Pik nods, That sounds like a good plan.
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Pik shrugs, Let's see if we can get you a place to start looking. And maybe find out if anything odd is happening here, since that seems to be the norm wherever we go.
A prayer to Besmara, it is. Pik settles in as comfortably as he can. So, turning to the others as they gather in their quarters, any brilliant plans?
Pik stands ready to go.
Pik shrugs, Sounds reasonable. We could buy a few horses, if we think that would help us move faster.
Pik nods along as the man speaks, his face scrunched up in concentration. He sits silently for a moment at the end and sighs as he runs his hand through his hair. That's...a lot to take in. Hopefully this Harshnag isn't so hard to find. I fear finding audience with a Storm Giant King might be slightly beyond our means. Trying not to knock anything over as he moves, to give more room for his allies to stand, he sounds overwhelmed as he says, Any other advice? You wouldn't happen to know how to get Harshnag to speak with us? I expect a Frost Giant who wishes to be left alone doesn't handle guests well.
Pik chuckles, Yes, well, I'm sure you have a theory. He scratches the back of his head while waiting for an answer. When one doesn't seem to be forthcoming, he says, We'd be happy to go out there, into the wide world, and find out more for your...studies. We just need to know where to start. Obviously you know far more about these Giants than we do.
Pik leans on the wall near the door to respond, Well, good sir, we're not sure we've learned anything about the giants. That's why we're here to see you. The hope is that if we tell you about what these giants are doing now, you might learn more about them and tell us! He pauses a moment, then begins their tale again telling of floating castles, the missing Nightstone, hungry Hill Giants, and the fiery attack and subsequent hunt for the piece of the Vonindrod. So, do you find any of that interesting?
Pik nods agreeably, Yes, thank you for the insight.
Pik nods along as the man speaks, Indeed. Do you have a guess why they'd all become so active all of a sudden? With the exclusion of the Storm Giants, of course.
Pik looks terribly uncomfortable in the rich surroundings they've found themselves in. As Kraz says, we're interesting in what you know about giants. They seem to have been making a nuisance of themselves across the realm lately.
Pik smiles and nods. Sounds intriguing... or a scam.
Pik is happy to enjoy the company of his friends and keep his half-elven ears open for any interesting gossip.
Pik shrugs and follows the others amicably. I had no others plans.
The half-elf shrugs, I've no other plans. We could go tonight, or in the morning.
Pik frowns, Another night under the stars? He lets out a small sigh, Seems about our luck. How much do you think a floor somewhere is going to cost?
Pik nods to the thugs as they ride on by, Good behavior it is. As they ride through the town the half-elf looks about. We should drop off these horses before too much longer. We leave them anywhere in a town like this and they're liable to run off with a new owner.
Pik examines the man up and down, Well, of course! We're always happy to help improve the cities we travel through. He looks around from atop his horse, Do we get a receipt from you? Or should we call over a few guards? No offense, but you boys don't look the sort to take to writing much. I'm sure it'll all go to the right cause and all, but we've just got to make sure. With all these people about I expect that there are a few disreputable folk that might try to take our gold. Extortion, if you'd believe it. He frowns slightly, I know, it's such a shame. But you wouldn't believe what people will do when they get desperate. In any case, I just don't want us giving gold to you fine men, then another group asking not realizing we've already paid. Not that I mind spending money for a good cause, but, we'd have to be sure it's all above board. You see? He shrugs, So fellows, what do you suggest?
Pik chuckles, And by guards I, of course, mean any sort of establishment. He rests his hand on his sword belt, Seems we've got plenty of options to help clean up and we're always happy to help with that. Not that we have a lot of time on our hands, but...this doesn't seem like it'd take that long.
Outstanding, exclaims Pik, That'll save us quite a bit of time. Pik shoulders his sack and makes ready to go.
Pik nods, but as they leave he can't help himself. Wait...just a moment. He turns back to the assembly, I, uh, excuse me. I know we aren't locals. And, it's not my place to tell you how to spend your money. But, I feel like I could give some advice that might help in your decisions. He pauses dramatically, This is a tough time for your town, and many of your people have suffered. It is under circumstances like this that towns and cities forge their identities. The half-elf looks around the room, Come together. Take this opportunity to help your people. Rebuild your town. In the long run, happy and safe people will be the biggest boon to your local businesses. He turns back to Dorin, Yes, I think they know how to handle this best. I'm no expert on finances anyway! With a curt nod, he prepares to follow the others as they make their way outside. So, where to?
Of course, we'd be happy to spend the night! Pik smiles at the thought of a roof and the idea that maybe, perhaps, there's a cot somewhere for him to sleep on.
Pik smiles and waves as they approach the town. Good to see you as well! The half-elf returns the greeting as they walk up. We did, indeed, find the giants and came to an...understanding. Honorable, if also cruel, those creatures are. We're hoping that this, he waves to the chest of gold, can do something to help those that lost their homes in the fires. He tells the story of how they tracked the two giants and defeated them, the deal they struck, and the information they learned. Any idea what a Vonindrod is? Or ever heard of Ordning? He shrugs, We're not entirely sure what's going on, but it seems to have something to do with giants and an accompanying sized disagreement.
Pik's good with following wherever now that he's said his piece. :)
In the interest of keeping some momentum in the thread, I wanted to pipe up and say that I'm very satisfied with 5e. I was a bit skeptical, but I've found that a lot of the choices that have been taken away from character creation (the vast majority of which are trap choices) have been included in the actual gameplay. There are many times where I actually have choices for actions, whereas in pathfinder I often find that my choices come when picking character powers during leveling. During a fight my actions are, for the most part, preordained.
Pik looks thoughtful for a moment as a wry grin plays across his face, Let's see, the odds of us following them without them knowing...okay, that's not bad. But, it's not great. And if they do spot us, the downside is not only that we're dead, but Roderick's Cove is unlikely to survive what they'll consider as a betrayal. He shrugs, Seems like a big risk to take. Besides, we've got a massive chest of gold here to drag back to the town! And then...I don't know. Maybe, Riddleport? We need information and help, possibly in that order. Pik hefts his pack over his shoulder and makes ready to break camp while they discuss exactly where the group will be headed next.
Pik frowns slightly, It might be best not to antagonize them further. I imagine they'd take us following them as...something aggressive, at least.
Pik nods, trying to remain as solemn as the giant. Unfortunately, he also feels like smiling, so his face is scrunched up in a sort of half-smirk that looks far more self-satisfied than he intends it to be. Thank you, Ildmane. We are satisfied. You are free to take the artifact and Okssort is free to go.
Pik will play his lute as he rests and readies himself to go back to sleep. I'll pass on the yeti, though if someone puts something else together, I wouldn't object. He grazes on some nuts here and there, and eventually sits down and buries his head in his pack to fit in some sleep in the afternoon before his watch.
The half-elf peeks over the edge of the cliff before quickly pulling back. Well, that should handle the smell. He looks around the area, Anyone hungry? For some reason I'm hungry.
Pik shrugs, I suppose if he's amenable to that...that could work.
Pik shakes his head, clearing off the remaining frost. That could have easily gone much worse. Well done! He looks at the burnt and mangled bodies, We need to clean this away. Out here, this will attract th wrong kind of attention...but, how do we move this thing? The half-elf waves his sword indicating the largest of the yetis.
Pik shrugs and moves forward to stab at the creature with his rapier. Seems like the thing to do! He looks almost surprised when the rapier actually strikes true!
The half-elf shakes his head, clearing it. This started so well, he grumbles. Pik looks around to get a better idea of the plight they've found themselves in. With a frown, he reaches into his pocket, staining his fingers with sulfur once again.
Pik stands frozen in place, unable to move!
Pik ducks out form behind the apparatus. The half-elf lifts his hand to point at the oncoming creatures. Yellowish dust covers the tips of his fingers and he whispers a harsh magical word. A flash of light and the smell of sulfur and burned fur fills the air.
The half-elf looks around for any places to hide. Perhaps an ambush?
Pik's head pops up from his pack where he sits sleeping against the rock. What? What's going on? The half-elf rises to his feet, drawing his sword and tilting his head to listen. Looking around he nods, Good idea. Rath? Want to hop up there, or shall I? His query comes and he strides over to Okssort, slowing as he approaches. I'm going to cut your binding. Not in the expectation that you will fight with us, but so that you may defend yourself. If it comes to that. Pik nods his head towards the rope and approaches slowly, keeping his sword pointed down and away, as unthreateningly as one can with a sharp weapon in hand.
Pik idly plays his lute for most of the morning then settles down for some sleep after lunch.
Pik frowns as he looks around the shelter they've created. We don't have enough to cover every shift with two people. Perhaps Dorin and I on the night shift, Kraz and Silvio on the evening, and Rath for the morning? When two of us are on watch, we can have one at the other ledge. I think the morning is the least likely time for something to wander up on us. Maybe? Pik shrugs, In any case, we can't leave Okssort here alone.
Pik lends a hand where able.
Pik plays his lute intermittently as they wait. Surprisingly passable, at least comparatively, at keeping the fire going and finding a way to keep the rain off, he makes himself useful around the camp. Huddled under his cloak, he chuckles as he kicks an old charred bit of wood. Kraz, you were supposed to remind me to get a warmer cloak! I'll take the night shift. At least that way I can walk around to keep my toes from falling off. So, I guess we've got time...what's the plan after this?
I should be good to go.
Pik nods solemnly, That seems acceptable.
Pik drops the mic.
Pik frowns, Look, I'm willing to negotiate here. If you'd prefer, we can bring you and your friend back to Roderic's Cove and we can let them decide. I understand you think we're beneath you. He sighs and shrugs, But, your opinion doesn't much matter, does it? At least not now. We have you, and, he nods to the artifact, what you were looking for. If your Duke wants it, or the two of you, he can repay Roderic's Cove. Or he won't, and he won't get what he wants. The half-elf shrugs again, So you see, it's not a matter of whether you think we're lesser beings or of no danger to your realm. Your Duke wants something and we have it. He tilts his head to the side. I expect that, if he is intent upon it, he could destroy the Cove and everyone living there. But, that would take time, and a considerable amount of resources. I imagine there are a few other groups of giants just waiting for an opportunity like this. Hoping the Duke shows some sort of weakness. It seems to me that we can all get what we want here. You can bring your contraption back to your Lord, and you can repay the people what you owe them for the wanton destruction you caused. Or... Pik shrugs yet again, we can all go home unsatisfied.
Pik frowns and crosses his arms. Well, this is a predicament. You two are guilty of burning down half a town and harming countless good folk in your quest for a thing that none of them cared about, he says, as he waves a hand towards the metallic artifact. The question is, what are we going to do now. We, nor the town, have much interest in the thing. And I don't think they have any interest in going to war with you or your people. But, perhaps, we can work out some sort of compensation for the harm that you did to Roderic's Cove and perhaps the artifact of yours that they, even inadvertently, protected all these years? You seem an honorable sort, if a little callous. I certainly hope you can see why cooperation in this case would be preferable. Pik nods towards the fallen giant and turns a curious gaze back towards the female.
Pik blinks in surprise. Well, I didn't expect that. I was certainly hoping for it, but didn't expect it. He nods solemnly towards the fallen giant, Of course, see to his wounds. He remains wary of the giantess, but steps out of the way so that Rath can get to Kraz.
Pik frowns as he watches the fight, I'd drop those weapons, if I were you. Not on us, of course. The half-elf chuckles, But, I expect that you aren't smart enough to see that this won't end well for you!
Pik moves up (though still attempting to stay behind Dorin) as he pricks his thumb on the arrow in his hand. Flicking the drop of blood in the air at the giants, he whispers a single word.
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