AOO(With Smite and Power Attack)
Chamomile shudders behind Tin's knees as the Giant's club rends the armor and flesh of the warriors surrounding him. His last Sting having no effect, he decides to scoot out of direct danger, choosing a moment when the Giant isn't glancing his direction.
Taking into account his Damage Reduction, you have so far done 192 points of damage to him, through swords and axes and a fusillade of arrows. (By the way, Alia, what color are your fletchings?) He's unsteady on his feet, but still a dire threat.
Durnast, something catches your eye...
Off to the east, behind the giant, you see the hanged man at the gallows, the one with the sign reading "CHEAT". His eyes seem to have regenerated somehow. He's looking at the fight and grinning.
In the distance behind him, you see two orcs at the blacksmith's shop. They're also observing the fight, and they look tense.
Jylan still has his Attack of Opportunity and regular actions in Round 2.
By the way, Alia, what color are your fletchings?
From somewhere south of the Camp, a howl answers Alia's. "I come", it says.
Tinthariel edges closer to Chyressa, but still not close enough to reach out and heal her. "Closer, madam! Careful!" He extends his healing power to Jylan for now, hoping to keep the warrior alive long enough to bring this brute down.
As soon as the giant moves, Jylan's axe lashes out:
AoO attack roll:
Damage:
Artimus, your sword blow, backed by the unquenchable holy might of your faith, takes the giant down. He's dying. In a moment, he'll drop out of rage and die. Jylan still has a full action to take, and the rest of you have a single action, the same as a surprise round, to act if you want to do something before the lumbering hill giant passes.
Over by the blacksmith's forge, one of the half-orcs Jylan had spoken with shouts: "Kill 'im! Jylan, finish the bastard off!"
Behind Durnast, the two acolytes dare to peek out the door of the Chapel. "By the Rod, they killed Gurg!" gasps the woman.
Alia does not move and stays focused as the Camp is not a friendly place. Had she wanted it, her healing knowledge would be too weak anyway. But as the giant falls, she looks around to see who witnessed the battle and what their reactions are. She pays special attention to the east where something or someone seemed to have angered the giant.
Perception
Sense motive
To the east, past the hanged man, is the smithy.
Chyr struggles to keep her feet, bending over to spew her guts out, and taking a stumbling seat on the corpse of the fallen foe.
I could have died just then, she thinks to herself. Orcus's spit-bucket, what have I gotten myself into. As she clutches her injuries, she looks at the rest of the injured party, and feels something she hadn't felt in a long time...Gratitude towards others.
Artimus reaches forward and puts a hand on Chyressa's shoulder, focusing his inner power to help soothe some of her wounds, though the cleric is obviously much greater of a healer.
He looks to Tin and then down to the giant, knowing that his words may not be the most appreciated at the moment. "Can you stop his bleeding? Something caused this fury in him. Perhaps we could learn what it is, shared and soothed pain makes for a great ally."
Lay on hands
Chamomile zips up and away, half-way across the plaza towards the gallows and the smithy.
GM:
Staggering back from the fallen Giant, not sure if he's still dangerous or not,
I let out a shaken breath, and drawing my sword (finally), wipe my brow on my sleeve.
Yes, I do think we are on the right track for this Tsar, Throne of Orcus...
"Yes, if it's in one of yours' capacity , please stabilize him for now."
"I wouldn't lose sleep over his death after that, but from the sounds of things he has both friends and enemies here.
It may be wise to clarify the situation, to know what we are getting into before making enemies needlessly.
...As Artimus says, if we can make allies out of this event, all the better".
"...Is everyone OK?
I swear you must have some Feline Ancestry, Jylan, those blows seemed enough to end any MAN's life..."
Behind Durnast, the two acolytes dare to peek out the door of the Chapel.
"By the Rod, they killed Gurg!" gasps the woman.
I turn at the acolyte's words but don't say anything. ...Adepts of Orcus, shocked at Death? ...In THE CAMP...?!?
-+------+-------+-
5' stepping back from the Giant just to be safe,
I'm Readying a Color Spray in case any Healing brings him back into positive (or 0) hp's and he tries anything.
If he ends up Stabilized/Unconscious, I use Detect Magic on him :
Chyressa noticed his club was magic so might as well check that out.
Chyressa flinches at the touch of her new friend, but her caution turns to a look of gratitude as the healing power washes over her. Then she realizes what is going on...
"Heal him!". "Heal him! you say". "He nearly killed all of us and you want to heal him". "I really don't care about his motivation...first of all he's a giant...to me that means evil...Second of all he nearly wiped us all out in less than half a minute and you want to heal him".
"I'll have none of that". "I'll be over at our camp if any of you live through this".
And with that Chyr begins to briskly move away from the fallen foe.
Tin's breathing is heavy as he pulls off his helmet to get more air. The stink of the place starts rolling into his nostrils, but it won't last long. The helm's coming back on as soon as he catches his breath. Chyressa's outburst nets her a glare and a sigh, but nothing more. Tin steps closer to the giant and touches his massive chest. He whispers, "All is well. Come on, enough bleeding for now."
"This giant longed for death., says Alia, coming out of her silence. " And he had already turned down your offer, Artimus. Both you and Tinthariel are looking for trouble over this. But his life is yours now, I won't try to take it again." she adds in a even voice.
Having said her piece, Alia concentrates on her surrounding again. How are the acolytes and the half-orcs by the smithy to this new situation ?
Something private.
Your master must have been mistaken. There's been no change since you arrived here, and there's no response to your inquiry.
Using Protection From Evil to cast a Cure Serious 3d8 + 7: (1, 2, 6) + 7 = 16 for 24 total.
The giant rouses to consciousness and momentary fury. Then, before he can stand, his rage passes, he shudders, and falls unconscious. He's stable, but he'll be out for at east a day.
..
I turn at the acolyte's words but don't say anything. ...Adepts of Orcus, shocked at Death? ...In THE CAMP...?!?
The man looks at you, trying to read your reaction. "That's Gurg, the leader of the, what do they call themselves? The 'Smashers'?"
"The Pounders, luv," replies the woman.
"That's right, the Pounders. They hire themselves out as guards for caravans in the desert. Or, at least, they did."
-+------+-------+-
I use Detect Magic on him. Chyressa noticed his club was magic so might as well check that out.
Spellcraft on the weapon:
You recognize the dwoemer for keen weapons, threaded along the spikes.Spellcraft on the only other item that radiates magic: a little terra cotta jug:
This item has a simple link to the elemental plane of water, nothing sophisticated. I probably produces water upon a command word, rather than summoning anything like an elemental spirit. A nice parlor trick, and handy in the desert, but not really a "go-to" item in a straight-up fight.
Check and check.
Having said her piece, Alia concentrates on her surrounding again. How are the acolytes and the half-orcs by the smithy handling this new situation ?
The half-orcs have left the blacksmith's forge area. They might have gone inside his place, or they might have other duties.
The acolytes of Orcus exchange some worst with Durnast and then head into the chapel.
Other people pass across streets in sight, gaping at the site of such tremendous violence, but no one asks if you need any help or spends too much time worrying about it.
You think for a moment that there's someone moving behind you, but it's only the corpse on the gallows, twisting in the wind.
Seeing the giant is out of comission, Artimus moves to join Chyr. He offers a hand to further help aid her in her recovery before he begins to speak.
Lay on Hands
"The giant was a fearsome foe, but there was something beyond evil in his eyes. He was in pain, great pain, so much that he sought to spread it to others. He needed to be stopped, but he didn't need to be destroyed. Perhaps now his pain can be soothed and the source discovered. With this we may have a new ally, and at the very least we will have a greater knowledge of what is out there that can cause such devastation to one of his strength. As you said, he nearly bested us all, I would not wish to be surprised by what defeated his people."
He then turns to start back towards the others, adding before he goes "I suspect that you know much of feeling pain and sharing it with others. You may have moved beyond this now, others deserve such a chance."
Edit:
Edit:
Maybe it's just the oppressive atmosphere of the Camp.
Seeing the giant stable but unconscious, Tinthariel gives a sigh of relief as the adrenaline that comes with danger wears off. He replaces his helmet then speaks to Artimus. "We should ask the blacksmith for shackles of some kind, then find a cart and a place to keep this mad soul until he regains consciousness. Was anyone else hurt? I still have strength left to mend wounds, if necessary. If we need to speak to the giant, I can heal him further after he's prevented from causing more damage."
"Durnast, have they just said he was the head of the Pounders ?" Alia shakes her head in disbelief.
She then turns to the three other men and glares at them. "We have just jumped paws first in a pack territory war", she adds. "I know that the Pounders are...well were a new pack of mercenaries. The half-orcs you were talking with, Jylan, are part of Clantock's Furious Fourteen. I have heard the Pounders were taking Clantock's jobs. This may have been their answer.
So this one", she says pointing the Giant "thinks we are part of this. And the other ones won't be happy with us not killing their enemy."
I stare briefly at the corpse of the "Cheater", then I shake myself as if getting rid of lingering fear or doubt, looking away from both the corpse and the bloodied Giant at our feet.
"One of you who felt the brunt of the Giant's assault the most may want to claim his club. It is enchanted in the way... to effect a killing blow more often. He also has a flask on him which brings forth water without end. A good thing to have, perhaps, in this Desolation..."
"...So this one", she says pointing the Giant "thinks we are part of this..."
I raise my eyebrows at Alia's next to last sentence,
not wishing to find an explanation so quickly, but I take in the whole of her words with interest."Indeed... These Furious 14 Orcs would likely be most happy with news of this Grog's death, but they also may have some knowledge as to why we were attacked out of the blue like this, and to what fate this Grog's band has met... If THEY did not have a hand in it, it may be something to be ware of... For us and them."
Nodding at the Elf's words, my gaze seems to retreat into internal perception...
-+-----+-
Clairaudience (680' range) targeted inside the Smithy, I'm not sure if I had seen it from the inside before to know of different rooms, but I pick a reasonable location to pick up any conversation (probably in a back doorway of the 1st room if I'm familiar, otherwise 15' back from the front door).
Cam is just circling above, looking out for anything the humanoids might miss:
2 Perceptions
I was inclined to go over to the Smithy and ask them what they think of this "Grog", whether we should let him live or not, and who/what they think managed to wipe-out Grog's band(?). I actually wanted to have any witnesses speak for or against (killing) Grog, but the Orcs & Acolytes already went back inside, so that doesn't work so dramatically anymore :-)
Oh yeah, I can stow the Flask of Endless Water if nobody else wants it, but we should really set-up the way we will be splitting any loot in-character. Me and Art and Jylan are all clearly on a 'mission', and Tyn too, but Chrylessa seems the most 'out for her bank account', so you might be the best one to broach the topic. I would instantly agree to any reasonable (standard) loot split, but the Paladin may have specific concerns... Maybe we get to this when we get to this, though.
Seeing the giant is out of comission, Artimus moves to join Chyr. He offers a hand to further help aid her in her recovery before he begins to speak.
4d6 Lay on Hands
"The giant was a fearsome foe, but there was something beyond evil in his eyes. He was in pain, great pain, so much that he sought to spread it to others. He needed to be stopped, but he didn't need to be destroyed. Perhaps now his pain can be soothed and the source discovered. With this we may have a new ally, and at the very least we will have a greater knowledge of what is out there that can cause such devastation to one of his strength. As you said, he nearly bested us all, I would not wish to be surprised by what defeated his people."
He then turns to start back towards the others, adding before he goes "I suspect that you know much of feeling pain and sharing it with others. You may have moved beyond this now, others deserve such a chance."
"you speak like many priests I know. They are good men but naive". "Yes I have had much pain, and suffering in my life...but I never went crazy and started killing people...Evil or insane people do that, and that's what he was". "Let's say you cure him, and he says he's sorry and everything is OK". "If he did it once he'll do it again". "What happens next time sombody makes him mad...does he rampage and kill a bunch of innocent pilgrams, or a family with many children". "It is inexcusible behavior, and he has been punished for what he did...but you want to give him another chance". "Some things are better off left for dead". "I will not try to stop you, and I know your heart is in the right place, but I will not be responsible for what he does". "I like him dead".
"By the way thank you for the healing". "I feel much better, and I will have your back".
Edit:
Artimus nods to Chyr, giving her a slight smile. "I have no doubt about my own naivety, but I can tell you that I am certainly pleased to have you at my side. With your suspicions and my own trust, perhaps we will find some middle-ground together, hm?"
He chuckles at that as he approaches the others. "You all know much of this camp, I truly am lucky to have you all as my allies. This is much to consider, and from what you say, it seems that we may have made as many enemies as we have allies. Perhaps, if you know who the giants allies were, we should see what has become of them. If they have been wiped out as we suspect, then it would be prudent to prepare for that and to have what knowledge we can for when our large friend here wakes up. If they have not, they may be the best place to return this one. I suspect no manacles we may secure will hold him, and allowing them their leader back could secure them as allies. Either way, they would at least owe us a favor I imagine. And if we have somehow challenged this opposing gang by not killing the giant, then it will be good to have such large friends."
He pauses in his ramblings, frowning a bit at himself as he considers how convoluted what he has said is and then gives the others a small grin. "Perhaps I should stick with my blade and leave the planning to those of you who have more experience with such conspiracy and have greater knowledge of the camp than I."
Durnast, you hear:
Voice One, Orcish: [something indistinct] ... but they picked the wrong caravan! Hah!
Voice Two, Orcish: Picked the wrong day!
Voice One: Picked the wrong team to anger! Hah!
Voice Three, Common, with weariness: Would you morons shut up? You're being spied upon. Here let me fix --*
The clairaudience goes dead.
"He chuckles at that as he approaches the others. [b]"You all know much of this camp, I truly am lucky to have you all as my allies. This is much to consider, and from what you say, it seems that we may have made as many enemies as we have allies. Perhaps, if you know who the giants allies were, we should see what has become of them. If they have been wiped out as we suspect, then it would be prudent to prepare for that and to have what knowledge we can for when our large friend here wakes up. If they have not, they may be the best place to return this one. I suspect no manacles we may secure will hold him, and allowing them their leader back could secure them as allies. Either way, they would at least owe us a favor I imagine. And if we have somehow challenged this opposing gang by not killing the giant, then it will be good to have such large friends."
He pauses in his ramblings, frowning a bit at himself as he considers how convoluted what he has said is and then gives the others a small grin. "Perhaps I should stick with my blade and leave the planning to those of you who have more experience with such conspiracy and have greater knowledge of the camp than I."
"No, I do not know more than that. But we must move. I suggest that you" she says to Tinthariel "heal the giant to wake him up. And that you " she says to Artimus tell him he must come with us. Then we ask him as much as we can on the camp and what happened to his pack. You put all the nice words around that so he trusts us.
Artimus nods his head. "If this is your suggestion, I agree. I will speak with him. Perhaps, we should be fully recovered first, just in case."
Artimus nods his head. "If this is your suggestion, I agree. I will speak with him. Perhaps, we should be fully recovered first, just in case."
What I don't know is where to go with him. The boarding house is not the best place. Any ideas ?
"Prepare yourselves, friends. Arden's light will be upon you." Tin kneels and prays softly, the words becoming a susurrus inside of his helmet. Flashes of bright light burst from his center, four times in a row. As the light washes over creatures, they feel their wounds heal and a general sense of warmth and peace. The giant is unaffected by the light, however. "I can bring the giant back to consciousness when we're ready without bringing him to fighting strength. Just say the word, friends."
A whisper speaks right behind all of the parties' ears:
The Furious Fourteen certainly do seem to know something of the events running up to this... and one of their number is also an arcanist well prepared to detect magical voyeurism like my own, ahem, spellcraft...
I suggest we prepare ourselves for foes equal to Grog here, but if they are amenable, all but Artimus might accompany me to their Smithy for reasonable business discussions. Artimus, keeping your blade on the Giant's neck for safety, of course...
-+-------+-------+-
If people want to talk with the Furious Fourteen, some basic defensive spells seem reasonable.
That's if they want to talk to us. If not... the same probably goes.
Artimus closes his eyes for a moment as he feels the waves of healing wash over him and he nods respectfully to Tin. "Truly the gods have blessed you, and all of us to be your allies. I thank you for your aid."
When Durnast speaks, he nods, accepting his abilities of magical insight as something outside of his training and besides, most of the others seem to have further knowledge of the camp and its factions then he does. He makes a mental note to talk to the others and camp dwellers to rectify that as soon as possible, he would not be the parties weak tactical link.
"As you advise, friend Durnast. I can stay here and guard our friend should any of his foes approach, or guard the citizenry should the giant stir early and remain hostile. If you wish to question those you think may be responsible and things get out of hand, give a call and I shall come running. Should you find nothing, we can still talk to the giant when we wake him."
Chyressa's stubbornness in going back to camp instead of sticking around for the reawakening doesn't net her the added healing. She is still 16 down ,but firmly believes the giant will attack again if awakened and will take her chances with natural healing.
For Chris
Durnast,
Cam reports that there are two orcs in there, talking with a human who's wearing a heavy apron. He delivered your message, and the orcs started talking back and forth to one another rapidly in a fierce-sounding language he didn't understand. The other man looked unhappy.
For Chris
** spoiler omitted **
Regarding his connections with bodyguards, you haven't really gotten much of a sense one way or another.
Artimus, shortly after the rest of the party moves off, a muscular man, balding and with a graying moustache, walks over to you. "Name's Hetman. I'm the undertaker 'round Camp. I understand you've got a body here." He glances at the hanged man. "We need to get him moved off afore nightfall, and he's a deal bigger than the usual. Could you give me a hand with the carcase?"
[
Alia gaze turns to Durnast and she grins savagely to him.
”Think before you act! I do not know a lot about the camp. But this place is not for puppies. The smithy there is the Usurer’s domain. He is the leader of the camp. And he is not part of Cantock’s pack. Maybe they work for him, maybe not.”
She then stamps up to him ”You want to go in there, you go. But I am not. I want to live. I say we stick with simple things : wake the giant, talk to him then learn about the camp and the desolation.”
Artimus gives a small nod of his head to the man. He keeps an eye on him however, as he isn't sure just who are enemies here in this town and he doesn't want the man to set him off his guard and finish off the giant. "Greetings, Hetman. I am known as Artimus. I am afraid that I know nothing of the man upon the gibbets and the giant is in more need of a chiurgeon than an undertaker. I will gladly help you, if you will allow just enough time for my friends to return to keep watch on this one. May I ask, who is this man that makes him so important?"
Diplomacy
Chyressa's stubbornness in going back to camp instead of sticking around for the reawakening
"Lady Chyressa, to where do you wander off? I believe the situation at hand impacts the expedition at large..."
Chyressa left the area when she saw they were going to try to heal the giant, and went back to wherever they were discussing battle tactics, which presumably is not in the road where they were fighting. Not really sure without a map of the area, but she would not stick around close enough for the giant to reach her. That blow hurt, and she docen't intend to stick around for another.
Chyressa, you all have been in Camp for most of the day, and have met a fair number of people. I've presumed, perhaps wrongly, that you were having your discussions as you walked along the paths between ramshackle structures.
Durnast, if it wasn't clear, your clairaudience didn't just get quiet. It was terminated.
Artimus, Hetman looks over the giant. "Huhn. I guess you're right; he's still breathing. Looks like the folks what called me were a bit premature, as they might say. I don't have anything to do with bodies till they're room temperature; then I bring the worms their breakfasts, don't you know? But I see everybody, sooner or later.
"And this man was, or I rather suppose, is, a new arrival in the Camp, making a name for himself and his boys as guards for anyone foolish enough to be going ... well, going north of here. I talked to him a few times, with him standing over bodies much as you are here. I never did catch his name, but he didn't seem too savvy, if you know what I mean. I know one time, two weeks ago, he was tryin' to set a price with the Harvester nomads. Nobody haggles with the Harvesters; they consider it an insult. But there he was, gettin' them all riled up over a few hundred gold. All he needed to do was insist on bein' paid in iron bits", and with that, he gestures towards the shadowed interior of the smithy, "and he'd have had all the money he'd wanted. Instead, he got 'em all offended, and steel as drawn, and then, well, I got to see three Harvesters.
"Well, it's gettin' on time for me to get home to my supper, Stranger. I reckon you'll want to as well. Things 'round here ain't safe out after dark.
"Be seein' you."
Chyressa pouts a while, and kicks some rocks about the earlier gathering site, mumbling to herself. Finally tired of being alone, she decides to head for "The Boarding House". She figures if any of the party lives through awakening the slumbering giant, they would probably end up there eventually.
Artimus nods his head to the man. "I appreciate the information, good sir. Do enjoy your supper." He gives him a bit of a grin. "Perhaps we shall send some business your way..." He glances down at the giant and then up towards where the others are going, probably to provoke those who put the giant in this condition. "One way or another."
All right. You folks have about 10 minutes before nightfall. The streets are deserted.
Who's going to the smithy? Who's going to the Bender Brothers' Bed & Breakfast? Who's going anywhere else --say, the Sip of Blood tavern, or the Clantock encampment?
What are you doing with Gurg's unconscious form?
As Chyressa heads to the boarding house, she remembers what she heard about using iron bits as currency and decides to take a detour, and trade in some gold for some iron bits to use for currency. She is not sure she likes that idea, and wonders if she should shave some iron off an old pot, and attempt to trade that for gold.
As the townsman leaves Artimus, Alia comes back to him. "We should not stay here any longer. Nobody stays out afterdark here, look around. Let's tow this guy to the Boarding house. We can revive him later."
Alia grabs the giant and starts towing him. If nobody helps her, she will soon stop in frustration and go back to the boarding house.
Tin uses his ability to heal the fallen on the giant (As indicated above) then inquires on the giant's story, from a safe distance of 15 feet away. He readies an action to cast Searing Light on the giant if it looks like it's about to go back on the offensive. I also want to make sure that the club is nowhere around the giant.