin and looks back to the Old Light and the noise going on there "Something else is happening"

Although not convinced, he hurries after Valena.

"Not sure..., it seems a strange decision to attack from the best defended zone in the village"

It seems the most defended zone in Sandpoint consists of…2 guards, a limping man, and <check notes> the town minstrel. Oof.

”Keep your eyes on them, ‘Mus! And wait for back up!” Kast cries as he limps closer and Seamus engages in battle, alone, versus 3 giant giants.

Rastaf retrieves his Rod of Intensified Spell and casts Fireball, centering it so it engulfs the giants in flame, but doesn't touch Seamus.

fire: 11d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 2, 1, 5, 3, 3, 5, 2, 2, 6) = 40
Reflex save DC 18, flammable stuff burns, etc.

Rastaf - you start the round on the southern edge of the map. So I moved you a single move to a spot where you could, barely, shoot through the non-existent gate at the giants with your fireball. Also, you don’t want to use it on the red dragon? Hrm? Hehehe.

Izomandakus rushes to the front. Kast continues to prepare, as he moves slowly forward. Rastaf moves a bit and launches a fireball at the trio. Seamus, alone, closes with three giants. He does so without any AoOs and even manages a solid blow! Valena moves up as well.

red reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 vs DC 18 for 20hp damage
blue reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11 vs DC 18 for 40hp damage
green reflex: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 vs DC 18 for 20hp damage

Two of the giants do quite well indeed, while the third takes the brunt of the fire.

For the newcomers, you see to the west, flying low, a shadow over the battlefield as a bloody red dragon skirts the edge of town to the west! Though not currently reclining on a rock, if it were to do so, it would look like this (image).

It licks its lips at the anticipated slaughter, lazily drifting on the currents.

Two of the giants continue with their rocks on the wall, seeing as they’re making a game of it! The third draws his greatclub and tries to launch Seamus back to the wall.

club on Seamus: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (18) + 16 = 34 damage: 2d8 + 12 ⇒ (7, 5) + 12 = 24

Rock on blue guard: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26 damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Rock on blue guard: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (4) + 12 = 16

Rock on red guard: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20 damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15
Rock on red guard: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22 damage: 1d8 + 12 ⇒ (6) + 12 = 18

Seamus does indeed get hammered, though not thrown. The blue guard is hit once, but the red guard is hit twice and the second blow throws him from the wall. He lies under the large stone on the ground, unmoving - clearly dead.

Blue shudders and takes a final shot before finding cover around the edge of the tower and falling prone having just a handful of hit points remaining and not wanting to follow his friend over the edge - at least not yet.
blue guard on red giant: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 7 + 2 = 25 damage: 1d8 ⇒ 1

- Round 3 -
Izomandakus
Kast
Rastaf
Seamus (-43hp)
Valena (MI 5)
Stone giant red (-29hp)
Stone giant blue (-40hp)
Stone giant green (-43hp)

Next up - everyone!

Hearing Seamus shouts of pain, Pachemu runs past the back line of defenders, past the gate and sets herself in the middle of the road in front of the giants "Oooink! Oink! Oiiink!" the unlikely defender groans at the attackers.

K. arcana+HR DC 21: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (2) + 19 = 21
Meanwhile, Izomandakus is distracted by the shadow in the sky "Critters, isn't that a damned red dragon????!" feeling the air buffeting at his face, the boy casts shield after moving forward a bit more "Is that part of your seventeen Kast?"

Val rushes up to the front as fast as she can.

Knowledge (arcana): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Val does not recognize the creature, relying instead on Izo’s identification. ”A dragon, eh? They did not think this was going to be hard enough for us, I see.”

Double move. She’s in range now so next attack targeting Seamus, she will trigger Mesmeric Mirror to give him two images

Round 3, Init 19

Kast finally picks up enough speed to get to a hasty run-limp, moving 60’ (and 15’ up). He seems like he’s in position to act next round.

Seeing the fireball launch from Rastaf's rod and explode on the three giants,, Seamus is diatracted enough that he fails to avoid the giants club. His head ringing from the giant's blow Seamus considers falling back until he see's his friends approaching. Deciding to give the rapier a try before he departs, he steps to the side, well actually to the other side of the front, of the giant, and thrusts the rapier at it's calf a couple of times, while he stabs at giants foot repeatedly with the mithril long knife.

5 ft step. Full attack: + 1 keen rapier: TWF/+ 1 giant bane mithril shortsword, WF, TWF
attack: rapier: 1d20 + 14 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (11) + 14 + 1 - 2 = 24 for damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 6 + 1 = 9
attack: shortsword: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 14 + 3 + 1 - 2 = 35 for damage: 1d6 + 6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 3 + (5, 5) = 22
attack: rapier: 1d20 + 9 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (9) + 9 + 1 - 2 = 17 for damage: 1d6 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 1 = 8
attack: shortsword: 1d20 + 9 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (1) + 9 + 3 + 1 - 2 = 12 for damage: 1d6 + 6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (4) + 6 + 3 + (4, 5) = 22
shortsword confirm crit: 1d20 + 14 + 3 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (15) + 14 + 3 + 1 - 2 = 31 for damage: 1d6 + 6 + 3 + 2d6 ⇒ (1) + 6 + 3 + (4, 6) = 20
Does bane crit? If not ignore the (4,6) for it

Round 3
The half orc moves and checks on the dead guard. If he's dead dead, there's nothing he can do. If he's in the negative but not dead, Rastaf will cast CLW on him.

If he can't, he will instead cast Blessing of Fervor while all his allies (including the other guard) are in range for it. It lasts 11 rounds.