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That was the poster that started it all. You saw it an an inn or gambling hall or a tree...wherever it may have been, but that was the thing that started this journey for you. And now you find yourself walking along the cliff-lined Lost Coast region of Varisia, on the edge of the Varisian Gulf, approaching your destination: Sandpoint. In the distance, you can see the most notable feature of the town, the ruined lighthouse that stretches high above the coastal bluffs, a testament to the ancient empire of Thassilon which existed here centuries before the current town was settled.
For some of you, perhaps, it's your first visit; for others, it's a well-known trek. As you enter the town, though, the desperate look of fear on the villagers and the guards' faces is apparent. They look to you with anxiety, fear, and dare say it: a small glimmer of hope. For they know their town is in the danger of being swept off the face of Golarion by a rising tide of giants. Or at least that's what the doomsayers tell them.
You receive nods of appreciation as you enter and are directed to the inn. This large wooden building is the first structure one encounters after crossing the southern bridge entrance into Sandpoint, marked by a sizeable iron dragon that looms over travelers from the building's roof. Time and weather have taken a toll on the sculpture's iron form, which undoubtedly is the source of the tavern's name. The doors to your future await...
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Pierre was escorting the noble's daughter to dinner at an inn in Korvosa, when he caught out of the corner of his eye the writ nailed to the side of the wall. He immediately recognized the sigil and requested that his date forgive him for a second, while he checked it out. He saw many persons passing by the writ, looking and laughing. He read it and was intrigued. Hmmm...giants on the move! To be honest, he had not fought many in his career. He could picture in his head the portrait of him standing over the corpse of a giant, while clad in his noble garb. He smiled, nothing could top that. He looked over at the the noble's daughter and her cleavage-revealing gown. No, nothing really could top his glory, not even that. He apologized to his companion for ditching her, whistled for Francois, and mounted his horse. He tipped his cap to his date, who was screaming profanities at him, while he galloped away. He could barely hide his smile.
That was a few days ago. Now, as he approached Sandpoint, Pierre waited with anxiousness to hear the details of the mission. He was also curious as to who else would volunteer the help the town. He stood up straight on his horse, as Francois rode through the town's southern gate. To be honest, Pierre looked regal and quite handsome, as he entered the town with his Order's banner, the Blue Cockatrice, waving proudly. He saw the townsfolk and smiled, trying to comfort the scared masses. He even winked at some curvaceous ladies as he passed by. He was already thinking on how the town would compensate him after he saved them.
Pierre snapped himself out of his thoughts as he reached the Rusty Dragon. He dismounted and gave his horse to a nearby stable boy. "Keep Francois close." He looked at the modest inn and shrugged. He definitely was not in Absalom anymore. He sighed, straightened his noble garb, and walked in. Time to be a hero.
He walks in and proudly bows, proclaiming loudly, "Never fear, your savior is here!" He stands upright, showing off his trademark smile, brown locks, and green eyes.
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As she rides into Sandpoint, Sivi isn't quite as cheerful as usual. She likes this town, particularly Ameiko and the Rusty Dragon. How dare giants threaten one of her favorite stops! What are giants even doing this far south anyway? But as some of the more music-loving townsfolk wave to the rainbow-haired gnome, she puts on a smile and greets them happily. The show must go on, after all. That's the hard part about being a gnome in tallfolk lands. If you're visibly sad or worried, the tallfolk really get worried.
Leaving her trusty pony in the capable hands of the stablehands, Sivi enters the Rusty Dragon with a beaming grin. "Hello hello, everybody! Is Ameiko around today? I heard you fine folks have a giant problem!" She strikes a pose in a beam of sunlight. While her vest, trousers, riding boots, and duster are practical in design, the bright colors obviously have nothing to do with nature. Or what most races would consider good taste. Multihued locks cascade freely over her shoulders, restrained only by a delicate silver headband set with tiny red and orange stones.
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Coming round the point on the Lost Coast Road just past the Cougar River, Hanna spots the top of the ancient lighthouse a mile or two off in the distance. Finally, she was almost to the town!
It had been a long and hard trip from Korvosa to Sandpoint. Her pony and mule were both worn out as she had pushed them as hard as she could to try and catch the thieves who stole from the church.
The Ravensroost Hills ran tight up against the roadway, leaving only a narrow track between the water and rocky hills. Once past this choke-point, the land opened up again. She could smell the wood smoke wafting from the town, along with less favourable smells...ah civilization!
As she led her mount and pack mule over the short bridge into the town, Hanna was somewhat surprised at the size of the place and the sophistication of some of the buildings was impressive...not as impressive as dwarven architecture, but still pretty good for humans!
As she made her way to the local inn, a place called the Rusty Dragon, she noticed the people looking at her in a very strange way. It almost looked like they were fearful of something...but it could not be her....could it?
Handing off the reins to her pony and mule to the stablehand, Hanna was about to enter the Inn when a flap of paper tacked to a post caught her attention. Reading the plea for help, Hanna now understood the people's fear...giants were not creatures to be taken lightly. She stepped into the building just as she heard someone within shout:
"Never fear, your saviour is here!"
Now what sort of person would announce themselves like that....
Meanwhile, just outside the town's gate, a single woman falls from the sky and looks about to crash when her momentum suddenly halts just above the ground.
"Is this Sandpoint?" A woman's voice asks from the resulting dustcloud, directed at the startled guards nearby.
A moment later, she steps into view as she takes in the surroundings.
Slender and seemingly unarmed except for a single dagger, at first glance Aradesh did not seem as threatening as most of her half-orc kin. In fact, she was even quite beautiful by most humanoid standards, despite or perhaps because of the unusually vibrant colours that formed her appearance; from her green as grass complexity to her Void-black hair and highly contrasting pearly-white small tusks.
Her travel ware was mostly practical, though not less spectacular: study boots and a sleeveless brown dress formed the base, over which a breasplate and bloose were carried. Both of these more outward items were inscribed with dwarven runes, which doubled as the Orcs' own yet stolen alphabet. While the breastplate seemed to consist of a list of names which were all struck through save the last one - her own -, the bloose was much harder to make immediate sense of. Around her neck, she wore a necklace from which three dagger-length teeth were displayed, and the cloak seemingly *was* the pelt of a large wolf, the head of which she could wear as a cowl.
Her otherwise most notable features were a tattoo of the sigil of Gorum on her bare right shoulder, along with a collection of faint scars of varying lengths.
After a short exchange where she reveals the flyer she got from her contact, she finds her way to the Rusty Dragon Inn.
Once in the welcoming hall, she sits down and glances around, wondering if this was really the right place.
"My name is Aradesh. I was directed here to fight back against the giants," she states more than asks a passing waitress. Or whom might be a waitress? She wasn't entirely sure. Yet, she holds the other woman's gaze either way, awaiting an answer.
Dolgrym rides down the road toward Sandpoint keeping and eye on he surrounding lands to make sure there are no ambushes waiting. He approaches the gate and nods to the guards, They look familiar but I haven't been here enough to really get to know anyone. He starts toward the sheriff's office but then thinks of the poster's he has seen and heads toward the Rusty Dragon.
He ties his pony up and heads inside. It takes a moment to adjust to the dimness of the inn but soon he sees the room and the people in it. Most are locals though there are definitely some from outside Sandpoint. Dust covers his clothes and breastplate. His dwarven maul axes at his side are covered as well. All his clothes look well used but in good condition. Nothing shines though, a glint at the wrong time can get you killed.
He looks around for the person responsible for the posters and not seeing him immediately walks up to the bar, "Who do I see about the giants?", he asks.
You enter the Rusty Dragon in the late afternoon, through the inn's common room, its largest area, with over a dozen tables, a large stage, a hearth, and—of course—a bar. However, there are no patrons drinking today. Other than a few serving girls and the bartender, the inn is largely empty. The common room has been converted into a type of war-room, with various tables grouped together, covered in maps and scrolls. Three chairs have been placed at the table, facing the entrance and party as each of you enter. In one of the chairs sits a stern female human with short fiery red hair. Next to her sits a dark-skinned bald human male of Shoanti origin, who bears battle scars. The third chair is empty. However, there is a beautiful woman of Shou descent with dark eyes and black hair reading a map on the table, who looks up as you each enter.
Upon Pierre's flamboyant and loud entrance, the stern female rolls her eyes. The Shoanti male grunts, "Bold words...hope you can back them up!" The Shou woman raises her eyebrows and smiles sarcastically, play acting in a demure voice, "Thank you bold warrior, we damsels need saving." She makes it clear to Pierre that he sees the rapier dangling at her side.
With Sivi, Ameiko smiles with happiness that the gnome bard has answered the call for help.
The stern woman speaks to each of you, as she makes introductions. "I am Mayor Kendra Neverin, this is Sheriff Hemlock, and this lovely lady is Ameiko Kaijitsu, proprietor of the Rusty Dragon. If you're here to kill giants, then Sandpoint thanks you. The threat and danger are real. However, please note that rookies are not tolerated. I will not be responsible for sending inexperienced warriors to their death. So, before we start, your names and region of origin."
As you each announce your names and region, Mayor Deverin looks to the other two to see if they have heard of you. When she is satisfied that you are competent adventurers, she invites you to have a seat at one of the empty tables.
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Pierre grinned. People always underestimated his lack of muscles and his lithe frame....until it was too late. He looked around the room at the three town leaders and the dwarven female entering behind him. "Remember, it's not bragging, if it's true." He flashed all, including the dwarf, his cocky smile. He arched his eyebrows and winked at Ameiko, as he saw her blade. He made sure she saw the pommel of his longsword sitting at his side, the only weapon visible on him. "Darling, I'm ready to dance when you are...but maybe, we should hold off till the giants are dealt with."
Pierre moved to the side near one of tables with a seat. When asked his name, he cleared his throat and spoke with eloquence, "Sir Pierre Chauffre, Knight of the First Order of the Blue Cockatrice, based in Absalom, at your service. My credentials are impeccable. Right, Lady Ameiko?" When she nods, he moves his cloak to the side and sits, waiting to see the other so-called heroes, while admiring Ameiko's slender frame.
Hearing the swordsman's exchange with the proprietress clearly on her way there, Aradesh can only shake her head.
"He is so dead."
"What is a 'credential', and how does that help when your 'plan' seems to be running in and poking them with your sword - the same giants who are much larger than you and could easily smash you to paste before you ever reach them?" She asks Pierre as she sits down, clearly unimpressed. "That is, if you can even focus long enough to direct your other sword away from the nearest pretty woman?"
She pulls back the wolf's hood and allows her shoulder-length jet-black hair to fall around her slender frame. "Aradesh, from Belkzen Hold," she says to the mayor, sheriff and other woman by way of greeting."I would say Trunau... but it was destroyed recently by their kind. Let's say I've killed my fair share of them in the defense."
At this point, her backpack starts to shake, and the closed top seems to strain against some invisible force.
Until a translucent hare sticks out his head from the bag.
Aradesh sighs. "Right. He needs a... I mean, 'I would also like to order a carrot'."
The hare seems to glare daggers at his master (?).
"...Two."
It holds her gaze for a few seconds then slowly nods, but doesn't go back down. The half-orc woman seemingly lets him.
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Hearing the swordsman's exchange with the proprietress clearly on her way there, Aradesh can only shake her head.
"He is so dead."
"What is a 'credential', and how does that help when your 'plan' seems to be running in and poking them with your sword - the same giants who are much larger than you and could easily smash you to paste before you ever reach them?" She asks Pierre as she sits down, clearly unimpressed. "That is, if you can even focus long enough to direct your other sword away from the nearest pretty woman?"
She pulls back the wolf's hood and allows her shoulder-length jet-black hair to fall around her slender frame. "Aradesh, from Belkzen Hold," she says to the mayor, sheriff and other woman by way of greeting."I would say Trunau... but it was destroyed recently by their kind. Let's say I've killed my fair share of them in the defense."
At this point, her backpack starts to shake, and the closed top seems to strain against some invisible force.
Until a translucent hare sticks out his head from the bag.
Aradesh sighs. "Right. He needs a... I mean, 'I would also like to order a carrot'."
The hare seems to glare daggers at his master (?).
"...Two."
It holds her gaze for a few seconds then slowly nods, but doesn't go back down. The half-orc woman seemingly lets him.
Pierre bows at the half-orc lady's comments. "So I may enlighten you, my dear. A credential is a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person's background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for something. I have many such achievements that I am sure the Fair Lady Ameiko is aware of, and some of them are even on the battlefield." Pierre chuckles and smugly arches his eyebrows at his last comment.
"As for these giants, I have yet to be smashed to paste, as I am standing right here in front of you, garbed exquisitely, if I may say so. But my point is that combat is not about who is the strongest or the toughest. I am sure these good dwarves may disagree, but in my opinion, it is about who is the quickest and the fastest. So I am sure I am much quicker than some lumbering giant so they will be falling to my blade, as others have in the past. You will see and you will be amazed." Pierre playfully winks at her.
Dolgrym shakes his head at Pierre's boasts and waits for him to stop. He looks at the three and says "I am Dolgrym Giantfoe of Janderhoff. The sheriff and I have interacted in the past involving giants though my normal duties are to the east of the mountains and toward Trunau. Janderhoff has heard of the giants gathering in this area and sent me to investigate."
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Hanna gives a rough laugh as she watches the antics of the human.
"Ya sure yer not an Aldori? You sound like one!" she directs the comment to the fop with the little pointy sword.
Any mirth that was directed at the swordsman quickly disappears as she sizes up the orc wench.
"Well at least the giants have SOME taste...destroying that pest hole of a town. We still remember Koldukar, and the Battle of Nine Stones!
Death to Orcs
Pierre stands and bows to both dwarves."Welcome to the party!"
At Hanna's first comment, Pierre squints his eyebrows, "Aldori? No way, those are pansy duelists. I fight for glory and to survive on the battlefield."
Seconds later, he looks dumbfounded at Hanna's comments as he does not speak Dwarven. He looks at Dolgrym, "Definitely like you better...You're quieter." He smiles and sits back down.
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Dolgrym looks sad for a moment and says "Trunau was the only beacon of civilization in the orc infested land. I had friends there... well people I knew. Those humans stood against the orcs for years and killed many of them. Trunau was a loss." He then leans over to Pierre and whispers "A trait you could use more of." and smiles at him.
Pierre bursts out laughing at Dolgrym's comment. "Touché, my friend." He then raises his hand and apologizes to the town leaders for his outburst.
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Sivi giggles at Aradesh's retort, and again when Dolgrym needles the human. "Ooh, they told you! I'm Sivi Wandersong, bard extraordinaire!" She bows to the three town leaders with a flourish. "Ameiko already knows me. For the rest of you, I am an excellent musician, dancer, illusionist, repository of rare and obscure knowledge, speaker of seven languages including Giant, and a crack shot with a crossbow. My most recent adventure of note was helping a Desnan priestess and several refugees escape Nidal." The gnome wrinkles her nose. "What a dreadfully gloomy place. Anyway, I've fought hill giants and marsh giants before on my wanderings through Varisia. Please tell me it's not marsh giants? They smell horrible. Not that hill giants are paragons of cleanliness, but marsh giants are on another level altogether."
Oh! She meant to speak to the dwarf woman! Sivi spins around and puts her hands on her hips. "As for you, miss, have some respect for the dead of Trunau. That is- or was, I suppose- a human town. Anyone with a modicum of logical thinking can deduce that if Aradesh claims it as her home, she identifies more strongly with her human half than the orcish half. So!" She waggles her finger, smiling ominously. The look in her violet eyes promises mischief and possibly mayhem if pushed. "Be polite. We're here to fight giants, not each other."
Pierre bows at the half-orc lady's comments. "So I may enlighten you, my dear. A credential is a qualification, achievement, personal quality, or aspect of a person's background, typically when used to indicate that they are suitable for something. I have many such achievements that I am sure the Fair Lady Ameiko is aware of, and some of them are even on the battlefield." Pierre chuckles and smugly arches his eyebrows at his last comment.
When the seemingly foppish knight doesn't relent, and consequently starts the exact same act towards the male dwarf, the corner of Aradesh' mouth twitches upward in a small grin which she retains when he begins winking at her. "At least you are confident."
She gives the muscular dwarven man a nod when he introduces himself, and is about to respond to him when...
Any mirth that was directed at the swordsman quickly disappears as she sizes up the orc wench. "Well at least the giants have SOME taste...destroying that pest hole of a town."
...All the cheer drains from her face as she snaps around to this other newcomer. Features rigid with barely-contained fury, she reaches for her dagger just as Sivi and Dolgrym intercede.
When they finish, her anger towards the female dwarf is lessened, but still very much present. "You... I have no idea who you are, or what you just shouted to the heavens with your screetchy voice. But I will forgive this blatant insult to the deaths and sacrifices of my loved ones only under the presumption of your complete and total ignorance."
Drawing the dagger, she slams it into the table. "Look at this, dwarf. It's a hopeknife. This was given to anyone in Trunau reaching the age of puberty. Not to defend themselves against orcs, but to kill themselves instead of being captured by them - because even you should figure what happens to those. They tought suicide to their children . And mere weeks ago, a group of giants and orcs finally managed to sack the town. I won't regale you what I saw that day. But know this. If I EVER have the slightest inkling that you were aware of what your words meant, I will kill you. And no righteous god would deny me."
After a good ten seconds of silence, she slowly sits back down. "... My apologies to the others present here. Nice to meet you, Sivi and Dolgrym. And Pierre. You seem you'd be good in a fight. ...Or claim to be, anyway," she adds the last bit with a touch of humor to the boistrous cavalier.
Sheriff Hemlock stands up and bursts out, "I love the fighting spirit, but let's focus it on the giants, not amongst ourselves. Now take your seats please."
When seated, Mayor Deverin nods at him and continues, "Not to be flip about the subject, but Trunau is not my concern. My concern is Sandpoint and its citizens. Now, we're thankful that you've heard our call for aid and responded. We hope more will come in the future. From what my aides tell me, you are competent warriors and we hope your deeds are as good as your words." She pauses to glance at Pierre. "So, here's what we know. Clans of giants are gathering at the Storval Plateau and from we've learned, they're hill giants. I've never even heard of a moss giant. Now, normally, we would not be concerned as hill giants are not particularly intelligent or militaristic to pose a threat to the region. But we have good intel that intelligent and charismatic leaders have risen in the ranks and are uniting the clans. This would not bode well for Varisia at all. Ameiko, please continue and fill in our guests with the details."
Ameiko nods and pulls small rolls of paper from her pocket. "My close personal friend, Shaelu Andosana, an elven ranger and protector of Sandpoint, has been gathering intel for us on the threat. She has been able to sneak close enough to a steading where the lead hill giant clan is using as their base of operation. She sends us notes via carrier pigeon every 3 days. And to prevent the enemy from feeding us false information, the notes are written in Tian, my native language and one which I taught Shaelu. She's been proving us reports on the giants' plans and movements." She quickly reads through the notes and you can tell they are written in some strange language. Ameiko continues and she reads the notes verbatim, "This was 4 weeks ago: Ameiko, 5 clans of giants have appeared to a summons from this new Hill Giant Chief, that they call Nosra the Divine. The clans ended the day convinced the Nosra would lead them to glory." Ameiko reads another, "This was 3 weeks ago: Ameiko, the danger is real. 10 clans have now pledged allegiance to Nosra. I hear Nosra's battle cries of conquering Varisia as he rallies the giants. I urge you to find heroes to stop this threat." Ameiko reads another, "This was 2 weeks ago: Nosra's right hand giant is an alchemist of sorts, as he creates potions for the giants. He is in good favor with the clans for his gifts." Ameiko pauses as she reads the last one. "This one was from 2 days ago: The clans look ready for war. They await the appearance from someone or something they call "The Horned One". I will send news when I have more information. The threat is real, Ameiko. I worry for Varisia."
Ameiko puts the notes away, "We expect a pigeon tomorrow. But as you can tell, the threat is dire and imminent. We need your help, heroes."
The Mayor stands and speaks up, "Thank you, Ameiko. Sheriff Hemlock has prepared our town guard as best as we can, but they are simply no match for a horde of giants. So it comes upon me to hire adventurers/mercenaries to deal with the threat. Unfortunately, we are not a rich town, though we did receive a contribution from Magnimar. I can only offer each of you 6000 gp to go to the Storval Plateau and deal with the threat. Now, I do not need you to eliminate 10 clans of giants, if that is even possible. We have discussed the matter and believe the most efficient course of action is to eliminate Nosra and his lieutenant, so to speak. Cut the head off the snake and the clans will scatter. What say ye?"
Dolgrym listens intently as the intelligence is read and when they are done he says "Cutting off the head works. It might be better off that we mess with the alchemist's potions. If we could get them to do things to the giants they don't like that may put them off magic in the future as well as now. I'm in!"
Aradesh raises an eyebrow at Dolgrym's suggestion. "You mean to use poison on his potions or ingredients? An interesting idea, and not one I'd have expected from a dwarf warrior. However..."
She glances back at the blue, translucent hare who was now sitting next to her and happily devouring his carrot. It looks up and lets out a series of chirping noises, after which he resumes eating.
"Tyche says giants typically have very good 'health', for lack of a better term. They have to be, given that they tend to eat our ilk raw. They're also many times our own weight, and we'd probably need lots and lots of it. It's also a gamble on how we can get the leaders to drink it before it is found out. I do agree that killing the leaders seems the best approach, but feel it will probably come down to sneaking in or ambushing them on the move."
She thinks for a moment and turns to the mayor."Your reward is very generous, especially for a small town. I would have offered to to do for free, but I'm afraid this Nosra the Divine is only the first in a longer battle. Shalelu wrote about leaders, as in more than one, uniting the tribes. We might need it to arm ourselves."
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"Sound strategy to take out the leaders. I'm in. Do we get half now, half when the job is done? It would be wise to purchase some healing supplies, if possible. Probably best to head out tomorrow also, after learning of the latest intel. Messages by pigeon carrier....quite ingenious."
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Still glaring at the orc, Hanna speaks to the mayor.
"Keep your money sir. Torag would bid me help you...even if 'SHE' is taking part."
She slowly unhooks the Warhammer at her side and lays it down beside the hopeknife.
"This weapon was created in the forges of Koldukar. We do not surrender to our enemies but die fighting. This weapon was made to fight giants, and Torag has placed me here for this task...so it would seem."
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"Of course I'm in!" Sivi pumps her fist in the air. "I agree with Aradesh on the poison though. We should just sneak in, kill the leaders, and sneak back out." She taps a finger on the table, thinking. "It's quite a ways to the Storval Plateau from here, and it's a big place. Do you know where on the Plateau the giants are? There are two routes we can take up the Storval Rise depending on which part of the Plateau we're heading for. Both of them start with a trip up the Yondabakari River, which would be fastest on a riverboat."
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Dolgrym gasps "Poison?!?! No no no no! That's elf stuff. I meant something that would change the effect of the potions. Turn them bright pink, make them smaller, make them weaker. Something like that. If that happens to a few giants they won't want to use any potions any more."
The Mayor smiles at the party's agreement to join the mission. "I will make arrangements to have each of your shares delivered to you within the hour. Ameiko has offered to lodge you in her inn free of charge for the night."
Ameiko looks down at her map. "From Shaelu's notes, the best we can tell is that the Hill Giant base is near the Storval Stairs, a journey of some 12-14 days from Sandpoint. How you reach there is up to you. I hope we will have some actionable intel tomorrow."
Sheriff Hemlock stands, "If I am no longer needed, I will get back to preparing the guard for the worst case scenario. Ladies, gentlemen." The Shoanti warrior leaves the inn.
Dolgrym gasps "Poison?!?! No no no no! That's elf stuff. I meant something that would change the effect of the potions. Turn them bright pink, make them smaller, make them weaker. Something like that. If that happens to a few giants they won't want to use any potions any more."
"Pink giants," Aradesh smirks, bemused. "I don't know how to do such a thing. But the mental image is very amusing. Thank you for that, master Dwarf. The other options might be more workable when we get there, yes. I wonder if Giants will eat shrunken Giants, mistaking them for humans. Another amusing image, I suppose."
"It's quite a ways to the Storval Plateau from here, and it's a big place. Do you know where on the Plateau the giants are? There are two routes we can take up the Storval Rise depending on which part of the Plateau we're heading for. Both of them start with a trip up the Yondabakari River, which would be fastest on a riverboat."
"I... am not overly familiar with this land, as you seem to be, Sivi. On my own, I would have flown there. Unfortunately, I cannot make others fall upward. If you say the best approach is by boat, we should do so. Can we walk the rest of the way, or do we need mules?" The half-orc shaman asks the colourful gnome.
"Keep your money sir. Torag would bid me help you...even if 'SHE' is taking part. This weapon was created in the forges of Koldukar. We do not surrender to our enemies but die fighting. This weapon was made to fight giants, and Torag has placed me here for this task...so it would seem."
"Okay. And your name is...? I don't think you've introduced yourself yet. Even among fullblooded orcs, that is a staple courtesy - regardless of whether they choose to slay eachother the next moment." Aradesh asks the glaring other dwarf with a slightly impatient tone.
When the mayor seemingly accepts to pay the party up-front per Pierre's request, her eyes widen slightly, but she doesn't object.
"Hanna Ironhammer!", she says while snatching up her hammer from the table and hooking it on her belt. Her hand instinctually moves to the holy symbol at her throat as she seems to mutter a few words.
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Ameiko looks down at her map. "From Shaelu's notes, the best we can tell is that the Hill Giant base is near the Storval Stairs, a journey of some 12-14 days from Sandpoint. How you reach there is up to you. I hope we will have some actionable intel tomorrow."
"Ah, closer than I thought! While that is worrying in terms of an attack, it means we don't have as far to travel. May I see your map, Ameiko?" Providing the innkeeper agrees, Sivi stands on her chair and examines the parchment. "Hmm-hmm. Okay, everyone, gather round! Fortunately for us I've been up the Storval Stairs before."
The gnome points to a spot on the map of Varisia. "Here's Sandpoint. While there isn't any direct access to the Yondabakari here, it's not far to Magnimar, which does a great deal of river trade. Even backtracking a bit to Magnimar, traveling by water will be faster than riding the whole way. I suggest we take a riverboat to Wartle. It's not much of a town, but if we're lucky we can catch a boat going north into Ember Lake. If not, we'll have to ride to Nybor and buy passage there." She traces a route north. "From Ember Lake we'll go up the Lampblack River to Ravenmoor. Strange town, they don't let outsiders stay overnight, but we can resupply there if necessary. That's the last stop on the river, so we'll have to ride from Ravenmoor to the Stairs. To answer your question, Aradesh, yes. In order to make maximum speed all of us will need mounts." Looking up at the group, Sivi beams and claps her hands together. "And there you have it! Any questions?"
Pierre gathers around the map when instructed. His eyes widen at the gnome's knowledge. "Impressive, Sivi." He smiles at the bard...too bad she's a gnome. Shaking off those lascivious thoughts, "My mount Francois and I will be ready to ride in the morning. Well I'm famished, my dear Ameiko, where can I order some grub?"
"Hanna Ironhammer!", she says while snatching up her hammer from the table and hooking it on her belt. Her hand instinctually moves to the holy symbol at her throat as she seems to mutter a few words.
"'Hanna' you say... Hm. Really? What a strange coincidence. That is the exact name my human grandparents gave me when I escaped the orc camp." She looks at Hanna and narrows her eyes, opening her mouth as if to say something else.
Then she shakes her head slightly and reconsiders, instead focusing on Sivi's map and her enthusiastic explanation of the journey ahead.
"Here's Sandpoint. While there isn't any direct access to the Yondabakari here, it's not far to Magnimar, which does a great deal of river trade. Even backtracking a bit to Magnimar, traveling by water will be faster than riding the whole way. I suggest we take a riverboat to Wartle. It's not much of a town, but if we're lucky we can catch a boat going north into Ember Lake. If not, we'll have to ride to Nybor and buy passage there." She traces a route north. "From Ember Lake we'll go up the Lampblack River to Ravenmoor. Strange town, they don't let outsiders stay overnight, but we can resupply there if necessary. That's the last stop on the river, so we'll have to ride from Ravenmoor to the Stairs. To answer your question, Aradesh, yes. In order to make maximum speed all of us will need mounts." Looking up at the group, Sivi beams and claps her hands together. "And there you have it! Any questions?"
"It... sounds like a good plan?" Aradesh replies, still mulling over the map. "Though, I must admit, I've never travelled by boat before. Would it still take us two weeks to reach the Plateau going over the rivers?" she wonders. "And... should I prepare in some special way for these boat journeys? Are they safe?"
Dolgrym looks at the maps and listens to Sivi's plan. When she finishes he takes a deep breath and says "I hope you are right and can't estimate the travel time myself, but I would be worried it would take longer to travel away from our destination to Magnimar and then by boat, against the rivers all the way. I would not doubt that going with the rivers would be quicker but our way up there is going against the currents." He then shrugs his shoulders.
Ameiko looks down at her map. "From Shaelu's notes, the best we can tell is that the Hill Giant base is near the Storval Stairs, a journey of some 12-14 days from Sandpoint. How you reach there is up to you. I hope we will have some actionable intel tomorrow.""Ah, closer than I thought! While that is worrying in terms of an attack, it means we don't have as far to travel. May I see your map, Ameiko?" Providing the innkeeper agrees, Sivi stands on her chair and examines the parchment. "Hmm-hmm. Okay, everyone, gather round! Fortunately for us I've been up the Storval Stairs before."
The gnome points to a spot on the map of Varisia. "Here's Sandpoint. While there isn't any direct access to the Yondabakari here, it's not far to Magnimar, which does a great deal of river trade. Even backtracking a bit to Magnimar, traveling by water will be faster than riding the whole way. I suggest we take a riverboat to Wartle. It's not much of a town, but if we're lucky we can catch a boat going north into Ember Lake. If not, we'll have to ride to Nybor and buy passage there." She traces a route north. "From Ember Lake we'll go up the Lampblack River to Ravenmoor. Strange town, they don't let outsiders stay overnight, but we can resupply there if necessary. That's the last stop on the river, so we'll have to ride from Ravenmoor to the Stairs. To answer your question, Aradesh, yes. In order to make maximum speed all of us will need mounts." Looking up at the group, Sivi beams and claps her hands together. "And there you have it! Any questions?"
"Hmm, maybe not then. An alternate route would be to ride northeast to Wolf's Ear, then go up the Lampblack River." Sivi shrugs. "I like boats, and I'm usually not in this much of a hurry. Dolgrym has a point."
Aradesh looks at the valuables brought before her. "You're taking a large risk paying us this much when we've yet to do anything. However, my thanks for this show of trust. I will invest in some items to keep us alive. If that will be all, I will finish my dinner and retire to my room. The road ahead seems long. Best head out with some sleep."
”Ah, thank you!” Sivi scoops up her bag of gold (which looks comically oversized in her hands) and deposits it in her haversack. ”Not sure if any of us know how to hunt and forage for food, I certainly don’t. I should buy more rations just in case. I forget, does Father Zantus sell potions?”
Dolgrym nods his head when receiving his gold and says to the group "I would recommend an mount or other reliable way of traveling for the day. Also, extra food and water would be good things to include in the saddlebags of your ride. I am skilled at getting along in the wild but, we will make better time if we ride and don't have to forage."
Pierre orders food from the Rusty Dragon's staff, flirts with some waitresses, and plays some cards, with the party, if they're interested, until it is time to rest up. He goes up to his room and sleeps in his armor, as you can never be caught unprepared.
The food at the Rusty Dragon is free of charge thanks to Ameiko. There is some music and card playing at the inn to try and establish some semblance of normalcy, while everyone awaits the next carrier pigeon the next morning. Only a minimal amount of alcohol is served to keep the party sharp and on point. The night passes uneventfully....
The next morning, around 8:00 am, after daily prayers and meditation for your spells, you meet downstairs for breakfast. You are chit-chatting while you enjoy your meal....
When you are jolted from your reverie by the sounds of crashing and crunching of bones and screams of people are heard outside, as you hear what appear to sound like explosions of stone to the south! As you stand up, you hear screams of
Dolgrym jumps to his feet and casts a spell to make him faster. Then then moves toward the door. He turns his head over his shoulder "I will not leave without you. If you have preparing to do good. I am going to look out the door and see what is going on while you do so."
Hanna moves forward with her countryman and stops when he does.
"What are ya waiting fer. Let's go and show them giants that there are two dwarves at hand and their plans are all for not! By Torag's beard let's have at them!"
She steps outside of the Inn and looks to see where the giants are attacking.
Aradesh freezes upon hearing the scream for help, but recovers quickly and immediately casts a spell while everyone is getting up from the table. The party can feel its desire to kill giant's rise! Then, she stands and flies closer to the door, stopping just inside the building. "So they're already here. Don't take too many risks. If you need healing, fall back to me." She looks at Hanna. "...Even you."
She then shakes her head as she peers outside. "Though... How did they get here so quickly, and without warning? Did they capture this Shalelu...?"
Pierre leaps to his feet at the scream with an excited smile, "Hot damn, they're here! Time to see me in action, boys and girls!" He looks to see if anyone is casting any buffs to wait for them and then springs to the door, heading south. He expertly draws his longsword as he maneuvers past the two dwarves standing at the door, "Excuse me, excuse me, the action awaits!"
"By the gods, how did they get here so fast? Wait up a second, Pierre!" Sivi sings a few fast-paced, cheerful bars of a song in a language that nobody can quite identify. Instantly the world seems to be moving slower. "There, that's better." She switches to a different song, this one slower and more intricate. The gnome seems to split into seven different versions of herself. All seven load their crossbows in unison and step out of the door, moving toward the sound of combat.
With the extra speed from Sivi's spell, the dwarves can double move 80' and Pierre moves 120' this round. As each of you runs outside, you see bedlam, as villagers are tripping over themselves to find cover and safety. You look to the south and see the bright sunny morning marred by dead bodies of guards where you entered the town. Across the river, about 300' from the entrance of the Rusty Dragon, you see three hill giants laughing and drawing 3' tall rocks from a sack and preparing to launch another salvo at the town!
As you are about to head south and engage the giants, town bells sound and echo from the N and NE as you hear the familiar sound of rocks striking the walls of the town in the distance. It appears that Sandpoint is being attacked on multiple fronts!
Pierre sees the carnage wreaked by the giants. Oh, they were going to pay for what they did. He looks at the dwarves and speeds to the south. "Bless you Sivi for your spell! These giants are mine!" He looks back at the dwarves with a hearty laugh, "Don't be late to the party slowpokes!"
Round 1:
Pierre will scream "Get out of the way, hero coming through!" to the panicked villagers as he double moves 120' toward the giants. He will be 100' from them at the end of his turn.
Ugh, there are times when having short legs is such a pain. But Sivi isn't about to go up against giants without some protection. She sings a slower, more intricate song, splitting into seven identical versions of herself. With that, the gnome races outside at her top speed, following Pierre and the dwarves.