Conquest of the Vale (Inactive)

Game Master leinathan

Brevoy is a harsh land, with long and cold winters. Both the preparation for winter, and the life during it, have elicited great appreciation from the country's artists. Talia, once a playwright, is no different. The great odes of her nation, homages to family, work, and duty, have always been rousing to the once-noble, and she has no doubt they will be uplifting to her companions as beaten and burned, they trudge the last few miles to their temporary home. Lifting her voice to the rain, Talia recites one of her favorites, a work by Anna Akhmatova. She alters between the fine strong consonents of her native tongue and the more refined Taldane which loses a little in translation, but Talia trusts will be stirring none-the-less.

"Budesh’ zhit’, ne znaia likha,
Pravit’ i sudit’,
So svoei podrugoi tikhoi
Synovei rastit’."

"And for us, descending into the vale,
The altars burn,
And our voices soar
To our gods' very thrones."

Talia will use four rounds of performance to engender 4 hours of her Song of Marching ability.

Studying Tanu as the knight thanks him, Wulfgar realized that he and his mount were still injured, The large northerner tsks and says, "Be holdink on comRade." laying a hand on Tanu and Nisha, he says a quick prayer. "lechit' legkiye rany" Stepping back he looks at the two. "Dah better, comRade."

Hearing Talia and Casamir say they wanted to be moving along, Wulfgar nods, Picking up his saddle he brings up the rear. As Talia begins to recite it lifts Wulfgar spirits. understanding both the original tongue and the taldane translation. As he ponders on the poem it feels like the miles just melt away.

clw Tanu: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9
clw Nisha: 1d8 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12

"Those magics you all use, they are quite potent. If we were a bit more prepared, those flying dragons would have stood no chance at all. This pleases me, especially when we go to hunt down their master."

As the bardic magic assists their march, Pavo turns towards Talia and nods.

"And now you even make a forced march through driving rain more pleasant. You have my thanks, indeed."

As the party marches, the rain begins to let up in the early afternoon. No other attacks or ambushes plague the party on their way back to Fort Thorn, and it's early evening by the time the party makes it back to Fort Thorn.

A merchant caravan is exchanging goods in the Four Wheels Hall when the party arrives, and most of the Hellknight Armigers have been discharged to guard duty along the road, meaning their camp outside the fort is staffed by only two of the most junior members. Otherwise, things are business as usual in the Fort. The guardsmen greet the party as they arrive, and open up the gate for them.

The mercenaries' barracks is plain but comfortable compared to the road, with bunk beds and cooking apparatus and a table for planning, as well as a map of the Vale pinned to the wall.

What do you want to do with your evening in the Fort? Once everyone has indicated readiness to move to the next day or 24 hours pass with no activity, I will move on to tomorrow.

Pavo, with the aid of the armigers, removes his spiked armor and sets about to it's maintenance first of all. He talks the others of what they encountered and fought, but remains close lipped about surrendering up his coins. Once he is satisfied with his equipments status, he heads over to the barracks for some food and planning time.

Pavo stands before the map of the vale for a long time, mug of tea cooling in his hands as he studies.

"Where do you think a dragon might have chosen for it's lair? I thought they were all about volcanos and deep mountain caves?"

Finally arriving at the fort, Wulfgar turns to Talia nodding. "Marchink song was refrrrreshink. I will be goink to stable to store saddle. Then retunink to bunk house. May I be givink you items we collected there, Dah?" He turns to the others. "ComRades I have spell creatink food and water. When I am gettink to barracks I will be castink it, if anyone is hungrrrry."

After nodding to the guards at the gates, true to his word Wulfgar stores the saddle, bridle and saddlebags at the stables then heads to the barracks. Once at the barracks he unloads the items he had carried onto a bunk. The wallet, banknotes and change, the simple brown clay pot of paint, the handaxe, the small black glass bead. the bracelet, the picture, and a damp and half-rotted notebook. Gesturing at the items, he shrugs. "I am hopink it will be enough to be replacink our mounts. dah." He looks around, "Who is wantink to sell items?"

True to his word Wulfgar casts the spell, filling a large pitcher with water and his Iron pot with hot porridge. He scoops a large amount out for himself and begins to wolf it down. While he is eating he notes Pavo looking at the map. Between bites of porridge, he shrugs. "I am havink no idea comRade. You are thinkink Lord Varrrrdak is dragon?" He eats another bite of porridge. "Marks on Drrrrake was beink white hand not claw. I am thinkink humanoid, dah." He looks toward the others to see if they have any ideas.

Once done eating Wulfgar picks up two of the fifty gold piece notes from out of the wallet. Leaving the barracks to see if any of the Merchants have horses or mules for sale. He preferred mules, they weren't as jumpy as horses and much more willing to go into caves. Though it was hard to find one large enough to carry his frame. Going to the Four Wheels Hall, he begins to inquire if anyone is selling beasts.

leinathan any mules or horses for sale?

The merchants in Four Wheels Hall primarily bring supplies for the workers at the Fort. They carry raw iron, processed foods, stone for the road, axes and other tools for logging, and other items that are ordered specially. They have horse-driven carts, but none brought extra horses for sale.

Not only that, but the Fort's stables themselves are also fresh out of horses -- the last two having been bought by Pavo and Portia just a few days before. The stablemaster informs Wulfgar that if he would like horses, a special order can be put in, but it will take some time for them to arrive.

Would you like to order horses? They will arrive on the 21st.

As Wulfgar walks around the Four Wheels Hall he realizes that the merchants are the life's blood to the fort, brining in the raw goods that the fort needs and able to transport any goods the fort harvests. But not luxury items like riding horses. Heading to the stables afterwards he talks to the stablemaster considering the idea of ordering horses. He nods and gestures back towards the barracks. "ComRade Stablemaster, will answerink you in the mornink be soon enough? Let me be askink my fellow mercenarrrries if we arrrre wantink horses again, dah."

He then leaves the stables retuning to the barracks, stepping inside, he informs the others. "ComRades we arrrre able to be orderink horses frrrrom stablemaster, it will be takink eight days to be gettink here. How badly arrrre we needink beasts to be arrrrrivink at our next objectives?" He then goes to the map to see how long it would take to get to the darkwood forest glade or the mountains where the Mithril was found.

leinathan, Wulfgar doesn't have any skill in 'geography' would he be able to tell how long it would take to walk to either the glade or the mountain?

"Horse will allow us to move around and get to our places of interest much more quickly. But I do not have any funds to purchase a new mount at this time. Nor do we have over a week to wait for them. Perhaps we can capture some local beasts and break them to the bit and bridle? I don't know how tough or dangerous that might be, but something more combat effective than a simple horse might be worthwhile."

The stablemaster shrugs. "Sure," he says, "I can send a bird in the morning as easily as in the evening. Prompt messaging first thing in the morning probably means no additional delay."

Wulfgar -- each square is 2 miles across. Travel through forest and hills is 1.5 miles per hour, and travel through plains is 4 miles per hour -- provided that Talia is using marching song. Without marching song travel is half that speed.

Most locations on the map will be a good day or two's walk away. Some destinations will require navigating an unbridged river to reach.

Talia stares at the map of the Vale alongside Pavo and Wulfgar, her forehead creased in thought. "I'd assumed the Master was a dragon as well. They're prideful creatures, and not likely to serve a mortal." A small, flat smile crosses her mouth. "That didn't stop me from making the offer to serve us. One at least would wish to take that offer, if it could wish anything today."

"Regardless, you've made an astute observation, Wulfgar. If the white hand means their master is a person, I fear they're powerful indeed." Waving at the map, Talia turns her attention to the drake's head she's dropped at her feet. "As to where they are, it could be anywhere."

Hoisting the drake's head, Talia leaves the two to their musings and makes her way to the Boar's Bones, where she drops the head on the bar. "Where I'm from, they say that Choral the Conqueror consumed dragons and harnessed their powers. There's enough meat on this head to make a fine stew for everyone tonight. Save me the skull. It will go on my manor's wall some day."

"Does anyone in this Fort accept Chelish banknotes?"

Conspicuously while the party is inside the barracks discussing the drakes and their master, a soldier nails a noticeboard to the outside wall of the barracks.

Checking it out, it has rewards and information considering local monsters. There are two separate notices on the paper nailed to the wall.

The first reads, "A BOUNTY of FIVE HUNDRED GOLD PIECES is placed upon the DEADLY MEDUSA spotted by scouts of SIR TOLGRITH. This DANGEROUS CREATURE, capable of TURNING ITS VICTIMS TO STONE, was seen in the southern swamps of the Vale. It cannot be allowed to survive until the road's completion."

The second says, "A BOUNTY of THREE HUNDRED GOLD PIECES is placed upon the HILL GIANT menacing the ENTRANCE TO THE ROAD. Merchants have seen the creature tossing rocks at them while traveling. TRADE and PROSPERITY require SAFETY, and so the creature's demise has been ordered by SIR TOLGRITH."

New map markers added to the map.

What do you want to do?

Also, I see Talia and Wulfgar want to buy a horse. Does anyone else want to buy a horse? Does anyone want to buy or sell anything else? If you do, you must post in Gameplay.

”What say we take on the giant?” Casamir grins and gestures to his sling, ”Toss some rocks back at the big lunk.”

Looking at the map as Talia and Pavo discuss the Master of the drakes, Wulfgar's right eye focuses momentarily with his left. He sees on the map, clear on the east side the words 'Ruined Castle' He gestures towards the map, putting the tip of a long bony finger on the spot. "ComRades, If I were a wagerink Man I would guess Lord Varrrrdak is beink there, Dah."

Hearing the cavaliers question, Returning his gaze to the map, his left eye focused his right twitching and spinning, Wulfgar traces a line up the road. Then traces a line to the mithral mine then to the Dark Wood Grove. He rubs his two day shadow. "Road is goink to Hill Giant country beink faster. Path to grrrrove beink slower but near mithrrrril deposits." He turns and looks towards the others. "If comRades buyink horses, go to Giant country, kill giant come back pick up horses." He shrugs. "If walkiink secure mine and glade, then be rrrreturnink."

He shakes his head, not really sure which idea is better. Looking to the other unmounted mercenaries. "Rrrridink or walkink? Either way I will be doink same, dah." He gestures towards the goods on the bed. "Be sellink items, buyink horses or somethink else."

I really don't care which we do first, I know were on a clock. It looks like 16 miles or so to the giant, maybe 14 to Mithril but crossing the river, somebody please check my measurements. I don't know if staying on the road is faster or not. If were going to the mithril deposits, after we cross the river, it may actually be faster to skirt the forest and stay on the 'plain'

leinathan do the squares on the map read like hexes so 2 miles any direction is 2 miles or like squares on a 5 ft map, so diagonals are 6 miles for 2 squares?

Road counts as plain. Two diagonals is 6 miles.

"We should certainly seek out this giant and put it in it's place. If it will yield to the yolk of civilization,all the better, but if it chooses violence, we should slay it without hesitation."

"Well, with the coin I took back from the drakes I can buy us horses."

"If you are willing to do so, it would make our exploration much faster once they arrive. "

Looking from the multiple Items on the bed that they could be selling, to the new guy, Wulfgar shrugs. "So we are beink in agrrrreement? ComRade Casamir will be purchasink horses for all, dah?"

He looks at Casamir, his left eye focused, his right eye rolled up in his head. "Would you be tellink the stablemaster or shall I? He may be wantink payment beforrrre orderink."

Talia nods, pleased at the largess of the newcomer. "I shall pay you back at the first opportunity. Thank you, Casamir."

"As for next steps, I agree paying the giant a visit is a good idea. Wulfgar, you may be right about the Vardak residing at the old castle. I'd prefer we gather some intelligence before we go up against such a powerful foe. His drakes nearly did us in."

Read: we're probably not high enough level and we definitely need some fire-resistance before we do so!

Visiting The Merchant

Anyone visiting the merchant carrying banknotes, a logger's handaxe, and a jar of paints is met with a cool eyebrow. The middle-aged male merchant considers for a moment where these items may have been sourced. He examines the fine craftsmanship of the handaxe.

He pushes the banknotes and paint away. He says, "A hundred gold for the axe." He places it back on the table and looks coolly at his interlocutor.

- - - - -

Visiting Tolgrith,

Tolgrith is too busy to meet with anyone at this time. Some bugbears just attacked the armigers guarding the road workers. Being the most experienced soldier in the Fort, Tolgrith naturally ran off to fight the bugbears.

Who can be found, on the other hand, is the Hellknight commanding officer, Signifer Alcazar. He approaches Pavo, two armiger apprentices in tow, and looks the man up and down. "I have a task for you," he announces. "I have released a bone devil into the valley. It is under contract to enact vile plots until stopped. Conquer this devil and your Trials are finished. You will be made a full Hellknight."

Ordering horses,

The stablemaster looks at the order for horses. Five steeds, as well as four sets of saddle and bridle. He looks up at Casamir, a Varisian wanderer who has come to purchase them. He sizes the man up briefly, and then offers, "Eight hundred good for the horses. As I said before, they will arrive on the twenty-first."

”Can we pay upon arrival? I’ve got some coin now but not quite enough to cover it all. I can put down what I have as a down payment, something like that.”

Hm, I’ve got two hundred I can pay as an advance, plus the three hundred for the giant. Seems we’ll have to sort out three hundred more somehow.

Hm, I’ve got two hundred I can pay as an advance, plus the three hundred for the giant. Seems we’ll have to sort out three hundred more somehow.

and that's assuming we go for the giant first...

"We must be out in the field as soon as possible. A bone devil is a significant for, and will begin to break havoc on the population is short order. I suggest we make our way to the known threat of the giant, and take what opportunities come out way as we go. On foot we will be slower,but if we travel by road and use that marching song magic, it will be almost like riding."

The stablemaster shakes his head at Casamir's reluctance to pay. "With two hundred, you could order a single warhorse, but not a large number of mounts like that. I'm sorry, I just can't afford to lend someone four horses without some guarantee of payment."

"Maybe if you had some valuable collateral?"

"Signifer, your will be done. This devil will be slain, as soon as possible. Is there any intelligence for me to begin, or shall I begin my hunt from scratch?"

Hearing that Tolgrith was out hunting bugbears, while Casamir was headed to the stables and Pavo was speaking with his superior, Wulfgar decides to head to the Boar Bones in search of information. A question had been nagging at his brain. He wondered in they had build a bridge crossing the Coldrun river, or if they had a ferry or if they found a shallow spot for the wagons to cross. So he decided to speak to one of the locals about it. Stepping into the tavern he looked around for a moment at the rustic setting enjoying the smell of pipe tobacco, beer and roasting boar. He Heads to the bar to speak with the balding halfling cleaning a glass there. Having heard the mans name from someone, Wulfgar speaks up. 'Master Orrrrrend, Havink not traveled as far west as Rrrriver, could you be tellink me how merchant wagons cross? Is there beink a brrrridge or Ferry or Ford?"

Without responding, Alcazar walks away from Pavo to go and do other things.

- - - - -

The little halfling bartender tries to ply Wulfgar with beer and oatmeal while answering his questions. Regarding the Coldrun river, he explains that the road is not yet finished. Delays due to the monster attacks slow down progress on the road, but the goal is certainly for it to cross the entire Vale. The merchant wagons currently travel exclusively from the west, from Korvosa, and carry only supplies for the mission.

No one knows about specific points of crossing as of yet.

- - - -

Who is going to the merchant? Will you sell the magic axe for 100gp?

Talia shakes her head and pulls the axe off the table. "Sorry, friend. This axe is worth much more than 100gp. Another question for you: Do you accept Chelish banknotes?"

-------

Back at the barracks, Talia sighs and pulls her boots from her feet. "Aahh. I could sleep for a week. Unless you all want to leave tonight to find the giant?"

As mentioned in discussion, I'd prefer to rest here but will start looking for the giant tonight if folks want to.

Casamir pats his pockets and looks through his pack, looking for any sort of collateral. He sighs, "I'll talk with my companions, see what they've got."

With that, he goes to track down the rest of the party, "Unfortunate news. The horses cost quite a bit more than what I've got. More than we'll have even if we get that giant. If we sell the axe we'll be closer, but I'll need something to leave the stablemaster as collateral."

He shakes his head slightly, "Mercantile dealings...not my strong suit."

The merchant scoffs at Talia. "How do you figure? It's an axe. Well-made, to be sure, but I'd be lucky to find a logger with more than two hundred to spend on a new axe. Even the best dwarven war axes hardly sell for more than three hundred."

He tilts his head. "You got paper money? Hmm. That can only turn into coinage at a bank, and I'm not exactly going back to civilization anytime soon. Maybe as payment for items, but not for their full value."

Ignoring the merchant's scoffing, Talia secures the axe back in her pack. "It is magic. Good for chopping through wood. A logger could fell four times as many trees with this axe as any other, at least. Regardless, I understand loggers aren't rich. I'll hold onto the axe until I'm back in civilization."

"What exchange rate will you give for the paper money?"

The merchant gestures towards the variety of mundane adventuring gear that he has. "Well, what do you wanna buy?"

Tanu has largely busied himself with caring for Nisha with their safe arrival home. It had shaken him more than he cared to admit, how close they had come to death this time out. He brushed her out thoroughly, removing saddle and gear and the heavy owlbear egg she carried, and set her up with some feed. Having seen to all that, he finally makes his way back to the barracks with the owlbear egg in tow. He sets that down with his other gear in the barracks, then looks around for the others.

When he finds the rest of the party, he'll share "I definitely want to rest up tonight; Nisha needs a good rest, and I'm fairly wiped as well. As to where we head next, I don't care that much. The hill giant seems as good a place as any to start."

Gesturing back to the owlbear eggs (supposing the egg in Portia's care is likewise safely back in the barracks), Tanu asks "What do we want to do with those?"

Having regained his wealth from the ground after the fight with the Drakes, Wulfgar happily orders a light ale from the pleasant bartender, Placing his money on the counter he has a Seat at the bar, Wulfgar watches the crowd, sipping his ale. After contemplating trading the land he would earn for a fine tavern like this one. he bids the Orrend good evening and heads to the barracks.

Returning to the Barracks he looks at the map one more time. Pointing to where the giant was supposed to be. Talking as much to himself as the others. "It is lookink like twenty miles on rrrroad to hill giant sightink. One day up one day back." He then points to where the Mithril deposits are. "If skirtink woods, Mithril deposits beink about twenty miles as well." He shrugs. "I am thinkink forget horses. Walkink to Hill giant, then walkink to Mithril Deposits, then walkink to dark wood grove."

Once the group is done deciding where they are headed in the morning, Wulfgar heads to bed.

Leinathan, 2 cp for ale?

Casamir nods at Tanu, "An excellent idea. Lalaci teaches us that relaxation is a just reward for effort well-spent, and I would say this last day has been nothing if not well-spent effort. I am for staying the night."

"I concur, Wulfgar. We spend the night here, and we can set out early in the morning to investigate the giant. The loop of backtracking through the resource rich areas is a sound one, we need to be efficient on foot. That being said, there is a devil about. A bone devil, as I'm told. If any of you have more understanding of planar creatures,knowing what it can do and how to kill it would be appreciated."

Pavo looks down as his empty flagon and frowns.

"I hate to ask, but if anyone has a few coins to spare, my entire purse went up with those dragons. I would, of course,pay back what was loaned. And a reach weapon, even if a simple longspear or pike would assist if we are going to encounter more large monsters."

After visiting the on-site tavern, the fort, the merchant, and the stables, the party spends the rest of the evening winding down in their mercenaries' barracks discussing their plans for the Vale. Weighing the available options, it is decided not to sell the loot they had gathered from the owlbears' nest, and Casamir elects not to buy himself a horse, choosing instead to wait until enough money is found to buy everyone new horses.

Weighing the different courses, the party decides that the simplest option before them is to travel along the road to battle the nearby hill giant. It's been causing problems for the supply runs for Fort Thorn, and such a cantankerous creature is sure to eventually cause even more conflict later down the road. Not only that, but several party members happen to speak Giant. Previous experience with giants says the hill giant is probably just being territorial. It's likely that the road is built close to the creature's home, and its rock-throwing is more grumpy than malicious. On the other hand, such a large creature's grumpiness is more than likely to get some human killed accidentally soon.

Eventually evening turns into night, and the party members stow their gear and lie in bed for the night, safe in the knowledge that they are surrounded by a wall manned by guards.

Lamashan (October) 14th, Early Morning

When they awake, they find the fort bustling with activity. Apparently during the night, Sir Tolgrith was ambushed fighting bugbears and wounded. He and his best men were able to fall back to the Fort, and the bugbears were driven away by Signifer Alcazar's battle magic. However, evidence of the battle mars the fort. Handymen are busy repairing the front gate, which was damaged by bugbear warriors' hammers before they were repelled. Tolgrith was tended to by Father Apar, the expedition's cleric, but he is still recuperating in the fort today.

Today the rain clouds have cleared away and it is blue and bright. On the other hand, it is crisp and quite cool. You think in a couple of weeks it will begin to freeze, but for now the crispness is almost refreshing. A persistent gust blows through the Vale, and the fort's lanterns have been hooded.

If anyone would like to buy Pavo a new weapon, the blacksmith sells all metal simple weapons as well as handaxes, light hammers, machetes, heavy picks, longswords, and longspears. There is a masterwork longsword and a masterwork heavy crossbow available as well. The merchant also sells all mundane adventuring gear, and both will accept the banknotes at 1/4th value. Their prices are the same as listed in the book +5%.

As we are entering a new day, Casamir/Portia/Wulfgar please prepare spells and confirm that your list is current. Everyone please reset your resource trackers. If you are damaged, you may heal to full.

Is there anything you would like to do before you set out? Once at least four people have checked in with their morning routine and a readiness to get on the road, we will move forward towards the hill giant. It will take 5 hours to get there if you hustle, which means you will arrive at midday.

Today's weather: 43°F (6°C), Moderate wind (19mph; 30 kph), clear skies
Moderate Wind: A steady wind with a 50% chance of extinguishing candles, torches, and similar unprotected flames.

Rolling his eyes at 'Lalaci's teaching, Wulfgar heads to bed, tucking his armor under his bunk and sleeping in his clothes.
Falling asleep quickly and snoring loudly, not concerned if it keeps anyone else awake.

In the morning when he wakes he eats a little of the cold porridge from the night before. Returning to the bunk he casually puts on his armor. Going outside he notes the activities from the night before, then performs his morning prayers while swinging his greatsword at a pell in the forts practice area.

When he is finished with his morning meditation he returns to the barracks advising the group, "ComRades, let us be keepink bank notes. We shall be gettink full value, when rrrreturnink to city dah?" He then gestures towards the outside, "Should we be askink about huntink bugbearrrrs befor headkink after giant?"

Hey look it's actually bugbears not owlbears this time :) Changed up a couple of spells for today.

Sorry Pavo, Talia's dead broke.

Talia wakes to find confusion. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she surveys the damage to the fort and makes her way to see Tolgrith. On the way to the commander, Talia casts a minor bauble, removing the dirt from her clothes, and the smell of the trail from her body. The commander was about the only man of any station, save perhaps the hellknights, in the Valley. It would do well to present herself in the best light possible. Casting prestidigitation, and assuming she can get an audience...

Sitting across from the commander, Talia crosses her legs and clasps her hands on her knee. Giving Tolgrith her most winning smile, Talia begins. "I heard it was a fine battle, worthy of a tale. Your bravery is making the rounds of the fort this morning. I'm sure, if we're successful, your name - and those of your brave men - will be spoken with reverence."

Talia spends an hour with the man, starting with general conversation, and then moving into the specifics of the night before.

diplomacy to improve attitude: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26

"Tell me, if you could, where did you come across the bugbears? How many were there? Did they seem well-equipped? Was there a leader? What direction did they come from."

Once the others are ready, Talia joins them and starts humming a marching tune. They'd make quick time, and she'd see to it that they suffered no fatigue.

Talia will spend 5 rounds of performance on her song of marching to enable the group's travel.

Tolgrith does not have an hour to discuss pleasantries with Talia. He is lying in bed, tended by Father Apar, recovering from wounds sustained the previous night. However, Talia's diplomacy does convince him to allow her a brief audience in which he gives her what little intelligence he has on the bugbears.

His workers and guards were attacked in the evening by a half-dozen bugbears. Running for cover, they were able to contact Tolgrith for reinforcements, but when he headed out to fight them he was ambushed by more. He isn't sure how many there were in total, because by then night had fallen and his torches weren't able to illuminate them clearly. All he knows is that arrows flew from deeper in the forest and pierced he and his men. They retreated back to the fort, pursued by bugbears. At that point strong bugbear warriors started assailing the gate with hammers. Things seemed dire until Alcazar stepped up and drove them away with magical fear.

Once he's finished briefing Talia, he tiredly reminds her that fifty-five days remain until the crown's inspectors arrive, but that bugbears assaulting the compound will surely not be viewed favorably. Then he dismisses her so that he can get full bedrest.

When asked, Tanu loans Pavo 20gp, which should be plenty to buy a longspear, as well as any other necessities. He doesn't say much about it, not even mentioning repayment, just quietly handing over a pouch when they were preparing to turn in for the evening.

I can similarly serve as a bank to others in need. I didn't spend all of my starting gold, so even after the 117gp I gave to the drakes I still have almost 779gp. After 20 to Pavo, I'm at 759gp. I wouldn't be willing to give up the whole lot of it (e.g. for horses for everyone), but small amounts of this nature are doable.

The next day, Tanu is up bright and early, brushing out Nisha and preparing her for the day's journey. Once that was done, he'd see to his own needs, eating a quick breakfast and gearing up. Then he'd get Nisha and meet the others at the gate, ready to head out.

Hearing Talia's report, he asks "Did he indicate whether we should track down the bugbears first? It seems like they are the most direct threat, and likely closer to home than the hill giant."

Pavo takes the pouch and immediately purchases a longspear from the smithy.

Morning sees him standing at the gateway, polearms over his shoulder and pack on his back.

"Shall we go slay a giant, then?"

Tanu -- the next time someone demands all your gold and you only give up some of it, you should remember to mention it and roll Bluff.

A longspear is 6gp. Anything (including the longspear itself) anyone wants to buy should be mentioned before we move on from Fort Thorn.

It seems we have two people who are considering pursuing the bugbears instead of going to encounter the giant. Can we have a vote on which one we would prefer doing?

I vote giant, but am willing to kill bugbears if that's the group decision.

I was more interested in finding out if the Bugbears need to be added to our "To do list" and or if they were an imminent threat we needed to deal with. Unless they need to be dealt with immediately I'm good with the giant.

Realizing Talia had been able to speak with Tolgrith, Wulfgar joined Tanu when he went to speak with their Skald. Asking, "Dah Comrade Talia, was Talgrrrrith sayink we are needink to deal with bugbearrrrs or will they be waitink?"

Talia shrugs. "He merely said that 'bugbears assaulting the fort won't be viewed favorably.' It would help us curry favor with Fort Thorn's inhabitants if we dealt with the bugbears. Perhaps we can visit them on the way? They must be close by."

I'd vote bugbears -> giant -> other stuff.

Moving on.

Talia is outvoted by Wulfgar and Pavo. Motivated by money and the ease of travel on the road, the trio heads out to the northwest in search of the hill giant. Without any better ideas, the group leaves their two owlbears eggs back in their mercenaries' barracks. Their travel takes them through the forest, but the trees have been cut back and a gravel road installed for ease of travel. With Talia's marching magic, Wulfgar and Pavo find themselves able to jog nonstop without getting tired, so the trip to the entrance of the Vale turns into a fairly short one.

The merchants said that the giant lives somewhere in the hills to the west of the road, but that none of them know exactly where. It would stand at a distance when large caravans came through, shouting in Giant and hurling the occasional boulder, A bounty was put out on the giant when one boulder killed a merchant's horse and caused the merchant to have to give up their wagon and run for safety.

The party knows they've reached the right point in the road because they come upon the merchant wagon. One of the front wheels has been smashed, and the unfortunate horse that had dragged it lies dead, still hitched to the vehicle. The sun is shining brightly as it hangs directly overhead, and the gusts blow strongly through the Vale.

Pavo draws his bow and moves to investigate the wagon and dead horse.

"Keep your eyes open, everyone. If that monster starts throwing boulders down at us, we're not in a good spot to defend. Can anyone tell where the rocks were coming from, or maybe where it lairs?"

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

With a waggle of her fingers, Talia calls on her magic to make her a better woodswoman casting Deadeye's Lore and Heightened Awareness. She then climbs atop the wagon and cupping her hand over her eyes, looks for the best spots to throw boulders from.

perception, heightened awareness: 1d20 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 8 + 2 = 21