Xihirli
It isn't uncommon for Agil to be invited to speak with Abacus Fleetfinger. Almost all government contracts in the Lower (or General) District of Alivast were handled by either her or the captain of the guard.
Abacus is a busy, no-nonsense gnome who offers contracts, asks if there are any questions, and ushers you out immediately. So it's a bit surprising when she invites you to sit and pushes a small bowl of candies across the desk.
"We're just waiting for your partner," she says by way of explanation.

Truth's been in the city at times. She don't have residency papers but there's various ways to get in... for a little while. The criminal underbelly of Alivast has a deal going on where they're largely left alone as long as they don't print fake residency papers, Truth knows that much. So she's really only been in and out quickly.
Being invited in with temporary entry papers is a new experience, to be sure.

She is, however, happy to note that she's escorted to Abacus's office not by a guard but by a clerk. A clerk who doesn't deal with crowds very well.
"Go on ahead, I need to catch my breath," he wheezes, and True is allowed into a neat, but overstuffed-with-papers office with a pink-haired gnome sitting across from someone with solid blue eyes.
"Miss Truth. Wonderful. Please, have a seat."

 
 Spoiler 
How do you both introduce yourselves to one another? Perhaps you already know one another, by reputation if nothing else?
Please, feel free to fill that in.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Aina is curled up at Agil's feet in the office, quietly snoring away on a bed of scattered papers that were probably too important to serve as a place for a nap, but then perhaps they shouldn't have been bathed in sunlight. Agil himself is leant back in his chair, one hand resting on his cane, bearing the air of stoicism. He has dabbed a floral scent today - lavender with a hint of grape, based almost entirely on his purple coat. The cane is long and black, tipped at head and foot with gleaming silver. The head - covered by his white-gloved hand - bears the hand symbol of Helm.

When Truth enters, he assesses them in a moment, his eyes judging in a flash. A person of the streets. A troublemaker. He didn't know them, and from a glance didn't know  of  them, but he thought he knew enough. This was his...partner? The teachings of Helm came to him at this time, a stern reminder.   If we do not make the light welcoming, can we really blame them for choosing darkness?   Whatever trouble they were, they could be lead down a better path, if only the opportunity presented itself...and if they chose it.

 "Investigator Agil."  He held out a gloved hand to Truth to shake, unrestrained in its openness. Whatever judgements he has made privately, he has buried them - at least until he knows more.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth had never been in the city without needing to look over her shoulders before and it's a hard habit to break. She holds her pass tightly so it is a crumpled ball of paper by the time reaches her destination. She's never been in the city in her true form before, previously always using her innate illusions to disguise herself. Finally, she's also never been in the city during the day before, a fact she realizes only at this moment. The colors of the city are brilliant in the sunlight.

She's not sure why Duke, her grizzled old friend and handler for the Guild, chose her for this job, but she's glad to have the opportunity to see the city during the day. When the clerk falls behind, Truth takes the opportunity to detour around through the main market. She doesn't try to steal anything, but is just checking out her options. She moves as quickly as she can but is still a couple minutes late for the meeting.

The gnome, who appears to be in charge, doesn't seem to mind her tardiness, but she can sense some annoyance from her new partner, so she tries to smooth it over.

  "Hi. I'm Truth."  

Nija, who had been riding on Truth's shoulder, invisible, this entire time, chides her for being late as they go through the market.

  "You need to see what they have to say."   

Once in the meeting room, Nija flies off and explores the room, remaining invisible. She recognizes the Aasimar in the chair next to Truth, an old acquaintance of Zadiel. She had met him before, but didn't know him well.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
 Nija Stealth  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  
 "An auspicious name."  Or a duplicitous one. His resting face is allowed only the smallest hint of a smile.  He leans back in his chair and turns away from his supposed new 'partner' back towards Abacus.  "Well then, with introductions out of the way, may we proceed?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
Abacus nods, eager to get to business, and gently pushes a piece of parchment across the table. It had been warped by rainfall and travel so nearly no words were legible, just the word "danger" in the middle and part of the signature at the end. "Black."

"This letter arrived by carrier pigeon from Wolf's Den. Without more information I can't mobilize much in the way of a fighting force, so right now I'm only approved to send a small expeditionary force... within my position in the Alivastian government. Officially, I can only offer you fifteen gold coins to get to Wolf's Den as quickly as you can and report back exactly what's gone wrong." She leans a bit further forward despite only the five of you (counting familiars and companions) being in the room.
"Unofficially, Payton Black is a close friend and if you could handle whatever danger he's in personally I'd be willing to dip into my personal funds to properly compensate you."

Nija, meanwhile, flies about the place as silently as an owl. To avoid notice she can't pick up papers or open books, so she can really only read what's facing up in various piles. She is able to look over a recent contract with one 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' seemingly a contract for exclusive mining rights for his group in the north. She's also able to read the title of a file, though everything inside is obscured; "reports on the monster of the Everbright Mountain."

Abacus takes out a pair of contracts for the both of you. "You are each incredibly capable persons, the best I could find on such short notice. Please, find out what's happened to my friend."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Agil picks up the paper delicately with one hand, scrutinising it for any further hints.  "Is the messenger bird available? I would speak with it."  His eyes seek any signs of blood or an attempt to decipher any other words. Once done, he places it back down, gesturing that it is open for Truth's own perusal at their leisure.  "Can you provide horses or other transportation? If time is of the essence I would prefer not to walk." 

The acceptance is already clear, but he still leans forward and plucks a pen from Abacus' desk, gives the contract a once-over, and then signs his name at the bottom before sliding it back. Whether Truth wished to sign up or not, he would still be going.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Investigating the page for any clues or hints:-
Passive Perception: 18
Roll:  (1d20+8)[ 23 ] 
Passive Investigation: 14
Roll:  (1d20+4)[ 16 ] 
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth didn't think 15gp was worth the effort. She could make that in a couple nights flirting with drunks at the taverns in the tent district. But Abacus is rich, and rich friends are always good to have, especially ones with connections that could get her into the city more often. She looks over at her new companion. He seems eager, and wants talk to the pigeon. That's a neat ability. She's intrigued.

  "Ok. I'm in too."  

She speaks to Nija telepathically. Although the Imp was trying to save her soul for a Planetar, she still had the mischievousness of an Imp and a Succubus in her blood.

   "Don't bother anything here, Nija. We don't want to make this guy mad."   

In fact, not trusting Nija to behave, she dismisses her to her pocket dimension. A handy trick she had learned to do without Nina's instructions. Nija always hates it.

  "Darn it."  
Xihirli
"The pigeon is with our aviārius, Master Taylor. As for a mount... I'm not at liberty to distribute horses, nor do I personally own one, I am afraid."
Abacus passed the contract and pen to Truth.

 
 Spoiler: Investigation 

It occurs to Agil that the wear on the letter itself is something of a clue; the sort of storm that would cause this sort of damage is rare, and nothing he's heard any news of. He also notes that, while it's difficult to really tell anymore, the handwriting is unlikely to come from a man.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

The Investigator frowns slightly. It was too soon to draw conclusions from anything on the paper, but it certainly indicated there was more afoot - that someone or something sought deception. Abacus had no cause to deceive him.  "The document is weather beaten but I haven't heard of any storms in the area in recent days."  He keeps to himself that the letter might not be signed by who Abacus believes - if it was an intentional deception, then involving the documentarian further could provoke whoever was behind it. And if there was no greater conspiracy, nothing would be lost by keeping the suspicion quiet. For now. He would inform Truth - if she did not speak it herself - at a later time.  "Master Taylor may be able to tell us more, along with providing the pigeon for questioning."  He waits for Truth to finish their own inspection, if any, before looking to move on.

It was a shame there were no steeds on offer, but perhaps a caravan or similar was bound in that direction. If not, he supposed he would be pressing leather soon enough.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

To Truth, a horse would be an extravagant luxury, so it hadn't even crossed her mind to ask. But once Agil brings it up, it does sound like a more pleasant way to travel. She wasn't sure what she could get out of this gnome, but she thought she had to try. It seems like he doesn't have many other options, so she pauses before she signs the contract, making it seem like she's maybe not interested in walking all that way.

  "Perhaps you know someone who might have a horse we could borrow. Or maybe you could front us some of those personal funds in order to help us lease a horse so we can get to Wolf's Den more quickly. The sooner we get there, the better chance we have of finding any clues. I'd also like papers to let me into the city. I think you have access to those."  

She then waits long enough for him to think she might not sign.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Deception  (1d20+5)[ 23 ] 
if Agil's counts as help  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] 

I'm not sure how far Wolf's Den is. If it's less than a day's walk, then we don't need horses.
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Xihirli
Abacus weighed this.
"I could, if I was assured that you would handle the problem, rather than merely coming back with a report. With Wolf's Den being two days' ride away, I fear for any danger that could befall them in the time it takes for you to come back, and the newly-approved greater force to go with you. So. If you can promise me," she leaned on her hands on the desk, "that you will do your utmost to handle this problem  personally , I will front you the funds to purchase a horse."

 
 Spoiler 
Charisma (Persuasion) or Charisma (Animal Handling) for this one. It doesn't REALLY apply but I like it.
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth thinks she's making progress. She reads the contract while Abacus talks, thinking about the request. Two days ride would be a week's journey by foot. Then we'd have to buy supplies, worry about finding water, and set up camp every night. That sounds intolerable.

She smiles and looks up at the gnome.

  "Of course. We'll find Payton Black and help them take care of this danger."  

She glances over the contract one last time before signing.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion  (1d20+3)[ 16 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  
 "A promise once given, a contract once signed, cannot be rescinded. Whatever this problem is, it shall be solved."  If she didn't believe him now, he would prove her wrong with his actions. Then she would believe him next time.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

He is not a people person.
 (1d20)[ 4 ] 
 
Xihirli
Abacus took a deep breath and withdrew  coin purse, leaving it on the table.
"That  should be enough for a riding horse. Now if there’s nothing else, I’ll thank you for getting a move on."

 
 Spoiler 
Any other questions?
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

He lets Truth take the coinpurse. A quiet test. But he has no further business with abacus, for now.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

We can skip past it if there's no real need to RP it out, Agil will ask the pigeon (via Speak with Animals)
a) To describe who sent it - including a name, if possible.
b) How far it flew
c) What direction it flew from and what the weather was like
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth signs the contract, takes the purse and thanks Abacus.

  "We'll do our best."  

When she has Agil in private, she decides that he needs to know about Nija, so she warns him,   "If we are going to be working together, there's someone you need to meet."  

A black Imp with white hair and golden wings appears on her shoulder.   "Agil, this is Nija, my guardian angel. Nija, this is Agil, our new partner."  

The imp gives a courteous bow,   "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Agil. But I think we've met before briefly. I had a different form before this curse. You worked with my husband, Zadiel, before he died."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Aina lets out a rumbling growl of hostility, and the hand gripping his cane flashes with radiant light when Nija appears. Devil. He exhales through his nose.  Through discipline we prevail.  He lays a hand on Aina's head, calming her as the light dims.  "Zadiel was an honourable man. His passing is a loss for us all."  He sounds aloof, and likely because he is, a little. But he's also sincere in his statements even if the tone is poorly conveyed.  "I hope you will continue the legacy he left."  He turns his attention to Truth.  "Devils are duplicitous by nature. Remain vigilant." 

He couldn't and wouldn't say more. To do so would invite discord. Better that he watch and observe. There were tales - rare tales - of ascending fiends. Perhaps this was one such case. Or perhaps this was yet another deception. Time would tell.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth laughs. It's funny that Agil thinks Nija is the duplicitous one when she is trying to save Truth's soul.

  "Did you here that, Nija? You are the duplicitous one, not me."  

Nija shakes her head,   "I have my work cut out for me."  

She then explains the whole story to Agil. She was a succubus, tricked Zadiel into selling his soul, but then fell in love and voided his contract when he died. This caused her to be turned back into an imp and banished from hell. Zadiel, now a Planetar, found her and took her to Elysium, but she can't stay there in her current form and needs to save a soul, Truth's, in order to ascend and be with Zadiel again.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

The Helmite Investigator listens in silence to the devil's story, his eyes occasionally flicking to Truth to judge their reaction, if any.  "If you speak true then I wish you fair fortune in the endeavour. And if you speak lies, they will be turn up by their roots and exposed to the light of rightness."  He taps the cane on the stone floor.  "Whether in this life or the next, one can always decide to atone for past misdeeds...and failures. True justice requires it."  Perhaps this was typically the time for him to share his own story? If so, he does not. He wouldn't breathe life to his shame so quickly, nor give ammunition to a devil or the supposed lost-soul.  "Black shall not wait for us. Let us see about our atonements." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
The coin purse given by Abacus contains 80 gold coins, a bit more than necessary to purchase a riding horse.

The stables nearest the exit to Alivast are host to many great animals, but only three riding horses:
One, a pure white horse that startles a bit when it catches Nija's scent named Fidelity.
Two, a shockingly red horse who seems utterly impassive to any stimulus named Bergamot.
And three, a plain brown horse with white socks who ignores you until you offer it food. Its name is Cheese.

 
 Spoiler 
Any other supplies you want to look for, business to handle in a city? It'll probably be your last chance to like,  buy  something for a long time, frontier towns tend not to have shops.
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth counts out the coins and looks to Agil.

  "Should we just keep the money and walk? Maybe we could hitch a ride with a merchant. No reason to spend our money on something we could do for free. If you want to ride, I say we look at mules instead."  

At the stables, with Nija in her pocket dimension, Truth asks about mules, seeing if she can get a good deal on a pair of them.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 

I'd like to change her perception skill to persuasion. I think someone needs that and I'll just have to rely on Agil to spot things.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

...perhaps Nija had been telling true about saving Truth's soul. The brazen suggestion of thievery - for that is the only way Agil could view it - disturb him.  "The funds were secured to acquire a riding horse for transport, and that is how we should use them."  But chances were such an argument would fall flat - the self-interested rarely seemed to understand the value of honesty.  "You might be disappointed by a mule's performance if we are forced to flee at sudden notice." 

He was quietly impressed by Bergamot's stoicism. He had heard tales of a far off land in which a red horse was renowned to be faster than the wind and strong enough to carry even the heaviest of riders into battle.  "I would recommend this one." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

No other buying requirements for Agil - he's not got any money really anyway. \o/
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth smiles at Agil. She appreciates his honor, but thinks it's not important whether or not we buy a horse. She explains herself, knowing that Agil won't understand. She has honor, but for her, honor is more in helping people less fortunate than her than following the exact wording of a discussion.

  "Maybe it's a technicality, but we never promised to buy a horse. He gave us money for one, sure. But the only promise I made was to complete his mission. And I intend to do that. He won't care how we get there as long as we get it done. And he didn't give us money. He loaned us money. So it's ours to do what we want with."

"But if it's important to you to have an actual riding horse, we can get the one you want. I'm not much of a rider so I'll just be holding on to you. Let's make sure we sell it as soon as we get to our destination. We will likely need the money to bribe some people into helping us."  

She then tries to sweet talk the owner to see if she can get a better deal on the horse.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion  (1d20+5)[ 6 ]  (hopefully the above roll helps some)

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Xihirli
Bergamot seems unimpressed by being purchased, but after Truth is able to talk the stablemaster into tossing in a riding saddle, bit, and bridle for only 5 additional gold coins.
And so soon they are leading Bergamot out of the city, out through the unofficial tent district of Alivast. While the lack of patrolling there makes the people present more vulnerable to thieves and "protection" rackets, most of them are just people looking for the second chance Alivast promised them, working for the farms surrounding the city when possible.

Neither Truth nor Agil are wholly unknown here, and there are a fair few lowlives who eye Truth riding out of town with an investigator with narrowed, suspicious eyes. But none who feel the need to start any conflict.
After riding past the fields surrounding Alivast the road beneath Bergamot's hooves ceases to be stone and becomes dirt. And further out it's hard to call it a road at all as the trees take over the landscape. Bergamot walks along at a brisk but unhurried pace, stopping wherever he can to nibble on leaves and grass.

While the ride was a day and a half and they encountered much in the way of wildlife – Wolf's Den was called as such because of the prevalence of wolves around it, after all – there was nothing that could truly threaten them, but Aina's presence and their general competence was enough to fend off any wolves who know better than to pick a fight with you all.

It's nearly sunset when the pair walk up a hill, and looking down it get their first sight of Wolf's Den, a frontier town built along the dirt "road" to Everbright. The dirt under their feet sinks in with moisture, soaked through.

One of the houses in the distance looks to have been cut in half.

 
 Spoiler 
Amnestic, I think Agil's link is broken. The blue one.
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth rides along on the back of Bergamot, holding on to Agil as he directs the steed. She's impressed with both the horse and Agil's ability to keep it moving. She tries not to complain too much during the night on the trail, but is clearly out of her element not being in a city. She helps where she can but isn't able to do much on her own without Agil's help. Even Nija is better at it. As they sit around a campfire, she decides she needs to let Agil see one more thing.

  "There's something else I need to show you. I've been able to do this my whole life, but if we're working together, you need to know it."  

She then briefly turns into an exact image of Agil himself, before changing to Abacus. She tries to imitate Abacus' voice but it comes out a little wrong. She's too sarcastic.

When they get to Wolf's Den and see the house split in two, she's not sure what to do.

  "What could cause that?"   hoping Agil has an answer.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

The more Agil saw of Truth, the less he trusted but the illusionary or shapeshifting ability might come in useful, depending on where and how it was applied. Aina would hopefully keep their scent regardless of their form, if need be.

On the topic of the split house, he's somewhat at a loss.  "Magic, perhaps, or a giant's blade? We'll know better if we ask the occupants."  He gently tapped Bergamot forwards towards the house.  "I once read a story of a breed of dragons whose bodies were lined with steel blades, and a single whip of the tail could slice through stone. 'Adventures of Ser Gregory Bravehearted', suitable for children aged 3 through 8." 

He cracks a light smile.

 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Link should be fixed now, must have copied it over wrong.

Roll for identifying potential cause of cut:
If an int-check:  (1d20)[ 18 ] 
If investigation, +4
If survival, +6.

Precast Goodberry to keep us fed on the journey each day, so 6 berries remaining after feeding Agil, Aina, Truth, and Bergamot.
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Memories come flooding back of a book Truth had read in the orphanage. She lets the feeling of nostalgia wash over her.

  "We had one of their books growing up. They had a little friend named Emi, right? Or maybe she was only in one book. I don't remember a dragon in the book I read. Anyway, I hope whatever did that to a house is no longer here. Let's see what's in this town."  

As they ride forward, Nija stays invisible and flies ahead about 80', staying in range to communicate with Truth.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nija Perception:  (1d20+1)[ 10 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Xihirli
Nija is able to fly inside the house and take a look around. Nothing out of the ordinary for a hunter's lodge, except that clearly there's a  good  hunter living there. Wolf pelts and deer skin make up carpeting, bedding, and decoration within.

As Truth and Agil enter the town, they are regarded by grizzled hunters and frontierspeople. Hidden behind their distrustful grimaces is a real and present fear.

Getting nearer the house that has been cut in half, Agil runs a hand over the slice. It was certainly cut by a weapon, a huge one, by his investigation.

Asking around for "Payton Black," the pair find that the hunters shortly and coldly nod to the largest and longest of the houses. Just from the smell as you open the door, the smell of the place instantly identifies it to you as a sick house or infirmary. Present are two women and one patient. The older of the two women is stroking the throat of the patient to get him to swallow something in his sleep, while the other is merely holding his hand. The man is wrapped in bandages and seems to be in an induced coma.

The woman holding his hand looks up to you both, a spark of hope in her eyes.
"Did... Did Abacus send you?"
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  
 "She did."  Abacus answers, taking a moment to ascertain the state of the infirmary.  "Investigator Agil, and Truth."  He gestures to himself and then his travelling companion in turn.  "The letter Abacus received was marred by weather damage and illegible with only a name to denote its source. We have been asked to investigate. Please explain, from the beginning, what has transpired and what assistance is required. Please take your time and include any detail you can think of, no matter how minor it may seem."  He was prim, professional, and calm, an attitude that served him well in the past for inspiring others to believe he competent - even when he might not be so at that time.

Aina remains outside, sat on alert.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

As they move through the settlement, Truth tries to find out what happened to the house. Each time, after Agil asks about Payton Black, and we've gotten a response, she asks,

  "So what happened with that house?"  

Once inside the infirmary, Nija flies around quietly investigating, while Truth looks over at Agil, impressed with his formal authority. He really seems like he belongs in this role. She wonders why she is here, though. She's just a petty criminal. Why did Abacus choose her?

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Xihirli
To Truth's questions, there was nothing helpful, just distrustful glares and a muttering of; "cut."

As Nija flies about the infirmary, she finds nothing unexpected for a frontier infirmary. Herbs, poultices, salves, bandages and wraps, clippers, various cutting implements, and a single healing potion.

The woman curtsies, almost. It's a solid effort. "Colette Black," she introduces herself. "I sent the letter to Abacus." She looks back at the man laid out on the infirmary bed.
"My husband, Payton, would greet you if he were able. We..." she steels herself, not looking forward to what she is about to say.
"We were attacked. It was... so sudden. One moment, clear skies. We brought her in to put her to bed. Then the sky went dark, that sword... that blue sword cut through the house. Payton grabbed his hunting knife, I couldn't see what else happened. But... Caroline."
Colette's voice cracked and she took a moment to recompose herself.
"Caroline, the monster took my little girl."

She does her best to calm down enough to give the details requested by Agil.
"Like I said, in one breath the sky was swept up in the worst storm I've ever seen. The ground is still soaked with how powerful the rain was. I couldn't hear anything but the howling of the wind, and I couldn't see anything except in those few moments when lightning lit everything up. I could see... well I  couldn't  see... it was the shape of a man, a huge man, but I could barely make it out in the storm even when the lightning was flashing." She shook her head.
"I  wish  I could tell you more. It was all so fast, and dark and loud..."
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 3 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Nija tells Truth what she finds, including the healing potion, but neither of them want to steal from these people. Truth asks the following questions as part of her conversation, making sure to show appropriate condolences and follow accepted social norms.

  "I am very sorry for your loss. We will do what we can to help. Was anyone able to track this creature after it left?... Do you have any idea why it would kidnap Colette? Is there something special or different about her?... And what happened to Mr. Black? Have you tried any magical healing on him yet?... I can access some, but it's better for wounds than illness."  

Unless they've already tried it and they stop her, she puts her hands on Mr. Black's forehead and a soft golden light connects her to him.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Healing Light for  (1d6)[ 2 ] 

Oops, I should have taken lesser restoration. I got too excited to try Amnestic's spells.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Times like this he missed his notepad. Scribbling notes tended to make him seem more attentive.  "I understand, this must be very difficult for you."  It felt like a rote line at this point, but it's nevertheless said with sincerity. He was beyond being broken by such things, but people in pain was still never easy. He nods in approval at Truth's gesture and questions both - targeting an individual must have a deeper purpose behind it. He follows up the query with his own:  "Could you be more specific when you say 'huge'? Are talking ten feet or thirty?"  The former might indicate some magical humanoid, the latter a giant - of the storm variety, most likely, though that in turn would raise the question of what a storm giant might take a girl for. At least they had an answer for what cut the house - some magical weapon. One that seemed too dangerous to leave in the hands of malcontents who would abuse its power to wield against the innocent.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"No, we haven't tried anything magical. Isabel only keeps one potion, and she's saving that in the event that someone is dying." She glances at the older woman, at this point putting the medicine she was feeding to Payton away.
"Payton will pull through in time. He'll have an ugly scar and bad burns when he awakens. He's more in shock than injured."
Truth's healing light washes over Payton, and while his injuries are wrapped up, and their bettering cannot be seen, she does see a coloring in his cheeks.
"Thank you," Colette says, smiling slightly at her husband.

She closed her eyes and thought on Agil's question. "Closer to thirty," she answered. "It was much taller than the house, maybe twice as high."

The houses are not that tall, ten to thirteen feet high.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

A giant then. He'd never seen one in person before, this would be a new experience. If they'd taken only a child it told him they were intelligent and had a specific goal. Perhaps they could be reasoned with. He didn't fancy going toe-to-oversized-toe with a giant, but he had given his word, and he would see it through regardless of if it could be settled peaceably of with violence. Hopefully they could elucidate more on why Caroline was stolen away specifically.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 3 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth is happy to know the man will pull through. She doesn't like seeing innocent people hurt. She is concerned about the child, and wants to find out anything she can that might help us locate her. She continues her questions as she looks over the injured man to see if there is anything else she could do for him.

  "Was anyone able to track the giant after it left?... Do you have any idea why it would kidnap Colette? Is there something special or different about her?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
 

 
Xihirli
"The trail wasn't hard to find, it was headed west," Colette, not to be confused with her kidnapped daughter named Caroline, says.
"As far as differences go? I suppose... she's the only child in the town. She was two when Abacus reached out to my husband about founding this town. Nobody else brought any children with them, or started a family after arriving. Other than that... Caroline's a brave girl, and she wants to be just like her daddy. She's gotten herself into such trouble trying to set snares..." Colette smiles sadly remembering her daughter's childhood escapades.
"I know it's asking quite a lot to go after this creature, but... you're my little girl's best hope."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Too much to hope there was a clear reason. Why would a giant want to kidnap a child, even if it was the only child in the village? He supposed they would find out eventually. Time had become of the essence though; in his experience a stolen person faced a rapidly decreasing chance of being found alive for each day that passed, and they were already late coming to them.  "We will do all that what we can." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Ready to move along to following the giant-tracks.
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 3 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth looks over the injured man one more time, deciding they are right and he will likely pull through. Still invisible, Nija comes and lands on her shoulder, speaking to her telepathically.

  "This would be a good way to start saving your soul."  

Truth nods but does not answer Nija verbally, instead turning to Agil and the group. She has no idea how to track something in the woods. Hopefully either Agil knows what he's doing or a giant leaves easy tracks to follow.

  "Show us the path and we will do our best to follow it. We will look for Caroline."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
 

 
Xihirli
With Colette's profuse thanks and guidance, and perhaps just a bit of hope, you're led to the edge of town to the west.

The tracks aren't hard to find but they are flummoxing to interpret.
There's plenty of footprints, but even simple inspection betrays that there's only one  foot  leaving tracks. The presumed giant is leaving tracks only from a right foot.

They continue out west, not  on  the dirt road but traveling parallel to it. However, the sun is soon to set and the two make camp for their first rest after learning of the task before them.

 
 Spoiler 
If you have anything you'd like to discuss amogst each other before I move us forward, go ahead.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Agil follows the tracks, Aina sniffing them as they go, not that there was much need to - they were extremely clear and obvious. Even a blind and lame man could track this giant. Part of it felt like a waste of his talents, but what came  after  they finished tracking was probably more important.  "Either our giant has been hopping like a child or something is wrong with one of their legs."  He remarks absently - a banal observation to fill the air, neither requiring a reply nor exactly inciting one. With a problem this 'simple' so far there wasn't much to share.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Snooty Agil acting snooty, but good to move on. Not much to share at this point.
 
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 3 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth thanks the Black family for the information and again promises to do her best to help find their daughter. As they travel, she lets Nija and Agil follow the trail, with Nija up ahead and invisible. Truth had hoped that the investigation would have them in Wolf's Den or back to Alivast. But no, she's stuck wandering in the woods. Once at camp, she does her best to make conversation with Agil, but she's clearly not happy about having to go back out into nature.

  "A one-legged giant, huh? Hopefully if we have to fight it, it's as slow as that sounds like it would be, but I wouldn't count on it."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
 

 
Xihirli
Traveling begins anew the next day, and the heavy woodlands south of the Everbright mountain at least provide plenty of shade. The area is filled with hills yet again, and at one particularly high vantage point the town of Everbright...  would  be visible, if not for the massive column of black stormclouds orbiting around it and rising up into the sky, blotting out the light entirely within.

Everbright is still easily over a day away as you behold it beset by this storm, and to further complicate things, the way directly to Everbright does  not  match up with the sets of footprint you've been following, which veers off to the south.

Which way do you go?
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 3 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth sleeps as well as she can in the woods. It's not even the lack of a bed that bothers her. She's spent enough nights on floors and even on the streets that the ground is comfortable enough, although she definitely appreciates a comfortable mattress when she can get one. Rather, it is the lack of city noise that causes her trouble. She misses having people all around her. She knows how to deal with people. The sounds of animals seem ominous at night.

As they approach Everbright the next day, she sees the clouds, and while she should be concerned with unnatural clouds surrounding an outpost, she can't help but laugh at the bad joke in her head.

  "Everbright, huh? It doesn't look very bright to me."  

Nija laughs too, but then catches herself, remembering that she's here to save Truth's soul.

  "Let's focus. Between a giant that we probably can't kill, and a magic storm cloud we definitely can't solve, I say we continue to follow the giant. We at least have a chance to rescue a child. Plus, this trail might not be here tomorrow. Everbright should still be in the same place."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

It seemed unlikely these two events were a coincidence. A storm giant stole a child, and days later a nearby town falls prey to massive storm clouds? It boded ill. Under less pressing circumstances...

Agil sighs.  "Caroline's safety will not wait for us. If we delay to investigate Everbright she might not survive. It is regrettable we cannot look at both, but our word is our bond. I suggest we continue following the trail and leave Everbright to its citizens and guards."  He was choosing one life over many, perhaps. But then he didn't know if the town was in imminent danger, or anything they could even assist with. It was over a day away. Whatever danger they were facing could come and go before they got close. Excuses of the weak who cannot help everyone to soothe a conscience. He tightened the grip on the reins, but Aina was already going ahead to sniff after the giant tracks southwards.
 
 
  
Xihirli
Following the one-legged trail, you find yourself cutting and pushing through the brush as you go off of the (admittedly meager) road. More often than not, you're leading Bergamot more often than riding him.
The tracks, after less than an hour, turn to continue heading west. And then you smell ozone and find a pile of ash and burned logs, with another tree ripped down next to it. There's also a cleared off area of dirt, about child-sized. Even more evident than the smell of ozone is the scent of maggots and rot, as most of a deer carcass isn't far away.

Agil is also able to locate stems and identify them as belonging to berries, in a clump next to the ripped-down tree.

Nija and Truth, also taking a look around, spot a stick next to a rough drawing of a man with a line through the middle. The right half of the man has an eye and a line for a mouth, and spikes on his head. Underneath the drawing is the letter  R .
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Agil frowns as he inspects the berry stalks, twisting them this way and that. When he offers them to Aina to sniff at, she pulls away, uninterested.  "Well, this appears to be good news."  He offers aloud.  "Between the small clearing and the berries I believe the child still lives and is being fed. From the state of the deer carcass' rot...perhaps a few days ahead of us. Closer to one than ten. I can't be sure if we're gaining ground, yet." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 3 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth an Nija can't quite seem to make out what the bisected man is.

  "Agil, do you think this represents the giant? Perhaps why we only see one footprint. What's the other side though? What's the R represent?"  

Without any more insight, they opt to continue following the path, mostly relying on Agil to keep us on track.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

The Investigator gaze at the offered drawing. Rudimentary and childlike. That they'd been able to draw it...was a good sign.  "Colette didn't mention the giant being split in two, but perhaps she didn't notice in the dark. Perhaps the giant's name begins with an 'R'? If they are some sort of storm giant, perhaps one half of them is nothing but clouds. It might explain why only one footprint set is left - clouds don't leave much of an impression."  He didn't know enough about giants to really say with any certainty, and even if he did this might be a unique case.
 
 
  
Xihirli
The two continue following the trail, and within the two-day travel come to the conclusion that it DOES lead to Everbright, just not from the road. There’s another camp, similar to the other, that offers no additional clues.
The trail ends as the ground becomes muddy with heavy rainfall. Just north, however, is Everbright, the town that supplies most of Alivast’s stone from its quarries on the slopes of the mountain of the same name.

Its most famous feature, aside from the mountain and river near the town, is easily its large stone tower just outside of its limits. It was there when the town was discovered, and didn’t have any mortar despite standing tall and being composed of many stones.

Unlike Wolf’s Den, which seems to have had nothing in the way of military presence, you are quickly approached by a man in light armor with a spear.
"Hail, travelers," he says. "May I ask why you’ve come?"

 
 Spoiler: Insight 13 

He is despairing.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

He was a little frustrated that they'd been lead in a round circle, but they had at least received some new information as they went.  "Investigator Agil, and Truth."  He again introduces both of them.  "We are following the trail of a giant, who seems to have kidnapped a child from Wolf's Den. Our intent is to rescue her and return her to her parents."  He spoke precisely and politely. The man was clearly under some distress, and hopefully expressing serenity would help soothe that.  "Any information you or your leaders may have to offer on giant-activity in the area would be appreciated in seeing justice served and our task completed." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
     Truth    
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 3 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
     Nija    
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth sees the desperation in the man. She wants help him but thinks that this mission is more important. Maybe they are tied together though. She offers him some food and water and asks him a few questions.

  "What is happening to Everbright? How long have these clouds been here? Have you seen a giant with a small child? She was kidnapped several days ago."  

Nija stays invisible, flying above the group to stay out of any possible danger.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
 

 
Xihirli
 
 Spoiler: Apologies 

The clouds at this point are gone.
 


He shakes his head when asked about Caroline. "I don't know nothin' about a child, but... Giant? That would make sense, with what hit us. That monster in the mountains summoned it, I think." His voice grows bitter. "Got tired of Rey chasing it off, I'll bet, made some sort of pact with that lightning monster."

When asked to clarify, he goes on:
"Ever since we founded Everbright ten years ago we've seen it. It lives in the mountain, comes down sometimes, but Rey always goes up and drives it back to its cave. Or at least... she did. That monster, that huge thing... it killed her. What's worse, the mountain monster came down and stole what was left of her body. We were... trying to get some volunteers to form a militia to go retrieve it, but people have been shocked. If you're going after it, please retrieve Rey's remains."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 3 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10 Sting +5 1d4+3
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth nods her head, showing compassion for the man's story. She looks at Agil and can tell that he is ready to continue this escapade. Despite knowing that she needs to do better if she wants to save her soul, she's not sure she's done enough yet that it will be saved if she dies now. Maybe we could survive with a little more help, so it's not just the two of us.

  "Perhaps we can help. But if we go alone, I think we will fail. If we help, maybe a handful of people would agree to go with us. If anyone in the town can help with the monster, it would be appreciated. Let's go to town and see who we can round up. On the way, maybe you could tell us about yourself and Rey."  

She waits to see if Agil agrees, and if this man is willing to return to Everbright.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Agil nods to Truth's suggestion. While he didn't think the militia would be of much use against a giant, they were more help than none, and they deserved a chance to stand up for their own beliefs.  "It seems our goals are aligned, and pooling our strengths could only help."  Theories - disturbing ones - sprang to mind as to why this creature would want both a child and this Rey's body. He'd heard of vile rituals, but to what end was it doing this? He still didn't know.  "Hopefully we can rouse the people to act alongside us, for the sake of Rey, and themselves." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
"If you think you'll have more luck with them than Captain Byrne, I encourage you to try. Here, come with me, you can start with him."
The larger stone structure in Everbright is a Barracks that's in the act of cleaning out, as though it were filled recently. Captain Byrne receives you all and largely confirms what you've heard thus far.

"Rory's personal guess that our monster is connected to yours aside, yes he's correct. The storm hit and Rey commanded us to get the people into the Barracks for safety. The storm lasted hours, and when it was over, Rey was still outside, except for her head. That was gone." Byrne speaks matter-of-factly, but falters occasionally.
"When we were burying her, that purple creature came down, put two of my men to sleep and stole away with the body, back up to its mountain. After that, people have been leaving for Alivast, including my watchmen. You must have seen quite a lot of them on the way in."
"They didn't come from the road, Captain."
"Then you might not have. A few people caught glimpses of the creature in the storm before they were brought in and spoke of it, but I am not counted among them. I'm not one for sugarcoating, Inspector: People are afraid, and they have every right to be."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  
 "'Flee or fight, judgement finds all'."  Agil recites one of Helm's tenets. He found it comforting, though to others perhaps less so.  "Their fear is understandable. The creature's actions less so. It killed Rey and stole away her head, then it came back and took the body, but left your men alive? Why not kill them too?"  He looks to Truth, in case she has any suggestions or insight.

 "I understand that Rey fought the creatures and has defended your town for some time. Any information you can share on her capabilities and that of those she fought would be helpful. Information is a potent weapon." 

He hasn't quite given up on recruiting assistance, though hearing that the town is already mid-evacuation is somewhat disheartening to hear.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth listens to Agil and decides to see if she can round up some help for us. She walks around the barracks trying to rally any of the evacuees.

  "We could use a guide, and anyone willing to help us defeat this thing. If it killed Rey like that, I don't think we want to get too close to it. So we could probably use archers over swordsmen, but we won't turn down either. We will help defend your home, but we need some to stand with us."  

Nija nudges people at the right time, and while still invisible, gives a few   "Hear, hear. Let's help her out."   so it sounds like others are volunteering.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion:  (1d20+5)[ 22 ] , Help from Nija  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
 

 
Xihirli
 
 Originally Posted by Amnestic 
       
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  
 "'Flee or fight, judgement finds all'."  Agil recites one of Helm's tenets. He found it comforting, though to others perhaps less so.  "Their fear is understandable. The creature's actions less so. It killed Rey and stole away her head, then it came back and took the body, but left your men alive? Why not kill them too?"  He looks to Truth, in case she has any suggestions or insight.

 "I understand that Rey fought the creatures and has defended your town for some time. Any information you can share on her capabilities and that of those she fought would be helpful. Information is a potent weapon." 

He hasn't quite given up on recruiting assistance, though hearing that the town is already mid-evacuation is somewhat disheartening to hear.
 
 
   
 

"Rey used to say that," Byrne says with a nod. "She was a follower of Helm, as I gather you are as well. She was able to mend and heal others, and was trained in shield and sword as well."
 
 Spoiler 
Think level 1 Paladin Folk Hero.
 

"As for the monster... she had always driven it away. It was only recently that it came all the way to town. It threw a clay jar at the ground and the gas that came out made two of my men pass out."

Focusing her attention on the Barracks, Truth sees in many people's eyes the loss of a protective figure. With her speech, a few heads raise, but none step forward to join.
Until Captain Byrne nods and calls out: "Aye, not like my post is worth anything if I don't get off my ass. For Rey, right lads?"
And two others, including the man who led you into the barracks, nod along.
"Ah, hells, men. Let's try to make Everbright safe. Give it a solid try instead of running off."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Nija, still invisible, lands on Truth's shoulder and speaks to her telepathically in a bit of a mocking tone,   "This is the right thing to do. Look at you, helping others."  

Truth makes sure no one is watching and very slightly rolls her eyes at the imp. She turns to Agil and the volunteers.

  "Alright. I'm Truth and this is Agil. And what are your names? Now that there are five of us, what's the plan?"  

She looks over the volunteers to see what kind of weapons and armor they plan to bring with them.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

A fellow Helmite. It was heartening that others held stalwart, even this far on the frontier.  "I will see to it that her body receive the proper tending and burial rites when we recover it." 

Likewise, it was encouraging that the people of this town hadn't totally given up hope. A single spark of it could light a wildfire, and a single droplet of doubt extinguish a grand flame. Best to coax the embers as best he could.  "Keep following the tracks, find the monster, and deal with it - hopefully once and for all."  Hopes of peaceful negotiation were running slim, given the propensity for violence, but he kept the possibility open.

 
 
  
Xihirli
"Up the mountain, then," Byrne says. "Get arms and armor on, boys."

The two with you – Naughton and Walsh – nod and collect Javelins and dress in Chain Mail.

"Are there any weapons or armor we might have that you need? I'll see what can be spared," Byrne offers.
Xihirli
With your company armed and armored, you make your way up Mount Everbright, the source of the Everbright river, the mountain that watches over the town of Everbright.
"We don't know exactly where on this mountain it holes up, so keep an eye out. I might recommend we split up," Captain Byrne says, "to cover more ground. But this would also open us up to be ambushed while split up. What say you, Inspector and company?"

 
 Spoiler 
Go ahead and give me Survival and Perception checks with your answers.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth doesn't think we should split up. She's not too excited about walking around on a mountain by herself, even if Nija would be there to keep her company.

  "Let's spread out across our route, but keep within javelin range of each other. Agil and I can take the ends."  

Nija stays invisible but helps scout. She mostly gets distracted looking at some wild flowers that she thinks are pretty.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Truth Perception  (1d20+1)[ 18 ] , Nija Perception  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 

Truth Survival  (1d20+1)[ 10 ] , Nija Survival  (1d20+1)[ 7 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  
 "A fine suggestion."  Agil agrees, heading to the opposite side to Truth along side Aina, the celestial hound sniffing around for any hint of...well, anything, really.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Agil PP: 18
Agil Perception:  (1d20+8)[ 15 ] 
Agil Survival:  (1d20+6)[ 25 ] 

Aina PP: 14
Aina Perception:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
Aina Survival:  (1d20+4)[ 14 ] 
 
Xihirli
Spreading out as much as possible while keeping one another in sight (where the terrain allows), you scour the mountains. Nija spots a mountain lion kitten that approaches you all curiously until Mom comes and leads the kitten to instead run  away  from you all with a wary glance at you all, ready to kill anybody who comes closer to her kit.

Aina's nose is confused by the mountain air and waterfall, but Agil is able to find various scuff-marks in the stone and dirt on the mountains eventually leading (after some roundabout hiking to avoid scaling sheer walls) to a cave hidden BEHIND the waterfall.

Over the rush of the waterfall, nobody but Truth overhears the voice coming from further past the waterfall, just out of sight of the cave. She isn't sure, but she doesn't think she knows the language – but that could just be the waterfall sounds making it unintelligible.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Truth trudges around the mountain with the others, unhappy about her circumstances. She would love a warm meal and a cold beer. When Agil points out the end of the trail, she stops to the side of the waterfall.

  "I hear someone behind the waterfall. Let me use some magic to check it out."  

She sits down and closes her eyes. She turns her head to Nija and opens one eye, raising her eyebrow to encourage the imp to act. Nija, invisible and on her shoulder, speaks to her telepathically,

  "I'll go investigate."   Nija flies behind the waterfall.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nija Stealth  (1d20+5)[ 20 ] 
Perception  (1d20+1)[ 5 ] 

Truth is using Nina's senses, and ready to dismiss her if there is danger.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
 

 
Xihirli
Nija flies behind the waterfall and sees... an argument, it would seem. A tall, hunched, purple old woman with craggly skin and blackened teeth was exchanging words with a trio of goblins. Led by one of the goblins is a gargantuan spider, hauling a coffin webbed to its back. The goblins all hold shovels and picks made out of wood as they argue with the hag, who points at the wooden shovel blades angrily.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Nija waits by the entrance, silently waiting to see what the group outside the cavern does, hoping the goblins and lady will fight amongst themselves and make our job easier. Truth continues to use Nija's senses and relays the information to the others.

  "Three goblins, a giant spider carrying a coffin, and a tall woman with black teeth and craggy purple skin. They appear to be arguing. We could sneak past them, or wait and see what they do."  

If the goblins come towards Nija, she will flee back to Truth and the others.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 


Truth is using Nija's senses, and ready to dismiss her if there is danger.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
 

 
Xihirli
Using the cover of the waterfall, Truth, Agil, and companions are able to slip into the cave. Unbeknownst to your human companions due to their lack of darkvision, shortly into the mouth of the cave there is an offshoot of the tunnel heading right. A bit further out from there is a similar one headed left, and the cave also continues further back.
A brief glance each way reveals, in order:

Down the right path is a circular area with shelves of stone carved out of the rock, all surrounding a cauldron overtop a small fire. The rock overhead has a long crack that approximates the function of a chimney. All about the shelves are clay jars, and the room smells like a moldy spice rack. On only a few shelves are glass vials, filled with varying liquids: One is separated into brown, silver, and gray layers resembling bands of stone. A clear liquid with a red center that continually expands and contracts. A green fluid with a large bubble in the center.
Most commonly are red potions with chopped up mushrooms and radishes visible in the drink.

The left path leads into a large living space. It seems to have room for three, but only one bed is made. In fact, only one bed is  wood . There are three neglected stone beds and one of wood with sheets and pillows. Near this bed is a desk and bookshelf, also wooden. What strikes Agil instantly upon seeing the furnishings is, almost all of it is certainly Alivastian made... and the bed, at least, was made with someone larger than the average citizen in mind.

Further into the tunnel are scenes etched into the stone with writing underneath and above. Above, the runes are similar to Dwarvish, but... off. Below, the runes are closer to Elvish, but once again simply reading it as elvish comes back with gibberish. The scenes depicted show three old women bowing before a massive man with a lightning bolt coming down to form a halo, and then that massive man pointing to an etching of a tower that looks unmistakably similar to the one outside, by Everbright.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Crouching down, Agil beckons to the others, silently pointing them towards the living space and attempting his best aim to sneak by. His equipment was not exactly stealth-friendly, but he hadn't expected an investigation into village troubles to end in him skulking around caves either. Aina stays close to him, pressing herself flatter, as she likewise tries to move unseen and unheard.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Agil Stealth (Disadv):  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  (1d20+4)[ 21 ] 

Aina Stealth:  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: dismissed
  
 
  

Nija crouches down in the back of the room, letting those with actual weapons stand in the front. She encourages the soldiers to back up too and get their javelins ready. She addresses them.

  "When the goblins show up, Agil will give a signal. Then I'll light one of your javelins with magic and you can throw it at the closest goblin. Get ready and stay quiet."  

She grabs onto the end of Naughton's javelin and closes her eyes. Nija waits invisibly in the hallway, about 10' deeper than the entrance to the bedroom.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 


Truth is using Nija's senses, and ready to dismiss her if there is danger.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
Xihirli
Silently, the group slips into the bedroom and waits there for the return of the others.
They wait and wait, with Agil and Truth guiding them into hiding spots, as they have darkvision while the others do not.

Aina sniffs and points out a book to Agil. Even in the darkness, even unable to read the lettering, it only takes a touch for Agil to identify it as a prayer book to Helm by the crest on the leather cover.
With bookmarks inside.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: -- |  

Three possibilities sprang to mind. First, that the goblins were Helmites. Unlikely. Second, that there were more devoted Helmites in the area than he thought. Possible.Third, and in his opinion the most probable, was that the book belonged to Rey and they had taken it, somehow. There was always a possibility it was somehow trapped (goblins were sneaky) however, and so despite his immense curiosity, he silently bides his time and bids Aina do the same. They could investigate it once the goblins were dead. And perhaps if he yelled a Helmite saying he would find out of they were dedicated as he is.
 
 
  
Xihirli
The pitter-patter of little feet fills the cave at last and it finally seems that the time for your trap has come. However, those footfalls move right past your hiding place and instead go further down into the cave, back where the carvings are.
The more strained voice calls out after them in Goblin, then heavier footfalls sound and an impossibly tall, chalk-skinned woman with long nails, fangs, and a hunched back turns the corner into the bedroom.
She half-reaches for the bookshelf Agil is next to before she registers your presence.
"Oh. Um... hello."

 
 Spoiler: Insight DC 5 
She's scared.
 

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 
Roll it, if you want. She will be Surprised if you do.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: Favored Foe (if hit)|  

Fear was good. Surprise was better. The greeting was confusing, but that was a problem for afterwards. Calling upon a spell, Agil lashes out with a razor whip of celestial branches while Aina circled around from behind.  "Take her alive!"  Agil commands the others.  "She may have information we need." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Initiative:   (1d20)[ 18 ] 
 Agil:- 
 Move:  5ft back (no OA due to surprise.
 Action:  Cast Thorn Whip (non-lethal), dragging her away from the door. Activating Favored Foe if I hit.  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]   Damage:   (1d6+4)[ 5 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Command Aina to attack.

 Aina:- 
 Move:  Circle around the woman to block her escape as much as possible.
 Action:  Bite (non-lethal)  (1d20+6)[ 25 ]   Damage:   (1d8+4)[ 12 ] 
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Nija watches the goblins pass and keeps Truth updated on the happenings in the hallway. As the woman moves towards the bedroom, Truth takes back her own senses. When Agil attacks, she casts light on Naughton's javelin.

  "Yes. Keep her alive!"  

Nija keeps an eye on the hallway to watch for anything returning from further in.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Initiative: [roll]1d20+2z[/roll] Oops.  15  in OOC

Cast light on javelin. I'm not sure where they are, but they could either throw the javelins or if they are close enough, just drop them and attack with their swords.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
Xihirli
"Ah! Yes! Keep her alive!" The hag lifts an arm as javelins crash into her. Two bounce off, but the one that's lit up strikes her in the shoulder and remains there, illuminating her purple skin.
"Ah, ****, that hurts!" She howls, and then gets bitten by a dog from behind. She smacks aside the thorn whip and shakes off the dog, looking for her exit.

 
 Spoiler: Order 

 Agil
Truth
 Hag (-19)
Companions
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: Favored Foe (if hit)|  

They were in a race against time to disable her before the goblins arrived. Agil's arm stretches out into another thorny whip and Aina aims for the ankles again.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

If at first you don't succeed, try again.
 Agil:- 
 Move:  In such a way that thorn whip will pull her away from the door.
 Action:  Cast Thorn Whip (non-lethal), dragging her away from the door. Activating Favored Foe if I hit.  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]   Damage:   (1d6+4)[ 9 ] + (1d4)[ 4 ] 
 Bonus Action:  Command Aina to attack.

 Aina:- 
 Move:  Stay at her back.
 Action:  Bite (non-lethal)  (1d20+6)[ 18 ]   Damage:   (1d8+4)[ 11 ] 
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth blasts at the hag, a burst of radiant force erupting from her fingertips.

  "Don't let her escape."  

She then moves to block the doorway and get adjacent to woman, hoping to draw an attack to herself instead of Aina.

Nija continues to watch out for the goblins.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Aina is rocking this fight!

Eldritch blast:  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] , Damage  (1d10+3)[ 11 ] 

If attacked, she will cast a 2nd level Hellish Rebuke.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
Xihirli
The hag screams as a thorny vine wrapped around her and pulled her nearer, but she seems to come to her senses and hold her breath. Despite Agil's fangs sinking into her flank, she throws a clay jar from a pouch at her side in the middle of Agil and the other guards, the gas from the jar rapidly spreading into the air. It only takes a whiff for one of the soldiers and Agil to collapse, and the hag turns to Aina, but simply jumps over the dog, fully running and rounding the bend to sprint out of the cave entirely.

The two soldiers who were quick enough to hold their breaths when the hag did (including Byrne) kneel down and shake Agil and their fellow awake. "She's running for the cave exit," Byrne says briefly to Agil.

 
 Spoiler: Order 

Hag actions to be clear: Action throw knockout poison, movement includes a standing jump (half-strength distance) over Aina.

 Agil
Truth 
Hag (-43)
Companions
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth stabs at the hag as she flees. She then steps out into the hallway after the hag. She first looks in Nija's direction,

  "Go wake them up."  

She then drops her dagger and looks to the hag.   "Join them... Sleep!"  

Nija flies into the room and starts to wake up the others, starting with Agil.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
AOO: To hit  (1d20+4)[ 18 ] , Damage  (1d4+2)[ 3 ] 

Truth casts Power Word Sleep. if the Hag has less than 50HP, she falls asleep.

Nija wakes up Agil.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
Xihirli
The hag, just getting into the sunlight, collapses and falls on her face, asleep.

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 
We're out of it
 


Byrne smiles grimly once he sees the snoring hag. He draws his sword and comes nearer, his eyes searching for a good angle at her throat.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Still being shaken awake, Agil stands up.  "Aina!"  The celestial hound leaps in between the unconscious hag and Byrne, growling a quiet threat as Agil catches up.

 "I said we take her alive, she may have information."  He holds up the Helmite prayer book he'd grabbed on the way past for proof of this.  "Kill her and we lose that chance. Bind and blindfold her, quickly. We'll interrogate her outside. And keep watch for the goblins."  He pulls the manacles from his pack and affixes them to her legs, then pulls his rope and does the same to her hands.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth is happy that no one was hurt. Who knows what powerful magic the hag has access to. She calls out to Captain Byrne   "Please listen to Agil. We need information."  

Truth moves across the hall into the laboratory and grabs some of the vials, especially the one that is separated into brown, silver, and gray layers resembling bands of stone, the clear liquid with a red center that continually expands and contracts,, and the green fluid with a large bubble in the center. She tries to recall if any of them match the potion the hag threw at Agil.

Nija keeps watch out for the goblins in case they return.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
Xihirli
None of the potions Truth takes look like they'd turn to smoke like the one the hag threw did.

Byrne, glaring at Agil, sheathes his sword.
"It's on your head if that monster escapes and returns to menacing our town. You had the chance to end its evil right here, and hesitated."
He backs off. "If you have a blindfold, feel free to make use of it. I nor my men keep one on hand."

Nija checks on the goblins and finds them cowering in the back around a pile of old chisels.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Exacting justice is more than blindly hacking your blade through everything in your path."  Agil notes, his voice flat and without judgement. Lacking any alternative, and not willing to tear his cloth for a makeshift blindfold, he upends his backpack and empties the contents on the ground. He then places it over the hag's head. Crude, but effective. Manacled, tied, and now bagged, she was ever the picture of a prisoner, he motions for Aina to stand ready over her, and then taps her awake with his cane.  "Understand that you have been captured and restrained. Should you make a move to escape or cast a spell, we will cut you down, and stand ready to do so. How you answer our questions will decide your fate. Are these statements understood?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
The hag, groggily, half-reaches up to the bag before registering her situation. Then her shoulders shake with sobs and it becomes quite obvious from her blubbering, without seeing her face, that she's crying.

"Oh Chauntea... please don't kill me! Ah I knew this would happen. Rey said 'I won't let them hurt you,' now she's gone... and it really hurts!" She twists her hands in the manacles. "It's just like my nightmares... well... the wolf is new, I guess."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Nija tells Truth what she sees, so Truth leaves the Hag's interrogation to Agil,   "Do what you want with her, Agil. Let me know if you need help. Captain Byrne, stay here and help him. Naughton and Walsh, come with me. Nija found the goblins."  

Truth goes to the back room. Keeping a safe distance from the goblins, she calls out to them.   "Come out without your weapons and with your hands where I can see them, and we won't kill you."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] , with Help  (1d20+5)[ 7 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
Xihirli
A barked word in Goblin is shouted back at Truth and her company.

 
 Spoiler: Insight 13, or Goblin known 
"What?"
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth looks at the guards, speaking so Nija can hear too.   "It looks like they don't speak common. Let's see if this works."   She moves to where the goblins can her, changing her features slightly to look more like a goblin and less like a fiend.

She tries to mime out "no weapons" with her hands free, then "safe" by shaking hands and smiling. Then she tries to motion for them to follow her out.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casts disguise self to hide her horns

Performance  (1d20+3)[ 12 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Fey creatures were deceitful and untrustworthy by nature, and Agil found himself faced with a dilemma: The Helmite book, the prayer to Chauntea, and now Rey's namedrop all indicate that the hag was not a creature of evil. And yet...  "Whether you die or not will depend on you. Helm sees all. Know this, and be judged."  He states.

He then, methodically, goes down the questions he has, awaiting an answer to each one.
 "First, identify and name yourself." 
 "Second, where did you get this Helmite prayer book, and why are you keeping it?"  He expects he knows at least part of the answer, but he still wishes to hear it out loud
 "Third, have you in the past done any harm to the settlements here?" 
 "Fourth, what is your association with the goblins in the cave?" 
 "Fifth, have the goblin associates in the past done any harm to the settlements?" 
 "Sixth,"  he hesitates for a moment, but pushes on.  "Everbright was attacked and one of its protectors - Rey - was killed. Her body was taken, but by two separate creatures. One, a storm giant, perhaps. The second, a purple creature. Tell me what you know of this, and these creatures." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Throwing all these questions out at once to avoid long back+forth posting, but hopefully there'd be more of a natural conversation flow as he gets answers :P

Passive Insight: 16
Active Insight on questions:  (1d20+6)[ 19 ]  to determine any falsehoods or deliberate omissions.
 
Xihirli
 
 Originally Posted by Bobthewizard 
       
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth looks at the guards, speaking so Nija can hear too.   "It looks like they don't speak common. Let's see if this works."   She moves to where the goblins can her, changing her features slightly to look more like a goblin and less like a fiend.

She tries to mime out "no weapons" with her hands free, then "safe" by shaking hands and smiling. Then she tries to motion for them to follow her out.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Casts disguise self to hide her horns

Performance [roll0]

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
 
 

The three goblins stare as Truth approaches, and one joins the dance.
They don't seem to have any weapons with them, just stone chisels. They do carry the chisels with them as they begin to follow Truth.


 
 Originally Posted by Amnestic 
  "First, identify and name yourself."   
 

"My name is Polly. Ah... Brooks. Used to go by the Dread Bonechewer back in the day, but uh..." she chuckles nervously. "We've all been teenagers, right?"

  "Second, where did you get this Helmite prayer book, and why are you keeping it?"  He expects he knows at least part of the answer, but he still wishes to hear it out loud 

"It was a gift! Rey gets me lots of books, she's very sweet. Or... or she was," she finishes sadly.

  "Third, have you in the past done any harm to the settlements here?"  

 "Absolutely not! I lived in that tower down there, I moved out just to accommodate these people."

  "Fourth, what is your association with the goblins in the cave?"  

 "It's my cave. They're from that glen way far away, they come by sometimes and I asked them to bring stuff for... for a burial. But apparently they only have tools made out of chitin and wood, so... we're gonna make do with chisels, I suppose."

  "Fifth, have the goblin associates in the past done any harm to the settlements?"  

"I mean, maybe. I don't get a lot of news. No one's mentioned it to me."
  "Sixth,"  he hesitates for a moment, but pushes on.  "Everbright was attacked and one of its protectors - Rey - was killed. Her body was taken, but by two separate creatures. One, a storm giant, perhaps. The second, a purple creature. Tell me what you know of this, and these creatures."  

She becomes sad again. "I'm the purple one," she admits. She is purple. "I took her... most of her, but I didn't steal her! She always goes to a specific spot on my mountain to pray. She would have wanted to be buried there. The other one... well, if it's a giant, I know what the carvings here tell about them, but the goblin elders in the Glen would know more. There was a giant kingdom around here, once, but that was long before my time."

 
 Spoiler: Insight 
You don't think she's lying, but it's difficult to tell with her face covered.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

He felt somewhat reassured, in truth. This hag seemed legitimate in her belief. One final push. He kneels down and tugs the hood from her head, allowing her to see him standing over her, framed in silhouette against the sky.  "Swear to Chauntea that all you have told me is true, and omitted nothing, and I will release you." 

Swearing to gods in falsehood was not a thing done lightly or without risk. If this Polly was lying, hopefully the stick of doing so, versus the carrot of release, would prove sufficient.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth leads the goblins back to Agil, speaking to the investigator when she arrives, and passing the goblins to him.

  "They don't seem to understand common, and I don't speak goblin. I don't think they are going to be any use, but I also don't think they are a danger. They only carry these chisels."  

As she approaches Agil and Polly, she asks the hag,   "Do you know where the giant is now? We are looking for a young girl it kidnapped."  

Nija lags behind in case anything is coming out from deeper in the cavern.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
 

 
Xihirli
Nija sees something move!
No, it's just her shadow.

The other goblins skip past the interrogation scene and run for the cave exit.
"I've no clue, aside from maybe to its home I mentioned," Polly says to Truth. "If I knew where it was, I would go retrieve Rey's head to bury with the rest of her."


 
 Originally Posted by Amnestic 
  "Swear to Chauntea that all you have told me is true, and omitted nothing, and I will release you."  
 

Polly stares, scared, back at Agil. "Omitted  nothing!?  Uh... well, I've been living in this area for about–"
Byrne steps up beside Agil.
"I can't conscience you releasing that. Maybe it's telling the truth about not wanting to hurt us, maybe it isn't, but you know what that is. That is a hag. They eat children in order to grow their numbers. That  thing  started its life masquerading as a dead child, taking the care and attention meant for the babe it replaced after its  true  mother murdered her. One day, it will want another hag beside it, and when that day comes, are the children of Everbright to pay for your mercy?"
"I would like to say that while yes, that  is  how I was born, I was very young at the time and had no part in it. Heck, I didn't know I wasn't human until the same moment my parents did!"
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil watches the goblins run away. If Truth said they weren't a problem then he would have to take it on faith. He had no way to communicate with them either, and having Polly serve as interpreter was perhaps a step too far in his trust requirements just yet. Instead, he addresses the main problem:  "You are here for Rey, are you not?"  Agil smoothly asks Byrne, unperturbed by the objection. He holds up the prayer book once more.  "She trusted her, it seems. Enough to not just leave her be, but to befriend her. Are you going to tarnish her wishes?" 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth also lets the goblins flee. Perhaps they will return with more goblins, but more likely they are just saving themselves. She listens to Agil and Byrne discuss the hag's fate. She's mostly noncommittal to the outcome of that debate, but she does add one thing.

  "Or maybe this hag stole the book from Rey."  

Nija gets scared of her shadow and returns to the others, still watching the cavern.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
"There's notes! Notes and such from Rey on which sections I might like!"

The bookmarks do have notes on them that seem to address Polly in the third person.

Byrne scowls hard. "Without the head of  some  monster to bring back, the informal evacuation will likely continue," he adds. "I suppose I ought to join them, and request additional security from Alivast. Men?" Byrne nods for Naughton and Walsh to follow him.
Byrne and Naughton head out of the cave. Walsh pauses and looks back at you.
"This mountain won't be safe for her for long, you know. Alivast still needs stone, and this is the nearest source of it. If they have to, Alivast will clear this place out to keep Everbright standing."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth calls out to Byrne and his men. She doesn't want them to go, and she doesn't want the hag to be falsely accused.

  "Wait! Captain Byrne, sir. If she is not the monster we are looking for, then whatever killed Rey is still out there. We don't need a scapegoat, we need to find the culprit. Come with us, all of you, while we search for the giant."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion:  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] 
if advantage from Agil:  (1d20+5)[ 10 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "We came to hunt a giant, didn't we?"  She adds to Truth's words.  "He was the one that took Rey's life. If you throw out a scapegoat, only to be attacked again by the giant, then the deaths of those people will be on your hands. Can you live with that?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
"Can you tell me where the giant is, right now?" Byrne challenges.
"My people are about to be exposed out on the road. Not just to the giant but to wolves, goblins, anything out there. I need to remain with them," the Captain says. "I'm sorry, and good luck on your mission."

The hag clears her throat. "I uh, notice that the blue one is holding a lot of my work. If... more of it would be helpful in killing the giant, I um... have a trade to offer."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth recognizes that she won't be able to change the Captain's mind, but any help would be appreciated.

  "Captain Byrne, sir. You'll at least let Naughton and Walsh decide for themselves. What do say boys? Help us find the giant and save Everbright, or run and hide?"  

After they respond, she turns to the hag,

  "What did you have in mind? We could definitely use your help."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
Naughton shakes his head very quickly, but Walsh pauses and, as the other guards head back down, remains.
"I'll get packed up, say some goodbyes. Then I'll wait for you by the big stone tower," Walsh says. "I'm goin' with you."

 
 Spoiler 
He has the stats of a Guard. One of you can run him in combat.

 
 


Polly points, to the best of her ability, into the cave area with the cauldron and the shelves of jars and vials.
"My work," she explains. "I have many potions that could be of use, even a special one I was planning on giving to Rey on her next birthday. Take any you like, but I ask a favor. Right now in my cauldron, my potions of Speak With Dead are cooling. Take a vial each and, once you defeat this giant, take Rey's head and ask her about her family, and who should know that she has passed."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

A shame that the men of Everbright were so lacking. Their trials had proved their of weak metal. Though they justified it differently, Agil saw through them. They had come expecting a quick and easy victory, and when faced with true danger they turned tail and run - save one, he supposed.

Bending down, and without Aina moving from over Polly, Agil unhooks the manacles and undoes her bindings.  "Once our task is completed, you will inform Everbright of where you buried Rey's body. Her resting place does not belong to you alone. For your injuries, I apologise, and will seek to accomplish restitution once we have done what we came here to do. Your assistance is accepted." 

He didn't know much about potions, but given how the last two she had deployed had been potent knock-out concoctions, they seemed of legitimate stock.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth nods and starts to hand back over the vials. She feels a little guilty, but she did take them from a hag, and what are the odds of a hag being helpful.

  "Keep the ones you need, but we would be grateful if you'd give us any that might help us. Could you tell us what they do? And is there anything deeper in this cave? What were the goblins looking for?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
"My chisels, they came to help me dig Rey's grave," Polly says somberly. She nods to Agil briefly.
"Yes, I can do that. Though I think chances might be that I have to find a new mountain. That one," she indicates to Truth, "Is a potion of..."

 
 Spoiler: Available Potions 

This is the fun part where the main limit is YOUR encumbrance, she's been stockpiling for a long while.

Those potions Truth took because they stuck out:
Potion of Climbing (Bands of Stone)
Potion of Growth (red center that changes size)
Potion of Water Breathing (Bubble in the Center)
4 Potions of Greater Healing
10 Potions of Standard Healing
1 Potion of  most  resistance types (exceptions Radiant, Force, Psychic) in clay jars

Do you ask about poisons?
 


"And... this one." Polly reaches up to a high shelf and takes a hidden potion. "Potion of Heroism. It gives you more toughness, and guides your strikes. I was... very proud of it." She fills two more vials with the potion in the cauldron and gives one to each of you.
"Drink half of it, pour the other half on the head," she gives as instruction on how to use it.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil peruses the potions as they're explained.  "If Rey believed in you, perhaps you can convince the town of the same. It is never too late to change your lot in life."  He spoke loud enough so that Truth and Nija could both hear him.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Turns out Agil's actually been (2lbs) overencumbered since the start, but since he's feeding himself on goodberries every day he doesn't really need rations, dropping half of those gets him back down to 112/120, leaving him with 8lbs to play with. Could even donate them to Polly, though they're probably not overly tasty.

We could/should take all the healing potions, along with at least a potion of Lightning resistance, and maybe Growth.
Assuming they all weigh the same, and with the heroism pots, that comes out to 8.5lbs total, split between us for 4+4.5lbs.

I don't think we'll need to be breathing underwater or climbing, and there's such a thing as being too greedy. Poisons aren't really going to be a thing for Agil due to weapon choices - not like he can safely poison Aina's fangs.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth tries to hand back all of the potions, but when Polly refuses them, Truth thanks her profusely and takes the ones she can carry.

  "Thank you very much. Are you sure you don't want to come with us? You could be very helpful, and it might be safer for you to stick with us."  

She puts the healing potions in her pack along with the potions of climbing and water breathing. You never know when those might be needed. But she leaves the potion of growth and most of the resistance ones, except fire.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Potion of Climbing (Bands of Stone)
Potion of Water Breathing (Bubble in the Center)
2 Potions of Greater Healing
5 Potions of Standard Healing
1 Potion of fire resistance

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
Polly considers for a few moments. "I do not know," Polly muses. "I think... I think I am afraid." She stares out her cave. "When I was a little girl, my father took me out to the river and tried to get me to fish. At the thought of killing another living thing, I threw up. He never tried to get me to kill again. After I joined my true mother and her coven, they tried to turn me into a killer too, but never succeeded. I fled to this place instead."
"I am afraid, because if I see the person who did this to my friend, I know that I will do my best to become a killer."

 
 Spoiler 
Persuasion to convince her to come with you.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth backs off a little.

  "You can stay here if you want, and if you come with us you don't have to fight if you don't want to."  

Just then, Nija appears in her true imp form, visible for everyone to see. Truth calms everyone down and introduces them to her guide, explaining the whole saving her soul for Elysium from her background. Then Nija speaks up to Polly.

  "We don't judge anyone based on their form."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
Polly considers. She looks tempted, and half-nods... but stops.
"You misunderstand me. It is not that I do not want to fight. It is that I  do . I want to track it down. I want to kill it, take its head like it took hers. And then... I would be a killer, just like everyone believes I am already."
Polly shakes her head. "I do not trust myself to go. I am sorry."

Laden with potions, the pair head back down the mountain and lead Bergamot to where Walsh awaits you, at the stone tower that stretches higher than any other building in Everbright.
One thing that the group notices upon coming closer is that the tower is built without mortar. The cut rocks are closely fit and put together, but nothing is holding them together other than gravity.
Within, there is another inscription in a tongue sharing the same alphabet as Dwarvish. Agil can sound it out, but not truly translate it. He does, however, recognize the word "Ordning" above a list that phonetically reads:
 Lynne
Raunfalt
Orvulk Femte
Ilktarr
Mistarra
Ultarr
Gedronal
 
Walsh meets you there with a new necklace around his neck, it does not appear expensive, and nods his readiness to go.

 
 Spoiler: OOC stuff 

To confirm, final potion list:
Truth has 2 greater healing potions, 1 Speak With Dead, 1 fire resistance, water breathing and climbing, and 5 standard healing potions.

Agil has the other 5 healing  potions, 1 potion of growth, and 1 lightning resist

Yes?

Also, any more business in Everbright before I move us along? Most people are packing up and going, so nonessentials are heavily discounted at the moment.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Knowing ones limitations is as important as testing them, you cannot have one without the other."  Agil offers by way of 'wisdom'.  "Perhaps you will test them another day. Thank you for your assistance." 

He bows before leaving Polly for their return to town.

Though he scrutinises the engraving and makes a mental note of it, he doesn't see much relevance for the current task at hand.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Both of us should have Heroism potions I believe, Agil also has the two other Greater Healing potions.

Ready to move on otherwise.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: imp
  
 
  

Truth looks at the writing, but it is gibberish to her.

  "I never learned Dwarven. It just sounds like grunting to me."  

Nija, alternating between visible or not this whole time, depending on the company and risk, appears on Truth's shoulder.

  "If no one can read this, I think we are ready to go."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
 
 Spoiler: Potion of Heroism 
There's only one.
 


With Walsh following, the party follows their only lead, continuing west toward the goblin elders of Briar's Glen to learn more about the elusive Giants.

The bridge across the Everbright River is long and wooden, running past the speeding river. The road after the bridge is better for a time, the dirt beaten down by use. The forests soon overtake the road yet again, until for the first time since the trip's beginning, your boots meet bare rock, untouched even by dirt.
You have arrived onto a wide, miles-spanning circle of untouched bare rock. The fastest way to continue West is to travel through it, but the air is... silent. Upon the rock there are no sounds, no insects. Only dead, empty stone. Bergamot sniffs the rock, and Aina growls at the idea of going ahead.

Around, or through?
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Traveling miles out of their way would add multiple hours to their journey to circumnavigate the ominous stone, and they had no guarantee that they'd actually be safer when doing so. Despite their animal's reluctance, Agil speaks up:  "We should press through, and tackle any danger that comes our way." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth is unsure of the solid rock, but she trusts Agil. He's kept her safe in nature so far. Everything out here seems dangerous to her. She misses the safety of a dark alley.

  "Whatever you think is best."  

Nija, on the other hand, isn't so sure. She disappears from view.

  "This seems dangerous to me, but I'm still here."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
They are only a few steps onto the rock when Nija suddenly becomes visible again.
Despite a strong tension in the chill air, nothing further threatens the group. Continuing upon the stone, hunger sets in as it is wont to do, and Agil realizes that his goodberries have become brown and rotten.

Truth, meanwhile, merely feels her skin grow more... pensive, worried. Like the chill in the air is gathering around them... and tightening.
The air is far too silent. They walk along hearing the  clop  of Bergamot's hooves, the soft padded paws of Aina upon the stone. The gentle  swish  of Nija's wings through the air, and four sets of boots: Agil's, Truth's, Walsh's, and...
Wait... was than an extra set of footsteps?

Wheeling toward them, for a moment you see nothing. Looking closer, you see a shadow, though the air where a body might be to cast it is empty. There is only a shadow stretching across the stone next to your own, walking in the midst of you all.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

When Nija first turns visible involuntarily, she immediately tries to turn invisible again. If that does not work, she flies back out of the rock and tries again. Truth then tries to cast her blast inside and outside the rock. If it doesn't work, she is very uncomfortable walking over this rock.

  "I think we should go around."  

When they notice the extra sound of steps, Truth turns to the shadow, or more precisely, where the source of the shadow would be if she could see it.

  "Do you need help?"  

Nija jumps away. She feels nervous not being able to turn invisible.

  "I don't like this place."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil watches the shadow warily. Perhaps they had intruded on the domain of some shadow creature, but it hadn't attacked...yet. If they didn't provoke it, they might be able to leave unharmed.  "If it leaves us be, we shall do the same to it."  Whatever  it  is. No need to instigate hostilities. They were the ones who had intruded, after all. Still watching, and with a calming pat to Aina, he keeps moving forwards.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Coulda sworn I'd put this post up days ago, but I guess not?? Weird.
 
Xihirli
Nija is able to become invisible again, but only for a few seconds before it's shunted back off.

The footsteps and shadow continue to follow as the sun travels along the sky. It isn't until the sun has fully set that once again you set foot on precious dirt, hearing the sounds of insects, feeling the crunch of dead twigs underfoot.
At the other end of the zone of death, you have come to the farms under the protection of the Dragon's Take Fort, though you can't see anyone out at the moment.
The shadow remains at the edge, long and fading into the horizon in the sunset until there is no more light to cast a shadow.

 
 Spoiler 
How shall you spend the night? Request the hospitality of a farmer, or simply make camp yet again?
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Neither Truth nor Nija are comfortable in the dead zone. They both rely on magic too much, so they are both happy to get back onto real ground.

  "Let's try not to go through there again."  

Truth would much rather ask a farmer for a place to sleep, but she trusts Agil to make the right call, so she stays silent. Nija doesn't care either way. She can just dismiss herself if she gets uncomfortable. So she poses the question to the others.

  "Should we try a farmhouse, or is camping and hiding better?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "I see no reason not to at least ask the farmer if they have a place for us. Worst thing they may say is no, and we're forced to camp anyway."  Agil says. He'd rather not camp, if they could help it, though needs must.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Nija disappears,

  "See ya. Farmers probably don't want to see me."  

Truth approaches the nearest farmhouse, keeping an eye out for danger. If she sees anyone, she inquires about any possible hospitality.

  "Hello. Could we rent a few beds and some hot food?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
The nearest farmhouse's door is slightly ajar, and the act of knocking on it opens it a bit. Nobody comes up to the door, and Agil notes that the animals are restless. The cattle, free ranged but tending to stay around the farmhouse, are mooing in pain that Agil recognizes as characteristic of a cow that has not been milked, and a pig is oinking angrily at an empty bowl of feed. There is stabling for a horse, but no horse in sight.

After some time waiting, a look inside the house reveals it to be empty of living people. There's no fire burning, no remnants of dinner, or anyone in the bed.
There is, however, a woman's body in the middle of the floor with a symbol carved into her body.

 
 Spoiler: This shape 
 
 


Nija immediately recognizes it as a devilish symbol, but not one belonging to any current princes of the hells. Any but a prince encouraging a cult following is all but unheard of.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

The frontiers certainly were a dangerous place. Now they had some sort of foul murder to contend with. The roof over their head wasn't worth an innocent's death - assuming she was an innocent, of course. He kneels down, looking for any marks of a fight the woman took part in, any sign of bindings on wrists, ankles, or neck, any injuries besides the obvious carving, seeing if she's still warm. He works methodically. This was his job, after all. He should interrogate the animals afterwards.

 "Do you recognise the symbol?"  he asks, trying not to sound accusatory as he does so.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Perception/Investigation:  (1d20)[ 17 ]  +8 for Perception, +4 for Investigation.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Nija looks through the window and sees the mark on the woman. This is bad. Whoever made this will surely draw the wrath of something very powerful. And they must know that, so they likely aren't something to be taken lightly.

  "I don't recognize it. It's not one of the current Princes'. Whoever did this is brave or foolish. Either way, we may be in over our heads now."  

Truth listens to the two for a minute and then gets bored watching Agil investigate. She's glad he's doing it, but she'd rather leave it to him. Instead, she looks over at the pig.

  "These animals were surely going to die anyway, with their owner now dead. We might as well have some bacon from this. What do you say, Walsh?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
The body is cold, but Agil can't really tell anything about the time of death other than that and the lack of any noticeable decay. He does locate marks from rope burn on the woman's wrists and ankles, but isn't able to make out any other defensive wounds. She's dressed simply and practically, common for women on farms, and bears no jewelry or writing hinting at her name.
Aina's nose is also confidently able to ascertain that they are all alone in the house. Whoever did this is gone now.

Walsh, whose face has gone pale ever since he noticed the body, looks confused for a moment. "The pig?" As if he's stopped registering the farm. He looks about and sees it.
"Ah. Well, I do believe we can salt some pork for the road."

Sadly, there are no spiders in the pig pen to stop you.

"Their owner dead? This size farm, I don't think one woman could have run it alone. The rest of the family could be in hiding, could be... well."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Nija offers to look.

  "I'll see if I can find anyone."  

She turns invisible and scouts around the area to see if she can find any other family members, staying within 100' of Truth. Meanwhile Truth tries to help with the body.

  "We should say some prayers and try to cleanse the body. Then we should bury according to custom."  

She calls on her radiant light to try to erase the mark.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Just using cantrips - sacred flame, thaumaturgy or light. Not sure if they'll do anything, but it's a good visual.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "It is unfortunate we cannot spend more time on this, but we shouldn't forget our goal."  He sighs. If they were truly alone, then the killers were long gone.  "A proper burial will hopefully ensure she rest in peace." 

Once they've dealt with the body, Agil makes sure the animals - at least the ones they're not slaughtering - are taken care of.
 
 
  
Xihirli
 
 Spoiler 
Sacred flame can burn the mark away. Whether you think that's respectful is up to you.
 


With Walsh's help, the woman is buried and her marks covered while Agil helps out the cattle.
With access to a large amount of milk and pork being roast for the night, the house seems to be yours, should you choose to stay here.

 
 Spoiler 
Staying here? Taking the bed? Talking to anmals?
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Once the burial is complete, Agil spends some time entreating with the animals to see if they know anything about what occurred here. Once he's satisfied he's gathered as much as they know - and he's not expecting much - he'll settle in to sleep under the farmhouse's roof. Despite the death, there's no sense in letting comfortable beds go to waste.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Speak with animals, sleep in the house.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

After burying the woman, Truth leaves the dinner preparations to Walsh. While he works on that, she looks around the farmhouse for any clues or anything useful.

  "I agree. We should sleep here tonight."  

Nija doesn't care where she sleeps, if Imps even sleep.

  "If whatever did this comes back, it's better for us to deal with it than another farmer."  

She continues to scout around the farm, relaying what she sees to Truth.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
Agil speaks to the animals, and finds out more than he thought he might.
The cattle pipe up together, in their limited way, as he milks them and talk about a group of four people they differentiate based on which one of them smells the most like a cow.
The-one-who-smells-least-like-cattle, along with the other three, were all inside for a time when they were hearing screaming, but then only the-one-who-smells-third-most-like-cattle, and the two shorter ones who smell the most like cattle, left. They took the horse and headed "that way," which the cattle debated on the direction of but eventually settled on west.

Truth is able to collect kitchen appliances and the tools one might expect for a family on the frontier, but no nonperishables or any such things.

Truth and Agil have the run of the house, and are able to share a hot meal and enjoy a warm bed.
The next morning, a breakfast of pork and milk awaits them, and then another day on the plains.

The next farmhouse they comes to has another body, this one a child, laid out in the same way.

So too does the next house, this one a man.

In point of fact,  every  farmhouse on the way to the west and Dragon's Take, the fort in between Briar's Glen and the fields, has exactly one body in it.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Giants, hags, and now what looked like a devil cult. Part of him longed for the simplicity of the city's crimes - men knifed over petty insults or a pocketful of coins. Whatever they were doing though, he had no insight, and they were clearly ahead of them by some time. Intercepting and stopping it seemed unlikely. All he sees they can do is keep following their trail towards the original objective and hope that, perhaps, they can stumble upon them in the act and take care of things before they get worse, or else report it to someone who does have the time and manpower to resolve it. That seemed unlikely on the frontier though.

It chafed him to leave things so unresolved, but he could accept that he was but one man, he couldn't be everywhere at once.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth doesn't take anything from any of the farmhouses, but she explores the next one looking for clues. After that one, all she looks for are signs to make sure we are traveling in the right direction. She doesn't like this at all. Traveling around the woods looking for devils is way out of her experience.

  "Let's keep moving. Agil, are these bodies fresher or older than the first one we found?"  

Nija tries to determine the age too.

  "This is bad."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Survival:  (1d20+1)[ 21 ] , Nina's Help:  (1d20+1)[ 3 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
Truth ascertains that the people were all killed at nearly exactly the same time, making it a virtual impossibility that only one person was responsible. What strikes her the most is that the bugs haven't started eating yet.
Agil manages to pick up your quarry's trail, one that had gone cold on the dead rock, upon finding another improvised campsite, this one with a fried-up cow carcass.

With once again a one-legged trail to follow, you continue your journey roughly to the west. After a little over another day's travel, you spot Dragon's Take, a fort standing in between civilization and wilderness. Tales of the goblins to the west of this fort have reached the city. Of their dread spider steeds, their weapons of chitin, of their villages in the canopies of the forests suspended by spidersilk. True courage, you have no doubt heard, is waiting for those creatures and their eight-eyed mounts to storm your keep, but remain vigilant.

As it comes into proper view, it seems that Dragon's Take was taken near instantly. Alivast's flag is stained brown with blood, making the symbol of the unknown devil as it flaps in the skies. The bodies of men and women in light armor in the style of Alivast's Military litter the ground by the walls, broken like they were thrown from them.

The giant sets of footprint make a wide berth around the fort, headed into Briar's Glen.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth doesn't know what we can do about this devil that has killed an entire keep, but maybe we can still rescue the girl.

  "Let's keep moving. If the giant avoided this fort, I think we should too."  

Nija looks at the flag flying with the symbol of blood.

  "I have a bad feeling about this."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Misfortune continued to plague the frontier. Agil started to wonder why people even lived - and died - out here. He nods to Truth though.  "There may still be goblins or others lingering. I would rather not fight a warband."  If they'd taken the town, what hope did their small group have? The giant remained their only true objective.
 
 
  
Xihirli
And so the group continues after the giant's tracks, looking ahead to Briar's Glen – until Agil makes a discovery.
A fresher set of tracks doubling back, headed directly toward Dragon's Take.

His mind races as he questions the purpose of this. He thinks back to the death of Rey, how no one had mentioned a child with the giant, but from the recent campsites he knows she still lives. Agil becomes almost certain that the R creature they are following has left the girl behind and doubled back – but for what purpose?

Truth, meanwhile, feels ozone in the air and looks back over her shoulder at the fort of Dragon's Take. She takes a breath, and then before she lets it out the fort is surrounded by a column of black clouds with roaring thunder blowing out her eardrums even from this distance.

You have caught up with the giant.

Two opportune, yet mutually exclusive options are before you: the ability to face the giant head-on, if you go directly into the fort, and the chance to get to the child while she is away from the giant by following the less fresh trail.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth feels the hair on her neck stand up. She turns around just in time to see the dark clouds suddenly appear over Fort Dragon's Take.

  "The Giant is there!"  

Nija looks at the tracks after Agil points them out. She thinks rescuing the girl is more important than confronting a giant who is claiming an abandoned fort. There is no one left to save in the fort right now.

  "The girl is alone. If we confront the giant and die, she dies too. If we go rescue her first, we can track the giant and see if we can figure out its motives and abilities. We should go to the girl."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil nods in agreement with the fiend - though he's not overly pleased about doing so.  "The safety of the innocent comes first."  He eyes the looming clouds.  "And tracking a giant later is much easier than tracking one scared, lost girl." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
The race was on to get to the girl before the giant completed its business and returned to her.

 
 Spoiler 
To get to the girl before the giant does, we're going to be going through a skill challenge! I'll have choices between two proficiencies with each obstacle, but feel free to suggest your own if you think they apply.
 


Leaving the sounds of thunder and the rush of winds behind you, you advance on your original mission.

The trail begins to go into the forest, and it is a very obvious trail of tossed-aside-trees, but intersects with the new path the giant used to circle back.

 
 Spoiler: Obstacle 1 
To determine which of the two paths is quickest, Survival or Nature.
 


Whichever path is chosen, it is strewn with fallen trees and slashed branches, some of which dangle precariously from other foliage. With a loud  snap , a tree starts to fall.

 
 Spoiler: Obstacle 2 
Athletics to push the tree so that it does not endanger your fellows, or acrobatics to get out of the way yourself.
 


The storming and thundering of the monster seems to have attracted the attention of a giant mantis, picking through the rubble and scavenging on an unfortunate mealworm that got pinned under a tree in the giant's rampage. With a territorial chitter, it moves in between you and its kill.

 
 Spoiler: Obstacle 3 
Animal Handling to get past the mantis by convincing it you mean no harm, or intimidation to spook it off.
 


After the encounter with the mantis, the pair spots smoke over the trees. They are within dashing distance of the camp! However, rushing through the beginnings of Briar's Glen is beginning to take its toll...

 
 Spoiler: Obstacle 4 
Constitution (Athletics) or Survival to basically simulate keeping a good pace throughout all of these objectives.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Without any moments to spare, Agil and Aina press on, working to finally enact the rescue they had promised.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Not sure if you want us to be rolling for each one ourselves or if we're gonna go with highest roll for the team, but I'll put Agil's down for each:-

OB1: Survival:  (1d20+6)[ 21 ] 
OB2: Acro:  (1d20+4)[ 6 ] 
OB3: Animal Handling:  (1d20+4)[ 9 ] 
OB4: Survival (Again?):  (1d20+6)[ 23 ] 

Aina strictly has proficiency on  all  skills, so for anything not Int or Cha based she rolls with a +4, if she's also meant to be contributing; otherwise she could be offering Advantage(?).

Just trying to cover all the bases!
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth and Nija do their best to keep up with Agil.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Truth
1 Survival:  (1d20+1)[ 7 ] 
2 Acrobatics  (1d20+2)[ 10 ] 
3 Intimidation  (1d20+3)[ 8 ] 
4 CON athletics  (1d20+2)[ 5 ] 

Nija
1 help Agil  (1d20+6)[ 16 ] 
2 help Truth  (1d20+2)[ 8 ] 
3 help Agil  (1d20+3)[ 20 ] 
4 CON athletics  (1d20+1)[ 10 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
 
 Spoiler 
Cool. Mostly successes. That gets you there first. How much, though?
 


Agil immediately points out the more recent path, noting that the circled back using this trail, if this path were not more direct then it would not have made this path.

As the tree snaps down in your path, you stop short and are delayed finding a way over or around it.

Truth hisses briefly at the mantis and it comes nearer threateningly, but Agil and Nija mimick its mantis-like hisses and seem to be able to warn it off to watch them pass, its claws twitching ready to fight if you come near.

Even as you feel your lungs and legs burn, for you have already traveled much today, the promise of fulfilling your promise and perhaps even saving a life hastens your steps.
Wheezing, you come to a stop, Walsh lagging behind as he is leading the horse, by the campfire. A little girl, not yet seven, is sitting by the fire. A bit out of this cleared area is half of a cow, and cooking on a stick are parts of the cow. She is holding a stick and writing out runes underneath a set clearly not drawn by her. They are likely giant, but anyone who reads Dwarvish could sound the runes she's copying out as "Raunfalt."

She looks up at the sounds of you all approaching and looks alarmed. Also, quite dirty. She stands and takes a few steps away from you, wary.
"Who are you?"
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil holds up his hands in a gesture of peace, motioning for Aina to hold position.  "I am Agil. This is Aina, and that's Truth."  He wouldn't normally introduce his pet, but when it came to children, it seemed a fair choice to make.  "Your parents sent us to rescue you - that is, if you are Caroline Black."  It seemed likely she was, but it never hurt to hedge.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth feels a sense of relief that we have found the girl. There is more work to be done about this giant, but at least she can stop running through the forest for a few seconds.

  "Yes. We are here to rescue you."  

Nija disappears and stays quiet so she doesn't spook the girl. Her introduction will need to wait.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
The girl calms down when she hears her own name.
"Ronnie's really friendly," she explains, pointing to the name on the ground. "He says... he wants to show me his home. Can you tell mama?"
She certainly doesn't seem of the opinion she's in danger, though she looks at Agil with the look of a girl who both loves animals and has met her fair share of overly aggressive hunting dogs.
"Can I pet your dog?" She asks politely.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  
 Ronnie? Friendly? This doesn't sound right.  But Truth decides to get a little more information before picking up the girl and taking her home.

  "Your parents are very worried about you. Why did you leave with Ronnie? Where is he now?"  

She knows where the giant went, but she wants to know what he told Caroline. Nija stays quiet and invisible

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion:  (1d20+5)[ 6 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil crouches down, and beckons the girl closer to pet Aina, who responds positively to the experience. It seemed things were becoming more complicated...again. He wouldn't characterise the giant as 'friendly' given what he's supposedly done to others. Even the kidnapping on its own was a black mark against him. If he were truly so friendly, why attack their village and take the girl? Why not entreat with the people directly?

He stays silent, awaiting the girl's response to Truth's question.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"Oh, I didn't want to at first." Caroline hesitantly pets Aina, and then as the dog stays still and shows his appreciation she giggles and pets him more vigorously, scratching along his ribs and rubbing his head.
"But then he told me that something was wrong with his home, and he needed my help to fix it! And he told me his name, and a lot of stories about giants."

The ground underfoot begins to shake with the sound of a footfall. Then a second. The timing is slightly off to a tracker's ears, like only one of the feet approaching is connecting with the ground.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Did he say what he needs you to do?"  Agil asks, keenly aware of the approaching giant. He doubted they'd be able to escape it, and perhaps the girl's presence would check the monster's strikes.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth tries to convince the girl to trust us. Truth thinks this is dangerous. The giant attacked Everbbright and killed Rey. But now there may be more dangerous things things here.

  "Even if he's nice, this could be dangerous for you. He is coming back. We are only here to rescue you, but we will hear what he has to say."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion:  (1d20+5)[ 9 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
"No," the girl answers to Agil. "Dangerous? Like the giant bugs in the forest?" She asks Truth, looking more excited.

Coming down the same route that you lot took comes a great purple figure... no, half of one. His right side is strong, muscled, purple flesh wearing a crown with shards of a white-blue jewel on his head. The other half of him is a facsimile of his body, copied off of the other half to make a vaguely symmetrical body of packed-together stormclouds. Dark, churning, crackling with lightning. The smell of him as he approaches is that of clean, powerful ozone. He stands over twenty feet tall, but kneels to get... closer to eye level with you all. Over his shoulder is a baldric with a sword inside, and tied to his belt on his right side is a sack bulging with what can be reasonably inferred to be  two  heads.
"Ronnie! This is Agil, Aina, Truth, a horsie, and some guy!"
Walsh is holding Bergamot's reins to keep the horse from bolting and looking about ready to bolt himself.
Bergamot glances at the giant for a few moments and then resumes grazing.

 
 Spoiler: Drawing of 'im 
 
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil makes sure to stand beside the girl, under the hopefully correct assertion that such proximity will save them from being attacked so swiftly. He wouldn't use her as an active shield - he was still dedicated to her rescue - but he would turn this away from conflict, if he can.  "Her parents have hired us to rescue her. From you."  He speaks slowly, deliberately, and without fear from the amalgamated giant.  "She says you took her for a reason. Explain yourself." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth supports Agil in his conversation with the giant. She is terrified of the giant but tries to hide it. She stays behind Agil and Aina but speaks up in as confident and kind of a voice as she can muster.

  "Caroline says you need her help. We are willing to help you, too. But we need to make sure the girl is safe."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
The Giant's voice booms out like thunder pronouncing from on high:
 "I need not explain myself. Devil, devil's company, you are trespassers on the land of the Storm King Raunfalt, as are all who plant their fields and feed their livestock under Kveldsheim's Skies. However, as a show of good faith, I shall tell you that my city once flew above these lands, protecting the inhabitants under the watchful eye of the Ordning. The magic holding it up was broken long ago." 
Caroline points to the half-crown on the Giant's head, excited to participate in the explanation.
 "With this child's help, I believe it can be reforged. If you work with her parents, I would be grateful if you returned her to them afterwards." 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth isn't sure what to do. The giant seems uninterested in us. She considers saying something sarcastic and unhelpful, immediately asking about Everbright and Rey, but Nija can see it in her eyes. Still invisible, the imp pokes Truth in the cheek and whispers in her ear. Truth listens, the defiance in her demeanor disappearing. She says simply and humbly.

  "Besides taking Caroline home safely once it is done, is there anything else we can do to help restore your magic."  

If we can win his trust, there will be time later for answers.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil remains less convinced. The giant clearly had no capacity to actually take care of a child, and had left it abandoned while it went off gallivanting doing who knows what nearby.  "King or not, you took this child against her parent's wishes. If this is your land, as you say, then they are you subjects in turn, and you have a duty as lord not to mistreat them."  He pauses.  "How exactly will she be of use to your cause? I would not have her endangered." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
 "You who do not even hold a place in the Ordning, you would dare continue to question me?"  The giant rumbles.  "I have given you my offer, you may accept it or leave my sight." 

"How  can  I help, Ronnie?"

 "It is difficult to explain." 

Caroline pets Aine more and whispers to the celestial canine: "That's what grown-ups say when they don't want to tell me the truth."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Perhaps we could help explain it."  Agil offers, attempting diplomacy.  "She should know what's expected of her, even if it takes some time to make it clear." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth stays quiet for a few seconds, unsure if she should push any further or if that would just anger this half-giant at this point. But we need to make sure Caroline is safe, and that this guy doesn't destroy any more of our cities the way he did Everbright.

  "You should let us help you. We can look after the girl so she isn't left alone when you go running off to do your important things. She could have been killed here all by herself. I'm Truth. This is Agil and Walsh. What's your name?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion:  (1d20+5)[ 15 ] , Advantage from Help  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
 "I am Uvarkongen Raunfalt,"  the giant proclaimed.  "The Scourge of Dwarves, Protector of Kveldheim and Kveldsland. Son of Torune, Son of Hilgera the Storm King, Daughter of Sparraxe, Wife of Nexgarr the Storm King, Daughter of Hartkiller, Son of Annam All-Father!"  Raunfalt proclaimed his (admittedly shaky in parts) familial connection to two Storm Kings, a demigod, and the head of the Giant Pantheon with pride.
 "Uvarkongen by my right and by my might, He Who Overcame Lynne and still stands. And  you  dare to question my place here, and my understanding. I have repeated my offer once before. I shall not do so again." 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil frowned. Was he misunderstanding or was the giant both the son and the daughter of someone? Perhaps giants had a more progressive society than he gave them credit for.
 "Your offer is neither here nor there,"  he tries again to keep him (her?) on the girl.  "Caroline wants to know what you need her to do. Surely a great king like yourself could put it into words a child can understand?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
 "Come, Caroline. There is light enough left for some more travel." 
"Ronnie..." Caroline looks at Agil and Truth, uncertain and, for perhaps the first time since you've seen her, afraid.

 
 Spoiler 
I think at this point it's fair to say you've figured out that he's not saying out of shame more than any of the reasons he's given.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth isn't going to let this giant take the girl away, but she's not excited about getting killed by it either.

  "Oh, great Uvarkongen Raunfalt. We accept your offer. We will come with you to help watch the girl, and to return her to her home when you are finished."  

She hopes if we stay out of the way, we can spend some time with him and figure out this business.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
 

 
Xihirli
Raunfalt relaxes, and resumes his kneeling position.
 "I thank you, and would be grateful if you could provide anything for Caroline to eat. Her selection has been... limited, as of late. You need not fear the night, I shall watch over you all." 

Raunfalt, after camp is set, sits back and sings songs in Giant, though none that can be readily understood. Agil gets the odd word, but not enough to formulate meaning.

"He doesn't sleep?" Walsh hisses in incredulity to Truth. "There goes my thought to steeling the girl away in the middle of the night... do we have any other way to slip around him? I don't fancy being skewered on that sword."

 
 Spoiler 
Anything you all would like to do/try before the morning?
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth isn't sure we should stay either, but the other options aren't very appealing either. If we run with the girl, the giant will chase us. And even if we got away, we'd still be leaving a rampaging giant on the loose. She tries to reassure Walsh, trying to reassure herself at the same time.

  "Let's see where this goes. He's treated her well and seems to care about her well being."  

She then settles in for the night, keeping close to Caroline so she can watch over her in case anything happens.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Rainfall, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

The giant's lack of forthcoming was...distasteful to him. As was having to actually aid him. Quietly, he'd been hoping the lumbering monster would have made a mistake and said the wrong thing to Caroline. Alas, it wasn't to be. He offers the girl some of his goodberries; it wouldn't do for her to go without just because the giant was incompetent at child-rearing.  "If the choice is watch and wait or risk its ire, we should stay wary...and wait."  He agrees with Truth. Even if they could make an escape from the giant - which he was certainly not sure of - doing so would put the girl at risk.

Despite the giant's promise of watch, he does make sure that he takes at least one watch cycle himself. The less he was at risk the better.
 
 
  
Xihirli
It is a tense morning, and Raunfalt presses the group on deeper into Briar's Glen, knocking any trees that get in his way off to the side.
Perhaps predictably, the group is unbothered by the local fauna as Raunfalt brute forces his way through the forest, but as midday comes, Agil looks up to spot a canopy of webbing between the highest trees in the forest, with spider-riding goblins climbing atop them. At least a pair stay with the group as you travel, keeping an eye on you all but not evidently in any rush to fight a giant.

The forest of Briar's Glen has been outside of any of your experience thus far, and the plants are unfamiliar to your eyes as you trek through the thick undergrowth. While there aren't any animals ready to start problems with the group, there are insects that keep a fair distance large enough for the goblins' spider-mounts to have a good meal. At one point cresting down a hill Agil is able to witness most of a battle between a swarm of ants the size of mastiffs and a beetle large enough to step on him. It was no contest – the ants would eat well.

Will our heroes at any point during the first day's travel attempt to thwart the forward progress of the kidnapper they've caught up with? Make any try at contacting the goblins that their friend back in Everbright said might have answers?
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil, at least, chooses not to intervene - goblins couldn't be trusted out of hand, nor would he risk leaving the girl alone again. With her seemingly on board with aiding 'Ronnie', instigating a confrontation could sour their relationship and make returning her all the harder. Though he's not a fan of how this has played out so far, he's less a fan of the current alternatives he sees, and so he waits, and bides his time.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth doesn't do anything to disrupt the giant's plans. She doesn't think it would work and wants to get a better idea of what his plans are.

In. the morning, she helps as best she can to clean up camp and get things ready for the days travel.

Nija spends the night in her pocket dimension.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Rainfall, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
It isn't until midway into the next day of travel that a hint of your destination comes by way of a series of stones next to one another. Piecing it together like a puzzle in your mind, it seems that it was once part of a tower or some other tall cylindrical structure, fashioned in a manner similar to the structure at Everbright.
More and more stones, cut in this manner, begin littering your path as you continue your journey until the forest breaks... at a crater.

Embedded in the earth is a crumbled, mostly-shattered city that spans for miles and miles out of sight, a city with a castle in the distance that still stands higher than any human structure you've ever seen despite many of its walls being crumbled. Broken remnants of what were once houses, shops, centers are clear to your eyes, including a circular arena-like building, perhaps some form of theatre, visible at what might be, based on what you can see, the very center of the city.

 "Kveldheim,"  Ronfault identifies it.  "My home. The home of my mothers and fathers to the fifth generation. Over eight thousand years of my people's history fell from these skies." 
His flesh-fist clenches, and thunder rumbles through the clouds.
 "All because of him." 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

A quest of revenge then? To involve a child seemed...suspect. Probing for how Caroline could be of help had proven fruitless, perhaps another tack was in order.  "What happened here, exactly?  Who  caused this?" 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth tries to win a little of the giant's favor with a little sympathy, but some of it is genuine sympathy too. It must be hard to witness your home destroyed like this.

  "What was Kveldheim like before? It looks like it was magnificent. Did this happen in your lifetime?"  

When the thunder rolls through the sky seemingly under the giant's control, Truth is glad we didn't try to abscond with the child. She doubts we would have gotten far.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
 "It was glorious. A place of strength, but also of poetry, family, history. Where Annam All-Father was given proper respect, where those who followed Hartkiller made their home. As for your questions about the responsible party... and whether it fell in my liftetime... follow me." 

Within the great Arena are seats for Giants set up like a stadium. Given time and the materials the group could likely scale them.
More to the point at the center of the stone arena are two giant skeletons... no, as you come closer it becomes apparent that  one and a half  skeletons lie dead. The whole skeleton has a great spear impaled through its ribs. The other skeleton is only the left half of a giant. Half of a crown lies on the stone next to its head, the white-blue gem in the center of the crown rendered in twain and sparking with lightning.

 "Lynne was Uvarkongen before I. As is my right, I challenged him to the Ordning-Pass. I triumphed, impaling him through the heart. But as I placed the Uvarkrone upon my head he took this sword..."  Raunfalt lifts his white-blue sword.  "And cut me in half... including the crown that lifted the city into the skies. So... did the city fall during my lifetime... no. In between this liftetime and my last, I suppose." 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth follows the group into the ruins. She looks first with curiosity at the one and a half skeletons in arena. Then she looks at the giant with a little more understanding. It's one thing to lose your life and your crown, but quite another to lose your entire kingdom, destroying everything you hold dear.

  "Is there a way to restore it? Is that why the girl is here?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil isn't terribly sympathetic. If their culture's leadership was based on who won a duel to the death, then it behooved him to make sure his foe was dead, and not be taken unawares. His failure had caused the loss of his people, and it seemed - at least from Agil's read - that he failed to take ownership, instead blaming his foe who had abided by the terms of the duel in fighting until their last breath.

He holds his tongue though; better not to antagonise.
 
 
  
Xihirli
 "There is a way."  Raunfalt begins walking in the direction of the castle, not even looking back to see that you all are following, only glancing at Caroline. His smoke-hand passes through the pouch on his belt.
 "Three ways." 
 
 Spoiler 
Any desire to search for any additional clues at this site? Examine the bones, loot the spear, anything of the sort?
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "At some point you will need to speak with more precision, for Caroline's sake."  Agil remarked, with only minor care about how insolent he sounded. If shame held his tongue, perhaps shame might also loosen it. He goes to poke at the discarded items - the spear and halved crown, most notably. If they were stuck aiding in this venture then the sooner they were done with it the better. Scooping up the severed jewellery, he twists it in hand, peering at the cut edge. Would that it were so simple to rejoin and have this mess dealt with, but somehow he guessed it wouldn't be so easy. He scrutinises the skeletons, though likewise doesn't expect to find anything of note. What stories would the rotten bones of long dead and half-dead giant have to tell?
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Investigation:  (1d20+4)[ 5 ] 
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth continues to lightly push the giant into telling us more of his plan.

  "Three ways? It's interesting that there'd be three different ways. Usually there's only one way to reverse magic of this power. We are lucky that we have three chances. What might those be?"  

Nija, still invisible, examines the bones, the spear and the crown.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Help to Agil,  (1d20+4)[ 17 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
 "When that point comes... I shall have to be ready."  Raunfalt looks up to the castle.
 "While there is still daylight. I would let my kingdom see the sun above the clouds yet again." 

Agil feels a sizzle in his fingers as he touches the gemstone in the crown. He doesn't know enough about magic and transmutation to determine if repairing the crown itself would do all that much, but his hairs stand on the back of his neck just from holding it.
The spearpoint is made of a similar metal to Raunfalt's sword, though unlike the blade it seems dulled and grayed by time, left in the body of the once-king.
As he searches about for clues, he doesn't find much that doesn't simply confirm the tale of two giants fighting for the throne, and both falling... though he feels a weight on his pack as it's opened, and a pair of invisible hands hoist out a vial of thick, brown liquid.
Polly's voice echoes back to Agil:
 "Right now in my cauldron, my potions of Speak With Dead are cooling. Take a vial each and, once you defeat this giant, take Rey's head and ask her about her family, and who should know that she has passed." 
 "Drink half of it, pour the other half on the head." 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Truth holds another one of the potions, so Agil feels somewhat confident in being able to 'waste' one. He had no idea if he was interpreting the words 'correctly', or if there was some further meaning, but he nevertheless downs half of the vial, and then pours the other half on the half-skeleton. Maybe it the bones would be more talkative than the living.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth continues her conversation with the giant, hopefully distracting him from Agil's escapades down in the arena.

  "Are we going to do this today, then? I'm excited to see what this means."  

Nija, still invisible, keeps watch over Agil in case anything goes wrong.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
Truth is quick to divert the Giant's attention, asking about various buildings and aspects of Giant culture that Raunfalt is inclined to answer, looking out over the ruins of his civilization.
 "Yes, today.... today my people are brought to the height and dignity I owe them." 

Agil feels his stomach churn and looks up as the stormclouds churn. A bolt of lightning strikes down in front of him and hits the remaining half of the split giant. Nija, Caroline, Walsh, everyone around him, doesn't even seem to notice, so it luckily seems that this is all happening in his head.
The lightning travels about the giant's skull and forms a single orb of crackling electricity where the eye would be. Sparks make a ring around the top of the head, forming a crown of lightning.
 "Hvem våkner Generall Raunfalt, Rådgiver til Uvarkongen Lynne: Dvergenes Venn, Utvalgte av Uvarkongen Ilktarr, Høyest under Vonin." 
The Giant's "eye" roll sover Agil's form and seem to take in his smaller size, and he switches to an archaic form of Dwarven that Agil is able to comprehend.
 "Well hath met, mine own bawbling cousin. Prithee bid me wherefore thee has't did disturb mine own rest?" 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth tries again to get more details about how this ceremony might go. She's not sure what she could even do at this point if she discovers that it's dangerous for us or for the girl.

  "So what do we need to do to bring it back? What can I do to help?"  

Nija, still invisible, watches Agil. She sees nothing of the effects of the potion, but she can tell that he is intently watching the king's corpse.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil tries to hold back his gag reflex.
He fails.

Only a small splatter of liquid comes up though, and through titanic effort he holds the storm inside.  "Well met, rattling bones,"  He matches them in Dwarven, at least they had a common ground there.  "Your other half is still walking around and wants to resurrect your civilisation, or something along those lines. They're remaining tight lipped about how that works,"  which was impressive since half their mouth was cloud and couldn't be held tightly.  "Can you tell me more about what to expect?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
 
 Spoiler 
Oh, you're going for Raunfalt's body. I'm gonna fix some stuff really quick
That is one question.
 


The left half of Raunfalt's lightning-eye narrows in confusion.
 "Oth'r half..."  It looks down at itself as if struggling to remember.  "Yond's right.  I hadst did challenge the most wondrous u]Uvarkongen Lynne... Something in me, a voice, it did want..."  The memory fails to arrive.
 "Something.  Such a quite quaint voice, it off'r'd such wond'rful things if 't be true only I becameth Uvarkongen. But we both hath fallen." Regretfully, the half of Raunfalt that remained with his bones looks down at Lynne's body. "Thee sayeth.  Thee sayeth yond the civilization hast fallen? Mine own broth'rs has't fallen? Mine own Jotun art dead?" 

Meanwhile Agil speaks with the walking half of Raunfalt.
 "Help me,"  he repeats. He looks out over the destroyed ruins of Kveldheim, where Truth sees much in the way of ruins and stone but not a single other skeleton.
Raunfalt points out a tower within the great castle, a castle sized for giants.
 "When I first awoke I devoted myself to bringing each and every body of the giants to the top of the tallest tower to allow Annam All-Father's spear to come down and bring us up. When this is all over... when I might finally rest... would you do m the great honor of offering me up in the same way? Asking for his judgment... whatever it may be?" 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Indeed. It seems only your other half survived, replacing you with clouds."  He eyes the skeletons again, and the ruins around them.  "It seems like it has been quite some time. The crown was severed in two."  Could it 'see' him properly? He holds the cloven headdress up regardless.  "How would you fix it? 'Restore' what was destroyed?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
 "Cloudweavers... The druid Cloud Giants would be who to ask, for they lifted Voninheim and Kveldheim afterwards. Did any live? If not... There is no need. Leave us in the ground, where all fallen things lie." 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

More giants. Well he shouldn't be surprised. Maybe druids dedicated to 'balance' or the like would be more amenable than child nappers.  "And where would I find these druids, if any lived still?"  He paused, then followed up  "Are there other options, besides them?" 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth feels like she’s making a little progress gaining the giants trust. She is also starting to feel a little sympathy for him.

  "It would be an honor. Just tell us exactly what to do and where to take your remains. And what of the other half? Or the king you defeated?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
 "If 't be true those weavers art not in the ruins of the city.  I can only desire yond there is yet a storm king beneath the waves. Far from this. Aside from those folk... The voice hath said i couldst doth aught, if it be true only I hath brought Lynne low."
 The dead half of Raunfalt's lightning eyes flicker. "The earth cries out for me, though I am fated for the sky. Asketh thy final question."


 

 "He rent the crown of the Uvarkongen in twain and dropped our people to their deaths. He can lie. The rest of my body... yes, I would appreciate this." 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

It sounded like these druids were far away - too far to be of use. He ponders for a moment, and then asks  "What message would you convey to your half-living self?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
 "Forget the voice... just rest..." 
And the lightning in the half-skull's eye shoots back into the skies as the skeleton falls and is still.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

So appeal to the druids, if there were any -and it didn't appear there were - else their suggestion was simply to do nothing and abandon the mission. It was true that the dead was slightly more talkative than the living, though as cryptic as ever. Nothing to it. He returns to Truth and the living half.

 "I spoke with your dead-half, by way of a potion."  He says bluntly.  "Seeking additional insight into what could be done. It mentioned druids of your people. Have you sought them out?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
Raunfalt looks down at Agil and scowls.
 "This way." 
Nearer the castle out by the courtyard, Raunfalt leads the group to what were once gardens. Smashed apart roots, stumps, and uprooted remnants remain built there. Raunfalt removes his half-crown and touches it to one of the stumps, which takes on a healthy life for just a moment... then dies again.
 "These are the trees that dig into the clouds and take root in them. The castle, our entire civilization, is built upon these roots. The trees bow to the Storm King, and with the crown sundered, they died." 
Raunfalt shakes his head in sorrow.  "Kveldheim fell, and the druids with it. They are with Annam All-Father." 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Nija takes the half crown from the dead king. She flies over to Truth and drops it in her hands. Truth looks at it and speaks to Renfault
.
  "we will honor all of your remains, but what if we could repair the crown? Could your kingdom be restored?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
[/QUOTE]
Xihirli
 "That,"  says the Giant,  "Is precisely what we are doing." 

The castle proper has an entrance, but also most of the walls are collapsed, so Raunfault steps over the rubble into one of the hallways.
The Giant stonework is evident: the lack of mortar, the close-cut stone. The lightning design on the ground that Aina sniffs as Raunfalt walks ahead.
Blood. Raunfalt's blood, the ozone-charged giant ichor. As Raunfalt makes a right-turn, the trail of Aina's scent continues straight, following the lightning cut into the stone floor.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Being blunt and to the point had served him well enough so far, so... "My hound seems to think there's something down this path."  He points, following Aina's nose.   "She's rarely wrong. Why that way and not this?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
 "There is nothing down there that need concern you,"  Raunfalt insists. "There is only one place we can return my home to the heavens."  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth just looks at Agil and shrugs,

  "should we follow the giant or follow the scent? It’s your call."  

If Agil moves to follow the scent, Truth will stay with Ranfault and the girl, sending Nija with Agil to see what they find.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

He'd rather trust Aina than the forever tight-lipped giant who refuses to elaborate further on anything. There were limits to even Agil's patient acceptance of being dragged around - especially when he wasn't totally convinced the girl would come to no harm. Quietly, he motions for Truth to continue on with the giant, while he and Aina split off to follow his hound's nose.
 
 
  
Xihirli
Aina, Agil, Nija, and Walsh head off, with Raunfalt scowling after them.
 "Let's move,"  he says, and leads the way down a long, stone hallway. He pushes at two double doors as if to open them, but instead they fall apart and fall to the ground as rubble.
Stepping over the stone, Truth sees a long, massive throne room with the remnants of thirteen chairs making a circle, one much larger than the others. Three Giant spears are planted in the room, stabbed into the stone at three points around the throneroom, with the stone carved in between them. The throne room has no ceiling, and by the lack of detritus it likely never did, open to the skies above.
Alit on the great throne is a harsh, unwelcoming flame that almost appears humanoid in shape. Humanoid and... leaning.


 

Aina follows her nose down the lightning pattern in the floor down a hall. Smashed apart ruins line the walls up until you reach one with hardly a scratch. Aina growls at the door, which is of course, giant sized and made of stone.
Squeezing under is not fun, but possible, and Agil and Nija go inside while Walsh and Aina guard the door.
There are some remnants of an old life here. A chest taller than him that lies open, filled with spherical rubies and sapphires bigger than Agil's head, each confined to one side of the box like some gargantuan gameset for marbles. A desk that Agil could probably climd on top of with the assistance of the chair. A bedframe. Carvings along the wall of a family tree leading all the way up to a depiction of Annam All-Father on the ceiling, looking down on the rest of the room in the red light coming from the blood on the ground.
Dominating the center of a room is a ritual circle with three giant arrowheads with white-blue metal jabbed into the floor making a triangle between them. Blood drips from the arrows, and the triangle, carved into the stone below, is overflowing with the blood smelling of ozone. The circle has two layers, one of Giant text that Agil can once again read out phonetically but not make sense of. The Infernal, however, Nija translates, flying to the first arrow and pointing at it: "Guilty."

 
 Spoiler 
The giants' arrows can be used as Javelins of Lightning if Aina is so inclined
 


Raunfalt comes to the first spear around the throne room, opening the pouch on his belt and taking out a head of a man with the symbol you once saw in the murders of the farmhouses placed on the forehead.


 

Nija points out the next arrow: "Righteous."


 

Raunfalt's bag is not empty, and it swings with the weight of another object about the same size as the head in his hand.


 

The final arrow: "Innocent."


 

The self-labelled Storm King looks back at Caroline. His storm half rumbles, but out of his fleshy eye comes a single tear.
He drives the cultist's head into the spear, impaling it on the pike. Fire gathers about his crown, slowly reforming it in a glow of hellish light.


 

Agil feels the stones under his feet jump, then slowly lift off of the ground as Kveldheim, the lost city of the giants, shakily and weakly... begins to fly once again.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Theee spears and only two heads. The second head must be Rey’s. But that leaves the third to be Caroline’s. Truth tries to reach Nija telepathically to ask her to return.

“I need help”

If she can’t reach Nija, she instead dismisses her, hoping that lets Agil know she is in trouble. Then she turns to the giant, knowing she needs to disrupt this ceremony. She looks to see if there is any way she could grab Caroline and get to some sort of cover before the giant annihilates her. If not she stands her ground and tries to delay the process.

  "Stop! You can’t put Caroline’s head on a spear. No kingdom is worth killing an innocent girl."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

The massive jewels could satisfy a small town's needs for years if properly sold. Their size would make them the envy of any monarchic collection. But they would have to wait. Regardless of how Truth's message is conveyed, Agil scoops up the giant arrows and slides back beneath the massive door to Aina and Walsh.  "The others need us,"   he says simply, trailing back to follow after the giant's path, and hopefully get there before it's too late.
 
 
  
Xihirli
Agil and Aina run ahead of Walsh as Nija vanishes.

The ground under all of your feet shakes and trembles, bouncing in an earthquake.
Raunfalt looks to Caroline, and she hides behind Truth. He takes Rey's head and marches toward the spear.
 "No Kingdom you say... there was no Kingdom like mine. No civilization so close to the heavens..." 
As Agil and company rush into the throne room, Raunfalt impales Rey's head on a pike and the floor rushes up at you. Walsh and Caroline stumble as the city climbs into the skies, the stormclouds overhead growing closer... and rumbling.

 "There is no other way,"  Raunfalt says.
The fire on the throne leans forward and part of it... bobs, almost nodding. The flames hiss, letting out Infernal chants.
 
 Spoiler: Infernal 

"Think of your home, Raunfalt. Imagine all the Giants out there, dwelling in the dirt. Knowing nothing of the skies to which they ar the destined masters of. This is the first step to rebuilding your Kingdom."
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

A pair of luminous wings forged entirely of gleaming golden light spring forth from Agil's back, carrying him forwards to take up position in front of Caroline also. Eyes gleaming gold, he calls out in a loud voice that reverberates with the heavens.   "In the name of Helm, I command you: Halt! "  One of the javelins in his hands crackles with electrical energy, though he holds fast from aiming it.   "That flame that speaks in the tongues of devils and demons. Your own self said there was another way, and implored you to stop. You need not do this."  
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Activating Celestial Revelation (Radiant Soul)
Offering advantage to a hopefully more efficient Truth persuasion attempt?
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth listens to the voice in infernal and knows something is wrong. she summons Nija so the giant can see her.

  "You made ideal with a devil? You know that isn't going to work the way you hope. It never does. I should know. You are going to curse the souls of your people for all eternity. You need to stop!"  

Nija chimes in.

  "She speaks the truth!"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Persuasion  (1d20+5)[ 24 ] 
Advantage   (1d20+5)[ 18 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
Raunfalt hesitates and looks back at the flame on the throne.
It whispers in Infernal, loud enough for all of you to hear:
"Kill them."

The Giant's flesh arm closes around the hilt of the Storm King's sword, but he does not draw it.
"Ronnie..." Caroline says, still behind Truth: "I thought you were my friend."

Raunfalt looks to the sky and the rain begins falling, the heavens weeping down upon you.
 "Then it was for nothing"  he pronounces. He whips out his sword, lifts it into the skies and lightning comes down upon it. He points the tip of his sword... to the throne, redirecting the burst of lightning into the fire and shattering the seat into rubble, the fire dying.

 "I could not bring myself to kill her when we met. I thought that somehow... I might be able to do it here. But..." 
The stormcloud hand of the giant lifts, then the fist clenches. A rumble of thunder claps out from the fist toward the group, forcing them to scatter as the rocks under their feet begin to fragment.

 "I am not..." 
Raunfalt's storm leg takes a step nearer you all, infernal fire building up within the gale of its being.
A devil's cackle fills the halls. "Your second life is from me. And you belong to me. Kill them."

 
 Spoiler: Initiative 

Raunfalt's devil-possessed storm half:  (1d20+2)[ 21 ] 
Raunfalt's flesh half:  (1d20+2)[ 3 ] 

Roll 'em.
 
Xihirli
Crackling fire within the storm pushed out to the edges, the clouds of Raunfalt's being taken up in an inferno.
"Need to stop... do I? No... not before the world shudders and the Hells bow before Stillhavity!"
The flaming storm hand lifts toward the trio, and bursts of flame come forth, honing in on Truth and Agil.

 
 Spoiler 
Scorching Ray, 4 rays
2 at Truth
 (1d20+7)[ 24 ] ;  (2d6)[ 8 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 18 ] ;  (2d6)[ 11 ] 

2 at Agil
 (1d20+7)[ 18 ] ;  (2d6)[ 6 ] 
 (1d20+7)[ 8 ] ;  (2d6)[ 7 ] 

19 fire damage to truth, 6 to Agil.
 

 
 Spoiler: Order 

Devil Storm
 Party 
Raunfalt
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 21/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 2 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth is unable to avoid the blast of fire or get her shield up in time. She is grateful for her natural resistance to flames, but is still hurt by them. As she is hit, a burst of fire rebounds at the storm half of the giant. She throws a bolt of force at the storm side of the giant, and grabs Caroline's hand.

  "Come with me!"  

Truth tries to find cover for her and Caroline. As she runs away, Nija causes a glow of light to heal some of Truth's wounds and then yells at the giant.

  "Come find me!"  

Nija turns invisible and charges the giant, flying about its head.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Reaction: Hellish Rebuke  (3d10)[ 16 ]  fire damage, DC13 Dex for half
Action: Eldritch Blast  (1d20+5)[ 19 ] , damage  (1d10+3)[ 5 ] 
BA: Healing Light x2 dice  (2d6)[ 6 ] 
Move: Run away to find cover

Nija action: Turn invisible and fly at giant

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation| --  
 Concentrating: --|  

On wings of glorious light, Agil flies forward, conjuring up a spiked gauntlet on his arm.   "I am warden of law and guardian of man."   The flames impact him, but he continues on.   "I have no fear!"   He lashes forward, slashing at the giant's clouded side. Aina follows suit on the ground, charging forwards and tearing at its legs as best it can.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  Into Melee
 Action:  Thorn Whip  (1d20+6)[ 23 ]   Damage:   (1d6+4)[ 9 ]  Piercing +  2  radiant.
 Bonus Action:  Command Aina to attack.

 Aina: 
Move into melee.
 Action:  Attack  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]   Damage:   (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  slashing
If the giant was more than 20ft from Aina, he takes an extra  (1d6)[ 1 ]  slashing damage and must succeed on a strength save (DC14) or be knocked prone.
 
Xihirli
Fire and pure energy slams into the storm keeping the giant alive, its arm lifting to block the worst of it, while the rest of the giant looks thoughtful, as if weighing its options.

 
 Originally Posted by Bobthewizard 
   "Come find me!"   
 

"...Why?"

The lightning eye follows Truth's motion as she leads Caroline further away, behind one of the thrones. The storm begins churning, lifting the giant off of the ground, beginning to fly... until Raunfalt's other half snarls and he lifts up his sword, stabbing it through his own foot and three feet of the stone beneath it, pinning both halves of himself to the ground with a grunt.
 " I  am the Storm King. And no one dares control me." 
Stillhavity, the devil possessing his other half, sneers at Raunfalt. "You could not protect your people... and now you cannot protect that little girl! Caroline!" The voice takes on a musical, hypnotic timber.
" Come here. Come help your friend Ronnie. "
The little girl, cowering next to Truth, shudders as her eyes shut... then pop open, suddenly calm. She skips out from behind cover, humming to herself, out in the open and closing about a third of the distance between herself and the remains of the Storm King.

 
 Spoiler: Damages 
The cloud resists fire but fails the save, putting its current damage at  24 .
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 21/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 2 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth reaches for Caroline as she leaves but cannot stop the girl. She stays where she is behind the throne and shoots another blast of force at the storm half.

  "Nija, help her!"  

Nija responds Truth,

  "I'm on it!"  

She quickly flies away from the giant and grabs the girl, lifting her into the air back towards the safety of the throne.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Action: Eldritch Blast  (1d20+5)[ 21 ] , damage  (1d10+3)[ 4 ] 

Nija action: Grapple Caroline  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
Fly away from giant and towards Truth

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation| --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Keeping Caroline out of their reach was the top priority, but they had to split their attention. With a sharp whistle and a thumb point, Aina is commanded to help with the girl, while Agil scrapes another spiked gauntlet across the devil-cloud's 'skin'.

Pinned in place as the giant was, he couldn't attempt to drag them away, but he could stand (or, float) in their path.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move: 
 Action:  Thorn Whip  (1d20+6)[ 13 ]   Damage:   (1d6+4)[ 6 ]  Piercing +  2  radiant.
 Bonus Action:  Command Aina.

 Aina: 
 Move:  Towards Caroline.
 Action:  If able to reach Caroline with 40ft movement,  grapple :  (1d20+4)[ 5 ]  vs.  (1d20)[ 2 ] +mods
If unable to reach with 40ft movement, then  Disengage  to avoid an OA from giant-guy, but still close the distance to Caroline.
 
Xihirli
Nija grabs Caroline and flaps her wings, but is unable to lift both herself and the girl into the air. Aine, however, tackles her to the ground and grips her shirt in its teeth, dragging her away from the battle.
"Bye, Ronnie!" She calls, still in her dreamlike, overly-chipper state.

Agil's light strike is blown aside by the winds of the Devil, but Truth's beams of Celestial-given power splatter out a hole in the water vapor, causing the devil-storm to stumble.
The gales, as more and more water vapor is taken over by churning fire, rumble in anger, and the storm leg bends to wrap around Raunfalt's flesh knee. As the Storm King roars in pain, his muscle and sinew is scorched and melted away, his leg twisted free from the knee down.
As the giant flies past Agil after Caroline, Raunfalt reaches for his crown and rips it off, tossing it behind him next to Agil.
 "Our time... my time... is passed." 
 
 Spoiler 

The cloud is currently at  28  damage.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 21/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 2 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth focuses her attack again on the storm side of Ranfault. As she does, she calls out to Caroline,

  "Snap out of it, Caroline!"  

She waves her hands and a circle of runes made of light appears on the ground surrounding the giant.

Nija looks at Truth,

  "I'll see what I can do to help"  

She quickly flies away from the girl and back to the giant, hovering invisibly over its head.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Action: Eldritch Blast  (1d20+5)[ 16 ] , damage  (1d10+3)[ 5 ] 
BA: Casts Sigil of Chains (at start of my next turn, DC13 STR save or pulled to center)

Nija action: stays invisible
flies back to giant
if it moves, AOO  (1d20+5)[ 14 ] , damage:  (1d4+3)[ 6 ]  +  (3d6)[ 11 ]  poison DC11 Con for half.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation| --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Perhaps the crown could be forged to greatness some other way, but he didn't see a way for it to be useful in the here and now. With a swipe of his cane at the passing giant he follows up with another spiked gauntlet, this one extending from him and trying to latch its protrusions into the cloud, dragging it away from Caroline. At the same time he calls out a command   "Run, Aina!"   to his faithful hound, urging her from the battlefield as fast as its legs can carry it.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Reaction?:  OA Cane attack:  (1d20+1)[ 5 ]   Damage:  (1d8-1)[ 6 ]  + 2 radiant
 Move:  Giving chase
 Action:  Thorn Whip  (1d20+6)[ 7 ]   Damage:   (1d6+4)[ 8 ]  Piercing +  2  radiant, aiming to drag him back away.
 Bonus Action:  Command Aina to Dash+Flee, assuming a grapple halves speed that's still 40ft of movement.

 Aina: 
 Move:  Run away
 Action:  Dash
 
Xihirli
As Aina dragged Caroline away, it becomes apparent that Caroline's head isn't going to get cleared from auditory stimulus. It was also clear that she wasn't about to struggle free. Truth's blast alone impacts the fiend, and it looks down at the sigil, unsure what it is but pretty sure it should avoid being too near it soon.
First, however, the roaring fire of Stillhavity stretches out of Raunfalt's storm hand. With a shimmer like a heat wave, a wall of fire erupts in front of Aina, and  then  Caroline shakes her head, looks about, and starts screaming as the heat from the fire warms her cheeks.
"None of you can escape me! Give me the girl and I shall allow the rest of you to live. Without my help you shall fall to the ground and be crushed by the rocks even if you prevail here."
The Devil drags the body of Raunfalt up and out of reach of Truth's chains, but a powerful gust of winds follows the Storm King's beckon and blows the giant's body back.
 "Raunfalt, just for that, Annam's realm is the first to be invaded when the Devils take over all of reality."  The chains drag the Devil further away from Caroline, but with the fire blocking the doorway out there is not a clear way to take her.

 
 Spoiler 
The cloud is currently at  32  damage. You have also hit its exact AC at 16.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 21/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 2 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth attacks again at the storm side of Ranfault, trusting Aine to get the girl to safety.

Nija stays hovering invisibly over the giant's head, ready to strike if it moves away.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Action: Eldritch Blast  (1d20+5)[ 17 ] , damage  (1d10+3)[ 4 ] 
(Edit: I've hit every time, which is great, but on a d10, I've now rolled 1, 2, 2, 1 for damage)

Nija action: stays invisible
stays next to giant
if it moves, AOO  (1d20+5)[ 8 ] , damage:  (1d4+3)[ 7 ]  +  (3d6)[ 12 ]  poison DC11 Con for half.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation, Shillelagh | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

They had a precious moment to act, Aina letting Caroline go and standing with her at her back, growling and baring their teeth while focusing on not getting hit. Agil swoops down, enchanting his cane with radiant light. His swings lack grace, but when your weapon is close to a holy club, they don't particularly need them.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Move:  To block between Caroline and Devil
 Bonus Action:  Shillelagh
 Action:  Attack (copied from OOC thread): (1d20+6) [24]   Damage:   (1d8+4)[ 11 ]  Magical Bludgeoning +  2  radiant

 Aina: 
 Move:  Stand between Caroline and Devil
 Action:  Dodge
 
Xihirli
The storm howls, then Agil feels stormclouds, hot as lava, wrap around his torso and lift him into the air. Rumbling sounds from above.
"Fine then... you die first. Then the girl. If I'd known that a devil-blood and an angel's bastard would come after me, I wouldn't have bothered to have Raunfalt kill the Paladin... or let him behead my own priest."

The clouds overhead light up, electricity charging as Agil feels his hairs stand up.

 "But... I am the Storm King." 
"You were."

 
 Spoiler 
47 damage. Next round he's gonna lightning Agil, who is grappled.
Might wanna do something before then!
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 22/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation, Shillelagh, Grappled, Potion of Lightning Resistance | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil swiftly uncorks one of the potions they'd taken from the hag's stash. He couldn't say they wouldn't come in handy. He downs it, feeling a charge of lightning rush through his throat and chest, down his skin. Electrifying.   "Bring all the might you have to bear, creature of the Hells. You shall find us your match and more."  
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

 Bonus Action:  Potion of Lightning Resistance
 Action:  Slip free from grapple:  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]  vs enemy  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  (assuming the mod is correct.
 Move:  Circle away from the lightning but avoid an OA.

 Aina: 
 Move:  None
 Action:  Dodge
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 21/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 2 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: invisible
  
 
  

Truth isn't sure what she can do to help Agil, so she stays where she is and attacks again at the storm side of Ranfault.

Nija stays hovering invisibly over the giant's head, ready to strike if it moves away.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Action: Eldritch Blast  (1d20+5)[ 18 ] , damage  (1d10+3)[ 9 ] 

Nija action: stays invisible
stays next to giant
if it moves, AOO  (1d20+5)[ 7 ] , damage:  (1d4+3)[ 7 ]  +  (3d6)[ 12 ]  poison DC11 Con for half.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
Agil twists in the storm's grasp and flies out of the way, the Devil snarling and then widening its eyes as a lightning bolt, the Spear of Annam All-Father, comes down upon him and detonates, sparks and light arcing through the body and zapping at the fire within. The storm half of Raunfalt explodes as a wall of sound blasts out from within it, throwing the rest of the once Storm King to the side and throwing Agil for a loop.
The flesh half of Raunfalt lies face-down, half-embedded in one of the seats in the citadel.
As for the devil within him, all that is left is a spark on the stone, flickering weakly upon the rainwater.

The wall of fire vanishes without even a heat wave left behind, as if it was never there. The fight, it seems, is won.
 
 Spoiler: Lightning Bolt 

 (12d8)[ 59 ]  Lightning damage to his face, everyone within melee range takes half. So that's Nija and Agil.
And just for cool factor let's make the whole party make a con save to halve  (2d6)[ 7 ]  thunder damage.

And we are out of initiative.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 1/28 | AC: 15 HP: 13/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation, Shillelagh, Grappled, Potion of Lightning Resistance | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Thunder and lightning strike as one, threatening to scorch every inch of flesh from the Aasimar, but downing the potion at the last moment saves him. The jolts are dulled, the stinging shocks painful, but not lethal. He remains, even when the force of the thunder threatens to finish him off. Radiant light dimmed only momentarily as he breathes heavily through the pain, nursing the agony that came from it. He would recover, but first thing's first was ensuring the girl's safety. He floats down, seeking out Caroline, a healing potion at the ready in case she fell to the thunder.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

59/2=28
Divided by 2 for resistance=14 lightning taken, plus 7 thunder, brings him down to exactly 1hp, but he stays conscious.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 14/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 1 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 0/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

The lightning banishes Nija back to Elysium, where she endures the pain of being a devil in heaven, waiting for Truth to perform the ceremony to summon her back.

Truth looks over to Caroline, a brief light glowing on the girl as she tries to mend her wounds. she then moves to Agil.

  "Are you ok?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Bonus Action: Healing light on Caroline  (1d6)[ 4 ]  HP

Nija destroyed

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
Caroline is covering her ears and looked after by Aina, luckily far enough away from the blast to avoid any serious injuries. She's patched right up and healed. She sits up, holding the angelic canine close, and gasps seeing Raunfalt's remaining half embedded in the stone.
"Ronnie!"
Xihirli
The once-storm king, broken and half-buried under the rubble, weakly moves his fingers as you approach.
 "Without the final sacrifice, the city shall hit the clouds and begin to fall yet again,"  he said.  "One head to lift the city, the second to bring us to the clouds, the last to take us over them. You must hurry and escape from here."  The stones upon him shudder as he tries to lift himself with his one remaining arm and fails.
 "We giants... will have to live on... only in the memories of the land below." 

Caroline grabs one of his fingers and starts pulling ineffectively.
"Come with us!"

 "Child... I have been dead for over three hundred years. I shall fade soon, whether I follow you or not..."  The necromantic magic making up Raunfalt does indeed seem to be deteriorating. His flesh is becoming more translucent, and you can see his bones through it.
 "Run for the edge. Leap off... I shall try to live long enough to guide you to safety." 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 1/28 | AC: 15 HP: 13/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation, Shillelagh, Grappled, Potion of Lightning Resistance | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Grab the girl, we need to leave, now."  Agil commands Aina - and Truth, he supposes - while he goes to retrieve Rey's head from it's pike. The giant's actions warranted scorn for being mislead, but at the very least if he allowed them to survive he might move on the path to redemption. Perhaps it would be enough, for whatever afterlife he was destined for.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 14/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 1 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 0/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth runs over to Caroline and grabs her hand.

  "We're going to listen to Ronnie and jump. Come with me. He'll protect us."  

She leads the girl, running headfirst for the ledge. Once there, she doesn't hesitate and leaps off the edge holding on tightly to Caroline's hand.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Bonus Action:

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
"Ronnie!" Caroline reaches back but is dragged away by Truth, running out of the castle.
The instant Agil takes the head from the pike he feels the stone under his feet shake. Behind him as he runs, boulders plummet to the ground as the last remnant of the Giant Kingdom falls apart around the group as they flee.

Down on the ground, Bergamot, who waited outside of the Giant City, drinks from a stream. A massive stone falls directly next to Bergamot and he sharply lifts his head, looking at the stone. Then, as the stone remains where it fell, he returns to drinking.

Tripping and falling under shaky ground, our heroes reach the exterior of the castle and can run to the edge of the city, throwing themselves into the sky.

They plummet, and their guts may fill with fear as the ground becomes quickly closer. The wind rushes around them... and then they gradually slow as tendrils of clouds circle around them, gently lowering them to the ground.

Then a final hint of ozone crackles in their noses as a lightning bolt, large enough to have its own tributaries of other arcs of lightning. Aina's fur stands on end as the divine lance of judgement arcs through the flying city. In a clap of thunder that physically throws the party back, the last city of giants explodes into powder, showering the party in pebbles.
Caroline, pelted a bit but not injured, begins just fully crying.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 14/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 1 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 0/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Once on the ground, Truth holds tight to Caroline until the explosion is over, using her body to shield the girl from any debris. She feels a sense of great relief which is quickly interrupted by the girl's crying. She wants to comfort her but knows she probably needs a few minutes to get this out first. She lets go of her hand, and lets her cry. Instead she looks around for the others.

  "Agil, Aina, Walsh. Are you all ok?"  

She knows not to look for Nija. Her new mentor is gone for now, but she'll be back later.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 1/28 | AC: 15 HP: 13/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation, Shillelagh, Grappled, Potion of Lightning Resistance | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "I am not okay. I am severely burned and barely conscious."  Agil states, struggling to his feet. Aina was fine, of course. A little bruised but no worse for wear.  "But I will live, and - though it didn't go quite as intended - our task was successful. The girl has been saved, Rey's head recovered and her killer slain."  He holds the gruesome trophy in his hands - having been impaled didn't do much for its appearance, nor the rot that had set in. He opts to wrap it in his coat, in the absence of a better container. He'd need to buy another one when he returned to the city, of course. Blood and decay tended to permanently stain.  "We should look to make camp a distance away, in case others come prying at the devastation. I'm in no state to engage in further hostilities today." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
The journey back, however, poses few dangers.
The goblins, seeing you all enter with the giant and leave without him, give you a wide berth. The cult on the way back is scattered, the fort they took leveled.
With no uncertainty about Caroline's life hanging in the air, you are free to walk around Jannath's Folly and avoid the shadow within.
Polly receives Rey's head gratefully and buries it with the rest of her body, making tea for the group while Walsh waits pensively for her to betray you all.
"Missus Polly, are you a monster?" Caroline asks.
"I have been called that. Truly, thank you both for helping retrieve..." Polly shakes her head. "If you have anything to request of me, please... I'm all ears."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Celestial Revelation, Shillelagh, Grappled, Potion of Lightning Resistance | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "The frontiers are a dangerous place,"  Agil says slowly.  "You should band together with other people and live among them as best you can. The next wandering warriors who find your doorstep may not be as eager to interrogate as we were." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 14/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 1 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 0 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 0/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Having recalled Nija on their journey, the imp sits on her shoulder as we talk to Polly.

  "Polly, you'd be welcome to come with us if you want, either for good or until you find some people to settle down with. I'm sorry again about your friend Rey."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
"Go with you..." Polly muses. "Find a group. I... it is true, I cannot hide here forever. The blank edges of the map are being filled in."
She looks back at Rey's grave for a few moments, then:
"I'll go pack."

Polly likes to sing to herself on road trips, and she drags along a lot of alchemical ingredients, some of which clang loudly.

The wolves largely avoid you, however, as you move onto Wolf's Den, Caroline recognizing it as "home!"
She runs out ahead and half-sprints all the way to the long house of her mother and father. There Payton Black, still coated in bandages but now up and moving, scoops her up in his arms and pulls her into a tight hug, crying freely.
"Caroline..."
She laughs as he spins her, then accepts her mother's kisses that Colette delivers on tiptoe.
"Payton, these are the ones..." Colette whispers gently and, as if for the first time, Payton notices you all. Still holding his daughter, he walks to you all.
"Would you stay for dinner?"

Harvested nuts and fruits and smoked wild boar are offered to you as Caroline's parents shower you in thanks.
"What was it that took her?" Payton eventually asked. "Is it still out there?"
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

During the journey, Nija does her best to get to know Polly better. She tells her her story and how she found Truth. She asks a lot of questions about Polly's childhood, how she learned alchemy, and if given the chance, asks about the alchemy itself.

Truth spends the journey shepherding Caroline, trying to keep her from wandering off. In the end, she lets the girl run ahead to her family. When they reach the Blacks, she first tries to make sure they are not afraid of the Hag we brought with us.

  "Mr. and Mrs. Black, we would love to stay for dinner. This is our friend Polly. She was instrumental in saving your daughter."  

At dinner, she tells the whole story, about the giant, the fall of Everbright, the slain paladin, the helpful hag, the cursed farm houses, and the final battle against the demon.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil keeps much of his silence during the dinner, only interjecting with Truth's story to fill in an occasional blank. His own storytelling capability was a bit...sterile for such discussions. He's quietly glad that Polly accompanied them though. They weren't able to save Rey, but perhaps they could help her work live on, despite that.
 
 
  
Xihirli
 
 Originally Posted by Bobthewizard 
 [l
During the journey, Nija does her best to get to know Polly better. She tells her her story and how she found Truth. She asks a lot of questions about Polly's childhood, how she learned alchemy, and if given the chance, asks about the alchemy itself. 
 

"Well, I spent the earliest part of my childhood thinking I was a human. My best friend growing up, she… she was learning how to read. She taught me as well. It wasn’t until after my first blood that I began hearing the call, a cackle in the wind, a nightmare from the mountains. The changes began. Sharp teeth that resisted cleaning. A hunch in my back, long claws that took an hour to cut through. I hid them, as much as I could, but it was never going to last. My parents… or the people I thought were my parents, realized what had happened and I had nowhere to go but to follow the Hag’s Call and return to my true mother. She taught me the ways of Alchemy… then she died and I ran away. I came here to be far away from people."


 

"Yes, nearly all of Everbright’s population came through here…" Payton notes.
"Polly," Colette says politely, "You haven’t touched your boar. Would you like me to cook it more for you?"
"Oh, no thank you, Missus Black. I haven’t eaten meat since my mother died and stopped force-feeding me live baby mountain goats."
"I… can see how that would put you off of meat."

The Blacks listen in on the story, with Caroline telling about the stories Ronnie would tell her in the night.
"I don’t think I’ll ever see him again," she says sadly.
Colette holds her daughter and whispers, "Ronnie’s in the sky now, my little fox. Every time you hear the thunder… that’s him."
Caroline’s eyes well up in tears as she folds herself into her mother’s embrace.

"I can never repay you for what you’ve done," Payton tells you, out by the fire after dinner.
"We don’t have much, here in Wolf’s Den, though if you see anything you might want, it’s yours. I have taken the liberty of writing a letter to my friend Abacus. If she reads it, I have every expectation she will reward you… perhaps not as much as I would want her to, she’s a bit of a miser."
He presses a letter into your hands.
"You owe me nothing, but I have one last request of you. If you would be so willing… say nothing of the giants or their treasures out in the forest. I know it may be against my job as a frontiersman, but…" he looks about at the woods.
"I would very much like the wild places to remain that way for little while longer. I love Abacus, but if she smells treasure… these forests will be nothing but paved roads and tilled fields before you know it."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

He wouldn't deny the frontier their precious goods, not when they need them more than he does, but at the request not to inform Abacus he can't help but frown.  "With danger like this, wouldn't you want the safety that paved roads and a treasure rush might offer? If you capitalised on it yourself, you and your family could set yourselves in comfort for life."  The question is posed with curiosity, rather than any judgment or criticism. He's no money-grubber, but he does understand wanting the best for a family. More than that, he was being asked to lie - or at least conceal the truth - from his employer, something which goes against his principles.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"We are set up for life," Payton assures you. "By the wilderness, by the forests, by the game and bounty of nature that came before us. Someday I fear there will not be many places like this... And you said the Giant died, yes? Its city was destroyed?" Payton recalls.
"I do not think we will face another enemy like that."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth enjoys the dinner, eating the roast boar, and even Polly's serving if no one else wants it. Nija eats some too, but she's so small it doesn't seem like much.

Truth is fine keeping some of the story from Abacus.

  "Too many people of Everbright saw the Giant for us to keep it from Abacus. We will have to tell of the giant, the deal with the devil, and the dead king. I saw no treasure there anyway, so I'm not sure we need to even keep anything from Abacus."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Had it not been for Abacus' request your daughter would be lost to you."  Agil adds to Truth's words.  "We can convey your request and your thoughts, but she deserves to know the truth of what went on, just as much as you do." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
Payton Black nods. "Then go with my blessing." He certainly sounds disappointed, but he never had any way of stopping you, and never had any intention of dangling any form of leverage over your heads.

Before your departure the next morning, Caroline brings you a rudely-drawn picture of Agil, Truth, Aina and Nija with herself petting the dog. "Thank you" is written on the back, the "Y" is backwards though.

Caroline returned and any supplies you might need refreshed at Wolf's Den, the walls and farms surrounding Alivast are two days' journey away. As they come into view, Polly pauses.
"Do you think I should... wait here?"
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth isn't sure how to address Polly's concern. Yes, the people of Alivast can be hostile to strangers, and especially to strange creatures with bad reputations, but Polly might be better off going into the city with us than risking staying out here by herself. She decides to defend the hag.

  "Nonsense, Polly. You are welcome to come with us. You know how people will react better than we do, but I think we can vouch for you."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
Hesitantly, Polly follows after you, looking ever more nervous as people stare at her, move out of her way, and pull their children into their arms at her passing by in the tent district. It takes some convincing to get her in, but showing your contract with Abacus eventually gets you seated back in front of her, within reach of the gnome's bowl of hard candies.

"I see you met expectations," Abacus says as she reads over Payton's letter. She's scarcely glanced at Polly since your arrival. "Saved a life in the process. The death of Rey was... a tragedy. One that will not be repeated. I can tell from these events that our border towns are not nearly so well-defended as I once believed... though to outfit a greater military presence our northern efforts to garner more metal will need to succeed." She shakes her head.
"It hardly matters. You have both done well." She places a small pouch on the table. "Fifteen gold coins apiece as promised... and I wonder what more you might desire? Simply more money? Or perhaps something a bit more... special? I shall endeavor to ensure you are paid properly for the rescue of my friend's daughter."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 28/28 | AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 18 PIv: 14 PIs: 16 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "This event has proven that our own capacity is limited."  Agil reflects bluntly.  "Had the giant not been convinced to turn against the devil, we would have had little chance - likewise without Polly's potion I fear I could have been lost entirely."  The lightning blast had been significant. His clothes still bore some of the burns.
 "Therefore if there is an offer on the table, I would take it in the form of either additional magical items, or that of training with an experienced instructor."  He pauses for a moment.  "And another job, if there is one. Experience is a fine tutor." 
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Apologies for delay, I have been up a mountain. No giants on this one though.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 24/24
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC11
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija stays invisible, again looking around the room to see if she can find out anything useful. Truth takes her 15 gold pieces and agrees with Agil's assessment.

  "If you have any equipment or training that could help us, we would appreciate it. We'd also like to find a safe, quiet place for Polly to live. Unless she's interested in adventuring with us and saving the world?"  

She poses the last part as a question directly to Polly.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Nija Investigation  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
 

 
Xihirli
"I can procure either one, but they will take time to acquire," Abacus says of magic items and trainers.
"Remain in the city for a time and, if you truly desire another mission, I shall deliver you your payment along with it." She looks to Polly.
"Agil mentioned you are a brewer?"
"Oh. Um... yes, I... I'm alright."
"I can find a place for you, I'm sure, if you don't wish to travel with Agil and Truth."
"I've been looking for a place where I can just stay and be at peace since... since I first heard the call of my brood. I truly do not want to throw myself into danger again and again. If it's alright with you... I'd like to have a home."
"It's yours. Details to be discussed." Abacus sat forward and went through a few papers, snatching up a few contracts that Nija was in the middle of reading through and skimming down them.

"I  do  need someone to head north. Do the two of you know much about dragons?"

 
 Spoiler: Levels 
Levels everywhere!
By which I mean you both get ONE.
Thank you for playing through this short adventure. There IS another chapter but now is the time to let me know if you want to end it here. Probably I'll wait a week-ish before continuing if we still have both of you to create a chapter break.
 
Xihirli
Agil and Truth are brought under the tutelage of another member of Alivast's council. The Captain of the Guard, Brorc Bronzefang.
So named for his shining tusks. Apparently a half-orc with celestial parentage, he seems to understand a lot about responsibility heaped upon his shoulders, and having a hard time fitting in on any world.

Much is learned, but Brorc has to move west to handle the many border problems you encountered on your travels, and so after a week's time the pair are invited back to see Abacus.

"I hope your time with Captain Bronzefang was well spent." She doesn't look up from a set of contracts she's signing. "As you may know, the metal available to Alivast at this time is... poor. However there is a new mining enterprise up north that sees some promise. Previously any attempt to mine in the northern mountains would be met by resistance from either the kobolds or the goliaths who reside in the mountains, but a company of dragonborns thought that they might be able to communicate with the kobolds below. Things seem to be going well and I've received word that the first shipment is on the way but the goliaths of the mountains above are beginning to interfere. I was hoping you could scout out the situation."
"Oh, and I have a few things for you." She produces a pouch containing a helm with an odd feature, a faceplate that covered the eyes, and a potion with clear liquid floating at the top of the bottle with cloudy white foam inside.
"I figured you might find use for them at some point."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth takes the helm and hands it to Agil.

  "I don't think my horns will fit in this."  

She takes the potion and tastes it, like Polly had shown her, in order to try to determine its purpose. She also takes one of her potions and gives it to Agil,

  "I forgot to give this to you earlier. It protects against fire, but my heritage already provides me some protection against flames."  

Finally, she turns to Abacus,   "What's the pay, who is our contact up there, and how do we find them? Also , can we see Polly before we go? I'd like to say goodbye to her."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Giving Helm and my potion of fire resistance to Agil. (duh, I can't use it)
Then taking the clear and cloudy potion.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

The week passes in a blur for Agil. He's used to training - he keeps his body in finest condition for a reason - but the experiences with their instructor prove taxing in a way which is as rewarding as it is draining. Being called upon to engage in work is a welcome reprieve from it.

Agil takes the helm from Truth, looking it over. It's not exactly his style, but effectiveness on the field outweighed fashion...most of the time, anyway.  "Do we know why the goliaths are objecting to the mining? Territorial, religious, or...?"  He drifts off with the phantom exceptions left to guess. A religious complication would be much harder to navigate than a territorial dispute.   "And are we being given any lattitude with which to offer bargaining chips on behalf of the city?" 
 
 
  
Xihirli
"The mining company's reports have been frustratingly slim on details," Abacus answers with a scowl. "I don't know that they have any demands at all, or if they simply want to take the mountain for themselves. Without knowing what they want, it's difficult to make promises on the city's behalf on what can and cannot be provided. Sadly, the Goliaths have not been on our radar. They are herders and hunters who live high in the mountains, having no resources Alivast is interested in... though if we're to start a mining operation, being able to feed the miners seems useful. If you find out what they want, we will become increasingly interested in trade with them as our northern territory expands."

Abacus nods. "Polly is situated in the Middle District, she's kept out of the public eye and being provided with anything she requests." Alivast scribbles out notes to give the pair of you permission to ender the city's second district for the rest of the day. It occurs to Agil that this second district is also the home to more wealthy citizens, who very well might have interests to the north that they could pick up on their way North.

"Now if there's nothing else...?"

 
 Spoiler 
If there's anything else we can run past/present parallel for a little bit
 


Polly is singing to herself as you enter into her home – a house with a few rooms before you enter the main area, to allow pickups and dropoffs without anyone seeing Polly. It seems that her existence is being kept secret. It's trivially easy to find her once you enter, for you can simply follow the sound of her singing.

"Spider web, moldy bread, mucky mud, too.
Stir them in my witch's brew.
I got magic! Alakazamakazoo

ooo - My witch's brew - ooo
What’s it gonna do to you?
Boo!"

She looks up, delighted, to see you, and grins with her yellow fangs.
"Agil! Truth! Nija! Aina! Anyone invisible I don't know about! Welcome, welcome! I was just making some antidotes to ward against poisons. Please, sit. I don't have a lot of chairs, not much company, really, but I have a bed!" Polly leads you to her bed and sits on the chair in the room, leaving you all room to sit on her mattress, which feels fine and soft.
"It's been nice to be left alone, though I certainly could do with some friendly company! How have you been? Have any of your birthdays passed?"
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth thanks Abacus for the continued work and takes the potion with her to Polly's. She spends the time trying to figure out shat the potion does, perhaps aiming for Polly's help if needed.

  "I hope they are treating you well, Polly. Maybe if we can earn enough money, we could get you set up in a business of your own. Maybe 'Polly's Potions' or 'The Helpful Hag.' I think you could make a real difference here improving people's lives, and I'm sure the people of Alivast will get over their prejudices once they get to know you."  

She enjoys the visit with Polly and then says her goodbyes. Nija pops into existence and enjoys spending some more time with her friend.

  "Bye Polly. We'll see you again soon. We'll stop by as soon as we get back."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

While we visit over a short rest, she will identify the clear and cloudy potion. then she's ready to go find the mining operation.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Information being spotty was nothing new for Agil, and it was always better to get the information directly rather than from a third party anyway, so Abacus not being able to offer more information was hardly the end of the world for him. He has no further questions though, and gladly bids them goodbye, with the promise of a successful task completed on their return.

 "It's only been a week, but all is well. We've been called to deal with some more trouble outside the city, so I'm afraid we will be away for some time, though hopefully not too long."  He takes in her quarters, such as they are. Comfortable and cozy, though he can't help get a niggling suspicion she is something of a prisoner here still. That wouldn't do, if so - she deserved freedom as much as any other innocent person.

Still, he hadn't the time to inquire further for now. They were given a task, and he was sure that they'd be back to discuss further. Once their conversations conclude, he's ready to head out.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"Hmm..." Polly strokes her chin, thinking about names for a business.
"Welcome to the Crone Zone, your source for all Hag Swag!" She says with a grin.
"While you're out, keep an eye out for ingredients and odd mushrooms and things!" Polly suggests and waves you off.

The journey north is a long, and increasingly is not over even ground. Passing by Everbright mountain, more are ahead, in their own range far from the mountain that Alivast's frontier towns are centered around. Moving north also moves you away from the coastline of Alivast and soon there is not around you but fields and a slight but growing chill.

The forest fading into field fading into snow is beautiful, and the rich landscape gave way to wildlife that Agil and Truth were unfamiliar with. The largest were great brown beasts with thick coats and the largest antlers either of you had ever seen, even larger than those of the deer the herders back on faerun had selectively bred to have large antlers, good for making tools.

In the distance, you hear hooves and wheels at once, suggesting a person nearby.
Indeed, in a slight morning fog you spot a black-scaled dragonborn leading a pair of horses and a wagon, covered in a tarp. He hasn't seemed to notice you yet, however.

 
 Spoiler 
So you've got a Helmet of Comprehend Languages and a Potion of Flight.
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Having now deduced the magic in the helm and understanding that it's not needed immediately, he stores it in his pack for later. He's unfamiliar with the Goliath and Kobold languages, so it might come in useful later.

On spotting the black-scaled dragonkin, Agil raises his voice.  "Greetings. We are traveling to the mines to help with the dispute situation. Can you tell us if we're on the right path?"  Agil is fairly certain that they are, this is merely an icebreaking question to initiate conversation.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija pops out of existence as soon as we hear the traveler approaching. Truth follows Agil's lead.

  "Greetings. We were sent from Alivast as ambassadors to the mines. Have you any news?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
 

 
[/QUOTE]
Xihirli
The dragonborn halts upon being hailed, and as you approach you can see his hand upon a long handle to a longer blade – a falx. He calms as you both approach.
Opening a toothy mouth, looking almost like an alligator, he answers:
"I am Direak of the Kipraa mining band. We are... pleased to hear that our requests have been answered. You are on the right path. I am delivering a small shipment now to prove that the ore of the mountain is good."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth is glad that we are going the right way, but she trusted Agil to get us there so it's not a huge surprise.

  "It is nice to hear that the ore is good. The will help in everyone's protection, and should make you all a nice profit. Have you had any trouble with the kobolds or Goliaths? Anything else we need to watch out for ahead?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil eyes the dragonborn, and then the surroundings.  "Alone? Are the roads that safe?"  With the talk of trouble, he'd have expected any shipments to be guarded, but perhaps they lacked the manpower - or they were far enough to not worry about such attacks.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"There's wild animals and a few roving monsters," Direak answered. "No thieves or bandits, this will be the first transport of any value along this way. But it is a bit of a risk sending me alone, for there's trouble back in the mountain." Direak pauses and considers the questions.
"No trouble from the kobolds, they're working with us quite... enthusiastically. But ever since our practice began, the goliaths from the peaks of the mountains have been coming down and kidnapping the kobolds. I worry we may have... stuck ourselves in the middle of a preexisting conflict."
"Walk carefully in the snow, watch it for any movements. There are great beasts who tunnel through it. They only bother themselves with large animals with plenty of meat, generally, so I wouldn't worry unless you go after some oxen while you're here. Might see you as predators cutting in on its turf if you do that."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth enjoys exchanging pleasantries and information with the Dragonborn.

  "When you get to Alivast, let Abacus the gnome know we made it this far on the right path. Is there anyone we should ask for when get to the mines?"  

She is then ready to continue the journey north.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

The goliaths weren't just fighting the kobolds, but kidnapping them entirely? For what reason? He doubts the dragonborn knows - they would have said if they did. If it were some elder conflict that predated the miner's involvement, it would be that much harder to solve with words. Slaughtering a tribe of locals isn't exactly his idea of a good time.
Still, it's clear that the dragonborn doesn't have much else to offer, and so he bids them goodbye as Truth has.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"Our leader is Kannazt," Direak says, and he looks back the way he came with an involuntary nervous twitch, as if thinking Kannazt might be watching him. "Green dragonborn. Ask for him if you like, but Zekov will be able to tell you a lot more about the area. He's our surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed."
With a nod, Direak moves along with your message.

With an eye out for the creature Direak mentioned, you do manage to spot a rumble in the snow before a great centipede-like creature, steam hissing from it as if its core was of fire, bursts out of the ground and snaps up a moose, ignoring you all.

 
 Spoiler: Monstah 
 
 


While the moose you see are large, they tend to move solitarily. It is the smaller creatures, obviously related, that might be referred to as "caribou" that remain together in groups.
It is many of those creatures, with larger horns than most, that are passing by when you hear a distinct  click click click  in the distance, also moving for the mountains less than half a day's walk at this point. Several groups of four of these smaller caribou with larger horns are lashed together, pulling behind them sleds with large-statured persons upon them forming a loose barrier around the moving herd, keeping all of the smaller caribou with larger horns close together and  click ing toward the mountains.

Agil determines their path and the right point to intercept them. If you pick up the pace, you could catch up to these herders if you so chose.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth says goodbye to the Dragonborn and follows Agil to continue the journey. Nija pops back into existence once the traveller is gone. When they reach the caribou pulling possibly Goliaths, Truth lets Agil make a decision on whether to contact them or hide from them.

  "Should we start our introductions now, or let these herders pass?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Chasing them down, even if it's just the two of us, might set the wrong impression."  Agil reasons.  "And we still don't know exactly what the situation is. I'd hear it from those friendly to us first, and then see what else we can dig up about it."  For all they knew, the caribou drivers could be an unrelated group. Making friends or enemies of one group of goliaths before they even knew the cause of the disagreement could just exacerbate the problem.

 "I suggest we keep on the path towards our destination. If we do need to speak to these herders it shouldn't be hard to pick up their trail later." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
Allowing the herders to go about their business, it does become obvious that you are going to an entirely different mountain from theirs.
However, into the mountain range they were. Even just moving in a straight line, they found themselves trekking up and then down hill for long stretches. A river of water from the melted ice upon the mountains flowed down and had to be waded through, chilling your trousers.

It isn't far from your marked destination that you're stopped by a loud bark. Previously blending into the snow, a white wolf growls at you, warning you if you approach further.
A deep, guttural hiss sounds from further up the slope and the wolf whines, turning around as a blue dragonborn steps past the wolf, looking down at you.
"Now, Niho, I think these might be our guests. Hail, travelers. What brings you to the cold teeth of the world?"
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth follows Agil's lead and avoids the Goliath herders. When the wolf growls, she jumps back, obviously startled by the giant canine. But when she sees the blue Dragonborn call it off, she relaxes a little. With Nija sitting on her shoulder, she addresses the man.

  "I am Truth, this is Agil, Nija, and Aina. We were sent by Abacus in Alivast to assist with any troubles with the Goliath. You must be Zekov. We met Direak about a day ago. He was well then."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil holds up a hand to Aina, who was not quiet about meeting the wolf's threat with its own.  "Peace Aina, they're not our enemies." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
Zekov grins right at Aina as he takes you in.  "Happy to hear news of my companion. Come, I shall introduce you to the others. It is nearly time for the ore to come in."  

He leads you uphill to a cave into the side of one mountain. It's wider and smoother than a natural cave, but has plenty of forks in odd places with smaller tunnels making the stone seem almost porous.
As the light from outside fades, the air becomes warmer than it has been for days and the wolf following at Zekov's heels stops and waits in the cold.
"Hoket shall be busy making preparations to receive today's takings. However, Kanazzt can see you now," Zekov suggests, and without waiting for assent heads down one of the lower tunnels, going further down into the rock and the darkness.
A light flickers ahead. A harsh, unwelcoming light that stings your eyes as you approach. A small fireplace lights an office space built into the rock wherein a green-scaled dragonborn is sitting by it, in a nearly meditative stance.
 "Zekov, who are these four creatures?"  He asks, and as he does an odd hum is barely audible.
 "They are from Alivast, come to aid us with our Goliath problem." 
Kannazt looks up, another low hum following the motion.  "Well then. Why don't we discuss it over dinner... unless they have any concerns that need addressing now?" 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth finds it humorous to see the Dragonborn meditating, but stifles any laughter or smiles. She nods at the two Dragonborn.

  "Dinner would be great. We can wait until then."  

She looks around, waiting to see if we are going to be led out or if we are to wait here until dinner.  She looks to Zekov for further instructions.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "It's been a long enough journey, we can stand to wait a bit longer,"  Agil echoes Truth. Though he'd rather be quick off the mark with things, showing overmuch haste could put the locals on the backfoot. In circumstances like this it was better to let them set the initial pace, for now. They could always disrupt it later if needs be.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"Dinner," as it turned out, was fairly limited – it was essentially a full plate of trail rations with small helpings of mushrooms that you don't recognize. The tins are brought in by three green kobolds and a blue one, this apparently being a hive of mixed-scales.
Any attempt at conversation with the kobolds in the languages you know is met with curious stares.

Four dragonborn meet with you around the table, and the others all sit with you two in between themselves and Kannazt.
With the odd hum following his every move, Kannazt pops a mushroom in his mouth, doesn't seem to chew or swallow, and begins speaking without the mushroom in his mouth any longer.
 "The kobolds have accepted us here, and see... the profit for them in a mutual partnership. However, not long after our operations began, the foragers and gatherers sent out into the world outside started going missing. We... cannot prove that they are being taken by the Goliaths, I suppose, but the alternative is that they have died out in the cold. They are hunters and herders, coming down from the mountaintops and returning above when the herds have moved on. We have yet to make contact... they tend to see us coming and move away, and we do not want to hike the mountain toward them when they might attack us while we are on treacherous terrain. But we cannot keep the gatherers inside the caves for much longer, either."  Kannazt waves his hands to indicate the sparse meal provided.
 "I find it difficult to see a motive for the goliaths other than starving us out." 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 4 / 4 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija sits at the table with the others. She doesn't need to eat food, surviving on souls and energy, but she pretends, just like Kannazt seems to be pretending to eat. She ignores his strange effects and suggests a plan,

  "Perhaps we could go with a foraging party. The Goliaths might be less inclined to run away from us than some powerful looking Dragonborn. And if they do run away, then the foragers will return here safely."  

Truth is not interested in playing around. Something seems off with the leader. She asks direct questions, but makes sure to sound curious rather than accusatory.

  "Kannazt, what is that humming sound when you move? And how did you not have to chew your mushroom?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Action for intelligence checks to see why Kannazt looks weird.
Truth  (1d20)[ 15 ] 
Nija  (1d20)[ 11 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "We spotted some of these Goliaths while making our approach,"  Agil confirms, wondering if the threat of them had been overstated in the reports to Abacus. By the sounds of it they had no idea what the cause was of the troubles. If the blame was being laid on an innocent party, so much the worse.  "Our first priority should be to make contact with them. It's possible that they too are victim to whatever is disappearing these kobolds, and that's why they're wary of you. 
 
 
  
Xihirli
Kannazt considers Truth's questions while Zekov addresses Nija's plan.
 "A good plan, small devil. One I might have considered were we to have the drakepower to spare. This will allow us to replenish our food supply." 

Kannazt claps his hands, and they fall apart into millions of tiny green buzzing creatures that quickly reassemble themselves into hands. The Kipraa fall silent and tense, staring at their leader as the odd hum fills the room.
 "Suffice it to say... we have all been worked on. My changes are... more extreme than theirs, but we all have traveled together ever since we were sprung. Our current work with Alivast is in part to... settle some outstanding debts, to those who delivered us from the one who did this to me." 
He leans forward, now not so tightly controlling the swam making up his body, as it was out in the open. Every motion that was once tightly controlled now clearly shows the shifting mass of green making up his body.

Trying to steer the conversation away from Kannazt's... "changes," Nakaha (the red one) jumps in.  "Agil's plan is the one I would prefer. Addressing the Goliaths directly would, in my mind, be a faster resolution." 

None of them seem to put any thought to the idea that the Goliaths might not be responsible.

The white dragonborn, Hoket, thinner than the others, laughs at Nakaha. "So typical of the hothead, jumping into action. The devil's plan comes with the benefit of facing the Goliath in smaller numbers, to increase the chances of the team's survival. Plus, even if it is a failure hopefully our food storages will improve."

Nakaha snarls at the white dragonborn. "Direak would agree with me, and you well know it."

 "Direak agrees with whatever plan most closely resembles bashing through a rock with his own skull,"  Zekov chimes in.  "Of course he would agree with you." 

Nakaha's mouth starts to smoke as he responds.  "One foraging party will be able to produce little, even with the aid of these fine travelers. We will be able to send out as many as necessary once the problem is resolved fully. Why should we not rush to that?" 
 "Enough,"  Kannazt says, and immediately the other Kipraa are sitting quietly.  "It is of no consequence what we think. Abacus did not send them here as our servants and they are perfectly able to reach a decision without your input."  Kannazt looks to Agil and Truth.  "Tell us, what are your next steps?" 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Bob, what would that 15 intelligence be as a Wisdom (Insight)?
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija continues to speak for the group.

  "Unless you know where we can find the Goliaths, I think they end up being the same plan. We need to find them to talk to them. Hopefully going out with some kobolds will draw them to us. Then we can address them directly."  

Truth is fascinated by Kannazt's explanation of his condition. What could have caused this? She mostly keeps her concerns to herself, only offering to help, despite not being confident that the magic she knows would be that useful here.

  "Kannazt, if want our help with your condition, I'd be willing to try."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
offering healing or lesser restoration, not likely to work, but maybe.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Both Truth and I possess some measure of restoration abilities. Though there are never any guarantees, your foraging party would be better served with us than alone, and even should it come to violence with the Goliaths, we should be able to keep them up and able."  Herders would have some measure of fighting ability, if only to ward off predators, but they were unlikely to have any great experience battling people - or so he hoped.

 
 
  
Xihirli
Kannazt simply shakes his head at the offers of your restorative magic with a look of doubt that you have anything he hasn't tried already.

 "They are up the mountains,"  Nakaha says as if that's a usable location.
 "I am sure that, given time, you could find them directly,"  Kannazt interrupts before another argument begins.  "But your plan is sound. Tomorrow morning we shall form a large foraging party and they shall accompany you. Hoket, we have space for our guests?" 

The thin, white dragonborn stands and leads you a little ways away, closer to the mouth of the caves you used to enter.
"We haven't got anything all that comfortable," he says without apology. "Just some cots. You'll understand if we keep you further away from the kobolds' living area for now... we'll do our best to ensure that they trust you tomorrow, but... well, let's just say you're the first of your respective kind to make it this far in."
Hoket brings you into a chamber that would have a high roof if all present were kobolds. As is, an uncomfortable crouch is necessary for moving to the cots. Blankets are set out for Aina. Some seem to have been brought by the Kipraa, being made of familiar sheep's wool, but other blankets, and noticeably the (quite small) pillows seemed to be made of furs and hides most closely resembling those of the caribou you've seen on the way up.

"Please let me know if there is any way we might make you more comfortable," Hoket insists to you.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Thank you, but that won't be necessary. I am used to sleeping in worse circumstances than these. A roof is adequate."  On stakeouts, they didn't even get that much usually. What they had now was practically luxury. True, he would have liked more, but there was no need to impose when they were clearly stretched for resources.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija thanks the dragonborn for their hospitality, and then prepares to keep watch for the night.

  "Thank you for sharing what you have with us."  

Truth would prefer a comfortable bed, but she's not about to put these people out any more than we have. She follows Agil's lead.

  "This will be fine."  

Despite the hard floor, she sleeps well and is rested in the morning when it is time to set off.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
 

 
Xihirli
Throughout the night, Nija hears skitters from the walls and sees draconic eyes peeking through cracks in them as kobolds curiously look at their nephilim guests. None of them make an aggressive move, however. They only watch the party sleep for a few minutes before flitting off.

In the morning, a party of two dozen kobolds is assembled to go out with you. They layer themselves heavily in the skins of caribou and go out, with Zekov walking out with you and giving you a rundown:
 "They can't be out in the cold for very long. You have about four hours to get them back into this mountain... no other mountain will do." 
And with that, it's just you and the kobolds. They lead you partially up their mountain, chattering to one another in draconic as they go, until you come to an inclined area surrounded by bushes. The kobolds go about gathering berries, uprooting other bushes to get at the roots, seeking out specific leaves. They load baskets, not nearly until they are full, and move on to another site, much the same as the first.
One kobold sees a white rabbit and chases it for awhile, but it gets away.

Attempting to be hidden about it, but large and expected, four Goliaths come from variably above or below to surround the gatherers on four sides, clearly pausing at the sight of you and observing, until one in particular, a woman nearing eight feet in height who carries no weapons, comes from below despite her companion calling after her.
She stares Agil and Truth down in turn, at once clearly unhappy at your presence and having no idea what you are. It is clear that Truth is the first tiefling she's met, and that Agil is at once the first Aasimar and the closest looking person to a human, as well.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija stays invisible while we explore the mountain. She scouts ahead to make sure we aren't walking into any traps. When the party gets surrounded, she first flies around the perimeter to make sure there aren't more of the golaiths, then she returns to report her findings to Truth and Agil.

  "Should we see what they want?"  

Truth spends the foraging time talking to the kobolds, practicing her draconic and learning their names and stories.

  "What did you do before working in the mines? How is it working with the dragonborn? Are they treating you well? Do you have any dreams or goals?"  

One we are surrounded by the Goliaths, Truth isn't sure this is going to end well, or even if we can communicate with them, but she tries to talk to them in common.

  "Hello, we are from Alivast. I am Truth, and this is Agil."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Clear skies and calm winds to you,"  Agil offers by way of a somewhat non-traditional greet, idly patting his pack for the helm of languages - it might be needed, should their grasp of Common be lacking. He cycles through similar greetings in Dwarvish, Gnomish, Elven, and Celestial if none of them seem to elicit a response, his tone clearly testing the language barrier. Given their size, perhaps he should have asked Abacus for a primer of the giant's tongue.  "We're here to investigate disappearances of kobold foragers, and would welcome any information you might have regarding it." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
During her discussion with the kobolds, Nija gets quite a few puzzled looks from a black kobold she learns is named Nuparu.
"Working? No, getting offerings! Offerings for Mate Gito!"
She briefly tells of the miraculously survived dragon, the last son of the "Red Death," Mate Whero. She speaks of Mate Whero with reverence, as if remembering a long forgotten king.
"What is a dragonborn?" Is the next puzzled question to Nija, which comes from a blue kobold named Macku.
After a bit more brief clarification, she says that "they are prophets of Mate Gito. It is an honor to serve them."
They look at each other and seem concerned when you ask if the dragonborn are treating them well. Finally a red kobold named Vhisola asks: "Why would that matter?"
Nuparu eagerly jumps at the dreams and goals question and says "one day I will be dragon. Then all kobolds will gather strange rocks and give them to ME as offering!"
"Cannot be dragon!" Vhisola tells Nuparu. "Have no wings!"
"Will grow wings," Nuparu amends. "THEN be dragon."
His concerns addressed, Vhisola nods in understanding of Nuparu's dreams.


 

Nija's survey shows that there are only four present. None seem heavily armed, but the three who remain "hidden" do have hunting knives and spears with the points made of antler.

The woman cautiously listens to a few of Agil's greetings and seems to understand the Dwarvish, after parsing it out for a moment. She responds in what at first sounds like mangled Dwarvish, but which Agil quickly recognizes as Giant. He picks up a few words, including "thunder" and "rain," but not the whole meaning.
Before Agil can manage to communicate that he'd like to put on the helmet, however, she brushes past him and addresses the kobolds in fluent Draconic:
"For many years our people have been neighbors. You have connected us with our history, and kept the warm mountain safe so that we might remain warm in the bitterest winters. We have shown our gratitude by sharing the skins and furs from our reined-deer. Garan knows me to be honest, he knows that I am Zopha, daughter of Ziblokk and Soloppha, of Kveldsland. Trust your kin and trust me when I ask you to climb up the mountains with me, away from these prophets. And if these people try to stop you..."
Zopha glances back at Agil and Truth, seemingly uncaring if they can understand her,
"I'll break them with my hands."


 
 Spoiler 
So I'm using Swedish for Dwarvish and Norwegian for Giant, and you seem to have stumbled onto a greeting that is almost identical between them:

"Dwarvish:" Klar himmel och vindstilla till dig
"Giant:" Klar himmel og vindstille til deg

Oh, and I tend to use related languages for languages in the PHB that have the same script.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija doesn't understand what the woman is saying so she just looks at Truth, but stays invisible for now.

Truth listens to the kobolds and Goliath discuss their future plans. She wants no part of this woman's wrath. She responds to the woman in Draconic.

  "We are not here to stop them. We were sent from Alivast, a city far away. Our city hired the dragonborn, or prophets as the kobolds call them, to mine the metal from the mountain. We need the metal to fight off goblins and demons that are attacking our homes and killing our farmers. I think we can find a peaceful resolution to this. What do you want from us?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

With the haste at which the goliath speaks, Agil becomes suddenly significantly less eager to suddenly don the helmet - thankfully, Truth seems to have the matter in hand, for now - and so he instead hovers a hand, ready to act if needs be but not yet making any hostile moves. He would have to trust in silence.
 
 
  
Xihirli
The kobolds chatter to one another as Truth speaks.
"The prophets were hired?"
"Our offerings are not going to Mate Whero? They are going to some far-away fight?"

The Goliath woman, Zopha, seems unmoved.
"You come to our mountain and ask what we want from you. Our long-time companions, the kobolds of Valmai, are being put to work mining for you, falsely being told that the metal is going to a dragon, whom they revere greatly. If this is the way Alivast treats the goblins and other creatures far away, it is no wonder they attack you."
Zopha addresses the kobolds again, most of whom look uncertain.
"We will keep you warm, fed, and away from these false prophets until they leave from our mountains. Please follow us to the peaks."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth listens to the Goliath offer the kobolds their freedom, and disparage Alivast. Her blood boils and she considers fighting the Goliath woman to defend the honor of her hometown, but she sees that from the Goliath's and Kobold's perspective they have a good point.

  "Wait. If you take these kobolds away, the dragonborn will become more cautious with those that remain behind."

"These Dragonborn are not a good representation of Alivast. They were awarded a contract to find metal in these mountains, and we are the first representatives from Alivast to audit them."

"Alivast did not antagonize the goblin hordes. The goblins are in league with demons. But Alivast does not approve of the Dragonborn's methods and will fix this. In the meantime, let these kobolds return so they can tell their brothers and sisters the truth."

"Or come back with us, and we will confront these dragonborn together."
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
 

 
Xihirli
The Goliath frowns, considering.
"If you truly wish to aid us in driving away the tall kobolds, climb the mountain just to the West of Valmai – the mountain the kobolds live within – and speak to us there. I must speak to my mother."

Zopha looks at the kobolds once again and nods to the other three Goliaths, who depart with her back down the slopes.

"But have seen dragon," Vhisola considers.
"Maybe was me with fake wings," Nuparu suggests.
"Have you seen dragon?" Macku asks Nuparu.
"Yes."
"Then probably not you with fake wings."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth listens as the Goliath talks about driving out the Dragonborn. She hopes it doesn't come to that, but would be willing to help if the dragonborn refuse to act honorably.

  "We will come with you. While we may need to drive out these large kobolds, we should give them a chance. Let them know that they cannot lie to the kobolds and must work out mutually beneficial trade with the Goliath. If they don't listen, then we can drive them out."

"But know that Alivast will return with more soldiers. While the Dragonborn may not be acting nobly, we should not let the innocent farmers and laborers of Alivast fall to demons and goblins. Most of the people of Alivast are just like you, trying to make a life and not wanting to bother anyone else. They need the iron to defend themselves."
  

When the kobolds talk about seeing a dragon, Truth's curiosity gets the best of her. She's always wanted to see a real dragon.   "What color was this dragon? Where did you see it?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Amnestic, you can assume that Truth is translating everything for you both ways.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil isn't quite so eager to throw their dragonborn hosts under the horsecart as Truth seems to be, off the word of one goliath on their own, but hearing and seeing more would hopefully illuminate matters more clearly. At least no one had started swinging any weapons yet. There was still a chance this could be settled with words instead of swords.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"Crimson," Vhisola says.
"Scarlet," Nuparu corrects.
"Ruby," Macku insists.
"All wrong!" A green kobold named Kumo shouts. "Is cardinal!"
The kobolds argue back and forth about precisely what shade of red it is, but all seem in agreement that it is red.
"Mate Gito red dragon," Nuparu eventually says with nods from the others. "Same as his mother, the Red Death!"
"No, Mate Whero was cherry," Macku says.
"You never saw Mate Whero! Died hundreds of years ago!"
Another argument follows on the way down the slopes, but once on flat ground the kobolds head back to their home mountain and the Goliaths await you.

Zopha begins leading you up another mountain and regards Agil and Truth. For awhile, she seems to ignore you entirely, muttering a poem under her breath in Giant that Agil catches some of. The words king, hill, dreams, and years come up.
"What are you?" She eventually asks in Draconic. "I am a Turgåere – a wanderer. I am Zopha. Daughter of Ziblokk and Soloppha, of Kveldsland."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth isn't sure these kobolds can keep a secret, but she needs to have them try.

  "Tell the other kobolds what the Goliath said, but don't tell the big kobolds until we return. Promise me."  

When the Goliaths ask what she is, she rubs one of her horns, knowing it must look strange to them. She's used to the discrimination, though, so she has learned to play it off as if it's not important.

  "I am a Tiefling. I'm an orphan so I don't know my specific story, but I assume one of my ancestors was corrupted by a devil. But fortunately, this one has come to save my soul and dedicate it to Lathander."
  

With that, Nija pops back into vision.

  "Hello, Nija Zadiel, banished imp trying to find salvation in Elysium. Pleasure to meet you."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
 

 
Xihirli
"You use many words I have no knowledge of," Zopha imparts. "Demon, Elysium. I have spoken to Doros and my uncle Kolgruff, who have met the goblins. Neither of them mentioned anything like a 'demon.' What is so different about them allying with demons, and you allying with imps and... La-than-der?" She repeats the god's name uncertainly, sounding it out and looking to Truth for approval with each syllable.

As you discuss, you ascend the peaks and find yourselves at a plateau, flat ground atop the rock wherein the semi-nomadic Goliaths (or Turgåere, as they seem to call themselves) have made into their semi-permanent homes. You are not the last ones to arrive this day, as not too long after you the  click-click-click  of their caribou, or "reined-deer" as Zopha referred to them, and herders bring up the great antlered beasts. Looking closer, the differences between them and the wild caribou are evident in these creatures' smaller size as well as their much larger antlers. A younger, or at least smaller, one trots up to you and sniffs Truth and Agil curiously, giving Aina a wide berth, before nuzzling Zopha's fingers. The Goliath laughed and knelt, rubbing the reindeer's face and whispering, "hei hjort. Jeg har savnet deg."
As Zopha leads you through the ten rows of four great wooden houses, many Goliaths come out to watch you curiously. Zopha halts in the middle of the town, where there is a great spear, much too large for any of the Goliath to wield, stabbed into a cylindrical boulder with Giant carved all along it. The tip is barely visible, but you are able to recognize it as of the same metal that the Giants' weapons from your previous adventure were made of.
Zopha kneels at the spear and says a quick prayer to what is both in Dwarvish and Giant "All-Far," All-Father.
She then seems ready to lead you on, but an older Goliath than Zopha, with whom you cannot see much resemblence apart from them being of the same ancestry, walks with purpose up to Zopha and wraps her in her arms.
They exchange a few words in greeting, and then a few more in questions, and finally the older Goliath woman briefly bows to Truth and Agil, singling out Agil to speak to in Dwarvish, which she speaks with varying fluidity.

"My daughter tells me you know the language of those who perished beneath the mountains long ago. Are you a keeper of history, as I am?"
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Just as he found the language gap and Truth's translation taxing and othering, so he feels he'll do the same with the elder Goliath's dwarf-tongue. He offers a polite bow.  "Only the most recent of histories. I am an investigator of criminals, so the truths I seek are rather more mundane than most historians. A wide knowledge of languages is an invaluable tool." 

The sight of the giant's spears calls forth the javelins of lightning, still kept safe without his pack out of sight. Would their revelation be well received? Or would it take them as thieves and desecrators? It was probably not wise to reveal too much, at least yet.

 "The current dispute appears born from a lack of understanding. Perhaps if you would share your histories with us, it would help us bring it to an amicable end." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth shrugs her shoulders at the question about Nija and Lathander

  "I wouldn't have joined with this Imp if she hadn't changed her ways. She serves the good god of light."  

Then Nija chimes in, but Truth has to translate for her.

  "Lathander raises the sun every morning. He protects us from the darkness. Alivast is not attacking the goblins. The goblins are attacking Alivast."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
 

 
Xihirli
"Ah," Soloppha’s eyes light up and she sits upon the rock with the great spear embedded within it.
"You ask me for history, Investigator. You will want to sit down… I have never sung our history in Dwarvish, it may be… rough."

Zopha, as if getting impatient herself at only being able to follow every other word, nods back toward one of the nearby longhouses.
"Truth," she says. "Would you like to meet some of the kobolds we are sheltering here? Five are under the care of my mother Ziblokk."
She leads Truth away, remarking, "You are wrong, though. It is Stronmaus who lifts the sun upon his back and carries it across the firmament each day."
She brings Truth inside, where a Goliath woman who  does  bear some resemblance to her is instructing five kobolds, each a different chromatic color, in the making of blankets from reindeer fur. They are gathered around a fire, chattering in Draconic amongst themselves.
"This is Garan," Zopha introduces the black kobold. "He led the kobolds who first came to us. They came to steal our reindeer."
Ziblokk presses an antler mug full of milk into Truth’s hands with a welcoming smile. Zopha looks surprised, but doesn’t comment. The milk is fatty, and tastes a bit different from the milks Truth is used to.

With Agil, Soloppha’s tale begins with gravity and a ceremonial familiarity to her words.
"The History of the people of the Ordning," she says as introduction.
Hill Giants to steward over the ground beneath the skies
Frost Giants to sweep away dangers with chill and wind
Fire Giants to guard the roots
Of the mountains the Stone giants tend
Cloud Giants to grow the grand Skyfestnings
Storm Giants to rule from below and above.

And the Star Giants to choose the first Storm King.
After the Ordning descended from Annam, the kingship was in Voninheim.
In Voninheim, Vonin Lanaxxus chose Vlegan to be Storm King; he ruled for 1340 years and built Ostoria.
Vlegan was overcome by Aukkmirn; he ruled for 1300 years and shared the cloudweavers with the Jotun.
Aukkmirn chose Tavog to be Storm King; he ruled for 1106 years and bred the wyverns.
Tavog was overcome by Dlulog; she ruled for 624 years and fought the dragons.
Then Voninheim fell and the kingship was taken to Morgenheim.
In Morgenhiem, the kingship was claimed by Torrdiir; he ruled for 858 years and made peace with the dragons.
Torrdiir was overcome by Wynronal; he ruled for 912 years and preserved the written word.
Wynronal was overcome by Koruuth; he ruled for 873 years and was detested by Annam.
Hartkiller was chosen by Annam to be Storm King but was rejected. There was chaos, with no Storm King for 2500 years.
There were two kings, Nexgar daughter of Hartkiller and Dizzus hunter of Dragons. Nexgar was exiled and Dizzus ruled, but that Kingship was disowned by Annam and dwindled into nothing.

Nexgar’s kingship was taken to Kveldheim, she ruled there 700 years.
Nexgar chose Crimlog to be the next Storm King; he ruled 752 years and had Kveldheim lifted into the skies.
Crimlog was overcome by Orvulk; he ruled 900 years and made enmity with the dwarves.
Orvulk chose Hilgera to be Storm King; she ruled for 1300 years and hunted dragons.
Hilgera chose Ormund to be Storm King; he ruled for 1300 years and created a peace.
Ormund chose Gaumoth to be Storm King; he ruled for 680 years and preserved the peace.
Gaumoth was overcome by Torautarr; he ruled for 839 years and made new the war with dwarves.
Torautarr was overcome by Knarr; she ruled for 700 years and could not make a new peace.
Knarr chose Ilktarr to be Storm King; she ruled for 1000 years and made a home for the Turgåere.
Ilktarr chose Lynne to be Storm King; he ruled for 453 years and was lost.
For Kveldheim fell."
With this morose finish, she looks sadly to Agil.
"We have been without a Storm King for three and a half centuries."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth shrugs her shoulders when the golaitah talks of their god of the sun.

  "Perhaps Stronmausare and Lathander are friends and work together. Or maybe they are the same god, and present themselves with different names to different people."  

When they reach the knitting kobolds, she holds out her hands in a greeting of friendship to the kobold, mimicking the way she's seen them greet each other. She speaks in draconic to the kobolds.

  "Hello. Have you heard the truth about the large kobolds? Unfortunately, they have been lying to you. We are from Alivast and are here to set things straight. To help the rest of the kobolds."  

Nija stays sitting on Truth's shoulder, her wings furled at her sides.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil listens quietly, though he immediately notes that there was no mention of Raunfalt in their tale. Perhaps unsurprising, given how it ended, but perhaps he should still be remembered. Despite everything, he had chosen to fight the devilish influence, at the end.  "Quite the lengthy legacy to live up to. Do you know of why Kveldheim fell? What fate befell Lynne?"  The truth of the matter - or at least what Raunfalt had conveyed to them - was one thing, but starting a religious schism by providing a heretical explanation wasn't something he was eager to do. Keeping them happy was more important in this moment than a dead giant's memory.

He could always correct the record later, if they did have it wrong.
 
 
  
Xihirli
The kobolds do not seem surprised.
"We know they keep offerings for themselves, yes yes!" Garan says.
"But have dragon! I saw dragon! Mate Gito, the last son of the Red Death!"
"Or any red dragon," Kazi, a white kobold, considers. "I would not be able to tell difference."
"Doesn’t matter!" A blue kobold named Dalu insists. "Are doing something to make dragon give up its offerings! Are hurting dragon! Must be killed, even if not Mate Gito!"
Garan shakes his head.
"Some of us may agree, Dalu. But as long as they have dragon, most kobolds will follow them."
"Unless we get BIGGER dragon!" A red kobold named Balta chimes in.
"Silly Balta. Giants and dwarves kill dragons long ago. Last one was Mate Whero, the Red death. Where we find bigger dragon?" Kazi, the practical one, challenges.
"A dragon that is full on the inside would be larger," Velika the green kobold says quietly, and refuses to elaborate.
"She only speak in riddles," Kazi says dismissively. "Not usually worth the effort of working it out."
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.

Soloppha looks saddened and uncertain.
"Only the Vonin and those above them know. We only know that the city fell. Some of us make pilgrimages to the ruins down to the south, and we try to remain friendly with the goblins so that they will continue to let us pass through their wood, but it is a long walk and too warm for the reindeer down there, so it has been some time since the last journey. Even when Kveldheim flew above us, the Turgåere of Kveldsland were left alone by the giants at most times. Occasionally we would receive the Storm King and his Ord Council to offer tribute, but we wanderers are trapped on the ground. The sky is the domain of the Cloud Giants, and those above them."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

The fall of a nation was sometimes loud, and sometimes quiet, and history might never remember it, but this much could be kept.  "Then I will tell you what I know of Kveldheim." 

And so he does, in a steady measured tone Agil details the length of their last adventure - the kidnapped girl, the half-giant-half-cloud Raunfalt, how he had defeated Lynne only to be bisected in turn, and how the fallen King that Never Was was deceived by an evil force, almost bringing shame to his legacy, only to turn back to the side of justice and righteousness when it mattered most.  "The city fell, and it will never rise again. Greed for the crown drove it to ruin, and pining for a lost kingdom almost brought their legacy to ruin."  Now, and only now, does he retrieve the Javelins of Lightning that they had taken, displaying them as proof of his word.  "Keeping your history is one thing, but I would council you not to shackle yourselves to it. Raunfalt did that, and almost made a terrible mistake in the process." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth listens to the kobolds. If they really saw a dragon, and the dragonborn are controlling it, this could be a much more challenging confrontation.

  "Where did you see the dragon?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
 

 
Xihirli
"Every day after offerings gathered, we bring them to Moenga Tarakona – the home where our Dragons once stayed, in ages long past. The prophets would go in first, then we bring in offerings and bow before Mate Gito! Then leave! Offering time lasts... a quarter rumble!"
Kazi and Truth go back-and-forth a bit and Truth ascertains that a "rumble" is the amount of time it takes for a kobold to get hungry again after eating, roughly four hours.
"Mate Gito not say anything, though! I bet Mate Whero spoke when she was Dragon!"
From the way they speak, Truth figures these kobolds have no separate word for "dragon" and "ruler." There would be no need to.
"We do not know that." Garan says.
"We know she told us many years ago to expect Mate Gito! That she was dying, and would bring us her egg for safekeeping!" Balta says. "That much is written in claw! That is talking!"
"But did she talk during offering time?"
"Did she even  have  offering time?" Kazi asks. "I thought she took her treasure from the dwarves."
There follows a pitched argument over whether or not Mate Whero would have had offering time, and whether or not she would have spoken during it, that pretty much all comes down to how each kobold imagines her. Garan imagines her as a benevolent ruler who protected the kobolds from the evil dwarves. Dalu as a violent conqueror who demanded riches from the kobolds and slaughtered the dwarves. Kazi as a detached dragon who shared the same mountain and stopped by occasionally. Balta as a regal figure who insisted she be treated like the god she was, but was not cruel.
They really don't focus on giving Truth only actionable information.

Soloppha listens intently to Agil, staring at his eyes as if to ascertain his intentions. When the javelins of lightning come out, also known to the Storm Giants as "normal arrows," she touches the white-blue metal of the speartip with her fingers. Then she calls for a hammer and chisel, and swiftly receives them. She kneels by the stone the spear is embedded within and chisels out the last piece of history.
"You are invited to join us for the ceremony. We must mourn the loss of two Storm Kings, for the goodbye to Lynne was held off out of hope," Soloppha says.
"I am grateful to you, for imparting this to us. I will do anything I can to help you – perhaps there is some way your people could get their metals without the kobolds or their home suffering for it."
As she chisels, she speaks of the dwarves underground.
"Long ago, those whose language we speak now ruled most of the mountains underfoot. They, the dragons, and the giants were at war, off and on for thousands of years. Alliances would move and change many times throughout that history, but what matters is this: The war left the dragons dead, the dwarves dead, and the Giants... not far behind them. The only way into the Dwarven Kingdom that still exists lies through a tomb to one of their kings, and the kobolds do not dare enter for the Dwarves guard their king's tombs even in death. The dwarves had mines, and made weapons in much the same way you all do. If you can clear out the Dwarven Tomb of its guardians, you would have access to their mines and metals without troubling the kobolds... at least, not troubling them more than just passing through their tunnels to get to the metals. I have brought this up to the other Turgåere since hearing of the kobolds' plight, but few like the idea. Zopha and many of the other young members of our clan see your people as slavers, people to be driven away, not dealt with." Soloppha smiles sadly.
"You can blame me for this, I suppose. My daughter and those of her age grew up hearing my tales of the great wars of the past, and grew up with no enemies until your people arrived. They are hungry for glory, to fight a righteous war like in the stories I told... when all the while I should have been telling them of the pointlessness of the battles, of how it drove two peoples to extinction, and left the third so fractured and glory-hungry that they destroyed themselves."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

When Truth hears about the dwarven caves, she thinks we should investigate that. But probably not by ourselves. Perhaps we should go back to the dragonborn first and negotiate for the kobolds. She decides to find Agil. When she finds him, she explains what the kobolds have said and what she found out about the dwarven stronghold and its now undead guardians.

  "We need to investigate the dwarven home. But first I think we should negotiate between the kobolds and the dragonborn."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Sorry I forgot to reply to this earlier.

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil listens quietly to Soloppha, letting her speak before responding.  "I have no great wish to disturb the dead, nor to plunder the bones of those who came before, but my people need metal, and if the decision is to be drawn between angering the living and angering the dead, I'm afraid I put much more stock in the living. The dead had their time, and I would preserve those still with us, over the restless spirits of the past. If that will allow us to remain amicable with your people, the kobolds, and the dragonborn, then I would see that as the just and right path. Perhaps if you could convey that to the more...militaristic elements, it will help stave off any unfortunate incidents, at least for the moment. The kobolds have ceased foraging for fear of being abducted and food is limited - if they knew they wouldn't fall under threat, it would be a step towards resolving this situation." 

When Truth returns, he finds himself in agreement.   "At the very least we can convey what we've learned. It's somewhere to start, and they might know something about these dwarves as well." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
"I will do my best," Soloppha nods. "The day is young – lunch with us, you will yet have time to return beneath the mountain before Stronmaus bears the sun behind the horizon."

A luncheon of reindeer meat, with some wild berries on the side, is presented on one long table with benches, rapidly set up to surround the central spear in a circle.

Notably, only the elders around the table are given cups of reindeer milk – water is given to everyone else.
No kobolds join the feast. The outdoors nature of the event seems a poor fit for the cold-blooded creatures.

Certainly intentionally, the pair of you are placed between Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish) and something of an ambassador, Themith (who speaks Draconic). He bounces his son on his lap for much of the meal and is happy to answer any questions. He explains why some have milk and others water with a simple "Our reined-deer do not produce enough milk for all to drink. Only the revered may be served it at every event. Most of the families have a bit set aside, though. For Name Days and other such occasions."

It is not long into the feast that Soloppha stands and calls for attention.
Whether by a neighbor or by a helm, you are able to comprehend that she is imparting the mournful news of the death of King Lynne, and the ascension and immediate death of King Raunfalt.

Led by Soloppha, the goliaths rise and beat the table in rhythm with their song as they sing it together. The air shakes with each blow and the two of you are sure the belting of the giant-kin can be hard for miles.

"Eyes of lightning
A voice of thunder.

A crown of the clouds
And a sword of the mountain’s heart

As the Turgåere look up to the Haug
As the Hills are dwarfed by the Stein
As the Stone is tipped with Ise
As the Frost must yield to Ild
As the Fire is quenched by Skye
As the Cloud is swept up in the Uvar
All must bow to the Uvarkongen
Greatest of the Giants

Join the Vonin in the Court of Annam
Sit beside your fellow Kings
Seated above the Haug, the Stein, the Ise, the Ild, the Skye, and even the Uvar

Side by side with the Vonin
And Annam All-Father himself.

For one final time
Hear our voices bursting into the heavens like thunder:
All Hail the Storm Kings
All Hail Lynne
All Hail Raunfalt!"

And as if hearing their cries the clouds overhead crackled. One bolt of lightning descended from on high and struck the spear in its place, a thunderclap pushing all who sang back into their seats.
Somehow, the boom conveys a sense of finality, as if this is the last time this spear will feel lightning.

The Goliaths seem to feel it too, as an eerie silence fills the air.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth explains to her lunch partner the nature of the Dragonborn's contract. That they are nearly merchants hired by the city to find the metal, and that Alivast will not approve of their methods.

  "We could use your tribe's help with these negotiations. While Alivast needs metal, I'd prefer we come to an understanding with you before we continue."  

She enjoys the lunch and watches with respect as the Goliath sing their song of remembrance. Once the lightning hits the spear, she waits for her table neighbor to reinstate the conversation.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

With the explanation about their limited resources, Agil finds himself at something of a loss. The land appears fairly verdant and otherwise uninhabited, for the most part. While there may be wild dangers, the Goliaths didn't seem to lack for strength.  "Has something kept you from expanding yourselves? Propagating further?"  It was almost a natural instinct for the 'civilised' - setting up new towns, securing resources, spreading as far and wide as they could. For that not to be the case seemed odd.

When lightning strikes, he finds it near a quiet whisper. Having witnessed the great fall of the floating city first hand, a single crack of lightning could hardly compare, but it still strikes a chord with the others, and he can understand that much. He allows the moment to linger for a moment, before raising his water mug, and quietly uttering   "Raunfault."  He wouldn't hail the great giant king-that-never-was, he has no great allegiance to them, but he would remember, at least.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Now just imagine if I'd picked Rune Knight instead of Beastmaster
 
Xihirli
Galvek fields Agil’s question in Dwarvish.
"There are three important reasons we do not expand. One is that Kveldsland, the mountaintops and the herding lands surrounding, was given to us by Ilktarr, the Storm King before Lynne. The next is that these lands are not only our own. They are shared by the loose-deer to the south, as well as the great tusked beasts to the north. The more we take from the land, the less there is for these creatures. The last is that our herders are kept busy enough as it is. If we are to grow the herds we must have more herders, meaning our builders, our furriers, our hunters, or our defenders must cease their practice… or we must make more Turgåere. There are two important reasons we do not do this. The obvious is that there will be more mouths to feed before the young can become herders. The second is that the size of a family, as well as who can make family with whom, is something we must be cautious with. Too much mixing between any two families can lead to serious harm to any of their descendants, and we have dwelled here with no other Turgåere for long enough that most families have at least some connection. The more children are born, the more struggle our leaders shall have keeping the bloodlines from becoming too intertwined."

Themith nods along to Truth’s explanation and, as the feast continues, gathers several Goliaths around you. An elder you do not recognize named Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland, Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland, a herder you haven’t met named Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland, Galvek as a spiritual counsel, and Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
She notably sits far from Doros and ignores all of his attempts to get her attention.

"Our guests seek a way to gain our blessing to gather metal from the mountains beneath."
"No," Zopha snarls.
"Nothing beneath the tops of the mountains belongs to us," the elder says. "We only intervene now because our neighbors are being harmed. If this ceases, we will have no issue with what goes on under the mountain."
"I am to understand that what is happening below are the actions of a few, not representative of the new people to the south," Themith adds.
"If this is true," Doros rumbles, "then no agreement reached here can include their further involvement. Even if your people remain under the mountain, they cannot."
"It is unbecoming to make demands before the other party has outlined their wishes," Soloppha criticizes Doros, who looks sheepish.
"Tell us, what would you ask of us? What are your intentions with Valmai and the kobolds who live within it?"
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Our intentions are a peaceful solution and a supply of metal for our settlement, no more or less. We've got no interest in harming the kobolds or causing offence, and we'd much rather be friends than enemies."  Agil says diplomatically, although not without a little bit of consternation.  "The information we were provided is limited. The ones who sent us don't know much more than we do now. Our intention is to find the truth of the matter and work towards a solution that works for everyone. If they intended war, conquest, or colonisation they'd have sent soldiers. Instead they sent us." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
"You had a chance to be peaceful the first time. You sent them." Zopha glowers.
"They are not the first group that has been sent to the kobolds, though, are they?" Soloppha asks. "The others were chased away by our neighbors."
"Then perhaps their home simply needs to learn to take 'no' for an answer," Doros rumbles, and scowls when Zopha laughs.
"I do not think that message should come from you, Doros. You may have a different meaning."
"Is there an ending to this where Alivast simply does not get its mine?" Galvek asks.
"Or will they, as you say… 'send soldiers?'"
"Are we to respond to threats now?" Zopha challenges furiously.
"The threats have not come yet, Zopha. You will always get a better deal before the threats are uttered," the elder cautions.
"I simply want to know what our options are," Galvek says diplomatically. "We are few, and the kobolds are… divided. Should Alivast send an army, there would be little we can do about it, except for perhaps lose our lives."
Zopha looked ready to object that she would be happy to fight Alivast’s armies, but a withering look from her mother shut her up and she, like the others, waited for an answer.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth listens to the debate among the Goliaths. she hopes that they will come around to helping but she is beginning to have her doubts. Mostly now, she doesn't want them to turn on Agil and her in order to send a message to Alivast.

  "Agil and I are in no way threatening you. We will take whatever message you want back to Alivast."

"There is evil in the world. Much worse than the greed and laziness of a few dragonborn. We can deal with the dragonborn. Hopefully together. And hopefully we will become friends so that the next time evil shows its face, we can fight it together."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel,
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Would they send soldiers, if no peaceful solution could be found? Agil is no idealist. He knows the answer is yes.  "Conflict is a form of negotiation. Whether it's territory, resources, ideology, religion, or pride, people will default first to words, and then to swords. And they will only put down their weapons when either one side achieves its aims or when so many people die that it's no longer economical to keep fighting." 
 "Perhaps if it came to war you would kill enough of our people that they would give up on the mine, or perhaps you would be found wanting, but how many would die, on both sides in the meantime? Is it ten? Twenty? A hundred? I don't want to find out. Look around the table, at the people we're sitting with. How many of those would you give up for the sake of pride? What I want is to find the solution that means the swords stay in their sheathe, for everyone's sake." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
Galvek translates Agil to the others and there is a long period of heated discussion in Giant, with no pause for translation. At one moment Zopha slams the table, but is shamed into mellowing by her mother.
At the end of the discussion, Zopha and Doros both appear furious… but resigned.

Rhymithe, through Galvek, relays the decision.
"We have never made any claim to any of the resources under the mountain. If you can find a way to extract them without bringing any harm to our allies or ourselves, Kveldsland will take no action against you. The same cannot be said for the actions of individual Turgåere, however. We shall do our best to discourage our young, restless warriors but the continuing presence of those dragonborn will make this difficult."
Soloppha smiles encouragingly.
"You are free to go about your business down below. When you have found a way to do as you will without harming the kobolds, return and we shall bring the kobolds with us back to their home."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "Thank you for your hospitality. We will endeavour not to cause any problems."  Agil offers, still unsure if his words had any real effect on the situation. At the very least hopefully he didn't make it much worse.  "We'll speak to the dragonborn next." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth thanks the Goliath's for their hospitality. She had hoped they would accompany us back to the mountain, but letting us go unharmed will do. Once they are on their way, she turns to Agil.

  "So what do you think the dragonborn will do once we confront them?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil shrugs at the question. "Excuses, probably. If we're lucky they might be the truth. In my experience we're not so lucky." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
The two could hear draconic chattering all about them in the walls as they entered in. Nakaha was the first to approach, looking impatient.
 "Where in Skelkor have you been? The foraging party returned hours ago, and neither of you look like you've been in a fight." 
Zekov is noticeable by your darkvision, watching you all silently with his wolf, a hand on his crossbow. It's not aimed yet, but it's clear that he's willing to use it depending on what he hears.
The other two Kipraa are not yet present.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "We were doing the job we were hired to do."  Agil says calmly, eyeing the crossbow with unrestrained apathy.  "We were speaking with the goliaths to gain a better understanding of the situation. Why? Is that a problem?"  He locks eyes with Zekov when he says it, the message clear.
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth is concerned that the dragonborn might kill us and dispose of our bodies if we confront them or let them know that we sympathize with the goliaths and the kobolds. She instead discusses the threat as if she is on the Dragonborns' side.

  "The goliaths are unhappy with your treatment of the kobolds. They are not capturing the kobolds, but helping them escape. We were able to convince them to send these kobolds back for now, but they will continue to 'capture' any kobolds that go out foraging. What do you recommend we do?"  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Xihirli
Zekov stiffens and stares back at Agil.

 "Bah!"  Nakaha says with a snarl.  "Well, if they'll continue, why not go inform Alivast of the situation? Get a squad out here and let's clear off the mountaintops." 
"Forgive his hotheadedness," Hoket says, just arriving now. "My companion here sees quick, violent solutions to every problem."
 "I'm hungry!"  Nakaha snaps.  "We can't eat your books, Hoket, though I grow more tempted every day!" 
"Without the kobolds aiding us to mine, we would have to move our own force of miners up here to live and work here. To put it frankly, that means clearing the kobolds out," Hoket explains. "Surely putting them to work is kinder than that, they would not survive the journey south to escape the bite of the cold."
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  
 "The goliaths indicated that there was another option - to dispel and disperse ghosts of dwarves past. Doing so would free up their old hold and mine, allowing kobolds to remain as they are and - if they no longer wished to participate in mining - provide space for Alivast's miners to take their place without ousting them from their home or causing them harm. The goliaths, too, have indicated they would not be aggrieved if we were to follow the old Dwarven paths."  Agil remains as diplomatic as always, keeping his expression neutral and his tone detached.  "Do you know anything about this place?" 

It is as much a question of if they hid anything from them as if they've got anything new to add and simply hadn't thought to mention it before - a ghost-filled cavern may not have been the dragonborn's first suggestion, for obvious reasons.
 
 
  
Xihirli
"Ghosts?" Hoket frowns. "I’ve only heard about corporeal undead down there before…"
 "Oh, who cares about the terminology!?"  Nakaha growls.  "Point is there’s an army of dead dwarves that way. I don’t fancy killing or rekilling them all, do you?" 
A buzzing fills the cave and Kannazt comes together from an angry green cloud.
 "We cannot say for certain what will happen,"  he says.  "Perhaps there is a way to help the dwarves pass on to the next life peacefully if we but search for it. As ever, we defer to the will of Alivast. Hoket, tell them all we know of the dwarven ruin." 

The white dragonborn dutifully begins to speak:
"The nearest of these ruins to us and the only extant tunnel from here into the dwarves’ old kingdom is a tomb to one of their last kings, Ghiirvox. This king, like much of their civilization, was killed by Mate Whero, the Red Death. The tomb is partially submerged, but should lead into the rest of the dwarves underground civilization. Whether or not this entrance is underwater is unknown, we would need to better explore it. I’d actually be quite interested in doing so, if we are to brave the tomb."
 "Two of us should remain here,"  Kannazt says definitively.  "But if you wish to go into the tomb, I shall go with you. Is there another of my group you wish to travel with? Hoket is not much of a combatant, but may be able to assist us with his knowledge of history and languages. Nakaha in contrast is handy in a fight with his power over fire, but I fear that his temperament may lead to… unnecessary conflict. Zekov may be a happy medium, being skilled with crossbow and saber, and patient enough not to leap to violence." 
Zekov, being mentioned, unloads his crossbow and steps into plain view as if he wasn’t ready to kill one of you just now.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth is surprised that the Dragonborn seem ok with this plan. Well, at least most of them. When presented with the options for a third, so decides to ask for Zekov or Hoket. Plus she doesn't trust Nakaha not to kill us.

  "I think patience might be important."  

She then looks to Agil to see if he would rather have Hoket's knowledge or Zekov's crossbow.
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

What's a little threatened murder between barely friendly allies of convenience? Such was the cost of getting the job done, and Agil feels confident that Zekov wouldn't be fool enough to attempt something while surrounded by the restless dead.  "I have some command of the dwarven tongue. Though knowledge is premium, I fear a martial arm will serve us better beneath - Zekov, if you wouldn't mind accompanying us?"  Agil asks, full well knowing that Zekov knows that Agil knows that Zekov threatened them but moments ago. Perhaps that would keep him honest.
 
 
  
Xihirli
Zekov meets Agil’s eyes and nods slowly.  "Niho, protect Hoket." 
The wolf moves between the white and red dragonborn and growls at Nakaha.
 "Oh, cute. The wolf thinks it could stop me from killing you if I decided to, Hoket!" 

Kannazt hisses for Nakaha to stay in line while he’s away and the dragonborn walk with you down a tunnel wrapping deep underground. You follow it into a deeper, colder tunnel moving away from Valmai, the warm mountain the kobolds reside within.
It’s hours before the tunnel dips and your toes become wet, then you are wading, and then your toes can’t touch the rock.
"The tomb is this way," Zekov says. "The entryway should be safe, follow me."
Diving underwater, the blue dragonborn takes point and you swim into a massive cavern, with the nearest surface to stand on the shoulders of a statue that dominates the great tomb. Standing nearly sixty feet off of the "ground" underneath, the bottom of the statue barely within range of your darkvision, the figure carved from cavern stone is a crowned dwarf with a beard almost as long as the sword in his hands.

With some light, you’re able to make out the remainder of the entry into the tomb. The walls are carved with dwarven lettering, though from your position on the statue you are not close enough to read any of it. It would take days to read it all in any event.
There are, after a bit of looking about, eight ways to go. Four above the water with big square passageways: one in each cardinal direction, though the Western one is the one you all came from. Four underwater directly under the four squares with circular openings, where the floor would have been before the flooding.

"We don’t know about anything past this point, except that we’ll get attacked by undead."
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth follows the others into the tomb. She's not sure if this is a good idea, but if it delays a war between the Goliaths and the dragonborn, it's worth the risk. She assesses the options. With no more information as to which might be most helpful, there is no reason to go underwater yet.

  "Let's stay out of the water. Since we came from the west, let's go to the east. Hopefully that takes us more directly to the heart of the caverns."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil peers at the directions, attempting to intuit anything, but each of them seems as good as any other.  "East is fine. I'll take the lead. Eyes open - don't forget to look up too." 
 
 
  
Xihirli
After a swim, you're able to get back on solid ground and climb into the tunnel. A quick survey of the tunnel seems to indicate that it was once sealed up, that the entrance you are now using did not exist prior to some event like an earthquake.
Moving inside, you see three stone mosaics on either side of the room. On your right starting from the nearest, there is a depiction of a Dwarf woman with a small crown holding two hammers, one broken, in one hand, as she drags a dwarf man with a larger crown behind her by the hand with her other. Underneath this image is Dwarven writing describing the woman as Consort Safraela, rescuing the body of the dead King Ghiirvox.
The next mosaic over shows a battle between the dwarf man with the larger crown and a great dragon, him wielding an ax in one hand and holding one hammer in the other, though it doesn't seem to be being wielded as a weapon as the ax is. The writing underneath describes Ghiirvox and his army facing the Red Death and being burned and cut down by the beast, and despite the King's brave stand against the dragon, his own fall... only after severely wounding the dragon.
The last mosaic on the right is of the dwarf man with the large crown standing before a line of soldiers. The writing describes this as Ghiirvox gathering his army to destroy the Red Death.

On the left side, the first panel shows a funeral, with the dwarf woman, a hammer in one hand and a severed hand in the other, standing before the dead dwarf man rested upon an anvil, with a broken hammer in his one remaining hand. The text beneath is a long one, beginning with the words "Safraela's Lament." While probably very interesting to an archaeologist or historian, the writing is overly long and is mostly a recitation of titles that Ghiirvox had in life, most of which have no meaning to you as [Ruler, Rescuer, Protector, etc] of [Location you've never heard of].
The second panel reveals Safraela's coronation as her smaller crown is replaced with a larger one. Underneath is a new list of titles for her as the King of the Dwarves, the Greatest Son of Moradin. Still in her hands is a hammer and her husband's hand.
The final image is a near-perfect mirror of the picture in front of it, with Safraela assembling an army to destroy the Red Death this time. The two key differences are that there are about half as many soldiers carved into the stone here, and there is an addendum at the bottom of the writing:
"And as this carver takes up spear and ax to follow the Last King of the Dwarves into our glorious end, I convey the dying prayer of the Fundament: That our forges will be taken up by more of Moradin's Sons, that our lights shall burn under the mountains of the Land of Everything again, that every dragon that dares lay claim to Dwarven Gold taste Dwarven Iron instead. Great Father Moradin, into your forge we commit our spirits."

At the far end of this room is a heavy stone door with Dwarven runes carved all over it, though they are very faint. Not worn by time, the door looks almost sanded down.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: -- | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil conveys the meaning of the images and the writings as best he can, occasionally with a clunky translation but ultimately confirming the meaning of the messages.  "Still, I don't think we should be overly concerned. We are neither dragon, nor seeking gold, though I'd rather claim the Dwarven Iron rather than taste it."  It's somewhat sardonic - he doesn't expect it to be  that  easy, but perhaps if they had anti-dragon curses layered upon the land then they would prove useless against their group - even the dragonborn. He moves on.

 "This door seems to have been...sanded, almost, as if to conceal what was written here."  Concealing information was usually done to protect it - either to conceal a trap or a secret, but there was no way to know which.  "Step back please, just in case of a trap,"  he says, before attempting to open the heavy door.
 
 
  
Xihirli
The rock becomes frigid at Agil's touch and he feels ice shoot up his veins. The celestial light within him glows and warms his body, enabling him to push through and with a sharp yank, find the way the stone rolls (sideways) and open the way to the next gate.
On the other side there are stone murals of the same style as those you've already seen, but what really grabs your attention are the four dwarven bodies in loosely-fitting, rusted armor with shiny, gleaming swords guarding this passage.
However, they are facing directly away from you toward the other door out of this room, and none make any move to indicate they've noticed you despite the heavy  CRACK  as the stone rolls as far as it will into its slot on the wall.
Zekov loads a crossbow and carefully aims it at the neck of one of the guardians.

 
 Spoiler: Damage 
Agil takes 5 points of cold damage.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth puts her hand on Zekov's shoulder.

  "Wait! Let's see what they do first. We are not here for their gold, so maybe they will let us be. Perhaps we could bring some Alivast dwarves up here later."  

Nija looks over at Truth.

  "I'll see what I can find."  

She turns invisible and then flies into the room, with Truth looking through her senses.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Shillelagh | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil flinches at the cold through his gloves, but just as quickly replaces it with a burst of angelic essence. While waiting for Nija to report, he allows the magic to flow down into his cane, enchanting it in preparation for a fight.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

Expending my racial Healing hands to heal  (2d4)[ 5 ]  HP. Health goes down, health goes up!
Shillelagh on staff.
 
Xihirli
Neither Truth nor Nija can read the murals in this room, but can make out the earlier part of the life of Ghiirvox etched onto the stone above the text. Him standing beside a giant king, his beard extended in one image with six children underneath, his marriage to Safraela, his coronation, his forging of the hammer he holds in all other images, and his birth, coming from a dwarven woman laid out on an anvil.
In the center of this section is a stone sarcophagus with a gleaming, but broken, smith’s hammer atop it.
There is another heavy, potentially trapped stone door that could hypothetically be rolled aside that the dead retinue is currently facing, ready to spring.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth describes what she can see to the others.

  "I don't know what the story means, but that isn't our first concern. How do we get past the ghosts without drawing their ire."  

Nija flies around the room, getting a closer look at the dwarves without getting in range of any melee attacks. She then flies back to the sarcophagus and touches the hammer, keeping an eye on the dwarves.

  "Let's see if this does anything."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Shillelagh | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

While Nija is testing things, Agil continues his silent watch, weapon held at the ready for the moment combat breaks out - should it do so.
 
 
  
Xihirli
The instant Nija touches the hammer the eternal guards move into alert. They’re stirred by Nija’s actions, but can’t seem to find her and turn as one toward your group.

As one they hiss in Dwarvish:
"Our service, eternal. Our sacrifice, infinite. Our regrets, absent."
With rusted armor ready and gleaming weapons out, they do not look interested in discussion.

 
 Spoiler: Order 
 Agil 
Eternal Vigil
Truth
Kipraa
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 20/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Shillelagh | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

The moment the creatures rouse to attack, Agil and Aina move to intercept, taking the frontline as quickly as possible to draw attention from the less hardy rearguard. He swings his enchanted walking stick at the nearest undead, while Aina follows up with a slashing claw.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Agil:-
 Move:  Into melee with the closest, aiming to block them from getting past while still getting into melee.
 Action:   (1d20+7)[ 22 ]   Damage:   (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  magical bludgeoning
 Bonus Action:  Command Aina to attack.

Aina:-
 Move:  Alongside Agil, also aiming to block them from getting past while still getting into melee.
 Action:  Attack.  (1d20+7)[ 9 ]   Damage:   (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  slashing. In the unlikely event this is more than 20ft away, it does an extra  (1d6)[ 1 ]  slashing and provokes a Strength save ( (1d20)[ 11 ] +mods) vs. DC15 or be knocked prone.
 
Xihirli
The two that Agil and Aina face wield glittering greataxes. Behind them, the other two members of the eternal vigil hold maces and lift their arms as if their shields (at their feet, the straps long since eaten away by time) are still upon them.

The dead dwarf in Agil's face lifts its ax and brings it around in a slow, predictable motion that the Aasimar is able to evade. However, the one that faces off against Aina nicks the angel dog, drawing a small amount of blood.

The two dwarves in the back stow their weapons and pull out bows, things of beauty even after all these years. They mime out drawing arrows that have long since become just the arrowheads against a bowstring that is similarly gone.
It doesn't seem to work.

 
 Spoiler: Damage 
Aina takes 4 slashing damage.

It is now Truth's turn!
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth raises her hand and blasts one of the zombies next to Agil. She then quickly waves her hand and runs appear on the ground beneath the undead creatures.

  "Don't step on the Sigil. Let's try to keep them at range and hopefully they all try to use their non-functioning bows."  

Nija picks up the hammer and carries it into the air, flying up to the ceiling and keeping out of reach of the zombies, but trying to distract them and keep them from charging Truth.

  "Here little dwarves. Come get your hammer."  
 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Truth casts Eldritch Blast  (1d20+6)[ 18 ] ,  (1d10+4)[ 13 ]  force damage
Then casts Sigil of Chains just catching the melee dwarves in the front of the spell, hopefully pulling them backwards at the start of my next turn.

Nija grabs the hammer, and flies up and behind the dwarves. If the ceiling is high enough, she goes to the ceiling but just behind the dwarves. If it is not high enough to stay out of melee, she goes off to the side so they can't get to her in one turn.

 
 Spoiler: Sigil of Chains 
Sigil of Chains
1st level transmutation
Casting time: 1 bonus action
Range: 30 feet
Components: V S M (a piece of chalk)
Duration: 1 minute
Classes: Artificer, Warlock
You inscribe a 15' radius sigil on the ground at a point within range. At the start of your next turn the sigil's magic churns the ground, grasping at those stood within its borders. Any creatures stood on the sigil must immediately make a Strength saving throw or be pulled to the centre of the sigil. On a successful save, they are only pulled 5' towards the centre. The sigil's area requires 2 feet of movement to move 1 foot for 1 minute after the pull effect occurs.
When cast from a higher level spell slot, the radius of the sigil is increased by 5' for each spell level above 1st. When cast by from a 3rd level spell slot or higher, the area requires 3 feet of movement to move 1 foot. When cast from a 5th level spell slot, the area requires 4 feet of movement to move 1 foot.
 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Xihirli
Zekov glances at Kannazt, and the green dragonborn inclines his head. The blue dragonborn takes out a pile of ball bearings and throws it onto the sigil before he backs up. The green dragonborn draws a longbow and fires it into the dwarves before also backing up.

 
 Spoiler 
So I'm going to throw in the option here, if you go with Truth's plan to basically exploit their "programming," make this a skill test. You're going for 3 successes at DC 15. Deception to better trap the undead in a loop of useless actions is fine, as is Insight to judge how far to stand / where the defenders are being drawn to. I'll also take suggestions, at DC 17. Feel free to have your +1s roll in as well. If you don't get 3 successes it basically means the dwarves manage to get into melee.
And because Zekov is a trapper/ambusher with tools for such, you start at one success. For this scheme Hoket would have been neutral and Nakaha would have been an active detriment.
 
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth and Nija try to trick the zombies into going towards the center of the Sigil and using their ineffective bows on us instead of the heavy axes.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 
Truth Deception  (1d20+6)[ 10 ] 
Nija Deception  (1d20+4)[ 22 ] 
 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 16/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Shillelagh | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil opts to take the suggestion, if only to preserve Aina better, and heads away, trying to follow the guidance and find a worthy spot to stand.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Agil:-
 Move:  Back, I guess?
 Action:  Insight:  (1d20+7)[ 14 ] 
 Bonus Action:  None

Aina:-
 Move:  Also back, I guess
 Action:  Dodge
 
Xihirli
While three of the dwarves are unable to get through the sigil and defaulting to bows, one bursts through and swings his ax at Agil's face, though the Aasimar ducks. It seems determined to fight on, however, as it continues attacking with its greataxe.

 
 Spoiler: Order 

We're going back into initiative starting at the top, only one, the Determined Eternal Vigilant, is an active threat.
 Agil 
Eternal Vigil
Truth
Kipraa
 
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 16/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Shillelagh | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

One tricked was better than none. Agil and Aina lash out again, looking to put it down before it can do any more damage.
 
 
  
 
 Spoiler: Actions 

Agil:-
 Move:  None
 Action:   (1d20+7)[ 20 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 13 ]  bludgeoning
 Bonus Action:  Command Aina to attack

Aina:-
 Move:  None
 Action:  (1d20+7)[ 12 ] 
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 8 ]  slashing
 
Xihirli
Agil cut it down to its knees, and then Aina pounced and bit right through the useless armor now bedecking the eternal vanguard of Ghiirvox.

With the other three undead dwarves firing unusable bows at you, you're able to take your time sniping them from a distance and drop the undead onto the ground.
You're left to the room, and its door very similar to the last with its probably-trapped runes sanded down to escape notice.
Nothing is written under the murals of any particular surprise. Probably the most interesting detail is that the Storm King depicted in the mural with both Ghiirvox and a giant is named as Lynne, along with a long list of other giants he is related to that trace his lineage back to Annam All-Father, similar to the lineage given by Raunfalt (though with different names in between of course).

Further examination of the weapons wielded by the dwarves, including the broken ax on the sarcophagus of Ghiirvox's mother Smidesfru (as Agil can read), are magical in nature, and crafted as well as one would expect for dwarven weapons.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 16/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Shillelagh | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil handles the weapons with a curious eye.  "Dwarven crafts truly are impressive, that they would retain their magic so long, even in such a state. We should make sure they're not left behind - with care they could be put to use for the living once more." 

Once he's done making sure that nothing is left behind, they're faced with the next door, and he doesn't really want a repeat of the icy shock as last time.  "Do you think we could shove it open at a distance?" 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 2 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Truth and Nija leave the dwarven weapons for now. They can't use them, and think that carrying them further into the caverns will just upset the dwarven ghosts we run into.

Neither of them have any way to shove open a door from a distance.

  "I think we'll just need to open it. I can heal whoever does it."  

A soft light glows at the tip of Truth's finger as she demonstrates how her celestial light will heal whoever sets off a trap.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
[/QUOTE]
Xihirli
Kannazt nods to Zekov, who scowls but steps up to the door, gripping the handles and gritting his teeth as frost begins coating his fingers.
With a grunt, he shoves the door aside and the slope of the tunnels becomes apparent as the hallway here is filled with water as it slopes more sharply down and turns back the way you came. The water is waist-deep at the furthest point you can see.
Amnestic
      
      Agil     
 Aasimar Beastmaster Ranger | Aina 
 AC: 18 HP: 36/36| AC: 15 HP: 16/20 
 PP: 19 PIv: 14 PIs: 17 | PP: 14 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 
 Conditions: Shillelagh | --  
 Concentrating: --|  

Agil frowns at the sloping water tunnel.  "Should we check the other rooms first? I'd rather save getting wet until last. You can only be around wet blink dog for so long before it wears a bit on you." 
 
 
  
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija goes to explore the passageway.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Xihirli
Nija is able to stay above the water as she follows the tunnel. Turning around, she finds the largest of the story-chambers yet. There are more mosaics, these ones depicting myths of Moradin and dwarf kings past rather than Ghiirvox specifically, and a shrine with hammer and anvil dominates this chamber.

One undead dwarf, neck-deep in water but seemingly uncaring, stands resolute with an ax in both hands in front of the shrine. Unlike the other undead, his armor is gleaming beautifully, and his bowstring is intact, a wire instead of a string. He faces the other side of the chamber, which continues sloping downward into the water. Swimming a bit, Nija is able to come out of a circular exit back into the statue-dominated chamber, directly beneath the square entrance you all entered into.
Bobthewizard
      
      Truth     
 Tiefling Warlock
AC: 17 HP: 31/31
Spell Slots, 2nd: 1 / 2 SR
Healing Light: 5 / 5 LR
Hellish Rebuke: 1 /1 LR
Command: 1/1 LR
Misty Step: 1/1 LR
PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 11
Conditions: none
Concentration: none  
   
      Nija     
 Imp Familiar
AC: 13 HP: 10/10
Sting +5 1d4+3 +3d6 DC14
Invulnerable: Fire, poison
Resist: Cold, Nonmagical
Invisibility, Devil's Sight
Magic Resistance
Rat, Raven, Spider
Conditions: gone
  
 
  

Nija explains what she saw to the others.

  "It looks like he's guarding the passage to keep things from coming here. Let's leave him be and check out the other passages."  

Truth agrees.

  "Go check them all out. I'll keep an eye on you from here."  

Nija leaves to explore each of the passages, going about 100' and turning around when she can no longer communicate with Truth.

 
 Spoiler: OOC 

 
 Spoiler: Notes 
Alivast
Abacus, gnome who hired us
Saw contract with 'Kannazt' in the 'Kipraa,' for mining rights in the north
Wolf's Den, nearest and most recent frontier town
Payton Black, friend of Abacus, sent letter that says "danger...Black" (not written by a man)
Everbright, at base of mountain (report on monster of Everbright)
Dragon's Take, protects Alivast from goblins of Briar's Glen forest - all killed by devil
Collette, Black's wife
Caroline, Black's daughter
Captain Byrne, Everbright
Rey, decapitated at Everbright
Naughton (left) and Walsh, soldiers with us
Polly, hag that liked Rey
Ronfault, storm giant missing half his body
kobolds and Goliath stop mining in north
Dragonborn may have made deal with kobolds
Direak, Dragonborn traveling south
Kannazt, leader and green Dragonborn
Zekov, surveyor. Blue dragonborn, travels with a wolf he tamed.
Nakaha, red dragonborn, hothead
Hoket, white Dragonborn
Sophia, goliath leader
Vhisola, red kobold
Nuparu, black kobold
Macku, blue kobold
Kumo, green kobold
Garan, black kobold that led the first group.
Kazi, a white kobold
A blue kobold named Dalu
red kobold named Balta
Velika the green kobold
Ziblokk, meanwhile, makes a blanket.
Galvek, a priest of Hartkiller (who speaks Dwarvish)
Themith (who speaks Draconic)
Goliath Elders:
Rhymithe representing the elders of Kveldsland,
Soloppha representing the history of Kveldsland,
Doros representing the herders of Kveldsland,
Galvek as a spiritual counsel
Zopha representing the defenders of Kveldsland.
 

 
Xihirli
The southern square tunnel veers off too soon for Nija to get a good look ahead without leaving Truth's range.
The northern square leads to one small area with four sarcophagi along each of the corners, propped up by stones that looked ready to slot into the wall. Under each of them was a tunnel leading down below.

Nija can't reach any of the underwater tunnels and remain within range to communicate with Truth.