GM Euan's Rise of the Runelords (Inactive)

Game Master Euan

"It's also possible the giants grabbed the wrong rock. Heck, I bet most of the rocks around might have a weird history, and with powerful enough magics we can uncover those histories. After enough time, pretty much every place and everything has a history," Kast offers philosophically.

Kast goes to speak to the Mayor to see if there is a list of the dead in case there is someone on there that he knew.

Warren asks one more question after the party grows silent and fidgety, ”When is he going to attack below the Plateau?”

The giant tries shrugging, but again finds he has no room, ”I am not sure. He sent several scouting parties, of which my band was but one, into these lowlands to gather intelligence. He does this to prepare for his coming attack. His fury will come soon. Perhaps even by Kuth’s end.”

That’s about a month away for those of you keeping score.

Satisfied you’ve learned what you can, at least for now, you leave the giant in his cage. Under sheriff Warren explains he’ll hold him one more day before releasing him to the north. So if any questions occur to you in the meantime, please let him know.

The party takes a break for lunch, at the Rusty Dragon no doubt. As usual, Ameiko doesn’t charge you for anything, and the other patrons smile and nod as they catch your eye. A few even come up to the table to thank you in person, and some of those even give little gifts of homemade apple and cardamom jam and other fine friendly gifts.

By the end of your meal, the table is piled high with them. It’s a good thing you have a bag of holding…

Kast stops by the Town Hall, where a list of the dead is easily procured. Looks like 9. Three guards and six Scarnettis and their servants. If they’d worried less about their stuff and more about their safety they’d have been fine.

Many of you (if not all?) head to the Cathedral after your repast, following Seamus. Father Zantus has cleared the sanctuary so you’d have a little privacy, though there are a large number of town folk in the wings trying to catch a peak anyway.

The two bits of Sheriff Hemlock are munged together about as well as Father Zantus could manage. You just have to hope the magics overcome the injury. Seamus produces a large pure diamond, which Rastaf takes. He begins to cast….

It takes a few minutes of chanting and careful intonation. Sheriff Hemlock gurgles, then chokes, then coughs. He stares at the ceiling a moment before turning his head to look at the group of you. He whispers to Rastaf, ”How did I survive those blows?”

Kast will stuff a few of the more primo jellies and jams into his 'sack for later, when he really needs it on the 'Wall. Something to remind him of home.

Kast stops by the Town Hall, where a list of the dead is easily procured. Looks like 9.

Wow. Not bad. Not bad at all, some loss, but could have been much much worse. No, it wasn't perfect, but as perfect as I could have imagined.

Kast will absolutely be on hand to watch Rastaf perform the raising of the dead, which seems amazing to him. And he smiles when the Sheriff rouses, even speaks.

Perfection.

”How did I survive those blows?”

You didn't, my friend. We brought you back. Rest. Are you hungry? We've got some nice little treats here.

You didn't, my friend. We brought you back. Rest. Are you hungry? We've got some nice little treats here.

”You’re kidding.” He woozily sits up and has to center himself a bit from the dizziness. ”Yeah, I’m hungry. Feels like I haven’t eaten in days. Ah, how’d we do?”

He looks around and sees few funeral biers, which is a good sign. Not that there are any of course, but it could have been much worse.

To keep the continuity fairies from buzzing about in my head and giving me an aneurism.
Last night
Having returned from Magnimar early in the evening, Seamus took the new drill bit to the jewelry store leaving it with whoever was working the counter. Evenually making his way back to the 'Kitten' he soon headed to bed. Tomorrow was going to be a busy day.

After the interview, lunch and resurrection :)
'Guess he had some unfinished business here amongst us mortals.' Smiling as the Sheriff sat up, Seamus chimed in. "All things considered we did fine. But doing better now that your back with us." He shrugs lightly. "Elisse Scarnetti is pretty shook up, we've got her over at the 'Dragon'."

He looks from Hemlock to Izomandakus then Kast, hoping one of the smarter fellows could explain better. "The were after a rock. We think it's a headstone, of some fellow named Xali-ass' or something like that. The rock came from the 'lighthouse' we're going to head over that way and see if we can find the guys tomb." turning back to the sheriff, "Maybe talk to Brodert Quink too."

After they leave, headed either to Brodert Quink or the light house
Smiling, Seamus turned to his friends. "I really want to thank you fellows. Izomandakus for taking me to Magnimar to get the stone, Kast for casting 'Gentle Repose' and Rastaf for raising the sheriff." He looks to Val, wanting to explain a little more. "Someone who means a lot to me, cares very deeply for the sheriff." His smile widens, and asks. "Shall we go talk to Brodert Quink?"

Rastaf of Sarenrae wrote:

You didn't, my friend. We brought you back. Rest. Are you hungry? We've got some nice little treats here.

”You’re kidding.” He woozily sits up and has to center himself a bit from the dizziness. ”Yeah, I’m hungry. Feels like I haven’t eaten in days. Ah, how’d we do?”

He looks around and sees few funeral biers, which is a good sign. Not that there are any of course, but it could have been much worse.

We did well. Our losses are minimal, considering the giants and the dragon we defeated. Nine dead is a terrible price, but Sandpoint is still standing. These heroes fought well, Rastaf says, indicating the rest of the party.

They were fearless.

Izomandakus takes note of the fallen Scarnetti and guard real state that had been left without owner, in case one could be home to a full equipped workshop.

Like the others, Izomandakus attends to the resurrection ritual in shock at the loss of such a valuable gem on such a way, specially when the Sheriff duty could have convinced Kast to stay away from the dangerous wall of death, but he sighs and relents to the positive side of the expense "I am happy to see you back Sheriff Hemlock, this Warren dude was driving me nuts" the boy offers a few recently stocked cinnamon cookies before the beer jars arrive.

"It is fine, I felt it was important to you Seamus. We had to go sell all that stuff anyway, it was a good moment as any other" he toasts with the beer jar, and starts to drink despite it is clearly too big for him "I have been thinking on this. We need to clear up things with Mokmurian urgently. Perhaps we can leave Brodert Quink and Warren on charge to explore these lose ends about the rock and Xal'isa. The old one knows more about Sandpoint's ancient history than anyone of us, and Warren... well Warren is free now that the Sheriff is back to do the paper stuff..."

"We could head up without delay to Jorgenfist while Mokmurian still does not know his attack on Sandpoint failed. What the giant said is very worrying and I doubt Warren would move a finger on that topic." the boy takes another sip, the froth leaving a white mustache behind "And besides... this Mokmurian and his giant clans are sure very rich"

He turns to Rastaf "You fought well better than anyone else in the town, care to come with us?"

Rastaf thought for a second. He'd been paid, the job was done, and Magnimar knows it. He's a free agent for the time being.

He doesn't have to pray about it, or spend time weighing options. There is a real threat to the lands and he's stumbled upon a party with the talent to fight it.

Yes, I will. I agree that it's best to find Mokmurian before he knows his dragon-led team is no more. He's expecting an easy victory. Together, we'll serve him a different dish.

He raises his jar in salute, and takes a big swig.

Kast stays quiet, thinking his own thoughts and pondering what he wants to do, and what is important to Sandpoint, and the party.

Another diversion?! It’s almost like the fates don’t want me to become a hero out of legend! I’ll never be a hero if I can never get to Lastwall!

Kast’s face clouds over with an emotion, a hurting thought.

At least Rastaf is coming with us. Good.

We did well. Our losses are minimal, considering the giants and the dragon we defeated. Nine dead is a terrible price, but Sandpoint is still standing. These heroes fought well, Rastaf says, indicating the rest of the party.

They were fearless.

”So were you all.” the Sheriff says seriously. ”Thank you.”

Smiling as the Sheriff sat up, Seamus chimed in. "All things considered we did fine. But doing better now that your back with us." He shrugs lightly. "Elisse Scarnetti is pretty shook up, we've got her over at the 'Dragon'."

He looks from Hemlock to Izomandakus then Kast, hoping one of the smarter fellows could explain better. "The were after a rock. We think it's a headstone, of some fellow named Xali-ass' or something like that. The rock came from the 'lighthouse' we're going to head over that way and see if we can find the guys tomb." turning back to the sheriff, "Maybe talk to Brodert Quink too."

He frowns, ”Poor little Elisse’s the only one left huh? At least she’ll have money to help console her.” he mutters, though he doesn’t seem to believe it.

”After a rock huh? Let me know what you find.” he tries to get up, but it still a bit woozy so he sits back down and, eventually lies back down, ”I’ll just lie here a bit I think.” Father Zantus smiles, ”I think that’s a good idea Belor.” He turns to you, ”I’ll keep an eye on our Sheriff and let Warren know so he can brief.”

Izomandakus takes note of the fallen Scarnetti and guard real estate that had been left without owner, in case one could be home to a full equipped workshop.

That was the home that pretty much burned to the foundation unfortunately. Still, you doubt Elisse is going to live there any longer. You could probably buy it from her cheaply. The mansion was likely worth over 5,000gp, but could now be picked up for a tenth that. However your neighbors are the nobles of Sandpoint, and unlikely to want a factory next door to their mansions.

"I am happy to see you back Sheriff Hemlock, this Warren dude was driving me nuts" the boy offers a few recently stocked cinnamon cookies before the beer jars arrive.

The Sheriff smiles, ”We’ll leave Warren to mind the shop a bit longer, but I won’t retire. Not quite yet anyway.”

A few (all?) of you head to go see Thassilonian expert Brodert Quink. He offers tea, for it’s nearly time anyway, and you settle in comfortably in his sitting room, between his books, scrolls, and the odds and ends of ancient digs.

You explain to him that the giants were stealing a stone from the Old Light, and that it appears to be a gravestone of some Xaliasa character. He harrumphs. He goes on to lecture you that the Old Light was in fact a war machine - a mighty magical tower capable of spewing fire from its peak. It was certainly not a grave marker.

”I find the suggestion ridiculous. The Thassilonians didn’t bury their dead under war machines. Besides, after some ten thousand years, what could be left to find of this Xaliasa character?”

He does want to examine the stone the giants took however. He takes measurements, makes a quick sketch, and generally fusses over the bit of formed rock for nearly an hour before frowning, ”It looks like any of the other supporting stones of the tower. They’re all impressive in their own way, see here…” he wanders into a detailed description of the stones size, measurements, etc and how it must have been cut to fit neatly with the other stones before coming back around to, ”…but there’s nothing special about it. I have a couple just like it upstairs somewhere. I even had one cracked in half, but there’s nothing in it either but more stone. Good granite from the ‘Platter, though of course it’s mostly known for its limestone.”

It’s late-afternoon on Neth 28, a Fireday and the day after the dawn raid.

with the sheriff
Remaining relatively quiet while Hemlock gets caught up to speed, Seamus nods, as the sheriff comments about Elisse, but doesn't say anything,

On the way
As the group heads to Quinks, Seamus chines in, "Thanks for understanding Izomandakus. I think your right, dealing with the Giant first is probably our priority, but Maybe we could find one of the 'talk with rocks' spells and learn what the headstone knows." As Izomandakus invites Rastaf to travel with them, Seamus nods his head in agreement, nodding when Rastaf agrees to do so. Smiling he asks, "So Rastaf, what kind of music do you like?"

At Quinks
Listening to Grodert Quink, was a lot like being back in school. As soon as the 'expert' started to lecture, Seamus started to fidget; opening pockets in his bandolier and playing with different lock picks. Hearing a word that he didn't understand the context for he asked, "The Platter?"

after Quinks
Leaving Quinks, Seamus asks, "I guess were headed back out in the morning to find this Mokmurian?" He smiles, a gleam in his eye, "So who's up for a little drinking and dancing?" He turns and winks at Val, "We can go to the 'Dragon' so everyone can stagger up stairs." As they near the 'Dragon' he nods towards the docks, "I'm going to get my lute, I'll meet you all there." Tuning down Salmon Street he runs towards the 'Kitten.'

Very soon afterwards Seamus enters the 'Dragon,' lute and pack in hand. Moving to the groups table he drops his pack by table, shrugging. "In case I spend the night here." Waiving at Bethana he asks "Can I have a 'Small Ale?" He then takes the stage, sitting down on the stool, dropping his 'felt hat' on the floor he begins to tune the lute. Quickly ready to play, he starts in on a Varisian jig, encouraging the folks in the bar to dance.

perform: stringed instrument: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (10) + 20 = 30

Val feels all a bit out-of-sorts with this strategizing and non-magical magical rocks and whatnot, and she is just happy that she can rely on other people to understand all the details. Sapphira always spoiled her in that regard. Making decisions is so much more work than following whims, especially when you have little practice with the former.

”If I turn down a drink, you can assume that I have been replaced with doppelganger, Sea.”

As the group heads to Quinks, Seamus chines in, "Thanks for understanding Izomandakus. I think your right, dealing with the Giant first is probably our priority, but Maybe we could find one of the 'talk with rocks' spells and learn what the headstone knows." As Izomandakus invites Rastaf to travel with them, Seamus nods his head in agreement, nodding when Rastaf agrees to do so. Smiling he asks, "So Rastaf, what kind of music do you like?"

I like a lot of music. A good string player is great, but if you add a drummer or two, things get bouncy. I love music that makes me have to dance.

As for the Stone Tell spell, it would be good to find a druid or someone who can cast it. That could unlock the mystery, here. I, unfortunately, cannot, and I wouldn't know where to look to find such a spellcaster around here.

Rastaf, after changing out of his clerical vestments, joins the others for a well-deserved evening of fun.

Hearing Val's joke, the half orc laughs heartily. Well, Valena, don't drink too much. I can dance alone, but it's so much better to dance with a friend. I'm guessing the grace you show in battle is a sight to see on the dance floor!

Yeah, Rastaf is usually all business, but he has a fun side. When the job is done, a little r&r is just the right thing to do. We saved Sandpoint. No need to brag about it, but it does feel worth celebrating.

Val gives Rastaf a faux-shocked glance. ”Drink too much? Why, I will have you know that I am the very picture of sobriety. I think there is an old newspaper that quite literally has my picture near the word sobriety.” She takes a big gulp of wine. ”And I am a respectable dancer. I really should take my Sapphira out for it sometime. Cayden’s forgotten mug, she must have been so cooped-up in Magnimar without me to drag her out places! I shall have to fix that.” She pauses as she realizes first that she is off on a tangent, then second that Rastaf may be lacking context. ”Sapphira Deverin—yes she is related to the mayor—has been my best friend since we were little. We are a bit more than that now.” She smiles to herself at the thought of Sapphira in perhaps what has been the warmest display of emotion since Rastaf joined up with the group.

Before attending the Sheriff unfuneral, Izomandakus attends the nobles, he profits their time of need without regret and negotiates for a tenth of the price, buying the scolds and ashes, but also the property, for 500 golds.

"Yeah, the suggestion is completely ridiculous" Izomandakus convenes with Quink "We have to go fight the evil ones so perhaps you can have a look at it anyway. The Sheriff is still recovering but I am sure Warren can help at it"

The boy and Pachemu attend the Dragon, they chuckle at Valena's comparison while looking around to see if Ameiko has added Longtooth's head to her collection "Sure, we must march tomorrow, if not already today. We could try to use Barl's map to short up the travel through teleportation"

This is the second time the party is drinking today so it might be Izomandakus is just saying nonsense.

"The stone giant's spiritual leaders are told to be able to speak with stones, isn't it? Then, perhaps we can bring The Rock with us and tell one to translate the stone for us" the boy brings his face into the jar of beer while ordering Bethana a side dish of mashed potatoes.

”Drink too much? Why, I will have you know that I am the very picture of sobriety. I think there is an old newspaper that quite literally has my picture near the word sobriety.”

Kast smiles at this. It’s a very good answer. He’s mulling over Quink’s answers about limestone and the Devil’s Platter.

”I think I need to think this all over. I’m not sure giving over the stone or not is the best idea. I just find it hard to believe that any stone speaking would offer any more information than what I have offered. It‘ s probably not the stone itself, but about the gravesite or the man interned. Heck maybe we should search the Lighthouse area to find if we can find the gravesite itself, and what may lay beneath.”

The conversation before the 'Dragon and drinking'
Smiling at Val's response about doppelganger, Seamus quips. "Noted." He turns to Rastaf, putting the back of his hand to his mouth, feigning telling a secret. "I've never seen Val drink 'too much' I think it actually makes her more coordinated."

When Kast says he needs to 'think this over' Seamus' ears perk up. Still a little confused about everything Quink, Izomandakus and Kast had hypothosized, he asks. "If the stone was cut and fitted during construction, does that mean this Xaliasa was older than the lighth... errr tall deadly weapon?" He gestures the general direction of the 'platter.' "What if the grave was near the 'Platter' and they just pulled the stone from it." He shakes his head. "Does anyone know how they used to bury their dead? There are a lot of different ways a stone could be used."

After the Dragon and Drinking.
Playing fairly late but drinking lightly, Seamus bums a small room off of Ameiko, Waking early and eating a quick breakfast, he's ready to head back north, or to the tower or to 'the Platter.' Whichever the non-dancing drinking folks determined needed to be investigated.

That night Seamus plays at the ‘Dragon, and plays well. As usual the audience is appreciative of his work too, and he finds more than usual in his cap. Valena and Rastaf join on the dance floor, joined by many other happy folk. Now it’s a party!

Late you are up, and morning comes too soon. But eventually the sun creeps into Sandpoint on Neth 29, a Starday. You meet for breakfast at the ‘Dragon. After a little while eating and enjoying each other’s company (and perhaps discussing what’s next), the Sheriff strides in, large as life - for the life you’ve given him. He moves over to your table.

”Good morning my friends, I hope you are well. Warren has filled me in and is ready to release the giant if you have no further questions of him.” He plucks a grape off the table and eats it while waiting for your reply. For a guy who was dead just yesterday, he looks pretty good!

Also, a note, Teleportation to an unknown location is risky. However Wind Walk will only take ~6 hours or so to reach the valley - as flying clouds. How cool is that? You can always teleport home easily enough - giving you the best of both worlds. :)

It’ll take say two hours to thoroughly search the Old Light site. Perception checks (take-10 or makes a roll, each for themselves, or you can aid another - however you wish to approach it really). Obviously that won’t include much by way of digging (magical approaches not withstanding). Which is probably a good thing because as an archaeological site it has some protections and formalities before you can go digging around too much - according to Brodert who’s been excavating there for years now.

We can escort him to the gate.

"Perhaps we should escort him forward to the Storval plateau, we do not want him to cause more damage or scare people as he moves out" comments Izomandakus.

As for the way to Jorgenfist, he is fine with either flying with the air or taking the risks of a teleportation "It is going to be safe" but will need an hour of study to adjust his magic repertory once the decision is made.

We can escort him to the gate.

”Oh definitely,” Kast rises, taking another strip of bacon with him. ”We honor our commitments here. And I wouldn’t want anyone in town to still be angry enough to lash out at the giant, then….then things might get out of hand. Let’s protect everyone.”

As he [s]walks[/] limps along, he thinks about how best to search the Lighthouse, let alone not knowing what they are looking for, completely. He thinks to do another Legend Lore on the lighthouse itself, hoping that the weapon might be re-engaged for the defense of the town, but that might not be the best idea he’s had this week. And, of course, he moves along completely normally while not casting his eyes about for Marigold, if she’s out and walking about as well.

* * *

Kast is disappointed not to find anything that might confirm his theory about the stone, but tries to keep it to himself.

”It was a good idea. I promise.”

The Sheriff joins you, ”I could use a walk, I’m so stiff still, and not nearly as mobile as I used to be. Still… can’t complain.” He grins wryly as he complains.

(Remember he lost two levels so, among other things, two feats (fighter).)

You walk the giant, who keeps very much to himself and tries to look small as he strides out of town. You escort him some distance from the city to the north. A few folks threaten to throw a cabbage or two his way, but stern looks from the Sheriff keep everyone in line.

If anything it’s somewhat cathartic for the people of Sandpoint. They see this sole giant, looking rather haggard from his imprisonment in such a confined space. He’s being led by their very own resurrected Sheriff, and surrounded (and visually hounded) by the Hero’s of Sandpoint. He looks… weak. You know, for a giant.

You return to town a couple hours or so later, having walked him some ways out of town and watched his departure until he was lost to the trees and hills. He was certainly hoofing it.

You can still squeeze in a search of the Old Light if you wish, and depart north in time to make the valley at dusk. Or leave now to give you more light (though if you’re flying it’ll also make you more visible in the sky if it’s during the day).

Pleased that the sheriff was going to go with them, Seamus stuffs the rest of his toast in his mouth while shouldering his pack. As they walk the giant out of town, Seamus notices that the sheriff seemed a little peaked, he looked at the three casters and asks. "Is there anything either of you three can do to help the sheriff get up to speed?"

Once they are outside the town, Seamus pulls his lute out of the new fancy haversack and begins to play. The music helped the time pass while keeping his hands busy. As they returned to the northern city walls. He stopped playing, looking at the others. "You know, I've practiced my lute almost every day since I've been learning to play. Most of that time sitting by that old 'light house' wandering around it avoiding going home. I've been through every part of it more times than I can count. If something is missing or off, I should be able to tell. I'd like to go take a look at it, see if we can figure anything else out."

Escorting the sheriff back to his office Seamus heads up Market Street to Junkers Way, headed to the old tower. Moving cautiously through the familiar rubble then climbing he old stairs, he examines the familiar old haunt. Looking for anything the giants or dragon may have disturbed.

I don't think taking 20 would be appropriate, so I will roll and see if I get luckier than taking 10
perception: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (12) + 26 = 38

When they release the giant, Rastaf speaks to him, just before he leaves.

You will go to wherever you came from. If I hear that you've harmed any of our people as you run away, I will find you, and I will kill you personally. Capisce?

Rastaf just woke up speaking fluent Giant. Apparently, Giant is Italian mobster slang.

Izomandakus nods to Seamus and lends his shoulder to the Sheriff to walk with more ease.

When the group is back at town the boy seems eager to prepare for the trip "Good, while you check on the old rocks, I will go prepare my spells and ready some food for our journey." saying goodbye with the hand he directs himself to Sandpoint Savories "Mind being for too long there. You know what happened to Jervis Stoot"

Kast, after seeing off the giant, does go poke around the old Lighthouse where the stone was found and thinks about how best to research more, or whether to let it go.

He’s probably going to let it go for now.

You will go to wherever you came from. If I hear that you've harmed any of our people as you run away, I will find you, and I will kill you personally. Capisce?

The giant nods quietly and hoofs it.

Hehe, the Sheriff isn’t quite as powerful as he once was perhaps, but he’s still a hale and hearty Shoanti warrior. Yes, he’s a little ‘off’ for the moment, but he won’t need to lean on Izomandakus on the way back.

Seamus takes a couple hours to pour over his old haunt in minute detail. He sees the damage from the dragon, a few of the upper stones broken loose from the impact. But nothing of substance, and the stones themselves don’t look unusual in any particular way.

The damage done by Teraktinus and his two lackeys was far more extensive - especially with his magic picks. They assaulted the tower portion closest to them as they arrived. They dug in a fair bit, then took one of the big support stones wedged in there, and left. They did considerable damage to the structure in the process - they definitely brute-forced it.

The structure is still relatively stable and intact for all that. After all, it’s fairly large and they took just one of many stones. You don’t see anything in the freshly revealed bits of interest. No runes, magics, etc.

'Nothing, absolutely nothing.' Shaking his head, Seamus turns to Kast and the others. "Other than being torn up a bit, I don't see anything that points to anything." He gestures in the general direction of the Devil's Platter. "Should we check the quarry on our way out of town?"

'Nothing, absolutely nothing.' Shaking his head, Seamus turns to Kast and the others. "Other than being torn up a bit, I don't see anything that points to anything." He gestures in the general direction of the Devil's Platter. "Should we check the quarry on our way out of town?"

Is it on the way? Or at least not far out of the way? We might spend some time, but what can we learn?

I'm not questioning your line of inquiry, Seamus. It's sound. We need to know why this dipsh*t wants this particular rock. We have, however, kept him from getting it, and he doesn't know that yet... I hope.

We need to find Mokmurian, and neutralize his threat, by any means necessary. I suspect he's someone else's thrall, so taking him out, if we can, will put his boss in an unfortunate position. Let's press our advantage in that regard. Move quickly. Don't let him adjust to the circumstances we just created.

Rastaf is new to this party, but his demeanor is one of openness. He will listen to any good faith opinion.

We need to find Mokmurian, and neutralize his threat, by any means necessary. I suspect he's someone else's thrall, so taking him out, if we can, will put his boss in an unfortunate position. Let's press our advantage in that regard."

Kast frowns, seeing and hearing all the (correct) talk about where this all was going. The party (and himself) were going to leave Sandpoint again, and with him going as well, it was pushing off his plans to become a hero of Lastwall yet again.

But he knows this is the right path, and the right thing to do, but also...also...he has hopes and dreams that are being pushed aside.

He will prepare for the journey, both mentally and with the right provisions.

Nodding his head in agreement with Rastaf, Seamus looks from the half orc to Izomandakus. "So how are we going to travel north, 'cloud walk' or 'transport'?"

Izomandakus shrugs "I do not know. If you tell me, I am not completely convinced about this idea of becoming a cloud. What if a breeze takes the small parts that conforms our eyes and we never see them again. Or what if it takes those tiny parts of the brain were we store those late summer memories and we lose them forever without even noticing?" the boy looks down to Pachemu "Or what if the wind brings us together and we come back normal with a pig's head, or Kast's beard"

"Should we check the quarry on our way out of town?"

Kast shrugs, not having enough answers for his own questions, let alone those of others.

"I don't know. I just don't know. I think...I think the only way we're going to get answers is to find the head jerk and ask him," Kast says with a sigh. It was going to take him a long way out of his way to do this, but he didn't see a way around it. So many ways, not enough means."[/b]

Kast pause his limping for a moment.

"Yeah, I suppose I wouldn't mind being turnt into a cloud for a bit? It'll feel wrong, no doubt," Kast looks down at his twisted left leg, a burden and a curse, but also a part of his being. "I'm willing to give it a go."

Val listens to Izo's concerns, but she only shrugs. "It is magic. It just works. No point in overthinking it. You ever worry you will not be able to turn back properly from a dragon or whatever? I do not see the difference."

She pats the pommel of her rapier. "I, as always, favor the direct approach. We bash down Mokkie's door before he has a chance to bash down ours."

"Oh, no-no-no, it is completely different. You cannot compare the self-empowering nature of magic with the fancy whims of gods" Izomandakus denies with a soft calmed voice "Not to offend you Rastaf but I have learnt to be cautious with those who request complete faith on exchange of opaque explanations and vague promises" and smiles to Valena when she raises the rapier "Count with my claws"

And Pachemu oinks with enthusiasm afterwards "Oink oink oink!!!"

"Or what if the wind brings us together and we come back normal with a pig's head, or Kast's beard"

”Both would be an improvement,” Kast replies, smiling. He understands the reluctance, of course, as changing one’s true self requires time and discipline on one’s ways to perfection. And if there was a chance that cloud walking would allow that to happen, then it might be something to reasonably fear. Kast was willing to trust.

Besides, he might get out of shaving for the week.

Furrowing his brow as Kast said 'both would be an improvement', Seamus realized he was talking about the pig-headed beard comment, not the opaque explanations and vague promises comment. Deciding to avoid both topics, Seamus shrug as he agreed with Val, "Yes let's go bash down Mokkie's door."

The party, mostly, votes for the slightly safer (facial hair pending) wind walk method.

You slowly become immaterial and drift upward into the sky, light and as substantive as clouds. You head east about three whole minutes until you’re over the large and expansive Devil’s Platter. It’s several miles across, covered in ridges and caves. It’s known that goblins inhabit caves to the west and rumored that devil-worshipping bugbears control the interior. It’ll take many days, even in your current mobile forms, to ‘search’ the Platter in any meaningful way due to caves and crevasses throughout.

So, for now, you turn northeast and begin to fly through the hinterlands of Sandpoint! You pass over the far flung town of Galduria in the second hour. Cross the Ember Lake without slowing before skirting north of the Malgurian Mountains, and crossing the plains, loosely following along the Lampblack River as a guide.

You reach the Storval Plateau four or five hours into your journey depending on sightseeing. The enormous cliff rushes madly up to meet you as you fly incredibly fast overhead. You glimpse the Storval Stairs, mighty giant carved stairs up the plateau and are glad you don’t have to climb them.

You slow, turning eastward, and looking for the pass the giant told you would be there among the Iron Peaks. It takes a little poking around, slowly compared to the speed you had been flying, but you do indeed find the pass.

You fly into the Valley of the Black Tower.

The mountains give way here to a wide valley perched on the upper edge of a cliff overlooking the Muschkal River. At the western edge of the valley entrance, a lone watchtower stands upon a low hill, but this structure is overshadowed by the larger one that looms in the valley proper.

Here stands a ring shaped stone wall, fifty feet in height and surrounding several buildings, the most impressive of which is a looming black tower with blade-like crenellations that overlooks the river gorge.

Within the ring, an ancient one hundred fifty foot tall stone spire rises, surrounded by three low buildings. Apart from the black tower, five smaller towers are built into the fortress wall - one of these towers is wider than the others and seems to be the only gateway into the courtyard within.

I presume you’re flying very high to avoid detection. That said, you can easily see the various camps of the giants and other large humanoids just as they were described to you. There’s an army down there, and it may well be strong enough to change the face of Varisia.

Where do you go? Keep in mind it’s evening, dusk is falling, so you should be able to slide in just about anywhere without being noticed. The giant’s map is still up and the key is here (link).

Izomancloud descends upon a close by crest while reverting to his own body in order to talk. As his mouth forms up he touches his face feeling any hair not at place and finding his perfect mane on site he smiles while combing his bangs with the hand "Who would have told the savage giants would unite in such a massive way under a single head. And look, that tower is incredibly old, not like the fortress they have built around..."

Inspecting the area and remembering their giant prisoner words he points at the far cave at the other side of the valley "Is it evil I am interested to check the dragon cave first of all?" as Pachemu, and maybe others, look at him judgemental, he dismisses the look with this argument "Hei, no one is going to bother entering a dragon cave, and we know Longtooth is dead... so it does for a good base of operations, isn't it?"

Val-cloud shrugs at the suggestion of the cave. ”Makes sense to me. As long as we do not think there is yet another dragon hanging about.”

”The dragon’s cave would be my first stop as well,” Kast breathes airily back. ”Let’s start there.”

Pleased to be out of cloud form for a moment, Seamus listens to Izomandakus and Val talk. Chuckling at Izomandakus' question, "Evil? Nah entrepreneurial, maybe." remembering all the fables he had heard about dragons, he looks at Val and ask; "Do you think they share warrens?"

He gestures to the cave. "Besides it puts us close enough to 'cut off the head of the snake' so to speak." Furrowing his brow thinking about the rough map, he asks, "Do you think there might be cave passages into the keep from there, or maybe the Wyvern caves?"

Still excited from traveling faster than you’ve ever done before, you head into the dragon’s lair.

This dragon cave is difficult to reach except from the air: The entrance is 450 feet up the side of a near-vertical mountain face. Shattered skeletons of dozens of animals, wyverns, and even a few rocs litter the ground far below the cave entrance - remnants of meals past. Within, the cave is a simple affair, 200 feet deep and 50 feet wide. The final 50 feet of depth are strewn with thousands upon thousands of coins shining in the setting sun!

Although a carpet of coins does cover the innermost section of Longtooth’s cave, most of these coins are copper pieces. Still, in all, the coins consist of 360,055 cp, 23,145 sp, 3,403 gp, and 230 pp. In addition, the collection of treasure includes several gemstones: a water opal worth 1,500 gp, a rich blue diamond worth 5,000 gp, and a black opal worth 6,800 gp were Longtooth’s favorites, though there are 53 additional gems worth a total of 9,500 gp.

A fine linen tapestry depicting monks sparring in a courtyard is rolled up and leans against the wall - this tapestry weighs 50 pounds but is worth 600 gp. A set of solid silver idols sits on a ledge on the innermost wall. These idols are each worth 900 gp - they depict a wyvern with a human rider, a human warrior trampling a demon underfoot, a centaur dressed in plate mail armor, and a leaping fish with a wide mouth filled with teeth. The last idol is in fact made of platinum. It depicts Runelord Karzoug, and is worth 2,400 gp.

The chamber is untouched. No one appears to know the dragon is dead as Izomandakus suggests. At least not yet. And who would steal from the hoard of a living dragon?

Note that even at 100 coins per pound, that copper weighs in higher than you can reasonably carry. Rather than count it all down, I’ll offer this - you can carry the rest if you leave the copper behind. You can, if you wish, come back later to gather it up, but I think the hoard is just too heavy - even with your bag of holding - for all of it. (waits to see what Izomandakus comes up with...)

You look out at the valley from the cave. Torches and fires begin to be lit as the sun settles. Dusk falls quickly to darkness as the suns rays are clipped by mountain peaks. It'll take a while to load the loot you are taking into your various extra dimensional devices so I think that's the day.

Let me know what you plan to do that night and consider the next morning.

Kast will help gather what needs to be gathered, but mostly ensures the area is safe for the time being. He’s ready to call it a night as tomorrow won’t be much fun and a good night of rest might help.

Maybe we go to A2g in the morning?

"Holly pig, have you seen that?" Izomandakus jumps over the coins after a few passes in between in cloud form "This is going to be a perfect bed for the night Kast"

And he will definitely help collect the gems and most valuable coins "We are going to need a portable hole® here..."

"Some can try to scout the tribes while others take the important task of counting coins, Mokmurian's tribe is as good a start as any other"

Looking across the cave, Seamus lets out a sigh, "That's a lot of copper." Walking through the cave, kicking coins as he goes, Seamus starts to pick up the gems. When Izomandakus asks about someone scouting, Seamus turns, "Not a bad idea, I could probably sneak around, but how would I get down and back?"

"Some can try to scout the tribes while others take the important task of counting coins, Mokmurian's tribe is as good a start as any other"

Yes. He's the one in charge. We should locate and eliminate him. Without leadership, the rest of them won't be motivated to invade. They won't do much more than just go home.

It’s the last day of Neth (the 30th) and the sun peeks late over the peaks. As it pours slowly into the valley from behind your cave a little light mist rises up as well, burning off quickly. Very pretty.

Seamus offers to do some reconnaissance. Please let me know what protections you place upon him, if any.

Also, Seamus, where do you go as mist? Remember (short of someone casting it) you aren’t invisible, just a cloudy mist. I’m pretty generous about how hard you are to see, but you are visible.

Doing a somewhat distant ‘flyby’ tells you there are many tents, roughly in a double circle around two more substantial, but still temporary structures - one is larger than the other and sees more traffic. You suspect there are some two dozen giants, and maybe half as many Kreeg ogres moving about the camp (the ogres reside in the outer ring of tents).

There is no map for this, so feel free to be creative. At the very least make a stealth check and a perception check when you get closer.

Cast Invisibility on him and he can skulk around there for quite a while.