The Entrance Friday July 27th, 2018 12:27:02 PM
There is some discussion the next morning and some of the group prepare for the day. Indeed, as soon as the group sets out, the heat is felt by all. It isn’t so bad in the shade, but there isn’t a lot of shade to be found. The sky remains completely clear of clouds and the sun beats down. Nikolai sets off to follow the tracks he found the previous night and Pompous assists him. As they travel, Pompous points out another small spring that he spots just off to the east of the tracks. The group can gather up some water and take a break there, but there is just a single tree there, apparently surviving off the small spring, that provides little shade.
As noon arrives, the group moves over the top of yet another hill. You look out and can see a bit of a valley between a number of different hills. On the far side of the valley, perhaps a half mile from where you are, you can see a building pressed up against the side of the hill. There is a very large doorway and entranceway, it looks like an old, dusty, and golden-brown temple from ages ago. What catches your eye quickly is that there are four very large figures standing around the entranceway. Two almost appear to be guarding the main entrance around the remains of a fire situated directly in front of the doorway. Two other figures are standing on top of the building next to a few piles of rocks.
Knowledge, Nature, DC 19: Highlight to display spoiler: {These are desert giants -- very mean and territorial.} Knowledge, Nature, DC 24: Highlight to display spoiler: {This type of giant is usually completely immune to fire and are very dangerous to fight up close because of their skill with scimitars.}
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+5=10 ; Friday July 27th, 2018 4:07:08 PM " Pretty nice day, if you discount the lack of shade and water. We have water creation spells ready right? We are not just counting on finding water in a desert?" "May I see the map Nikolai?" Sigvar studies the map a bit. Has this place always been arid? Is it marked as such on the map or is this a new development? He hands back the map and proceeds to study the area more closely. Of course they were going to head down and introduce themselves, eventually. He wanted to be sure how many giants they were likely to find and what their intentions might be before rushing into something. Perception 10 Is there anything to suggest that these giants are responsible for the missing people? Bones, discarded gear, wagons, horses, things like that? " Well, we can either walk on down to meet them and see what happens, maybe fight on their turf, or we can camp here and let them come to us. We might be less threatening and more approachable if we camp and these are not the mean angry giants we are looking for." "We can also be more prepared and set a perimeter to hold rather than entering their obviously guarded set up." "Does anyone speak giant?" " What's the plan?"
Sigvar's Dashboard Endure Elements 24 hours
Prudence Gundle Friday July 27th, 2018 6:33:04 PM
"I do like the idea of letting them approach us, but only if we can find someplace defensible to camp," Pru says. "I can't create water," she adds. "I mean, I suppose I could make a Wall of Ice and we could catch the melt-off, but that wouldn't be very much."
" Me thinks those bigguns are going to throw those big rocks at us. So... Melee we fight very tall and strong giants. From away, we get rocks chucked at us. Be told, I don't like either options.... "
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:27, FF:26 (ucdodge) HP69/89 Me+16(11)13 F+6, R+14,W+7, CMB+12, CMD+24 Friday July 27th, 2018 9:06:44 PM Nah, if we camp here and they come across us we come across as trespassers or interlopers. If we walk down, in full view of the camp mind you, and approach openly like we have business there, it will put them in the right frame of mind to receive us. We are now either traders of dignitaries. Tactically it's a bit of a disadvantage, but strategically its a better call. we need to come in strong though, fresh as we can be and looking good. Pru, you need to be rocking that awesome smile of yours .
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Sunday July 29th, 2018 2:32:45 PM
"Giants are intelligent creatures, and far more sociable than most sorts of monstrous races. Ultimately, what is the reason we are approaching? Are we asking them to leave, or are we exterminating them? That should dictate what our approach is."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+6=18 ; d20+18=25 ; Sunday July 29th, 2018 7:06:34 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Knowledge Nature +6 DC19,24 = 18 Nikolai's studies are centered around the undead, not giants.
"I like the idea of knowing a little more about them before introductions. If we can't determine anything from observing from here, like piles of discarded bones or unusable gear, then sneaking in and scouting invisibly would be the next plan of action."
He scans the area for such items that might indicate their activities, such as items clearly not the usual for giants and discarded items.
Perception + 18 = 25
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:27, FF:26 (ucdodge) HP69/89 Me+16(11)13 F+6, R+14,W+7, CMB+12, CMD+24 Sunday July 29th, 2018 9:47:04 PM we need to be really careful then, What would the Fist do if they caught an armed party scouting the Citadel? Like Akir said, these guys are smart, and it looks to be, fairly civilized if we come at this wrong we could be in for a war.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 d20+17=26 ; Sunday July 29th, 2018 10:32:57 PM
Anna sizes up the giants (Know {nature]: 26)
Anna says, "Welp these are fire giants. They are very territorial and aggressive and are practically immune to fire. They also are very skilled scimitars."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Monday July 30th, 2018 7:22:48 AM "My mother described Fire Giants once, after her Fist faced them. Those guys are not wearing the heavy armor and carrying greatswords like the Fire Giants she described." Highlight to display spoiler: { Please reread the spoiler. These are desert giants. }
The Entrance Monday July 30th, 2018 10:16:41 AM
The Agents pause and look over the area. The shallow valley is far and wide, so you cannot get a very clear view of the giants. You can certainly see them and can tell they’re giants, but, well, they are giant-sized. You can see the remains of something near the entrance to the place they seem to be almost guarding, but it could be a campfire or a pile of rocks. You can observe the two near the door sitting down and they might be talking to one another. The two above the door are walking around a bit as if they are on guard duty, but they’ve got quite a view of the surrounding area, so they’re not exactly staring off into the distance. Every now and then one of those two bend down and pick up some pebbles and toss them, perhaps playing a game of some sort. Pompous does notice there are a couple piles of larger rocks stacked up next to the two in the raised position. He also sees that all four have very large curved swords strapped to their waists (scimitars). Nikolai looks around and doesn’t really see anything that doesn’t look like it belongs, but at this distance a pile of human bones wouldn’t be too visible, either.
There is a bit of discussion about whether to approach the giants, or to allow them to come to the Agents in a defensible position. At this point the Agents aren’t really trying to hide themselves, but they are just at the edge of a rise. In fact, the Agents might be highlighted against the sky from the point of view of the giants. But the giants are still half a mile away or so and don’t appear to have noticed the Agents yet…
Knowledge, Nature, DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {This is all completely natural and is just an area that does not get a lot of rainfall, so plants and animals have adapted to this arid environment. There is little water available all around.}
" Maybe we send one person to test the water per say? Someone fast and stealthy that could make there way back if there's problems? Heck, maybe they just want us to pay a toll to pass through."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Monday July 30th, 2018 7:22:04 PM " They may just want to live here in peace and the last scouts that came here might have been seen as as attack because they were stealthy and not open. I'm going to go see what they want and have a word with them. If they attack me then well we know they are hostile." Sigvar starts walking down the hill towards the giants. Sword sheathed and no weapons drawn. He waves towards the giants as he approaches. He DOES however ready an action to go totally defensive if they start throwing boulders at him.
If attacked +4 dodge AC
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:27, FF:26 (ucdodge) HP69/89 Me+16(11)13 F+6, R+14,W+7, CMB+12, CMD+24 d20+4=24 ; d20+4=15 ; Monday July 30th, 2018 7:40:09 PM
Michael had to think for a little bit but he finally remembers where he read about these guys. I think these are Desert Giants, I think they are immune to fire like fire giants, but not quite as evil. I could be wrong though. . The Agents being trained soldiers would not silhouette themselves by standing on top of a hill, they would do what is called a military crest setting up just behind or just in front of the ridge. in our case probably just behind.
I'm pretty stealthy, and with my potion of expeditious retreat, I'm pretty fast. Invisibility would make me a whole lot stealthier though. and If I had some way of understanding their speech I could listen in on their conversations and gather a little more intelligence. also taking to the roof or hiding in a culvert usually precludes someone looking actively for you, so If I can get in undetected I should have the run of the place. for that matter if one of you could shrink me as well, then I could walk into the place like I owned it. or better yet. Anna could turn into a buzzard and carry my shrunk butt up and over the compound, drop me and I'll use my Ring of Feather fall to get down. I've got a mirror, I'll spend the night in the compound seeing what I can find out. if it's golden, I'll flash the mirror at you three times at dawn. if it's bad, I won't' flash. I'll try and Escape and evade...no...wait a minute. if I'm in there I can prep the field of battle. I might can get their order of battle, troop dispositions and maybe do some things to screw them up a bit...man it times like this that I wish a had some sovereign glue and some oil of slipperiness. if I don't flash and you don't see any signs that I've been caught wait till nightfall then come in. I'll keep an eye out for you and link up with you once you are in the compound. if it's really really bad...I'll just try and get out alive.
Michael keeps it under control, but inside he is positively jumping up and down. He lives for this kind of cloak and dagger, infiltration snake eater stuff!
when he sees Sigvar start to walk toward the compound he feels a moment of regret, no snake eating for him it seems. then he brightens up. This was probably the better way anyway.
Prudence Gundle Monday July 30th, 2018 9:16:15 PM
"Sigvar, before you go, let me cast Protection from Arrows on you. It should help if they start throwing rocks. Well, unless they're magic rocks, which I doubt."
If Sigvar consents, he gets DR 10/magic against ranged weapons, until 100 points of damage has been prevented.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 70/106(BrianZ) Monday July 30th, 2018 9:54:41 PM
"Sigvar, do you speak giant? Are you sure you want to approach like this?"
Trayvin isn't sure if this is a good plan, but the Agents will need to be ready to back it up if needed. He readies his weapon and shield and hopes for the best.
OOC- Trayvin can create water, and can speak giant. I don't think it would be a stretch to say that he would have mentioned this previously.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 Monday July 30th, 2018 10:21:07 PM
Anna says, "I could turn into Mist and slowly seep over to them but I would only have 16 minutes to get all the way to them and Mist moves very slow. Alternatively would it be odd if Sigvar is carrying a dead log with branches? I could turn into a dead log for 8 hours"
Michael Wittman AC:32, T:27, FF:26 (ucdodge) HP69/89 Me+16(11)13 F+6, R+14,W+7, CMB+12, CMD+24 Monday July 30th, 2018 10:52:12 PM Heh! I do that when I've had too much to eat and drink at the last assignment
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Monday July 30th, 2018 10:53:03 PM
header updated.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) Monday July 30th, 2018 11:07:56 PM
Nikolai tells Sigvar to hold back. "Sigvar, we are professional soldiers. When we can, we scout the 'objective' first. We've got time, plenty of it. We'll go, but at night and scout first. We need some leverage and confirming what they've been up to lately may give that. Also, My understanding is that protection from arrows won't work against such large objects as ballista bolts and rocks. So hold off."
Nikolai looks for a place down the hill on the other side where they can discuss their plan for the night and be out of sight.
"I'm pretty stealthy and can see well enough at night. Michael is stealthier. Sigvar can have a Silence spell on him. Anna can turn into a night creature. Bat or something. We need to get close enough to hear what they say and check out their refuse pile. Although evidence from a refuse pile is circumstantial at best, it is enough to go on for starters. Any ideas to add to that?"
Nikolai pauses a little and then adds, "Then we traipse into their camp at dawn and see what they say."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+5=15 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2018 7:25:46 AM
Sigvar waits, since that is the order he is given. He does not see the issue. They are soldiers and talking to these guys achieves their objective, no matter how it goes. He is confident he can handle the six giants they see, or at least remain standing until help arrives. But orders are orders so he waits and listens to the other ideas. " No I don't speak Giant Trayvin. I was going to hope they spoke common. They are big, but not necessarily dumb." " I am not going to sneak in there, silenced or not. It isn't in my skill set and I will surely get anyone with me caught. One does not sneak an elephant into an opera house." "I do not see why we need to go through all of this cloak and dagger. Scouts were sent, they didn't come back. Walking up to their front door and asking them if they are responsible is the fastest, and surest way to resolve this." " If they are hostile, they will try to rip our faces off. If there are more than the six we see then Prudence walls them in and we retreat. If it is just the ones we see, we end them, threat resolved." "If they are NOT responsible I am willing to bet they know who is. We get the information we need on the real threat and then go recon that, rescue whomever we can and bury that threat." "If we walk down there we will know in about two minutes if they are really the problem or if they are being pointed at as the problem because they are big, scary and have poor social habits towards outsiders. " Am I missing part of this where we need to make it harder than it needs to be?" As a precaution, Sigvar scans the sky for, well, you know, Slartanus. He has a way of manipulating things so that what seems to be wrong is just a trap to get the Agents to look the wrong way while he strikes from a different direction. Perception 15
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Tuesday July 31st, 2018 12:04:40 PM
Akir frowns.
"Yes, you are Sigvar. Lets say you go down there, but get attacked. There's no promising you are going to overpower them, or hold off until we arrive. Also, giants tend towards neutrality, so your special skill set would be a bit less effective than usual."
He thinks, then adds.
"There's nothing we lose but time by using our scouts. And this mission is not time sensitive."
The Entrance Tuesday July 31st, 2018 2:43:38 PM
There is much discussion about what to do next. Michael prefers sneaking. Sigvar prefers walking up to them. Is there another solution?
The giants do not act as if they have seen the Agents still. Sigvar does not see Slartanus.
OOC: There are just four of them that you see, not six...
(Feel free to discuss tactics in email if that will speed the decision along).
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+17=36 ; d20+19=28 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2018 10:50:06 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
"One thing we might find out is how many there are, actually. Right now two at the door and two on the top. We watch to see if they change the guard. Might be even 4 more. Then we might also see the chief. So there could be nine," Nikolai shrugs when Sigvar voices his disapproval of sneak tactics. On the other hand, that goes with any fighter's point of view. To each one his strengths and weaknesses.
"Approaching during daylight when there is little to no cover isn't good. Does anyone know if these desert giants have any night vision capabilities? If we start our approach at dusk we can be there by nightfall. Meanwhile, a couple of us will keep watch over their position for any changes, comings and goings, and such. I'll take position atop this hill and watch until dusk, then anyone who wants to follow can sneak in with me. At least at night everyone else can still get closer. we sneak in from different directions to keep our approach less detectable."
Nikolai finds a spot on top of the hill where he can keep watch and stay fairly hidden. Behind a boulder or rock.
He thinks how fun it would be to use his hat to look like one of them but unfortunately the hat has limitations, such as size. Although he could show up as a gnoll and speak gnoll to them. Just a thought.
At dusk he gives work for the sneaks to do some sneaking and sneak up on the camp.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 d20+17=30 ; Tuesday July 31st, 2018 11:49:18 PM
(know[nature]:30)
Anna thinks of what she knows of these giants as far as their senses and any nocturnal activity and informs Nickolai. She then says, "If we had a cart we could try to size them up by having some of us pretend to be lumber jacks with me being a dead log in the cart but we don't have that. Do we have any chains? Could Sigvar pretend to be a lumber jack and he could drag me chained in log form behind him?"
Pompous AC 25 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+13=24 ; d20+20=33 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 8:24:49 AM
" My bow and I will stay back with Nikki, that sneaky sneaker, and provide cover for the rest of you. "
------------------- Stealth 24 Perception 33
Prudence Gundle Wednesday August 1st, 2018 10:41:55 AM
"If we wait until dark, that puts us at a disadvantage," Pru warns. "I have spells that will work at a distance, but not if I can't see what I'm aiming at."
The Entrance Wednesday August 1st, 2018 1:35:22 PM
Nikolai suggests that the Agents sit back wait and watch. He thinks there may be as many as nine of the giants in the area! Anna thinks for a moment and realizes that the usual desert giant can indeed see well at night (low-light vision). Pru suggests that she will not be as effective in the darkness.
However, there are no overt objections, so the Agents retreat behind the crest of the hill and stay out of sight. Nikolai takes up a positon near the Agents, well-hidden, but where he can see the giants. He watches throughout the afternoon. The giants actually don’t see to do much. The two on top continue with their apparent game. Later in the afternoon, the two at the base manage to start a fire. One of them slaps the other one and they appear to argue for a moment, but you are far too far away to hear them. Finally one of them points out into the distance, and the other one at the base takes off at a slow walk towards the east. The two on top look down and watch the others. At no time does Nikolai see any other giants, nor do any of the four he can see head into the entrance of the building.
As evening approaches, the shadows lengthen. The sun is setting in the west, so there is no inherent tactical advantage since the giants are directly north of the group.
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Wednesday August 1st, 2018 6:30:43 PM
"Yes.", confirms Akir. "They do have lowlight vision, like an elf, more or less."
Akir harumphs.
"This begs the question, are any of you going to need magical assistance with your own vision?
As he asks the question, he casts Elf Vision. It will last for a bit more than an hour, and Giants weren't fans of cold iron as well as he could figure. As the elven vision spell takes over his own senses, he relaxes and waits for the next move.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 70/106(BrianZ) Wednesday August 1st, 2018 8:56:29 PM
Trayvin waits anxiously. Sneaking around wasn't really his cup of tea. "I would offer a silence spell, but then you wouldn't be able to hear what they are saying."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+5=17 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 9:38:34 PM " So I will wait here in the dark and come if I hear screams. I can't sneak, I can't see and if I need to run there to help you I am the slowest member of the group. See you in the morning after the recon." Sigvar will stand vigil for the night while the sneakers go sneak. Without rest he will be fatiged, but he can eliminate that with either a spell in the morning or a lay on hands. Perception 17
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Wednesday August 1st, 2018 10:19:30 PM
Michael spells Nikolai off and writes in his book about the giants. He notices that there are no women among the giants. that means that this must not be a permanent outpost. he watches for the one headed north
Hey Nikolai, want me to follow that one headed north? he's obviously up to something, it could be useful to know what. and if it's no good, one less giant in the compound can only help us.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+14=17 ; d20+17=31 ; d20+19=32 ; Wednesday August 1st, 2018 10:47:33 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
"Sigvar, you are fretting over nothing. You will get ample chance to swing your weapon when the time comes. You've been an invaluable partner each time we get into a scrap. But sometimes it is time to try things that others are really good at first. Let's try that.
Michael, I had the same idea. We need to go together. Most likely he's been sent out for food or firewood but catching one alone is better than tackling four. If we find nothing useful, Sigvar will have the opportunity to parley with them.
The rest, sit tight and keep watch. And smoke me a kipper, I'll be back for breakfast. Let's go Michael."
Nikolai and Michael head around the hill and try to pick up the trail of the solo giant at some point out of sight of the giant's camp.
Survival (Track) +14 = 17 + 1(luckstone) = 18
Stealth while following the tracks + 16 +1 (luckstone) = 31
Perception +18 +1(luckstone) = 32
Prudence Gundle Wednesday August 1st, 2018 11:29:54 PM
"Sigvar, would it help if I cast Darkvision on you?" Pru asks. "That way you could respond quickly if they get into trouble."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 Wednesday August 1st, 2018 11:38:58 PM
Anna says, "I take it you want me to stay her because I can only be stealthy for short bursts of time?" She activates her darkvision SLA when it gets too dark.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Thursday August 2nd, 2018 12:19:36 AM " Not really Prudence, but thank you. I would only be able to see a few feet, They are going over a half mile away so all I can do is wait and see if they run into trouble. If that happens then yes, darkvision would be helpful. I just don't think splitting up is a good idea after we were told this could be a dangerous mission."
The Entrance Thursday August 2nd, 2018 7:49:02 AM
Nikolai and Michael head off to try and locate the solitary giant. It does take a few minutes to find him -- while they might have expected him to be crashing through the brush, he is actually moving quietly and carefully. After a moment's observation, it would appear that he is hunting, but he hasn't found anything yet...
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Thursday August 2nd, 2018 12:15:50 PM
Akir, heavily armored, is in no position to sneak after anyone. He stays alert, and keeps his scythe at the ready.
Prudence Gundle Thursday August 2nd, 2018 4:42:59 PM
Pru stays with the main group, and waits.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Thursday August 2nd, 2018 6:02:51 PM
Sugvar waits
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 d20+23=35 ; d20+18=28 ; d20+10=15 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2018 8:06:23 PM
Michael falls in with Nikolai, they watch each others back and move like ghosts through the scrub when they find the Giant they find a good place and watch the large creature hunt.
stealth 35 +1 luckstone = 36
Percetion 28 +1 luckstone = 29
survival 15 +1 luckstone = 16
Pompous AC 25 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=40 ; Thursday August 2nd, 2018 8:49:06 PM
Pompous stays behind and keeps his senses peeled for trouble . ————— Perception check 40
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 70/106(BrianZ) Thursday August 2nd, 2018 9:47:19 PM
Trayvin doesn't like when the group splits up, but sometimes it is needed for the Agents to play their strengths. He paces in the camp for awhile waiting for the recon to return.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 Thursday August 2nd, 2018 11:49:43 PM
Anna also waits.
To her fellow companions who were left behind she asks, "Do you think we will be able to find the scouts in one piece or only their remains?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+15=33 ; d20+17=22 ; d20+19=35 ; Friday August 3rd, 2018 1:17:44 AM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
As Nikolai heads out on their scouting and spying trip he does not like the idea of splitting up. But this time it seems necessary. They need to know where the giants get their food, raid for it or hunt for it.
Nikolai observes the giant as it looks like it is hunting for supper.
He whispers to Michael, "We'll watch for a while. It is important to know if they raid farms for their food or get it from the wild. Anything we learn about their temperament will help us in any diplomacy. If he does not catch anything, maybe we can create some food for them to improve their attitude towards us when we talk to them."
They keep at a safe distance following the giant and watch.
Survival (Track) +14 = 17 + 1(luckstone) = 33
Stealth while following the tracks + 16 +1 (luckstone) = 22
Perception +18 +1(luckstone) = 35
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Friday August 3rd, 2018 6:30:54 AM
Sigvar looks to Anna and answers her. " I don't have anything to base an answer on Anna. We don't know if the scouts encountered these giants, or a mountain lion, or if Slartanus dropped down and scooped them up. We know by general reputation that these kind of giants are territorial but not evil and that's it." "I still say that talking to them would have gotten a whole lot more answers, faster. But let the guys sneak around and watch one of them for awhile, what could possibly go wrong?"
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Friday August 3rd, 2018 1:52:01 PM
hiding in the bush, Michael feels a cold chill go down his spine, though he cannot hear Sigvar, those fateful words ring of doom echo through eternity and chill him.
The Entrance d20+9=27 ; Friday August 3rd, 2018 5:59:23 PM
Michael and Nikolai are successful in remaining hidden from the giant as he walks around. He appears to follow a game trail and occasionally reach down and check something on the ground. He heads down into a small dip in the ground and as Nikolai peeks over to see where it has gone, Nikolai finds he is staring directly into the eyes of the giant! It points at him and yells out in common, "You there! Trespasser! Drop your weapons now!"
It draws a very large scimitar and is slightly downhill of Michael and Nikolai, about 120 feet away. Michael, however, has not quite peeked over the hill, so he can hear the giant, but clearly hasn't been spotted.
OOC: Sorry for the late post, crazy week! Regular posting times should re-occur next week. The bit about Nikolai and Michael and the hill were just role-playing that the giant rolled a 27 to spot and Nikolai only had a 22 stealth but Michael had a 36. The three are far enough away that at the moment neither the other Agents or the other giants have heard what's going on.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 70/106(BrianZ) Friday August 3rd, 2018 7:51:42 PM
Waiting was the hardest part of being a soldier. "I hope the scouts are ok. You may be right Sigvar, but I think we will now have to wait and see how it plays out."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+3=16 ; Friday August 3rd, 2018 11:22:16 PM
Nikolai quickly recovers from the surprise. "You aren't having any luck hunting. I drop my weapons, I can't help you catch your dinner. Now you are obviously hungry and not having any luck. We can either work together or I can just leave you to your hunting and maybe go hungry. Do we have a deal?
Besides, I'm just a little guy, with a bow. What danger could I pose to you? One smack from you and I'd be squashed!"
Diplomacy +2 +1(luckstone) = 16
Prudence Gundle Saturday August 4th, 2018 1:37:36 PM
"It'll be good to have more information," Pru says. She is trying very hard not to worry, and not succeeding.
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 d20+23=43 ; Saturday August 4th, 2018 4:07:26 PM
seeing how Nikolai is FINALLY going to try diplomacy, in the worst possible circumstances he could possibly have imagined and that to be fair he was warned about. Michael figures his appearance would probably do more harm than good at this point. He slips carefully back into a nice hidey hole to wait unobserved to see how this all plays out.
Stealth 43 Natch 20!
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Saturday August 4th, 2018 8:27:14 PM
Akir continues to wait with the others. He watches as a butterfly lands on his scythe.
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Saturday August 4th, 2018 8:27:14 PM
Akir continues to wait with the others. He watches as a butterfly lands on his scythe.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 Monday August 6th, 2018 12:08:13 AM
Anna also waits with the others. She activates her longstrider SLA just in case she needs to move quickly while she is still waiting on word.
The Entrance Monday August 6th, 2018 12:37:02 PM
The group awaiting the scouting party look around and watch. There is little to see at this point, and Nikolai and Michael are completely out of sight and have been for some time now. Peering back over the rise at the entrance to the temple, you can see the other three giants still there. The two on top are now sitting down and appear to be tossing small rocks at one another. The one in front of the door has started a fire and is tending to that fire, staring into it at times. Akir has fun playing with a butterfly…or were there two butterflies?
Meanwhile…
Michael completely vanishes into the growing darkness and even the mosquitoes aren’t able to find him. The giant listens to Nikolai and then stomps towards him, swinging his sword, and yells, “You are trespassing! This is our land, not yours! You are puny and cannot help me find food, the food here is mine, no sharing!”
It has approached to within 30 feet.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+5=8 ; Monday August 6th, 2018 7:16:46 PM
Sigvar keeps watching the giants that stayed at the "temple". Perception 8
Prudence Gundle Monday August 6th, 2018 8:29:01 PM
Pru forces herself to stop pacing and sit down. She offers up a prayer to Domi. Then Alemi. And she just keeps going from there.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+3=5 ; Monday August 6th, 2018 8:45:47 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Nikolai steps back 5' and replies, "Trespassing? Sorry. I'm just wandering through. But what are you afraid of? As puny as I am, if I catch something to eat, you'll just take it from me anyway so I don't ask you to share. But if I DO manage to scare something up for YOU to catch, you won't be out so late and the sooner you catch something, the sooner I'll leave your land. That is, if you aren't really hungry at all and are just pretending to be hunting, I'll just leave you to your pretend hunting game and leave your lands."
Readied Action (Swift): use Ki point for +20' Move for 1 round Readied Action (Move): Run (base speed 50') If giant moves closer than his current 30' distance, RUN!
Diplomacy +3 = 5 (not good, oh well)
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 Monday August 6th, 2018 10:21:28 PM
Anna starts telling the others of some story involving Eberyon that is relevant to the current situation (either involving giants or scouting or something similar)
(OOC: Activating Cradled Spread the word bonus, Anna and anyone who wants to listen to her story get +2 bonus on their next saving throw. Anyone who listens except Anna can't participate for the rest of the module if Anna spreads the word again)
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Monday August 6th, 2018 11:31:19 PM
Michaels hide is good, so he waits and listens. .
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Tuesday August 7th, 2018 12:25:50 PM
Akir shakes his scythe, sending the butterfly off. He heads to campsite and sits, pondering how long they should wait. They didn't set a time frame. He notices Pru looks far less composed than usual.
"He's fine, Prudence. They both are. Even if Nikolai isn't much in a straight brawl, he makes wise decisions. And he's escorted by a four foot tall ball of murder."
Pompous AC 25 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=23 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 3:26:58 PM
Fighting the urge to start signing the Dwarven fight song, Pompous keeps watching....
============== Perception 23.
The Entrance Tuesday August 7th, 2018 4:14:16 PM
The group keeps watch in the direction where the scouts had gone. A few moments later, Pompous thinks he can see something moving quickly towards the south in the brush and the little hills, away from where the scouts had gone (so the movement is from where he saw Nikolai and Michael go towards the south, not directly towards the group, but due south – where the scouts had headed basically northeast in pursuit of the giant who had headed directly east from the giant camp. I hope that makes sense).
Meanwhile…
The giant continues coming towards Nikolai, clearly very angry at him for not dropping his weapons. Nikolai turns tail and takes off at a run away from the giant. The giant starts running as well, but somehow trips has he reaches the top of the rise, but he continues staring after Nikolai from the ground…
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 d20+23=37 ; d20+14=30 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 5:40:47 PM
Michael carefully withdraws his hoopak back into his hidey hole, hopefully, the trip will give Nikolai a good head start on the giant. now if I can just keep from being found out he thinks to himself as he checks to make sure he's still hidden, luckily the giant is still concentrating on Nikolai. Michael thinks of something and reaches into his pants of plenty for his chocolate bunny, he got it from a Christmas lottery at the giggling ghost. when he eats it, it turns him dirt brown and adds a +2 to his stealth score for 10 rounds.
stealth 37+2= 39.
stealth is a patience game. Michael stays hidden until the giant leaves, then he ghosts back to the hill with the others. He was lucky he found this abandoned badger warren it's a good hide.
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 70/106(BrianZ) Tuesday August 7th, 2018 6:02:26 PM
"There isn't much activity, but the one that left the camp hasn't returned yet. I'm not sure if that is a good sign or bad."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+6=15 ; d20+5=23 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 6:56:26 PM
Survival 15 " It looked like he was going hunting. To feed four huge creatures like they have there he would need a fair amount, and this place has not got alot of game, so he could be gone for hours. Best to settle in for a long wait." Perception 23
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 Tuesday August 7th, 2018 10:31:56 PM
Anna continues regaling the other with a tale of Lord Eberyon and how one of the abilities granted by Eberyon is the ability to turn invisible for a short period of time.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+14=30 ; d20+18=22 ; Tuesday August 7th, 2018 10:47:52 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
The going is not too bad and easy enough for Nikolai to keep ahead of the giant. A glance back and he notices the giant taking a tumble. That helped. Nikolai takes a direction that heads away from the camp and around a hill. Climbing the hill, he lays prone and looks for the giant in case it follows. He figures that Michael can make himself far more scarce and should make his way back to camp. Not that they discussed that, but that's what would make sense.
Once Nikolai is sure the giant isn't following and not visible, he works his way around back towards camp, making sure he's on low ground, not on a hilltop. Michael is resourceful and Nikolai has no worries that he'll not find his way back ok also.
Getting back to where he feels he's close to camp, he makes a low wolf call, almost a whisper, to announce his presence and waits for a response.
OOC: we are the Wolf Regiment, even if those designations were done away with in the reorganization of the Mailed Fist.
Survival (find way back to camp) +14=30 Perception +18 = 22
Prudence Gundle Wednesday August 8th, 2018 12:05:03 AM
"Thanks, Akir," Pru says. "It's just difficult, not knowing."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+6=20 ; d20+5=12 ; d20+17=21 ; d6=3 ; d6=3 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 5:53:20 AM
Perception 12 Survival 20 Sigvar hears something out in the darkness. " What was that? Sounded like a wolf. Grab your gear folks, we might have company." Sigvar readies an attack in case a wolf, or wolves comes bounding into camp. Attack hits AC 21 for 12 damage
The Entrance Wednesday August 8th, 2018 11:08:49 AM
Nikolai runs away from the giant and away from camp. He dives behind a hill, hoping to keep out of sight of the giant. Peeking back over the hill, he can see the giant walking around, looking around, but not immediately spotting him. He crawls back down the back side of the hill and works his way back to the camp. Michael, the ghost, easily stays hidden from, well, everything in the Wold.
As the sun continues to set, the Agents at camp wait and watch. Eventually they hear the sound of a wolf and Sigvar prepares to attack about the time Michael suddenly appears standing in the middle of the camp, looking like he has been rolling in the dirt.
Pompous AC 25 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=28 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 2:31:05 PM
ooc> Double dipping here and posting yesterday's and today's.... Time zone differences are messing me up a bit.
Before..
Pompous motions to the group and point [ ooc In the direction explained by the DM} to where he saw some movement...
" There.... someone flanking maybe? Should I go see what's going on? "
------------------------
Now...
" Looks like the gang's all here.... I'll go keep watch ... "
------------- Perception- 28
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 70/106(BrianZ) Wednesday August 8th, 2018 8:30:57 PM
"Michael, you are back by yourself? Is Nikolai ok? What happened?"
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Wednesday August 8th, 2018 10:05:44 PM hmmm...I figured Nikolai would beat me back. we..I was sneaking on that Giant realy well, but I guess Nikolai made a mistake and got spotted. the giant demanded that he put down his weapons and surrender, but Nikolai kept bluffing him until he could run off. I tripped the giant as it started off after him, I'd found a old badger warren to hide in and the giant walked right past it, I stuck my hoopak between his ankles and he went down, and stil didn't see me! The giant tramped around for a little while looking for Nikolai, but never got wind of him. He should be making his way back by now.
Prudence Gundle Wednesday August 8th, 2018 10:20:32 PM
Pru sighs. "Sounds like they're not very friendly, then. Should we camp here? Try to approach them in the morning?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+18=34 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 11:12:02 PM
OOC: Boy I whish this site would stop logging you off in the middle of a post so when you post you loose everything! Grrrrrr. :(
IC: Nikolai begins to approach when Michael appears. While Michael gives his report, Nikolai retrieves his Everburning Torch and cupping his hands around the brilliant tip so only a beam of light shines ahead rather than all around, he enters camp.
"At least we found out they go hunting for food. That doesn't say much about them though. I was worth the try. Tomorrow we let Sigvar execute his plan for contact. Perhaps they sent their dummkopf out to do the hunting and another one of them has more wits about him."
He digs into their ration pack and picks out a share and sits down to eat. "If that giant doesn't catch anything, they'll be hungry. If we can create some food for them, we might be able to use it as a bargaining tool for information. If they start chasing us, we can drop the food and hope it slows them down."
He takes his watch when his time comes. Perception +18 = 34
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 d20+10=23 ; Wednesday August 8th, 2018 11:21:25 PM
Anna says, "Did you say something about trespassing Nikolai? If the giants are trying to claim these lands it makes me wonder how exactly are they organized and who is giving them orders. I think Sigvar should try to figure that out when he attempts to parley tomorrow."
Anna tries to scare up some food to share with the giants seeing as how she can forgo food herself as long as she gets sunlight.
(Survival: 23)
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Thursday August 9th, 2018 12:13:03 AM
Akir isn't so sure that taking them some food is going to cut it.
"People hunt, giants hunt, even when they aren't hungry. You bring back food to store it, which is a simple technique even the dumbest of giants are familiar with."
He sniffs.
"I'm not saying it's a bad plan, but we shouldn't consider food a bargaining chip worth any more to them than some mutton is to us. Lets not forget that giants are well documented to eat anything, even other humanoids. We could be offering them a wing while looking like the steak."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Thursday August 9th, 2018 6:34:44 AM " I have some skill at diplomacy, but nothing like the charm that Prudence brings to the table." "Prudence, would you be willing to accompany me to go talk to them in the morning? I do not in any way think you need it, but I will protect you should they decide to try and eat you. Frankly I think you are braver than I because you would face them without even the benefit of armor." "The commander said nothing about us discouraging them from setting up a residence here. She just said that sooner or later we would encounter one another and we needed to be sure that the encounter would not lead to conflict, or well, dead civilians." " Don't get me wrong, if they came looking for a fight we can and will show them the fastest way to Lord Gargul's throne room. But, if their intention is to settle, and we lay the ground rules for a peaceful, possibly mutually beneficial coexistence, then we may have a strong ally to the north to help keep the region stable when we have other issues to deal with." " For all we know they might have been displaced by the bloodgrass invasion and are just looking for a new home. I want to deal with them in the most positive way I can, and maybe that will be enough to make this a friendly encounter rather than a battle."
The Entrance Thursday August 9th, 2018 11:57:59 AM
The group convenes and discusses options. Pompous peeks over the hill to keep watch on the giants. As he watches, he sees one of the giants on the top of the entranceway walk over to the edge and lean back, hands on his hips. Perception, DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {He is taking a leak on the giant below!}. A moment later the giant on the ground jumps up and starts waving his fist as the giant above. The two on top laugh at him. A moment later, the other giant rushes into the campsite. He has his sword out and is waving his arms and pointing off in the distance. A minute later, the other giant from the ground level draws his sword and the two of them run off towards the east. The two giants on top seem more alert and are scanning the horizon in all directions.
Prudence Gundle Thursday August 9th, 2018 3:58:07 PM
"I'm happy to come with you, Sigvar," Pru says. She smiles. "And I do wear armor, but it's a magic spell and you can't see it."
Pompous AC 25 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=28 ; d20+20=25 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 4:32:57 PM
Pompus motions of the rest of the party forward and points to the east....
" As fun as it was to watch one biggun relieve himself on the other... they now seem to be all worked up about something.... eastward..... the two on the ground took off swords in hands.... Me wonders what could have giants so worked up? "
----------------------- perception 1 28 perception 2 25 ( keeping an eye out while a decision is made as to what to do next.. )
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 70/106(BrianZ) Thursday August 9th, 2018 10:59:09 PM
"Well which direction did Nikolai and Michael return from? Maybe he was reporting the intruder he found."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+15=35 ; d20+19=24 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 11:23:50 PM
Spells in effect: Mage Armor
Nikolai only takes a second to think the new developments through. "I doubt that he's that excited about me. He wasn't that excited when we first met, I don't think he'd suddenly decide to get that agitated. He must have come across something else that he thought he needed help with."
He finishes off his meal and grabs his pack. "Would be best if we found out what it is. If we need allies out here, these giants just might come in handy. Let's go."
Nikolai hands Sigvar his Everburning Torch just in case light is needed then leads the group in the general direction the two giants went.
Survival (keep in the general direction) +15 = 35 N20 Perception (looking for the giants or whatever got their attention) +19 = 24
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 102/102(22 temp hp) -- CMD 25 d20+12=32 ; d20+4=24 ; Thursday August 9th, 2018 11:51:29 PM
(Perception: 32; natural 20; has darkvision 60 ft; Stealth 24)
Anna moves off in the dark with Nikolai to find out what has the giants so uppity.
Active Effects: Darkvision: 8 hours - darkvision (60 ft) Longstrider: 8 hours - +10 base speed
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Friday August 10th, 2018 8:57:30 AM
Sigvar falls in with the others. He passes on the torch, pulling his own out of his pack instead. " To be clear, we are going to try to help the giants if they are not oppressing someone?"
The Entrance Friday August 10th, 2018 2:04:29 PM
Nikolai leads the Agents off into the growing darkness after the pair of giants that headed off to the east. The land here is rough and dry, with various scrub bushes clinging to live on the hills. There are a few tall, dry grasses growing in patches and the occasional lone tree or cactus that manages to find enough water to survive. The ground is uneven with many rises and falls, various hills, and the occasional dry stream bed leading generally downwards. The way east gradually starts to reach into lower elevations, but the going is difficult as there are no roads, and don’t even appear to be any game trails in this area.
As you continue along to the east, searching for tracks, there are sections of more level ground and a few places where some grass still remains green. With Nikolai’s skills in checking the ground, he can see that there is likely a spring nearby that is a source of water for the area. In a few moments, you do indeed find a trickle of water flowing along, heading even further down. Looking down along the path of the small stream you can see a bit of green indicating where the stream trickles. There are green grasses and even a few taller trees that actually might provide shade during the heat of the day.
It is while you are looking down along the path of green that Anna spots some movement. She sees a couple of trees that are shifting that don’t appear to be from the wind. That’s around 100 yards down along the left side of the path of green, likely something moving under the trees there. The trees are taller there, certainly tall enough that it could be giants, but it could be something much smaller, she can’t really tell from this distance.
OOC: If you are going to attempt to hide while approaching, please be sure and add stealth rolls. Perception rolls are useful for about everyone here, but feel free to help one another if you’d prefer there.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+5=20 ; Friday August 10th, 2018 3:29:35 PM
Perception to Aid Pompous's perception roll 20 Pompous gets a +2 to his perception check. " There, in the trees, right behind that tall one. " Sigvar points out what he sees to the more skilled people in the group. He does not draw a weapon, but prepares to cast a spell on himself should it be needed.
Prepare to cast Eagle's Splendor if it is the giants, or if it is something he can readily identify as EVIL.
" Remain calm, no weapons in case it is the giants. We want a good first impression, we are easily good enough to handle 2 giants if it comes to a fight." He does not hide.
Pompous wipes some sand out of his eyes but his perception skills are still better then most... he reports to the others what he sees before taking position behind and to the side of the rest of the group.
------------------ Perception 24
Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 70/106(BrianZ) Friday August 10th, 2018 7:28:11 PM
"Well if it is not the giants, maybe we shouldn't approach as a large group. There may be other inhabitants here worth meeting. If we all go together we may scare them off. And if it is the giants, well maybe there will be one last chance at diplomacy."
Prudence Gundle Friday August 10th, 2018 11:06:28 PM
"Well, we are a large group," Pru points out. "And if they've already seen us, then some of us peeling off and hiding will make us more threatening, not less so. Let's wait a moment and see if they come to us."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+19=23 ; Friday August 10th, 2018 11:27:53 PM "Well, they certainly have keen eyesight. But a giant hiding in the trees is an anomaly, isn't it? If they saw us, they might not have seen Michael. Wouldn't hurt for Michael to sneak off. In any case, pausing a bit to observe wouldn't hurt either. Just kind of spread out a bit and make yourself 'small'."
Nikolai steps to the side a bid and goes prone, watching the area where the trees were disturbed.
Perception +19 = 23 Low light vision
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) d6=5 ; Saturday August 11th, 2018 11:45:35 PM
Making himself small felt a bit silly, given the size difference between he and the giants already.
Like Sigvar, he's ready to cast a spell if need be.
Anna Morphling[compsognathus] (Hugh C) -- 29/18/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 23 d20+12=29 ; d20+12=24 ; Sunday August 12th, 2018 10:27:55 PM
Anna uses her beast shape 2 SLA to take the form of a tiny compsognathus. Anna now a 3 foot long green dinosaur stealths forward to get a better idea of what is out there.
(Stealth: 29; with longstrider her speed is 50 feet so I think she can stealth at 25 feet w/o penalty) (Perception: 24; has scent, low-light vision + darkvision 60 feet)
Active Effects: Darkvision - darkvision : 8 hours Longstrider - +10 base speed: 8 hours Beast Shape 2 - form of compsognathus: 40 foot base speed, swim 20 feet, low-light vision, scent, bite+12 (1d3+3) +4 dex, -2 str, +1 natural armor, +2 AC, +2 attack, +8 stealth, +4 fly -2 CMB/CMD, space 2-˝ ft reach 0 ft.
The Entrance Monday August 13th, 2018 12:41:25 PM
The Agents freeze when the movement is spotted in the trees. Everyone looks carefully to try and identify the source of the movement, but no one can get a clear view of the area beneath the trees. Anna disappears and a little green dinosaur appears in her place. Dino-Anna works her way forward to try and get a better view while remaining hiding in the brush.
Anna sneaks forward and eventually spots the two dinosaurs. They have stopped moving and are squatting on the left side of the tiny stream. They are looking across the stream and carefully gesturing to one another. One points at the ground, then across the stream. The other nods and the continue to sit and wait, swords drawn, as they look across the stream (to Anna and the group’s right, the group has approached from upstream, basically).
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Monday August 13th, 2018 12:54:00 PM
The DM wrote Anna sneaks forward and eventually spots the two dinosaurs. Can we assume you mean Giants, not dinosaurs?
DM edit: Whoops! Could they be giants that beast shaped into dinosaurs, too? Yeah, I did mean giants...
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Monday August 13th, 2018 3:15:40 PM
Its much cooler in my mind as dinosaurs.
Prudence Gundle Monday August 13th, 2018 4:41:24 PM
[Maybe Anna's new shape affects her perception, so everybody looks like dinosaurs. We all look like various dinosaurs, and the giants look like really big dinosaurs. :) ]
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+19=29 ; d20+19=33 ; Monday August 13th, 2018 9:28:58 PM
Spells in Effect: mage armor
Nikolai keeps Anna in sight as she scampers on down the stream. It's not easy as such little dinos' skins are natural camouflage but he manages.
Perception +19 = 29
He notices she stopped forward movement and looks intently at something, lithe tail pointing straight back, head stretched and pointing straight forward.
She spotted something. Patience. She'll come back and let us know when there is enough information.
Nikolai patiently waits and watches and listens.
Perception + 19 = 33
Prudence Gundle Monday August 13th, 2018 10:05:36 PM
Pru also waits. She doesn't attempt to hide; if giants approach them, she is better off trying to talk to them.
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 d4=3 ; d20+23=34 ; d20+23=36 ; d20+23=29 ; Monday August 13th, 2018 10:21:48 PM
tired from his stealth Michael was rather zone out for most of the day. but he comes back to himself when the rustling in the trees is noticed. he finds a place to hide.
Stealth 34.
Anna Morphling[compsognathus] (Hugh C) -- 29/18/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 23 d20+16=21 ; d20+16=26 ; Monday August 13th, 2018 10:58:29 PM
Anna returns back to the cover where her friends were waiting and whispers to them about either the sword wielding other dinosaurs or trolls (OOC: Are the trolls were-dinosaurs in hybrid form or maybe fellow Morphlings?)
(Know[Arcana], Know[Nature] : 21; 26 to try to figure out if the Trolls are some kind of 'thrope or if they just might be rather large Morphlings of Maab)
The Entrance Tuesday August 14th, 2018 11:24:57 AM
Anna returns and tells the others about the GIANTS that she saw in wait. Pompous, with his excellent eyesight, spots two deer on the far side of the stream, quite a distance from the group, but likely opposite where Anna described spotting the giants...
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Tuesday August 14th, 2018 2:36:22 PM
"I'm losing faith that this will end in something other than conflict. Not that we did it intentionally, but our actions have riled them up. If we had approached, we might have had a chance to negotiate. At this point though, I imagine they think we are up to something."
" They are hunting... there are two deers at the far side of the stream... With only two bigguns remaining at the top of the entrance, this will likely be our best opportunity to sneak in. We need to move now. Either we distract the two up top to make our way in, our we somehow get past their senses and make our way in. Either way... we need to take advantage of this opportunity and move... "
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Tuesday August 14th, 2018 5:08:15 PM " I agree with Akir. By not approaching this honestly and openly we have set ourselves in a position that now requires alot of explaining. I doubt I would believe us. We can dig ourselves a deeper hole and mess with them more, or we can head back to camp and wait until morning and approach them like I suggested earlier."
Prudence Gundle Tuesday August 14th, 2018 5:28:37 PM
"If they're hunting, then we shouldn't approach them," Pru says. "But I don't think sneaking in is the way to go either. Some of us aren't very sneaky. Anyway, we don't know for sure that they're enemies."
Anna Morphling[compsognathus] (Hugh C) -- 29/18/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 23 Tuesday August 14th, 2018 10:39:39 PM
Anna whispers, "Mayhap we stealthily observe where we can to gather more information and then send Sigvar to parlay in the morning. Either that or we send a team of scouts perhaps Nikolai, Michael and maybe me to go in while it is less heavily guarded and see what is going on in there. What are the giants guarding?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+17=25 ; d20+15=23 ; Tuesday August 14th, 2018 11:26:25 PM
Spells in effect: mage armor
Nikolai whispers, "They haven't seen us. They are focused on those deer. We'll move out and head back. Then we can discuss meeting just two of them at night or all four of them in the morning. For now, let's not make things worse and spoil their hunt."
Nikolai inches back and away, back towards their camp.
Stealth +17 = 25
Survival (find way back to camp) +15 = 23
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 90/90 (Ken E) Wednesday August 15th, 2018 11:03:19 AM
Akirs patience with the situation was wearing thin, but his logical mind was far stronger than his emotional impulse.
"Back it is. Let us come like diplomats in the morning, instead of thieves in the night."
The Entrance Wednesday August 15th, 2018 12:15:58 PM
There is some additional quiet discussion as Pompous describes the deer he has spotted. The group generally seems to think sneaking around isn’t going to work now, though Pompous thinks this is the time to move. Nikolai starts moving back to camp and the others move with him. He quickly leads the way back to their camp a half mile from the entrance and the giants.
The shadows are very long now as the sun continues to descend. You can already feel the cooler breezes of the night moving in, quite a relief after the heat of the day. After a short time you see the two giants come back to their camp and they stoke up the fire. You can see large lumps with them, likely the deer they were stalking before. Two of them sit at the fire and eventually as the darkness increases, the two on top join them at the fire. They appear to be roasting their deer over the fire.
Darkness has come and the Agents need to decide if they will spend the night, or make an approach to the giants now…
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+5=8 ; Wednesday August 15th, 2018 6:01:10 PM
Set watches and spend the night. Perception on watch 8
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Wednesday August 15th, 2018 10:08:27 PM
Michael gets his gear right during the night. He is going to look ship shape in Bristol fashion when they march into that camp.
Anna Morphling[compsognathus] (Hugh C) -- 29/18/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 23 d20+12=31 ; Wednesday August 15th, 2018 10:22:24 PM
As Anna got some sun, Anna does not need rest or sleep being a plant kin so she keeps a vigil as long as the night persists and she has darkvision.
(Perception:31)
Active Effects: Longstrider - 8 hours +10 to movement Darkvision - 8 hours darkvision 60 ft
Spent SLA: Beast Shape II, Darkvision, Longstrider
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+19=38 ; Wednesday August 15th, 2018 10:26:11 PM
Back at camp, as they prepare for the night, getting something to eat, set watches, finding a spot to sleep, Nikolai speaks up. "Well, ok, so it would appear we wasted our time. But really, we did learn a few things about them that will help us tomorrow. This is the first time we've dealt with this sort of thing before, well, maybe not the first time. We did encounter another group that turned rather hostile on us out of some paranoia and we ended up killing one of them before things settled down. But anyway, since our foe is suspected to be giants of some sort, the more we can learn about these the better off we are. I think we did an excellent job even if it seemed rather boring or contrary to instinct. I thank each one of you for your support."
Nikolai turns in until his turn at Watch.
Perception +19 (watch) = 38
Pompous AC 25 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=21 ; d20+10=27 ; Thursday August 16th, 2018 6:41:24 AM
"With all due respect, these giants are not friendly to other races, are a risk to anyone that crosses their path and are way to close to home for comfort. This may be above my rank to say, but we need to chase them back to their own lands. We don't even know why they are out of this far out or what's past that entrance. Orc dropping, they could have some farmer's family tied up in there for their morning snack! "
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Thursday August 16th, 2018 8:10:53 AM " So if we just chase them off and don't find out by asking them why they are here, how does that solve our problem? They decide they are going to come back and they bring more numbers and really cause trouble, maybe kill someone. Did we do a good job?" "Or, we can talk to them and see what made them come here. Maybe they were chased and we can help them out and gain allies. Or, like you say, maybe they are hostile and attack us. We are a match for them. I see nothing that says we do not win a fight against them if it comes to it. There is nothing lost by being civil and talking to them first. Violence is our trade, but should be our last resort." " If they do have someone held in that temple looking place and one of us sneaks in there and somehow gets caught we will be one soldier down and still have no intelligence that helps us. Are you suggesting that because they defended their camp against someone sneaking around that we do our recon in force, storm their camp and see what is going on in there? How would you react to having your camp invaded?" "Me too, I would fight first and question any survivors later. You can't judge someone who is defending themselves against an unprovoked intrusion if they react badly."
The Entrance Thursday August 16th, 2018 10:29:20 AM
The Agents prepare for the night and continue their discussion around the giants. Anna volunteers to keep watch all night and the night passes quietly and uneventfully. In the morning the discussion continue, with some wanting to chase the giants away, while others favor the diplomatic approach. As the sun comes up, with it comes the heat of the arid day. How will the Agents approach this encounter in the light of the day? Will they continue to wait for more from the giants? Will it be as hot today as it was yesterday?
Prudence Gundle Thursday August 16th, 2018 11:18:30 AM
"I think Sigvar and I should approach them, as we discussed," Pru says. "If they turn hostile, there will still be plenty of time to fight them."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) Thursday August 16th, 2018 7:03:31 PM
OOC: I just remembered I'm supposed to post for Brian. Sigh.... Sorry. :(
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Thursday August 16th, 2018 9:47:09 PM I think we should all go, but you should lead Prudence, we will act as your entourage. we need to go in looking, official-like we are supposed to be there, that we have business there. if we go in acting like spies and trespassers we will get treated like spies and trespassers. sure they might have a farmer tied up. we cannot go on "might be's" and whatever else our imagination can think up. if these giants are settling here we can find out a lot more through an official capacity than we can by assuming they are evil and killing them. For Wardds sake guys. How would we react to someone snooping around our camp?
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 25 Thursday August 16th, 2018 10:20:59 PM
Anna says, "If we are all going then I will serve as Pru's Honor Guard, if things get hairy, I can look exactly like Pru for a few minutes and hopefully draw their fire."
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) Thursday August 16th, 2018 11:34:46 PM "Since one has seen me, I'll use my hat to look different and not speak so as not to give myself away.
He dons his Hat of Disguise and changes his look to that of 'human' and looks like his father, a face and body and mannerisms he is very familiar with.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) Thursday August 16th, 2018 11:37:14 PM
Subbing: Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 106/106(BrianZ)
Trayvin volunteers to be a second pair in Pru's Honor Guard.
Before the group moves forward, Pompous casts Barkskin on himself ( AC 28),
The Entrance Friday August 17th, 2018 2:45:32 PM
As the sun rises, the group prepares to approach the giants. Pru is volunteered as the leader. Anna and Trayvin follow her as her honor guard. Nikolai disguises himself and Pompous brings up the rear after casting barkskin.
OOC: Any other special actions before approaching? Should I assume you’re just openly marching up? Anyone hiding or not with the group at all (if so, please do roll stealth checks and describe if moving along or staying still). Safe to assume no weapons are drawn, but are visible? Barring any other surprises from the group, you will be able to approach at least to hailing range. Approach closer? Any actions while approaching (like waving a white flag)? What will Pru say? Pru can roll diplomacy, and others can roll to aid another, if desired.
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 105/90 (Ken E) d10+7=10 ; Friday August 17th, 2018 3:07:26 PM
Akir recasts his false life spell, and readies his wand of Bloodwitch Lore.
Prudence Gundle d20+18=24 ; Friday August 17th, 2018 5:35:45 PM
Pru approaches openly, a smile on her face. When she is close enough to communicate by calling and not screeching (say 40 feet), she calls out "Good morning!"
She continues to approach after that, unless the sentries seem especially hostile or defensive, in which case she stops at that 40-foot mark and motions to her companions to do the same.
[Diplomacy 24]
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+6=16 ; Friday August 17th, 2018 7:51:36 PM
Sigvar marches along with Prudence and tries to show a strong front to the group of giants. He is easily the most visible of the group, standing just under 10 feet tall. His weapon is sheathed at his side but his shield is on his arm, ready to shield himself, or Prudence if they are received hostilely. Aid another diplomacy 16, Prudence recieves a +2 to her roll
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 d20+4=6 Sunday August 19th, 2018 10:55:06 PM
we approach to within hailing distance and wait to be invited in. if no response is garnered at our approach, they announce our arrival loudly, but with tact. in any case, we stand to and wait to be recognized.
Michael tries to aid Pru as well, but fails, he hopes that picking his nose won't be noticed too much. aid another 6.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 25 d20+12=21 ; Monday August 20th, 2018 12:24:22 AM
Anna uses her barkskin SLA before approaching the giants. She wants to be as armored as possible if things get hairy considering she was planning to take fire for Pru in that scenario. She tries to keep a united front w/ her fellow honor guard and keeps an eye out for threats. (Perception:21)
Active Effects: Barkskin = 80 min = +3 natural armor
Spent SLA: Barkskin
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) Monday August 20th, 2018 12:43:58 AM
Subbing: Trayvin AC 29/14 touch Hp 106/106(BrianZ)
Trayvin stands next to Pru, hands ready to move to his weapons if it comes to that.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) Monday August 20th, 2018 12:44:54 AM
Nikolai follows at the back of the procession. He wants to get a view of the whole field.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Monday August 20th, 2018 9:33:12 AM
I neglected to mention, Sigvar recasts Endure Elements as part of his morning preparations.
Pompous AC 28 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 Monday August 20th, 2018 12:46:27 PM
Pompous stays about 30 feet behind the party and will provide cover in the event that we need to make a run for it.
---------- Active effect- Barkskin.
The Entrance Monday August 20th, 2018 12:52:43 PM
The Agents prepare. As the sun starts its journey across the sky, the group marches towards the camp of the giants. They are armed and magically prepared, and Michael picks his nose to make sure he is completely ready as they approach the campsite. When they get close, the giants take notice. The two giants up top pick up a couple very large boulders. It is only when you get close that you realize how high up those giants are and how much those boulders will likely hurt if they are hurled at you. The two giants by the fire draw their massive swords and they reflect the bright sunlight off their long, curved blades. However, the giants, seeing the group of Agents approaching so boldly, do not immediately attack. Pru calls out, “Good morning!”
The giants seem confused by the greeting. The two by the fire look at one another and shrug, but do not put away their swords. One of them points his sword at Pru and calls back, “You. Tresspasser! This is giant land now. We own it.”
Prudence Gundle d20+18=19 ; Monday August 20th, 2018 12:56:57 PM
Pru takes a few cautious steps forward. "Well," she says, "some folks hereabout are a little nervous about that. Is there somebody we can talk to? We just want to make sure everybody gets along. Neighbors, you know."
[Diplomacy 19]
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+6=20 ; Monday August 20th, 2018 7:21:08 PM
Sigvar remains ready in case this goes south. He attempts to Aid Prudence and adds to her words. " Big folks make smaller folks nervous, As you can see I know this, being bigger than most folks I am around, especially when they don't know one another. We came out to get to know you and maybe we can even become friends." Diplomacy to Aid Prudence 20 Prudence Gains +2 to her check
Trayvin AC 26/11 touch Hp 106/106(BrianZ) d20+7=24 ; Monday August 20th, 2018 9:37:47 PM
OOC- I'm back from vac, ty Jon for the subs.
"It is my hope that there can be peace." (Trayvin will translate Giant if needed)
Trayvin also supports Pru's effort at diplomacy. As usual, he hopes for the best but is prepared for the worst.
diplomacy to aid another: +4 to Pru's check(includes Oathbound bonus)
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 d20+4=9 ; Monday August 20th, 2018 9:52:05 PM No nation no matter how big it's citizens can survive in a vacuum, if we can get to know each other peacefully, it may open the doors to trade. I'm certain that cattle would be welcome, and spices and bread. we small folk would be interested in seeing what the large folk have to trade.
diplomacy 9.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 25 d20+9=15 ; Monday August 20th, 2018 10:47:55 PM
(Diplomacy: 15 vs 10 = success; Pru gets +2) Anna says, "As a servant of Queen Maab and emissary of her consort Lord Eberyon I come to spread a message of fey friendship that is open to all including giants. I can understand an urge to want to mind one's business but it seems to me that game around here is scarce and giants need a lot of food. Trade with neighboring territories could allow you to bring in more food and not over hunt your land leading to other issues down the line. Surely you will at least hear us out and if at the end of our discussion you still want us to leave we will. Question, what do you consider the borders of your territory so we know where we have to go should you still want us to leave?"
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+3=22 ; Monday August 20th, 2018 10:50:48 PM
Spells in effect: mage armor
Nikolai puts in his 2 coppers worth. "There is a lot of empty land here. What the smaller folks here, that have been here longer than you, worry about is that you, being so much bigger, start taking things that are clearly theirs. Unlike that deer there, or what's left of it, being a wild animal, was fair game for you. They worry you might decide to start taking things that are not wild, but rather belong to them."
Aid another (diplomacy) d20 +3 = 22 add another +2 to Pru's role
Pompous AC 28 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=24 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2018 6:24:55 AM
{ These bigguns invade land that doesn't belong to them, threaten the common folk by their very presence and we are extending our hand and negotiating with them?....... Well, I'm sure command will really appreciate what we're doing... }
Pompous, from a distance ... raises his eye brow in a " what are they doing???? " motion but knows that his rank demands he follows along... the ranger keeps an eye out for signs of treachery.
------------------------- Perception 24
The Entrance Tuesday August 21st, 2018 11:36:36 AM
Pompous stands back and keeps an eye out for trouble. He watches the two giants on the roof of the structure weighing the massive stones they carry, gently tossing them from one hand to the other. Michael continues to pick his nose while everyone else works with Pru to talk to the giants. Pru (with a total combined diplomacy of 29!) asks about talking to someone and wants to be neighbors. The giant who had spoken looks carefully at Pru, then at Sigvar, talking about “big folks.” Trayvin listens as the giants speak relatively clear common with little accent. Anna asks about borders while Nikolai talks about ownership of things.
The giant looks at Pru and replies, “You can be our neighbor, but you cannot trespass on our land. We own all the land we can see and especially this temple and all that is inside. All trespassers we will kill. And when we get inside the temple, we will take what is inside for our own.”
Prudence Gundle d20+18=30 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2018 5:20:30 PM
Pru smiles. "We," she gestures to her group, "will not be your neighbors. We are soldiers. We came because people were frightened and we weren't sure what was going on. When this is over, we'll report back to our commander and you'll never see us again.
"We will need to speak to the people nearby--about you claiming this land--and make sure they agree to it. I hope we can work things out to everyone's satisfaction.
"You might want to think about marking the boundaries of your territory so that people don't wander in by mistake."
[Diplomacy 30]
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+8=16 ; d20+6=25 ; d20+5=20 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2018 6:11:03 PM " Speaking about borders and territory and such. We also happen to be looking for some of our unit's scouts. They would have worn tabbards like ours and probably trespassed on your unmarked land while trying to figure out why you are here. Have you perhaps seen them?" Diplomacy 25 to aid Prudence, +2 yatta-yatta Sigvar also takes this opportunity to look over the 'temple' thse guys are in front of. Who was it devoted to and does he remember anything about it. Knowledge religion 16 He also looks the place over in general. Any sign of their missing scouts or of any other goings on that are not what the Fist wants from 'good neighbors'? Perception 20
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 105/90 (Ken E) Tuesday August 21st, 2018 8:59:32 PM
Akir is on edge, but still using his mind.
"This land probably belonged to somebody else before you claimed it. They might not like you being here. That's a problem that can be handled by small people, with small people words and writing."
He gestures at the door.
"Maybe we small people can get inside the temple you cannot, and then let you in. Maybe we can, if you agree to sign some small people writings and follow some small people rules. Small people are very complicated."
Trayvin AC 26/11 touch Hp 106/106(BrianZ) Tuesday August 21st, 2018 9:29:34 PM
Trayvin wonders what is in this temple that is so important to them. Would they leave once they get it? Who owns the temple?
There are too many questions and the Agents are going into this with too little information. At least it seemed like the giants are willing to talk.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 25 d20+9=22 ; d20+12=29 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2018 10:22:16 PM
(Diplomacy: 22)
Anna says, "As previously stated we were charged with finding out what happened to our scouts and did not intend to trespass on your land, it is quite possible that our scouts might have ventured here not knowing about your claim or they could be farther to the north of your claim perhaps. Hypothetically speaking if we swore to leave your temple alone and we do not find our scouts near here will you grant us safe passage through what you consider your lands to lands that aren't yours to the north? Our primary objective is to find out what happened to our people so as long as they aren't in your temple I don't see why we couldn't work some arrangement out we both could live with."
(Perception: 29 to look for any danger, or any sign of their scouts or anything odd about the temple)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+3=12 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+6=20 ; d20+19=34 ; Tuesday August 21st, 2018 10:28:26 PM
Spells in effect: mage armor
Nikolai watches and when the temple is mentioned, he looks at it carefully trying to determine its age and state of repair. Was this temple abandoned and they just claimed it? Did they kill the occupants and then claim it? he wonders.
Knowledge Local (had he heard of a temple nearby?) +3 = 12 Knowledge Religion (was there any sign of what deity it had once served?) +6 = 20 Knowledge History (had he read anything from their history of the area around their headquarters that mentioned this temple?) +6 = 20
Perception (signs of recent occupancy or signs of decay, and signs of which deity) + 19 = 34
"My friend has a good point about being neighborly. If indeed you claimed this spot without contest, you need to know that there are others out here wanting a 'spot' too. We happen to know of a dragon that is looking for a good lair since we chased him off his. He finds you here interested in this temple, it will perk his curiosity, since you can recover items found in there where he can't go.
So it would be wise to have friends."
Nikolai knows he stretched the details of the dragon but for the purpose of discovering the nature of these giants and if they are the ones that have been attacking the people, well, those details don't really matter.
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Tuesday August 21st, 2018 11:55:38 PM so who had this place before you guys came here?
Pompous AC 25/28 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=38 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 6:37:50 AM
{ To many people asking qqqquestions..... we're going to confuse themmm.... }
Pompous keeps an eye on the bigguns... the two on top juggling the big rocks make him nervous.
The Entrance Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 11:38:08 AM
The giant scowls when Pru says that she will not be their neighbor. He quickly replies, “We do not care if neighbors agree. If neighbors think they can take this land from us, they can fight us for it.” He thumps his chest and the other giants nod in agreement.
Sigvar asks about missing scouts, but the other giant just glares at him. As Sigvar looks around, he can see the temple looks like a very, very old building. There are not really any markings on the outside, but he can see that beyond the entrance where the giants are camped there is what appears to be a large, dark room that leads into the hills behind it. The door that may have covered this opening is clearly missing and the large space beyond appears to be wide open and very tall – tall enough for giants to easily walk about inside.
When Akir mentions going inside the temple, the giant turns to him and stares at him. He says, “You think you can get inside our temple? And in exchange we make writing? I agree. But you own nothing inside temple, it is all ours.”
Anna asks about safe passage, but the giant scoffs, “No deal. Trespassers. This is ours, period.”
Nikolai thinks hard and looks carefully at the temple. He thinks back through history and can’t remember anything about a temple in this area. He thinks he should know of something if there was a record of it. Looking over the building, he also sees no visible markings on the outside, but the building looks very old, perhaps older than the records at the citadel even. The giant answers his question with, “We have friends now. We do not need more small friends.”
Michaels asks about previous owners and the giant all laugh. The one that’s doing all the talking says, “Don’t care. Our land now.”
Pompous watches the two up top and they are indeed clearly measuring the weights of the rocks and the balance of the rocks in preparation to throw them. They are really big rocks. Pompous only: Sense Motive, DC 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {They actually appear quite relaxed and not on edge at all as their leader talks, they are just prepared.}
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 105/90 (Ken E) Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 1:50:06 PM
Akir shakes his head.
"Not just sign small people writing, but also follow small people rules, since you want land that is inside of someone elses land. And you also have to tell us about our scouts and what happened to who was here before."
He looks at Nikolai. The thumb would have authority in the field, but he couldn't actually cede land to a giant tribe, as far as Akir knew. But if it got them answers about their scouts it was worth the ruse. Besides, if the giants had killed the previous occupants rather than chase them out, they would wind up having to kill them anyways.
"So did you kill others from our Mailed Fist tribe? They would have been trespassers too, I think."
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+6=26 ; d20+5=23 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 6:40:50 PM “We have friends now. We do not need more small friends.” They have friends. Here? Where? Perception 23 Sigvar starts to think there might be someone or something they are not seeing here. Either way the giants seem to be unyielding in their decision that they now own this place and no one else is welcome, not even a little bit. He tries once more. " So a farmer or merchant that needs to travel through your valley to reach the other side, you would call them trespassers and not allow them passage? That isn't very friendly." Diplomacy 26 His question isn't as friendly as the other questions have been. It is a simple question looking for a simple honest answer. As he speaks this time he begins to concentrate on the area, looking for evil presences and ill will. (detect evil)
Prudence Gundle d20+18=38 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 8:00:01 PM
"Do you plan to stay here for always?" Pru asks. "Or do you think you might leave once you find whatever's in the temple?"
[Diplomacy 38]
Pompous AC 25/28 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=26 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 8:16:01 PM
Pompous continues playing sentry and keeping one eye on the giants and one out for trouble.
------------ Perception 26
Trayvin AC 26/11 touch Hp 106/106(BrianZ) Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 8:59:55 PM
They seem to be willing to make some kind of agreement. "If they are willing to negotiate then let's see what their terms are."
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 25 d20+9=23 ; Wednesday August 22nd, 2018 10:48:10 PM
Anna says, "Did you find our scouts to be trespassers? If so what happened to them?" She then says, "You say you already have small friends but I say one can never have too many friends regardless of size. You never know when you might the help a particular friend could offer. You seem like a capable lot but surely you must have heard of the Mailed Fist. Our organization has a lot of resources and man power; not as much as we once had, yes but we can still fulfill the requirements for many types of missions including negotiations, protection, escort, investigation, sieges, captures, field maneuvers, et cetera. Perhaps there is something we could do for you either now or in the future so why so hasty to dismiss us?"
(Diplomacy: 23)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) Thursday August 23rd, 2018 12:26:56 AM
Spells in effect: mage armor
From what Nikolai can deduce from the outside, the temple has been abandoned for a while. If anyone was living here, it was not for a permanent abode. Not recalling anything about this place from his readings, he concludes that as far as their jurisdiction goes, this is not their concern. Unless, of course, these giants had something to do with the missing scouts.
He steps up behind Pru and whispers "Let's wrap it up. They aren't going to confess to anything and we see nothing out here to implicate them. We need to continue our mission."
He leaves it up to Pru to choose the form to which they conclude their business here.
The Entrance Thursday August 23rd, 2018 11:47:35 AM
The group continues talking with the giant (and the nice diplomacy rolls are helping quite a great deal). The giant appears to ignore direct questions about the missing scouts. When Sigvar looks around for their other friends, his perception indicates that perhaps they were talking about one another, and not others. The big one does answer Sigvar with a, “All who are not our friends are trespassers. Ancient customs dictate that those who trespass are to be killed. Few would disagree with that.” Sigvar does not detect evil from other places, but perhaps a tint of evil from the giants themselves.
When Pru asks about the temple, the giant replies, “We decide what to do after we get into temple. Maybe we stay and live in temple, maybe we move on to another place.”
When Anna asks about friends, the giant laughs. But when she talks about the Mailed Fist, he says, “You provide us with protection? We don’t need protection. Who do you protect us from? Yourself? You go in and get inside temple gates for us, then we can talk about more favors.”
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Thursday August 23rd, 2018 5:18:11 PM
its times like this that Michael wishes they had all learned a sign language. while no overt signs of malfeasance have been put forth as evidence, the demeanour and obvious aggressiveness of these folk mean that any traveller passing through will be in grave danger. If they did not kill the scouts, Michael would be surprised. Still, the temple may have been their deaths, being as the giants are so eager for us to explore it. Michael realises that his suspicion has a chance of colouring his language and keeps silent.
Trayvin AC 26/11 touch Hp 106/106(BrianZ) Thursday August 23rd, 2018 10:08:22 PM
Trayvin takes a few steps towards the temple. "Why do you need help with these gates? Can't you just smash them down?"
Prudence Gundle d20+18=23 ; Thursday August 23rd, 2018 10:14:02 PM
Pru dips her head. "Thank you for taking the time to talk with us," she says. "We'll need to talk to the people who live nearby, to make sure that none of them has a claim on this land. I hope that everything can be resolved peacefully. Good day to you."
[Diplomacy 23]
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 25 d20+9=29 ; Thursday August 23rd, 2018 11:21:33 PM
Anna says,"Hypothetically speaking if we did you the favor of getting past the temple gates would you do us the favor of either telling us about our scouts if you know anything or the favor of not attacking anyone who ventures on your territory unless they are threatening or attacking you or your property? This is sort of a fact finding mission for us with regards to both the missing scouts and what has been going on up here. Our scouts were originally sent to investigate reports of strange happenings from up here and it is possible some of the reports could have been from a misunderstanding. Now you are giants, strong, fierce and tough, what threat could some of us smaller folk constitute to you if said smaller folk aren't after your temple and are just passing through?" (Diplomacy:29)
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+19=30 ; Friday August 24th, 2018 12:08:29 AM
Spells in effect: mage armor
Nikolai can see where this is going. They get into the temple and then there is no bargaining point to get back out. Whatever agreement they make to get in becomes bogus.
Nikolai steps up. "Clearly we can't come to an agreement about the temple. You lay claim to whatever is inside. We don't work for free. If we find nothing, you will accuse us of lying. This temple has been sitting here unoccupied for a very long time and probably has been picked over time and time again. We are out here looking for our team members and don't have time to go temple delving. Especially for free.
We wish you the best of luck in getting in and finding whatever scraps have been left behind. For our part, we will continue looking for the cause of the trouble that has been reported to us, even if that means crossing the land you claim. We will not bother you but we will certainly defend ourselves and are well capable of that."
He motions to his group to take their leave as he whispers [I]"Don't show your backs to them. We walk backwards until we fell it safe to turn. Michael, you are our eyes to our backs as we move. The rest keep your eyes on them."[/b]
Perception + 19 = 30 As they retreat, Nikolai pays close attention to their movements.
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet Friday August 24th, 2018 6:28:17 AM " You didn't answer my question, which is really all the answer I needed. Should I get word that travelers are being harassed or worse here I will be back. Good luck with the temple." (Sigvar also received no word on what his detect evil showed) Despite Nikolai's warning the Paladin does turn his back as he walks away. If they are going to attack him, with his back turned then they are the type of opponent he can sink his sword into.
Pompous AC 25/28 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=25 ; Friday August 24th, 2018 6:35:15 AM
Pompous keeps watching,,,,,, and makes sure the bigguns don't decide to backstab Siggy.
---------- perception: 25
The Entrance Friday August 24th, 2018 2:40:21 PM
The Agents continue their conversation and discussion with the one giant who is doing the talking while the others look on smiling.
Sense Motive, DC 22: Highlight to display spoiler: {They look quite confident and think that they have the upper hand and do not fear the group at all.}
Trayvin asks about the gates. As he does, he looks around and notices that the opening to the temple that is right behind the giants is actually an opening. It looks like a room beyond the entranceway, but it is dark inside, so you can’t really see too much in there. It is clearly a fairly large space and there is no gate stopping you from walking right into that area. As for what is beyond, you have no idea. The giant scoffs at Trayvin and replies, “You want our help, so we want you to do something for us. Is that not how fair trade works for you small people?”
Pru tries to disengage from the conversation politely, but Anna asks a number of hypothetical questions. The giant picks his nose with his free hand and says, “You talk a lot. You make strange, complex offers. We simply ask for your aid, which you have already promised to us. We can talk details about trade after you show good faith: go open the temple doors for us and then we know you are not liars and we can negotiate. Show us your small people power and open the doors.”
Nikolai takes a stronger approach and starts to back away. The giant says, “Ah, as I thought. You have no power, you have no ability. You cannot protect us from anything. We did not ask you to explore, we asked you to open the doors, that is all. And you show how small you really are by not being able to do even that. You will likely not even defend yourself against the flies that follow you around like carrion.” As Nikolai moves, he does not sense that any of the giants are moving to follow or attack. Instead, the other three are laughing as the first one insults the group.
Sigvar: “Sigvar does not detect evil from other places, but perhaps a tint of evil from the giants themselves.”
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+6=22 ; Friday August 24th, 2018 4:22:02 PM
Sense Motive 22 Sigvar turns on the speaker and fixes him with his single eye. " We came and asked like civilized folk about our missing people. You decided not to answer, to boast your superiority and to scoff at us. I am going into your temple for a look around. If I see our scouts or their kit I'll know you have been lying to us the whole time. Stand aside." Sigvar strides towards the temple entrance, no trace of fear or hesitation in his step.
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Saturday August 25th, 2018 12:13:28 AM
well crap we are going back to where we started. Michael thinks to himself. then Sigvar takes off, Michael is not Tinker, but he's a rogue and breaking into something is what rogues do. without thinking he follows Sigvar,
Prudence Gundle Saturday August 25th, 2018 1:13:22 AM
"Sigvar, wait, we--oh, bother." Pru shrugs at the giants. "I guess we're opening the door," she says. "Just a moment."
She steps forward, close enough to support her companions if they need it, but far enough back to be out of the way.
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) Sunday August 26th, 2018 1:15:55 AM
Spells in effect: mage armor
Undermined, Nikolai shrugs. "We made no promises, we made propositions. But we are the Mailed Fist and we were sent by our commander to do a job which does not include delving into temples. You laugh at us as if we can't open the doors. Well, we know you really can't despite all the power you profess. We have a job to do that is our priority. However, looks like we'll get that door open for you anyway."
Nikolai figures that if they had any of the scouts' gear inside, they'd not be dumb enough to invite us inside to open the temple doors. At least this one seemed smart enough that he'd shoo them away if that were the case. But no sense showing any dissent on the matter in front of these giants.
Pompous AC 25/28 CMD 25/20/15, HP 98 /98 d20+20=21 ; Sunday August 26th, 2018 12:26:39 PM
A slight smile crosses Pompous' lips as his friend Siggy finally decides that enough is enough. Pompous realizes that the greatest threat right now is the two rocks tossers on top. Best way to deal with that threat is to not be where they can throw the rocks.
Pompous advances but remains in the rear of the party to offer cover, in case an expedited retreat is needed.
" SOMEBODY CHECK THAT DOOR FOR TRAPS BEFORE WE TRY TO OPEN IT! "
=========================================== Perception ( must be dust in his eyes- nat 1) Barkskin
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 25 d20+12=21 ; Sunday August 26th, 2018 11:45:27 PM
(Perception 21)
Anna maintains formation and approaches the doors with the rest. She too takes a look at the doors and then says to Pompous, "Isn't this kind of thing supposed to be done by Michael considering Tinker is no longer here?"
Akir Al'Kaban - AC 27 - Hp 105/90 (Ken E) d20+12=26 ; Sunday August 26th, 2018 11:50:08 PM
Akirs weapons are getting twitchy.
Intellectually, their odds of succeeding in either finding their scouts or looting their temple are best served by slaying these humanoids and moving on unimpeded.
He bristles when Sigvar decides to temple delve, despite their Thumb taking the initiative to stick to the mission. Orders, even soft ones, were orders. Why were minotaurs so. ... bull headed?
He sighs as the obvious answer is obvious. As much as he disagreed with Sigvars actions, the bigger crime would be to not support the squad in its endeavor. He casts detect magic and searches the door for auras.
Perception 26: + Detect Magic.
The Entrance Monday August 27th, 2018 12:55:48 PM
The Agents hesitate, unsure of what to do with these giants and their attitude. Sigvar takes action and heads into the large building just beyond the giants. They make no move to stop him at all. Instead, their leader nods and watches him walk into the building. Michael and Pru quickly move to follow. Nikolai lectures them on opening doors and then follows the others inside. Anna and Pompous quickly move along as well and Pompous smiles inwardly as they move out of the range of the rock-throwers. Akir heads inside as well.
Inside the opening the Agents find themselves in a dimly lit room. The only way light appears to penetrate this area is through the opened through which they entered. The area is dusty and dark. The space is about 200 feet wide and over 100 feet wide. On the ground are a number of bits of trash and remains, some recent, some very old. What catches your eye quickly is the exit on the far side of the room. There are big stone doors that appear to lead into the temple. But on each side of that door are nine-foot tall guardians carved of stone. They appear to be large, bulbous humans. They bear no weapons but have abnormally oversized fists. They are also covered with a layer of dust and dirt, like everything else inside the room.
Perception, DC 22, Highlight to display spoiler: {There are large scrape marks and a cleared area of dust near the two large statues.}
If you can see in the dark in some way: Knowledge, Arcana, DC 21: Highlight to display spoiler: {These are stone golems. They are immune to many types of magic (anything that allows SR) and weapons have a difficulty hurting them (DR10/adamantine).} Knowledge, Arcana, DC 26: Highlight to display spoiler: {They can cause people to move slower around them, almost at will (they are going to effectively cast slow when engaged.}
Akir does not detect magic from anything else in the room.
Prudence Gundle d20+12=19 ; Monday August 27th, 2018 1:27:42 PM
Seeing that the space is not well lit, Pru casts Dancing Lights and calls up four hovering lanterns to help illuminate the area.
" There... There are large scrape marks and a cleared area of dust near the two large statues."
----------------- Perception 33 Barksin
Trayvin AC 26/11 touch Hp 106/106(BrianZ) d20+6=26 ; Monday August 27th, 2018 6:33:22 PM
Trayvin takes a look around the inside of the temple. It is dimly lit but his eyes adjust quickly, thanks in part to Pru's spell. Looking at the statues he notices that they are more than they appear and he informs the Agents.
"These are stone golems. If we disturb the door they are likely to attack unless they have other specific instructions. I wonder if this is why the giants didn't open the door. Or maybe they did try and got more than they bargained for."
OOC- whoop, nailed the check!
Nikolai (JonathanT) AC 23 Tch 18 Ffted 20 HP 83/83 CMD 29/31(Grapple/Trip) d20+19=21 ; d20+17=26 ; Monday August 27th, 2018 9:19:41 PM
Spells in effect: mage armor
Perception +19 = 21 Nikolai is uncomfortable inside the large room. Giants on the outside and potentially giants on the inside. The scrape marks perk his attention though.
"Could be the giants enticed the scouts we are looking for to do the same thing they enticed us to do. But maybe I'm just too suspicious. In any case, it seems the doors have been opened recently, but by those giants?" he poses the question to the air.
"Don't trample the ground just yet, let me take a look."
Nikolai studies the dust and dirt covered area for sings of human sized footprints.
Survival (Track) +17 = 26
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 d20+18=24 ; Monday August 27th, 2018 9:47:04 PM
Michael does not go for the door immediately. he goes and checks the golems first. Does anybody have a dig spell? he asks absently as he runs through scenarios in his mind. being very defensive he reaches out and touches a golem. then jumps back. if nothing happens he gets his rope out 50' of fine spider silk. he proceeds to hobble both the golems. judging the length of the hobble from the length of their legs. A man needs about 13 to 18' for a tripping hobble to work, enough room for his leg to swing forward, and his center of gravity to shift, but it stops his leg short before he can plant his foot...leading to a fall, he errs to the side of caution, from what he knows of golems they are non-intelligent and heavy. a bit short should not affect the outcome too much.
he then examines the door, being careful not to touch it till he has finished his exam, and taking his time. Perception (take 10 +18 =28 would have been good but I had to roll and got a 24. )
once he figures he has this doors measure a thought occurs to him.
he gets everybody together to whisper to them. Of course the giants want us to open this door, the golems will beat on us and we'll be weakened enough for them to take us out. do we have any way of camouflaging the door and hiding the golems, maybe trick one of the giants into springing the trap?
Michael Wittman AC:22, T:17, FF:16 (ucdodge) HP89/89 Me+14(9)13 F+7, R+15,W+8, CMB+13, CMD+23 Monday August 27th, 2018 10:04:13 PM OH! wait a minute...can we make t look and sound like a battle went on in here? use a little o that clean up magic to make it look like we just got our butts handed to us? we walk out, maybe Sigvar dragging me and Pru like we are dead...if the giants attack we kill them. if they offer us succour...I don't' think they will but it would be a show of good faith.
Anna Morphling (Hugh C) -- 28/15/24 HP 80/80 -- CMD 25 Monday August 27th, 2018 11:41:34 PM
Anna says, "I need about another 80 gold pieces and then I could pull any second level spell scroll from my bag of tricks but I don't know if there is a second level spell that could fool the giants into what we want to sell them. I do however have some metal hose we could use to hobble some more golems in the way that Michael is trying to do. Do you suppose we could try to lure the golems towards the giants and have the golems and giants duke it out weakening the giants instead of us?"
Sigvar Ironhorn (David F) AC 33 (T 12, FF 31) CMD 30 HP 123/123 Character Sheet d20+5=14 ; d20+8=25 ; d20+1=11 ; Tuesday August 28th, 2018 7:20:47 AM " Or we could just figure out how to open the door the right way, and not trigger the golems." Sigvar stays still and lets Nikolai work. He uses his other senses to take in the room. Since the sacrifice of his eye, his other sense have become keener, but the loss of the amulet has made perception and his knowledge of religion harder to use. He breathes deeply, taking in the scent of the place He expects to smell age and disuse, but does he smell anything else? He examines the door, the wall and the golems from where he is, looking for religious writing to find a way to open the door and tell who this temple might belong to. He also wanted to see if the wall had writings that maybe warned against opening the door. He knew the Agent's curiosity would win out and they would open it regardless, but maybe they would have a hint of how to prepare.... Perception 14 Knowledge religion 25 Linguistics 11 Sigvar wholeheartedly agrees with Michael's assessment of the giant's intentions. " Prudence, if a fight starts, can you seal that opening with a wall of ice please. It may trap us in here with the golems, but it keeps the giants from complicating things." "Trayvin, how does one hurt a Golem like these?" When Trayvin mentions adamantite weapons, Sigvar grins broadly and pats the adamantite blade in which his mother now resides. " Also how will they come at us? What special abilities do they have to use against us besides their size and stony fists?" "If a fight starts we need to drop one of these fast and then the other one, concentrate on just one."
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