Renia leads the adventurers down the northwestern road, the elevation growing steadily higher as the trail leads deeper into the Mengul Mountain range. As the company continues their climb, the air grows thinner and increasingly cold, drifts of snow becoming visible on the borders of the pathway and scattered across the forbidding terrain.

By midafternoon, the ground has grown level, and a light snow has begun to fall, the sun concealed behind a slate of pale gray. The road turns eastward and after a short time, the company arrives at a pass between two tall, barren peaks. Between them, centered on the road itself, is an ancient tower, its dark stone taken from the surrounding mountains. It is weathered, clearly having endured the harsh conditions of the high peaks for a century or more, but it appears well maintained, suggesting that it is occupied. No banners fly above its tall, gated entrance, which stands open, so the allegiance of whoever might dwell within it is a mystery.

As the adventurers take in the sight, the howl of a lone wolf drifts through the air, briefly breaking the silence.

Greyband is riding along, eyes darting here and there, alert, when he halts his horse at the sound of the wolf. "Ah, good. Target practice." He pulls out his bow and scans the woods for signs of a wolf pack.

"Well that was easy to find.....perhaps a bit too easy?" Jarder says with a hint of sarcasm. looking up the trail toward the tower; "Perhaps we get off the road before they see us.  Find some cover and then we can scout it out and decide on the best course of action."  he concludes edging his horse off to one side of the road.

______________________________________________________________________________________________
OOC:  Would like to find a copse of trees nearby, or a dip in the hills that can conceal us from the tower.

"Looks as if we're expected. Or someone is. I tend to agree with young Jarder. Why don't one or two of you scout ahead a bit."

He glanced around, looking for a bit of cover in which to wait while the reconnoiter to return.

He layed his weathered white-wood staff across his saddle and lap, and readied his sling. It wasn't much of a weapon, but he remembered once reading some dusty religious text as an acolyte about some obscure lad felling a titan with nothing more than a sling.

"Scouting seems reasonable." Killian agreed.

"Any volunteers?"

Renia climbs down from her mount. "I'll go," she tells Hawkfire.

"Now we are talking.  Scouting is my specialty.  My recommendation is we wait till night fall and then sneak in closer."

Killian looked around "Sounds fine.  Let us find a place to hide until nightfall and then you can scout to your heart's content."

Shoulda taken out the dragon, he grumbles silently.

Greyband nods. "I agree. Let's find a place to make a cold camp and then the two of you can scout."

Orin brushed off some of the flurries that had accumulated on the shoulder plates of his armour.  "Won't be hard at all to find a cold camp here," he grumbled a little.  The thought of sitting around in the snow while they waited for it to get colder and darker before approaching the tower sent a shiver coursing through him, but he supposed it made it safer for the scouts.

"Let's see if we can find a sheltered nook somewhere."

“A most exquisite idea.”  Sheltered nooks were his favorite kind.

Backtracking a short distance, the company locates a overhang on the left side of the road, which provides shelter and concealment from the tower. Jarder and Renia, meanwhile, press ahead, keeping to the long shadows cast by the tall formations that flank the pathway.

Drawing closer, the two can see that the gate that leads into the tower’s interior is open. What they can see of the interior appears neat and well maintained, but there is no heraldry within that would suggest allegiance to Denagoth. The walls are barren, the stone floors covered with rugs patterned in the fashion of the Ethengar Khanate to the south. The ceiling of the corridor is quite high. The entrance hall is short, extending only twenty feet into the interior before turning to the right.

As the pair watch, two large gray wolves come into view on the roof of the tower, joined a moment later by the imposing figure of a giant who stands almost twenty feet tall. He is clad in a tunic the color of the night sky and his skin and hair are ghostly white. He pauses to look over the road that approaches his home, but apparently seeing nothing that alarms him, he retreats from view, along with the wolves.

Greyband offers to take the middle watch as the party rests and waits for the scouts to return.

Patch settled in after doing a bit of scavenging for some further shelter in the form of stones and wood to break the chill wind. He hunkered down with his porcine mount on one side and his quick shelter on the other and waited for his companions to return from their recon.

"I'll take first watch Greyband, we may not be here long, hopefully yonder tower is warm and the ovens are full of apple pastries... perhaps there will be a game table and some spiced drink..."

The cleric passed the time by considering the wording of a classic rhyme, which may well have been to the delight of the God of Riddles.

As he has no need to memorize spells, Neuken offers to take the second watch.

After scouting the tower Jarder returns and explains what they saw.  "I think we can get in quite easily, my only concern is the giant.  We should have the element of surprise in this attack."

"Hmmm...mmm.mmmm..mmm..." Patch was trying not to shiver. His thin body didn't have any extra flesh to help keep him warm.

"Do you believe the giant is hostile toward us? Making an ally would be very helpful to our cause, keeping this pass controlled would be a great boon..."

"But we need to get through, and I really don't prefer spending the night out here if we don't have to."

"Giant?  This area has a Giant and a Dragon in it?  This place has been reclaimed by Chaos.  Is there no other way around?"

Killian looked to Renia "What is this tower?"

“I’m confident we can take the giant down.  If we do that, we’ll have no need to concern ourselves about whether or not we can trust him.”  And besides, killing giants was fun.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Thu 05 Sept 2019.

Killian laughed "Easy for you to say, Robed One! You aren't the one that has to get within smashing distance of his club!"

"We can defeat the Giant, this I am confident in, but there is risk of losing one or more of our number in a battle that we may be able to avoid.  Our mission is to save a nation, not clear out ever monster we come across."

"Is the giant working for the enemy? Or is he -pardon the pun- above human affairs?"

"Only one way to find out... Let's just go ask him. Maybe he can be bargained with. If not, then... we'll need to figure out how to persuade him."

Patch was shivering in the cold despite the shelter he'd constructed.

"What do you think J.D.?" Patch asked his hog. The swine looked up at him, munching on a bit of some plant which had apparently struggled to survive harsh mountain conditions just for the purpose of becoming pig-feed, but said nothing.

Orin had remained quiet while the group talked about the giant and how to approach him.  His face had grown scrunchier as time went on, and his cheeks grew red enough to notice through his whiskers.  Finally he couldn't bottle it up anymore.

"You can't trust a giant!" he stated emphatically, waving away any such thought with animated hands.  "They're lyin' thievin' scoundrels, every last one.  Bargain all you want, but my hammer will be in hand the whole time.  So help me by the Lord of the Mountain."

It was an uncharacteristic outburst but clearly the old dwarf was passionate when it came to people taller than Greyband.

”I have never traveled this road before,” Renia admits. ”The tower is not like the stonework of the Wendarians and to my eyes, it does not appear to be dwarven craftsmanship. I would guess that it is an ancient structure, built before any of the kingdoms that now stand. One that the giant found and took for a home.”

“I saw no Denagothian colors or heraldry. At least, not at the entrance. So it is possible that the giant is aligned with no one. Few venture down this path. Perhaps the creature merely sought solitude.”

"Ah, solitude... certainly cannot blame him! Though the wind up here would get a little old." Patch's long, wispy beard floated gently in the chill breeze.

"I doubt we've much in the way of gifts, so we'll not impress him that way... perhaps some entertainment? Must get lonely up here with only flesh-rending wolves as companions..."

OOC: I vote for the ask-first-kill-later approach.

"The very moment that fellow sees a Dwarf in our party, there's no chance at parley, that's obvious," the Elf muses.

"Is there a safe way around that castle where hopefully the wolves won't track us?"

Remiss shakes her head. ”The only way past would be over the tall rocks to either side of the tower. Such a climb could be undertaken, but it would likely require a great deal of time and would likely prove quite treacherous.”

“We could circle back and venture north through the dragon’s territory.”

"Rather giant and some pet wolves than a dragon... but I'm not remembering very many stories about the riches to be found in a giant's horde..."

"I'm getting cold. Let's head up there and see what the giant has for supper."

"I can create a magical veil to cover Oran from sight" offered Killian "Assuming we would rather negotiate with the giant rather than slay him?"

Killian, irritating as it was, always tried to look at problems from all sides "Though if we negotiate we surrender the chance to surprise the Giant."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Fri 06 Sept 2019.

Greyband, who has been listening stolidly to this, shakes his head. "I don't like it. Negotiating with a giant sounds like a good way to become target practice for the giant, or a hunt for his pet. Wizard," he says, turning seriously if with a bit of a wrinkle in the nose to Neuken, "what can you do at range to harm the giant?"

“I could attempt to blind him, or send a great ball of fire his way.  Or both.  Then I could hasten our actions so that we may attack as though we were double our number.”

He speaks ruefully, as they were sure to be out-voted.

Playing with his dagger and listening to the others talk; "Well lets do this then.  I for one wouldn't mind a decent nights sleep under cover after we finish with the knife work."

Orin seemed agreeable to the whole thing, what with his inbred dislike for anything taller than seven feet.  He hefted his hammer and tried a few practice swings.  "Just remember they're crafty buggers.  And they can throw a rock like nobody's business.  Stay low and in their feet and they'll have more trouble with you."

"Maybe after I can figure out who built that tower," he mumbled to himself.  "Stonework looks all wrong for dwarven make, but who else would have done it up here?"

Greyband considers this, then nods. "I say fireball him, then bind him, then make us fast in that order. Anyone disagree?"

“That works for me.” Neuken cracks his knuckles.  And he’d thought tonight would be boring!

Keeping to the rocky overhang the scouts used for concealment, the adventurers approach the tower cautiously, remaining as quiet as possible as they draw near the ancient structure’s entrance. They reach the stronghold without incident. Neither the giant, nor his wolves emerge on the roof again. Except for brief gusts of wind, the high pass remains quiet.

Drawing close to the entrance, the company members can see that the tall corridor that leads inside extends for thirty feet to the north, before turning eastward. The passage is constructed from rectangular pieces of gray stone, all crafted to a uniform size. A single, large torch illuminates the hallway from an iron holder set fifteen feet above near the corner.

As the scouts had observed, no guards of any kind are posted at the entrance. The passage appears empty.

Greyband pulls everyone behind cover and cocks his head. "So...plan b?"

"Send in the scouts." whispered Killian.

If this were the Hobbit I'd say something like "Well, burglar?  Go burgle something!"

Patch came along with the others, anticipating the mercy of finally being out of the wind. His thin body wasn't meant for these high mountain passes, and he pulled his patchwork cloak tightly around his thin shoulders to ward off the chill. He carried his staff off the ground so that the typical thudding sound would not echo and give them away.

He hunkered closer to Neuken who seemed to exude a sort of... dark warmth, if temperature could be described in that fashion, similar perhaps to cooling one's feet on a hot day in oily water.

He didn't bother to add anything, simply gestured with his white staff in the direction of the torch.

Neuken eyes Patch warily, worried at first that he was about to be asked for a hug.  The wily wizard isn’t into that.

He takes a quick look around, in case they’ve managed to overlook a giant.  Are there any tracks on the ground?

Jayanti nods. "I suppose that includes me."

"Let them lead, but we shouldn't let them walk into the lair of a giant without backup.  We should follow a discreet distance behind, just in case."  Orin had gained control of his temper for the moment and was speaking rationally again.  It was clear he intended to back up Jayanti, Renia and Jarder in case the giant or his wolves made a sudden appearance.

Greyband nods. "All right, same as before. We find a place to hide near the entrance and the scouts try to penetrate the perimeter. You signal us when we should head in. Agreed?"

Patch nodded the brim of his dilapidated hat, answering for them all... Proceed... it's not getting any warmer out here!
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:35, Mon 30 Sept 2019.

Neuken licks his lips, which are a little dry.  After all, they have been repeatedly exposed to magical flame recently.

Oh well... couldn’t be helped.

"Sounds like we are ready then."  Jarder pulls out his magic dagger 'The Hornet' and then looks back at the others scouts; "Follow me and lets make this quick-I'm getting hungry."

Jayanti and Jarder venture down the corridor, with Renia following close behind them. Although a giant is indisputably a resident of the tower, the hallway is exceedingly quiet, the only sound the crackling of the torch above.

Following the passageway as it turns east, the trio find that the hall extends for roughly forty feet, before reaching another corner, and leading northward. The northern corridor is long, appearing to travel the length of the tower. The adventurers see no doors of any kind on either side of the passage, nor does any ornamentation hang on the stone walls, save for another torch in an iron holder, which is positioned at the hallway’s midpoint.

Straining to listen, none of the three adventurers hear any sounds of movement from further down the passageway, or from above them.

Neuken searches the walls for secret doors as they proceed, and encourages the others to do the same.

In reply to Neuken Orulto (msg # 49):

The elf's delicate fingers tap gently against the stones as she passes, waiting for that feeling when the hairs on the back of her neck stand up, alerting her to a hidden path.

08:49, Today: Jayanti rolled 6 using 1d6.  Search for Traps.

Cautiously moving to the front and staying to the shadows Jarder keeps watch for the Giant, his wolves or any traps.  "This is almost too easy..." he thinks to himself.

______________________________________________________________________________________
DM-Havn't rolled unless you need me to.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:52, Fri 13 Sept 2019.

"It will not be long before those wolves or wargs detect us." whispered Killian.

Orin stayed back from the scouts to minimize the chance of his bustling along in plate armour would give them away.  He did take the time to examine the stonework as they went.  It wasn't dwarven, and the fact that he couldn't place it was like having a pebble in the sole of his shoe.


OOC:

19:33, Today: Orin Starshine rolled 6 using 1d6.  Detect doors/traps, etc (2 in 6).

OOC: Jarder, if you’re looking for things hidden, go ahead and give me a roll for your efforts.

"I'll die of embarassment if a giant manages to sneak up on us!"

Jarder continues to look around.

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OOC:  One of the only times an 88 is not good, rolling for old school thief's.

16:23, Today: Jarder Mehro rolled 88 using 1d100.  'Lookin for things'.

My find traps is 30%
My Hear Noise is 50%
This message was last edited by the player at 20:26, Mon 16 Sept 2019.

01:28, Today: Neuken Orulto rolled 6 using 1d6.  Find secret doors.

09:17, Today: Jayanti rolled 4 using 1d6.  secret doors.

The company observes nothing in the corridor that suggests the presence of a hidden portal, or of any sort of mechanical trap. As best they can discern, it is simply a vacant hallway, built from carefully chiseled stone.

The tower remains quiet. The adventurers neither hear nor see any movement further down the passageway.

Continue deeper?

"Perhaps we can sneak through the other side without ever encountering the Giant?" whispered Killian.

“I wouldn’t bet on that,” Nueken says quietly.  “But let us proceed.”

nodding in agreement Jarder continues to move forward cautiously hanging out in what he 'thinks' are the shadows.

Greyband nods and leads the less-sneaky forward....

Jarder, Jayanti, and Renia proceed down the corridor. Their movement is near silent, and none of the three hear the approach of any man or beast from beyond the turn in the hallway.

Midway through the passageway’s length, the three scouts hear a clunk, and feel the floor sink down beneath their feet. In the same instant, a dense yellow cloud of gas emerges from the walls on either side, completely obscuring their vision.

OOC: Each of the scouts needs to provide me with a Saving Throw vs. Dragon Breath.

The members of the party that are trailing the scouts are far enough away not to be caught in the cloud.

18:06, Today: Renia rolled 5 using 1d20.  Saving Throw vs. Dragon Breath.

'Gas' Jarder hisses as he pulls his cloak up over his face and attempts to get low.
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08:07, Today: Jarder Mehro rolled 19 using 1d20.  Save vs Dragon Breath.

09:22, Today: Jayanti rolled 16 using 1d20.  Save vs Dragon Breath (13).

Jayanti covers her mouth and nose with her cloak in vain, and tries as best she can to run back the way she came and warn the others.

Renia groans, takes a pair of staggering steps, then collapses onto the floor on her right side.

Jarder and Jayanti manage to back out of the thick cloud without inhaling any of the gas. Within moments, the fumes begin to dissipate. From somewhere beyond the bend in the corridor, a trio of howls sound, their mournful tones filling the quiet passageway.

"Damn Renia is down....sounds like we have company.. lets get back to the others." Jarder says under his breath to Jayanti.  Grabbing Renia he pulls her out of the cloud of gas and moves back to the party.

OOC:  Either drag her or try and carry her on my shoulders, whichever is easier and faster.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Mon 23 Sept 2019.

The elf nods, and scoops up Renia's other shoulder. Between her and Jarder they should be able to run with her body back to the party.

Greyband hears the howls and moves up to meet the scouts. He looks down grimly at Renia. "Company coming?" he asks.

"Apparently. And with that racket the master of the house is surely awake!"

Killian draws forth his big battle blade "That settles the matter of surprise and sneaking through."

"Now we must ask whether we flee or fight?"

Greyband grins. "I say we take out the doggies."

Carefully placing Renia on the ground,  "Yes lets get rid of the wolfs before Giant gets here.  Even the odds a bit."  Jarder says heading back down the hallway his dagger in hand and ready to throw.

OOC:  moving stealthy trying to stay to shadows, to set up for a potential backstab.

07:58, Today: Jarder Mehro rolled 95 using 1d100.  Hide in Shadows.

Dice roller hates me.  Normally a 95 would be great.,.......

Neuken is no thief, but he also tries to step into the shadows as he prepares to cast a spell.

Killian also steps into the shadows with Neuken and guards the magic-user.

Greyband, by contrast, steps out into the middle of the hallway. "Let them come," he says in a low tone, lowering his helmet visor.

Orin nudged Greyband.  "Make a little room there and share the hallway, lad," he said with a toothy grin, before turning to face what sounded like the oncoming wolf pack.  He hushed up behind his shield and lazily twirled his hammer while he waited for the enemy to appear.


OOC:

Stand side by side with Greyband to block off the enemy.

Patch held his staff, apparently neither surprised nor apprehensive of the potential attack by ravening, giant-trained wolves... He stepped just behind the front ranks draping his multi-colored cloak about him tightly, almost like a protection...

A moment later, four wolves, their pitch black fur and large size identifying them as dire wolves come racing around the corner, their snarls and growls filling the corridor. They surge toward the adventurers with murderous intent, their yellow eyes gleaming in the dimness of the hallway.

09:45, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative - Party.

09:46, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative - Dire Wolves.

The wolves win initiative and will use their actions to close into melee range with the party.

It is the adventurers’ turn to act.

Each dire wolf has an AC of 6.

Her widening eyes suddenly narrow and a smirk crosses her lips.

"That's it, puppies...closer...closer...NOW!"

She stretches out her hands to cast Web, to trap them or at least block them.

The wide strands of the web that Jayanti summons envelop the wolves, thoroughly entangling them and bringing their charge to an abrupt halt. The canines snap at the sticky net, wriggling violently in a desperate effort to pull free, but they make little progress.

12:41, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 2d4.  Web Duration.

It will require the dire wolves six turns to free themselves from the web.

Sneaking in from the shadows Jarder lands a devesting bow from behind on one of the wolves

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Hit AC 6 for 14 DMG;or if you rule no backstab allowed I miss...
19:56, Today: Jarder Mehro rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  DMG.
19:55, Today: Jarder Mehro rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Backstab attack.

In reply to Jarder Mehro (msg # 83):

”I wouldn’t...! Oh, please don’t get stuck...I was going to suggest spearing them...”

Jarder’s well placed blow kills one of the ensnared wolves. The thief nimbly keeps from becoming trapped himself by the sticky strands of the web.

OOC: If the party wants to dispatch the remaining wolves, I won’t require any rolls to do so. You can just declare your intentions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Sat 28 Sept 2019.

"We are committed now.  One does not kill someone's pets and then negotiate with them." said Killian.

"Going forward we should carefully check for traps." he added as he used water to try an revive Renia.

Greyband wastes no time, drawing his shortbow and peppering the wolves with arrows until they die.

He turns to Killian after this, nodding. "Agreed. Jarder, can you do the honors? Once the webs go away, that is."

Neuken stuffs the reagents back in his little pouch.  Apparently his services wouldn’t be required just yet.  He’s impressed!  This group has become most efficient.

Patch allowed the adrenaline to warm him a little, the stone of the hall seemed to continue leeching the warmth right out of his slender body.

He said nothing about dispatching the wolves, but clutched his white staff closely. "Be careful..." he said through chattering teeth.

"That was clever Jayanti," the tall cleric murmured to his companion.

Orin joined in with the rest, using his crossbow to good effect on the trapped wolves.  And once they were finished he had to admit Patch was right.  Even when it was an elf receiving the credit.

"Aye, Jayanti.  Well done with the magic.  Saved us a heap 'o trouble, no doubt."

Jayanti smiles and nods, unused to so much praise.

"Best to cast it now, I guessed. These webs are strong, but not giant-strong..."

Once the wolves are dispatched Jarder starts moving forward again cautiously searching for Traps and trying to stay in the Shadows.

_____________________________________________________________________________________
09:45, Today: Jarder Mehro rolled 113 using 2d100 with rolls of 33,80.  Find Traps and Hide in Shadows.

Failed both rolls.  Now I'm remembering why I wasn't a fan of BECMI thieves

Killian is able to revive Renia with a few splashes of ester. She curses softly. ”Some help I am, eh? Missed the whole fight.” She shakes her head regretfully as she stands to her feet.

Falling in line behind Jarder, she follows the thief and Jayanti as the pair proceed down the corridor.

Greyband grins. "If you think that's brilliant, Jayanti's only getting started, right, Jayanti?"

He leads the little group onward once Jarder gives the green light.

She nods grimly as they wait for the web to dissolve. With a hint of sadness she pats the head of each departed wolf.

"Follow the Trail. Better things to hunt in the Great Forest, wayward pups..."

Orin follows along with Greyband and the rest of the trailing group, letting the scout have a little space ahead in which to be sneaky.

Killian followed along as rear guard.

Patch moved along with the pack, trusting his forward companions to discover, disarm or at least warn of further traps. He clutched at his staff in cold, thin hands.

"Are giants usually adept at such traps? I wasn't aware that they were delicate in their approach. Somehow poisonous gas and smashing something to mush with a horse-sized boulder don't go together..."

"I'm equally sure that any traps were set before the giant got here. Whether he found this place empty or disposed of its last tenants himself, he probably is too bulky to crawl down here, thus the trap was never triggered before."

"Good thing to keep in mind. Though cats have long arms, if the hole is deep enough, the mouse will find sanctuary..."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:36, Thu 03 Oct 2019.

“The mouse always thinks the hole is deep enough.  But often learns otherwise... by which time the newfound wisdom is useless.”

The passage leads westward, the scouts moving at a steady pace, carefully searching the walls and floor for any sign of further traps or hidden doorways. They find neither, reaching the long passageway’s turn to the south without incident.

The southward branch of the corridor extends for sixty feet before terminating at a closed, iron banded door. Halfway down the hall, it branches to the east, ending at another door that is also iron banded, and the color of ash.

The passage itself is empty. Midway down its length, a lone torch burns in an iron holder high up on the wall.

OOC: The main game map has been updated.

Any sounds from either direction?

"The lesson I read here is to be the Cat, not the Mouse." Killian smiled.

Seeing the lone torch Killian raises an eyebrow "If that isn't some sort of ambush or trap I'll declare myself a Dwarf."

OOC: No. The party does not hear any noise emerging from behind either doorway.

“Let’s be the cat,” Neuken agrees wholeheartedly.

Jayanti smirks, thinking of all the stories written by fools who've never been underground...where of course there are lit torches inside tombs that haven't been opened in centuries.

“You would be so lucky,” Orin quipped at Killian’s oath, for certainly it was a compliment to anyone.   He remained ready and waited for the scouts to peer down the branched hallway.

Patch mused upon the companions' extrapolations of his analogy about cats and mice. He would prefer to be the little mouse curled up in a nest of straw and goosedown stolen from a well-stuffed chair, dozing and waiting for Spring to arrive.

"Is that some sort of magical flame?" the odd cleric asked his arcane practicing companions.

Greyband frowns. "I hear a lot of analogies and no plan. How do we be the 'cat' here? How do we spring the trap without getting caught in it, if a trap there is. i'm also wondering what Patch is wondering--is that one of those everlasting flames that I've seen before?"

"We do know that this place is inhabited, and it may be safe to say that the giant has other guards than a few wolves.  This light may just be that a light.  I'll go forward and check it out, if it is a trap I can be the mouse that leads the cat back to the dogs." he says pointing at the party.
______________________________________________________________________________________
OOC:  Unless anyone objects I'll move forward and scout it out.

Greyband nods. "A good plan. Just shout and we'll be in to help you." He moves a bit back, just around the corner where he can peer out and keep half an eye on Jarder."</goldenrod>

Jarder moves stealthily down the corridor and peers up at the torch. He can see cobwebs clinging to both the torch and its holder, indicating that neither has been moved in some time. Watching the flame for a moment, he does not see any sparks or embers emerge from the end of the torch, which would show that the wood is being consumed. The torch retains its length and the fire appears constant, suggesting that both are a working of magic.

Nothing befalls the thief as he scouts the area. No traps are sprung and no creatures emerge from anywhere nearby to challenge Jarder. The hallway remains quiet.

Jarder signals to the rest of the party that the way is safe to the torch.  Whispering when they arrive; "Looks to be some type of magical light.  No telling how long this has been going." With that he starts moving cautiously forward again.

Greyband nods. "Right. Let's head to the torch and then you check out the hallway the rest of the way, Jarder."

True to his plan, he goes down to the mid-point of the hallway and waits for the thief to do his good work.

Hopeful for a little warmth, Patch seemed almost disappointed to find that the torch was magical in nature. "At least it'll help those of us who've not been blessed with the fey-sight to see in this warren. I just wonder if there's any way to turn it off should we require the embrace of darkness..."

Even though he knew it wouldn't help, he held his thin hands up to the torch briefly as if to warm them.

Jayanti tries clapping softly near the cold light to see if that functions as a magical command. She heard some wizards build such magic torches for their studies.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Fri 11 Oct 2019.

Neuken watches with amusement as he files his nails.

Seeing Jarder had safely negotiated the hallway, Orin offered his opinion on which way to go.  "I say use the south door," he opined confidently, "since any room the east door opens to will be trapped by the hallway we just walked through.  We want out of this tower to the north, so we need to find a hallway that turns back that way."

Greyband nods. "Exactly. I wanted Jarder to test that door out. I'll open it up if he doesn't find traps on it or the rest of the way south."

08:26, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Jarder Mehro, rolled 27 using 1d100.  Find Traps.

Jarder examines the southern door closely, but finds no evidence of traps. Carefully testing the rusted knob, the thief can tell that the door is unlocked.

Unless anyone objects, Greyband opens the southern door!

Jarder steps back from the door and readies to follow the stronger types into the room.

Patch hoped it opened into a room with a lit fireplace, otherwise simply waited for the door to reveal...

Killian follows.

Neuken keeps a discreet distance, not wishing to expose himself to any unnecessary unpleasantness.

Jayanti likewise makes her in silently, in classic elven fashion.

Far from objecting, Orin backed up Greyband with shield and hammer at the ready in case something nasty their way came.

The door swings open to reveal a dark chamber which extends forward only a few feet before being intersected by a floor to ceiling wall of iron bars. In the center of the tightly spaced bars is a gate, which provides access to the space beyond them, held closed by a large padlock.

The floor of the wide cell which is cordoned off by the bars is covered in filthy straw. Worn wooden benches serve as the only furniture. Four orcs, thin and wretched, clad in tattered uniforms bearing the symbol of a red wyvern, are asleep on the piles of straw. The creatures stir weakly as the party enters the room.

Jayanti keeps her cowl up and keeps near the back, not to reveal her elven ears.

Orin's nose crinkled and his teeth bared at the sight of the caged orcs.  He gripped his hammer tightly and glared at the creatures but held his tongue for the moment.  Nothing civil was going to come forth just yet, so best he keep his comments to himself for now.

Greyband approaches the bars and looks at the wretches. He clears his throat in a low tone to see if he can get the orcs' attention.

Realizing that Greyband is about to pick a fight Jarder moves into the shadows near one of the sleeping orcs and readies for action

Jayanti despises orcs, but she sees no honor in murdering them between the bars of a jail cell.

She speaks in Orcish.

"You there. Tell us how you came to be here and what you know of this castle and the giant who lives here. Your knowledge will buy your freedom. Do you understand?"

Killian stands guard, alert for trouble.

Patch approached the cell and looked upon the orcs with something akin to compassion. Their atrophied muscles, their bony frames, their sunken eyes, all a shadow of their former formidable racial stature. He pulled a bit of dried meat from his rations and held it through the bars.

"Eat," he said in common. "Eat."

She casts a side glance at Patch. "Wait til they find out about the fresh kills we left in the hallway..."

Greyband looks back at the others and sighs. He walks away from the bars to let the others do whatever they were intent on doing.

"We are not here to kill you. If you answer some of our questions, we may help you," he says from a few steps behind Patch.

“That might not be wise,” Neuken says as he observes the emaciated prisoners.  “Gratitude is not one of the celebrated orcish virtues.”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Sat 19 Oct 2019.

Remaining close to the Shadows, Jarder watches as they converse with the orcs.  He will give them a chance but experience tells him that this will probably end in violence.

One of the orcs cautiously approaches the food that Patch has offered. With as much speed as it can muster, which is pitifully little, it snatches the piece of dried meat and retreats behind one of the benches.

Another of the orcs addresses Greyband with halting words from the Common Tongue. ”You not of Denagoth. You friends of giant. Want to know if any have been told of hidden bridge. Already told giant no. No one. It is truth.”

“Hidden bridge, you say?  But if you know nothing of it, how have you even heard about it?”

Greyband waits for an answer to Neuken's question.

The orc snorts. ”We find bridge. Giant catch us. We alone. No one to tell.”

Patch nodded. "We haven't yet met the giant, in fact, I doubt it's going to be a friendly encounter. Why would the giant be interested in a bridge anyway? To where?"

Jarder continues to hand back in the shadows; the talk of being prisoners peaks his Interest.  He slowly works his way around to the entrance and begins to watch behind them.
______________________________________________________________________________________
OOC:  Watch the hallways behind us.

Greyband waits for an answer to Patch's excellent question!

“I’m afraid grammar wasn’t their best subject in whatever orcish charm school they attended.”

Orin grumbled at the pity the orcs were gleaning from some of the group.  They were orcs!  But this bit about the bridge was interesting.  He listened carefully to hear what else they might say.

Jayanti leans over to whisper in the dwarf's ear.

"I despise them more than anyone else, Orin. But even they deserve the dignity of a warrior's death. And I will grin ear to ear on the day when my arrows find their hearts."

”Bridge leads to hidden path through mountains. Reach Geron quickly. Much faster than Dragon Pass,” the orc responds, ”Giant hates Denagoth. Does not want their armies to have shortcut through mountains.”

Killian lets out a sigh "It appears we've misjudged the Giant."

Nodding in agreement; "Perhaps we may enlist an ally?  Or just make another enemy-I've never heard of Giants helping humans before?  But one never knows....."

Jayanti chuckles, looking up as she acts out the reconciliation.

"Hello Mr. Giant, we're sorry for breaking into your home and murdering your dogs. But we both hate Denagoth, right?"

Neuken shrugs.  “Dogs can be replaced, but fulfilling a long festering hatred is a precious thing.  Negotiating with the giant might be worth trying.”

In reply to Neuken Orulto (msg # 155):

"When the giant sees we have Dwarf among us, he'll attack us on sight."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:08, Wed 30 Oct 2019.

"There's no guarantee he's a reasonable Giant.  All we really know is that he hates Orcs and Denagoth.  That just makes him prudent."

Greyband guffaws at this. "Well-said. I have no reason to believe this giant is going to be worth negotiating with, personally. We should defeat him and establish this castle as a stronghold of our own against the enemy. That, to me, would be the more prudent path."

"As well he should, lass.  As well he should," nodded Orin with complete seriousness, slapping the head of his magical hammer into the palm of his other hand.  "Because it's comin' his way from my end, make no mistake."  Orin's brows were scrunched above glittering eyes.

"You can't trust a giant.  It's just a fact of life, like the sun risin' in the mornin' or water runnin' downhill.  You're wastin' your time tryin' to talk with him.  He'll just lift a foot and squash you, like as not, and then grind your bones to make his bread."

Patch stood huddled in his robes, the cold of the dungeon not helping his poor circulation. He handed the orcs a few more strips of dried meat as the companions discussed giants and strongholds.

"The giant may be the best deterrent of all. The patrols of Denagoth might avoid this place entirely. Perhaps not so if it's filled with enemy soldiers. As long as the giant isn't slowing or hindering the faction to whom we're currently aligned, then maybe we ought to leave well enough alone?"

"Then again, part of our purview for this particular outing was to find and secure locations such as this I believe."

"Making allies of a local orc-band... now that might be worth the effort of negotiations."

"Patch makes a good point about the Giant, he does make a good deterrent for Denagoth patrols."

The Elf smiled "But he immediately loses points for even suggesting that we ally ourselves with Orc.  My people may be a bit more mercenary in their dealings wth outsiders than most Elves, but even we have standards."

"I suggest we keep moving and see what develops.  No sense planning for things that we have no control over now.  If the Giant simply attacks, we kill him.  If he is willing to talk, we talk."

"And what of the orcs here? Letting them go could distract the giant while we continue to our destination, then we deal with him on our way back. But then, do we want to risk them reaching Denagoth?"

Killian sniffed "They are not our prisoners.  They belong to the Giant.  Let us sort the Giant and then we can worry about Orcs in cages."

Greyband nods. "Killian speaks wisdom. I say we leave and explore more. Any disagreement?"

"Sounds like a plan.  Which way then?"  Once a decision is made Jarder will take the lead again scouting ahead for the party.

"No disagreement at all," Orin said gruffly, concerned they had even considered freeing the creatures in the first place.  At Jarder's question the dwarf gestured behind them.

"Let's try the other door.  Maybe there's a central stair or ladder that will take us up to the 'bridge' level."

Neuken smiles inwardly, congratulating himself on not getting involved in the conversation.

Patch wore a thoughtful expression beneath the wide brim of his hat. Whatever those thoughts were, he kept them to himself as he followed the others from the room. There would be time for decisions later of course, but until then, he had two things more pressing to confront... this creeping chill, and keeping himself and his companions in one piece. Wars weren't won in a day, and reconnoitering shouldn't be hurried either.

The Orcs return to the rear of their cell, watching the adventurers depart with only faint interest, already certain that the company opposes those they have given their allegiance to.

With Jarder scouting ahead, followed closely by Jayanti and Renia, the party returns to the tower corridor, cautiously retracing their steps as they approach the door in the eastern wall. Jarder examines the portal, but finds no evidence of traps. The thief notes that it appears to be unlocked.

Then, without further ado, Greyband lowers his visor, raises his shield and opens the door!

Raising his hand to stop the party and in hushed tones; "The door ahead is unlocked but it smells of death and decay on the other side.  If we want to go in, we best be careful.  Patch your gods might be needed in this room."

"Could be ghouls...elves to the front!"

Killian brandishes his great battle blade and moves up.

Neuken remains in the rear with the gear, where all wise spellcasters belong.

Greyband pushes the heavy door open.

The adventurers are confronted with a large, octagonal chamber. An enormous oak table fills the center of the room, of the sort typically used by nobles for feasts and celebrations. Some of the chairs that accompanied the long table remain, but most are broken, the rwmains of them scattered across the stone floor.

In the center of the western wall is a large fireplace and mantle which is long cold, occupied only by ashes. To the north, a wide, L shaped staircase leads to the upper floor of the tower. The tattered remains of several tapestries hang on the walls.

Bones and pieces of rotting meat lay everywhere that the party can see. From a few of the high ceiling beams hang the carcasses of various mountain creatures, along with a few humanoids, suspended from ropes. Pelts, splintered bones, and other refuse cover most of the long table’s surface. Rats scurry among the leavings. The strong scent of decay is revolting.

Taking in the scene, the adventurers realize that this chamber, which was likely once impressive to behold, has come to serve as the giant’s pantry.

Greyband steps back and waves to the others back into the hallway.

"That's the giant's larder. If we're not careful, we could encounter a swarm of rats or the like. Anyone have a way of dealing with a swarm or vermin, just in case?"

Killian complies "Well we now know he's not one of those rare vegetarian Giants..."
This message was last edited by the player at 12:27, Fri 08 Nov 2019.

"Just my trusty hammer," shrugged Orin.  He wasn't looking to deal with a swarm of rodents but he also didn't think they had much other choice.  Unless they'd missed a secret door or something, this seemed their only way up.

The hint of a smile played about Patch's bluish lips. "Perhaps I'll just talk to them. Looks as if they've plenty to eat. Once they know we're not interested in the good deal they've got going, I'm sure they'll prove quite cordial."

The odd cleric gripped his bleached wooden staff and walked into the defiled banquet hall. He paused a moment to look arond before slowly moving forward toward the center of the large chamber.

He seemed unperturbed by the grisly sights, there were greater mysteries to be discovered..

"Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum..." she grumbles as she wraps a rag around her mouth and nose and continues warily.

Greyband turns to Neuken. "Wizard, I was thinking of you. What have you got that could kill a bunch of rats at once?"

“I could put some of them to sleep, which would make it easy for us to eliminate them.  Or I could burn the entire room, but I’m assuming our giant doesn’t like his food burned to a crisp.”

If this sounds agreeable, he warns the others to get out of the way and then casts Sleep on the rats.

Greyband stops Neuken. "I didn't say there WERE rats. Just that this seems like a place where there might be. The question remains: do we search this room for loot or come back to it later? I'm indifferent."

Looking over the room; "I for one would love the loot...but I think we need to find and deal with the giant first."

“It is rarely wise to leave a giant out of one’s calculations,” Neuken agrees.

"I for one do not want to be caught here when the giant comes down to his pantry for a midnight snack."

"To the contrary," Patch said, "what better place to surprise him? Just think how you might react on a cold night's trip to the pantry and suddenly your food started attacking you."

But the odd cleric simply shrugged, content to follow the group, but a certain smile played about the thin lips showing beneath the broad brim of a dilapidated hat.

"I say up," Orin grumped, wondering what all the delays were about anyway.  "We want to get through the tower and see about this bridge anyway, and we're not going to be able to do that sitting here."

Killian moves to find the exit.

The company crosses the bone strewn chamber without incident, scattering a few rats and roaches as they proceed cautiously to the staircase. Ascending the steps, the adventurers find themselves in an enclosed landing, the small space lit by another torch mounted high on the stone wall. The only exits from the landing are a pair of doors, one to the left, the other to the right, each reinforced with broad steel bands.

Glancing at the floor, the party notices scrape marks on the stone, suggesting that the door on the right has been recently opened.

Greyband nods to Killian. "Could you listen at both doors, please?"

Neuken watches at a safe distance as his camaradas check the door.

Jarder follows closely behind Killian.  After the elf listens Jarder will inspect the door for any traps or locks.

Killian listens.

Jarder’s careful inspection finds no traps of any kind on either door. As best the thief can tell, both are unlocked, and judging from the thick dust that clings to each one, rarely used.

From the door on the left, Killian hears only the occasional gust of wind, howling as it passes through the mountains. From the right hand door, there is mostly quiet, punctuated occasionally by the sound of a lone creature’s slow, heavy breathing.

Killian points at the door that has the breathing behind it and raises his finger to his lips calling for silence.

Greyband makes a motion that he intends to open the door, waiting to see what the others think about this idea.

Neuken nods approvingly.

Nodding in agreement Jarder readies himself for action.

Without further ado, Greyband opens the door!

Orin stood immediately behind Greyband, ready to burst through the door and support his friend as needed.  No doubt the giant would need taming...

Greyband finds the door stubborn, unwilling to yield to him, but ultimately it bows to the warrior’s strength, opening with a low screech.

The chamber beyond has a high, vaulted ceiling. On the western wall is a wide fireplace, in which a large fire is blazing. Against the eastern wall stands an enormous canopy bed, covered in hides and furs. Beside it, in the southeastern corner of the room, a brass fitted chest sits atop an ornately carved wooden table.

Seated in a tall throne against the northern wall is a giant, his skin as white a fresh snow, his hair the same color. He is clad in pale robes woven from silk and a massive club leans against his chair, inches from his right hand. In front of the throne lie a pair of sizable gray wolves. The huge canines raise their heads as the party enters, their ears perking up.

The giant frowns at the newcomers, his voice booming. ”You do not wear the colors of Denagoth. What has brought you here? Why have you disturbed the peace of my tower?”

Greyband bows slightly. "Greetings. We are enemies of Denegoth. May we speak with you of an alliance against them?"

The giant does not move from his seat, regarding the company with a curious frown. ”Enemies, you say? Few from the kingdoms to the south venture into the mountains.”

“Why have you come then? Why do you travel to those accursed lands that lay northward?”

Stepping into the room next to Greyband and taking his cue, Jarder also bows.  Resting his hands casually behind his back he lets on of the more diplomatic individuals do the talking.

Greyband nods, standing shining and calm before the giant. "We hail from Wendar. We have reason to believe that the Shadow Lord means to move against us and are on a mission to bring about his defeat. Would you be interested in seeing his defeat?"

"Nice place you have here, great view, roomy, a little chilly for my taste, but rather strategically located... my compliments on your taste in abandoned castles."

Patch nodded a bit but continued to look around the chamber, looking for whatever might catch his interest.

For the time being, Neuken keeps his mouth shut and his hands free.  He expects things to turn bad in a hurry, as they often did when an ill-tempered giant was involved.

”If it would see his people leave me alone in peace, then yes,” the giant rumbles. ”I tire of his soldiers seeking to use this pass as another means to reach Wendar. The Denagothians have been given all of the land beyond the Mengul Mountains. They should learn to be content.”

Greyband nods. "They should indeed. How much do you know of the realm of Denegoth? We primarily seek passage into part of it, not a tactical advantage as such, in case you're wondering."

”Denagoth is a land of dense forests and deep swamps. There is much hunting there and strong timber. To the south are plains that can be farmed, though many of the Denagothians have long favored raiding over honest labor.”

The giant shrugs. ”Some men make their home in the towns that border the mountains, and in the north, so I am told. But much of the land is inhabited by savage creatures. Orcs, goblins, ogres and the like.”

He surveys the group of adventurers. ”Why do you seek to travel to such a place?”

Orin stayed quiet and let Greyband do the talking.  He wasn't sure anything diplomatic would come out of his mouth when directed toward a giant.

Neuken also continues to hold his tongue, knowing how easily the sarcasm flows through him.

Jarder also keeps his mouth shut, letting calmer minds do the talking.

"We seek to teach the Denagothians to be content with what they already have." says Killian.

"I might add, Your Tallness, that it's rather difficult for those in Wendar to be content ourselves when the drums of war are beating and rumors of invasion drift about on the winds. Wendar would like to be at peace, more time for contentment, contemplation and consideration. Peace would mean less bother to you in this pass as well, would it not? Besides being a nice little road trip of personal discovery and trial, we're headed to Denegoth to see if we cannot... arrange for the drums of war to silence their booming. At least for a generation or so."

The giant stands, his long shadow falling over the gathered company. His club remains where it is, leaning against the throne he occupied, but within arm’s reach. He rubs his jaw thoughtfully. ”Peace, even for a time, would be a boon. I can assist you in reaching Denagoth, free from watchful eyes. But I would ask something in return.”

Greyband nods. "We would be open to such a bargain. What did you have in mind?"

”I will show you a hidden route that will allow you to reach Denagoth undetected. One that will bring you a short distance from the village of Geron.”

The giant eyes the group sternly. ”In return for its use, you will give me your silence. You will not reveal the route’s existence to anyone, including the people of Wendar.”

“What say you?”

Greyband bows. "Let me confer with my companions."

He turns to the others. In a low tone, he says, "What do you all think? I say we go for it."

Killian asked the giant "This hidden route wouldn't have a dragon in it, would it?"

To Greyband and the others in conference "The offer seems too altruistic to me.  What does he gain by letting us through and asking nothing in return, except for our word?  It is a one sided deal in our favor." 

"He'll be left alone. Might not be he's just a reclusive type that enjoys quiet evenings by the fireplace... I'm inclined to accept the terms."

Looking around the halls; "Yep sounds like a good plan...well actually the only real plan anymore. It's not like we have the element of surprise anymore and I don't fancy a fair fight with a Giant.  So yes I am inclined to accept this offer."

"...assuming it's not a trap, of course."

The giant shakes his head. ”The blue wyrm guards the main road into Denagoth. The wide pass that most of Denagoth’s soldiers and raiding parties use when they travel southward. The trail I will show you will not come near it.”

Greyband chuckled at Jayanti's comment. "If this path were free of trouble, would it be so secret? I doubt it. But rather than face a blue dragon in an environs favorable to him, I say we use this path."

He turns to Neuken and Orin. "Wizard? Orin? What say you?"

Very quietly, Neuken says, “I suggest we agree, so that he shows us the supposed secret route.  Then kill him.  If it turns out to be a trap, it will be less likely to work if he’s dead.”

Orin scowled even more deeply at Neuken's plan, if that were even possible.  Ever since they'd been talking with the giant he'd bitten his tongue and kept his deep-set eyes peeled for any signs of deceit from the traditional enemy of the dwarves, especially in his offer to show them the path through the mountains.  But even the skeptical dwarf bristled at the thought of such brazen backstabbing as suggested by the mage.

"I like it not, but I like our other options even less," he grumbled to Greyband.  "Accept the offer but be ready for treachery.  But I'll not ambush the giant after makin' a deal.  Only if he gives cause."

"War makes for strange bedfellows indeed."

Killian raised a single eyebrow at Neuken's suggestion.  It turned into a great feat of facial control because the single eyebrow nearly touched his scalp line.

"Precede as you will, Greyband."
he added finally.

Greyband nods. "Agreed. Neuken, you are not to attack the giant unless he gives us cause. If you initiate the treachery yourself, you will be treated as no better than any other traitor to our party."

He heads back to earshot of the giant. "We agree to your terms. Show us the way."

"...and they say their is no honor among thieves.  I for one will not strike at teh giant unless he gives me cause."

Renia nods in silent agreement with the company’s chosen course, keeping step with the adventurers as they speak to the giant.

The giant nods in response to Greyband’s answer. He moves across the room, pressing his hand to a section of the eastern wall, which prompts it to swing open like a hinged door.

”I mean to hold you to your word,” he rumbles, ”Should I see Wendarian banners approaching my tower from the south in coming days, I and my pets will find you. I wish one thing and one thing only. To be left alone, undisturbed by the world and its troubles.”

The hidden door leads out onto a walkway at the rear of the tower. A low stone wall, waist high on humans, fronts the walkway. The giant, accompanied by his two wolves, steps to the eastern end of the walk and, stooping down, lifts a section of the wall and sets it aside. Beyond the wall, the adventurers can see that the entrance to a cave, high up on a nearby mountain face, is less than five feet away.

”Those that built it kept this as a means of escape, I believe, were their enemies to overwhelm them. I will accompany you as far as the bridge. Once you are across it, you will be in Denagoth.”

The wolves at his heels, the giant crouches down and enters the cavern.

As the group travels Killian speaks in a low voice to Jayanti

Greyband steps in front of the giant. "Hold, now. I did not promise that no enterprising Wendarian would ever find you. I promised that we will not tell, and I will see to it we don't. But don't assume that no human from that side will ever find you again. I promise by the gods of Law, though, that we will not betray your confidence and will do our best to keep your place secret. Fair?"

Patch halted a moment, remembering something.

"We're going to need our mounts on the other side, are we not?" The tall cleric asked his companions.

Addressing the giant he asked, "Your Largeness, what can we expect on the other side of this bridge? Can we bring our mounts across? Might we be ambushed by enemies in waiting?"

He wishes to be free of the world and all of its troubles, Neuken muses.  An understandable sentiment, if somewhat impractical.

”Indeed,” the giant replies with a nod to Greyband, ”I trust that you will remain true to your word.”

The giant continues to crouch as the damp tunnel curves first to the left, then to the right. As the party presses forward, they begin to hear the sound of rushing water.

”The bridge will bring you to a trail, one that has been unused for decades. It will lead you through a nearby forest, a journey of perhaps half a league. When you reach the edge of the woods, you will see the Denagothian village of Geron located on a slope.”

The giant pauses, looking back at Patch. ”We may go back for your mounts, unless you intend to seek fresh horses in Geron. Or, when I return  to my tower, I can send them through the tunnel after you.”

Killian thinks about the Giant's larder.

"We will need our horses." he says.

Greyband nods. "We will get our mounts. Just please keep your wolf companions away from them so they don't spook."

If the giant does not argue, the party goes to get their horses and then leads them back in to follow the giant on the way to this secret entrance!

"Appreciated," Patch thanked the giant. Though damp and cool in the tunnel, the icy chill was gone, and the old cleric had stopped shivering as frequently. He'd be glad to have his porcine mount once more.

Although he suspects they are making a horrific mistake, Neuken follows along to fetch the horses without a word.

Jarder follows the others through the tunnels.

Though he carries little love for riding, even Orin would acknowledge the distances they are covering are easier atop a horse.  So he joins the rest.

A few of the horses nicker as they are led through the giant’s foul smelling pantry and up the wide staircase to the tower’s second floor. They calm upon entering the cavern itself, the sound of their hooves clopping on the smooth stone, the noise of rushing water growing.

The giant leads the adventurers forward, the wide tunnel making another curve eastward before turning north one last time, the floor sloping downward in a gentle grade. Soon, an opening becomes visible, the pale light of an overcast morning invading the passageway, clearing away most of its looming shadows.

Continuing forward, the company soon find themselves on a wide ledge overlooking a ravine that is roughly two hundred feet in width. At its bottom, a river snakes its way through the break in the earth, its rushing waters traveling westward. To the east, the adventurers can see a towering cliff, a waterfall plummeting down its face, the falling water white as fresh snow in the muted morning light.

Stretching across the ravine is a bridge, solidly built from smooth gray stone that is the color of rainclouds. The supports for the walkway stretch all the way down to the floor of the ravine, prompting silent questions about who could have engineered such a structure. On the southern side, where the giant and the adventurers are gathered, a pair of columns, each about the height of a man, flank the bridge, marked with runes which bear no resemblance to any writing that any of the company members have ever encountered.

”You see why the Denagothians would desire it,” the giant says, ”It makes the crossing easy. And it is well hidden from prying eyes.

"What is you name, Giant?" asked Killian as he expanse before them.

Patch tugged at his worn hat brim as he looked across the bridge.

"You're a bit of a mystery Your Hugeness, how long have you been here? You're the first giant I've encountered, but you're certainly not like anything I've been led to believe..."

He scratched his huge porcine mount affectionately, while he debated whether to ride across or lead J.D. to the other side.

Neuken figures their giant ‘friend’ could probably throw them across the ravine, thus saving time.  Landing would be problematic, of course.

While the others talk Jarder looks over the bridge and pulls and prods at it a bit to ensure that it is secure.  Gaining confidence in it and tiring of talking with the giant-Jarder decides to walk across  "I'll sneak across first and see what I can find.  At least make sure that their is not an ambush on the far side.  Cheer-my friends"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 13:16, Mon 16 Dec 2019.

”I am called Azor,” the giant replies to Killian.

Turning his attention to Patch, he says, ”My brethren that dwell in the hills, and that make their homes in the deep places of the world, where liquid fire may be found, have an abiding love of war. They live to see those that are weaker than they conquered...or destroyed.”

“Some of us do not share their desire for conflict. We wish to be left to ourselves, to dwell in peace in the high places, unbothered by the concerns of others. If you are able to lessen Denagoth’s power, even a small amount, it will help me to remain in my home free from their harassment. From endless parties of orcs seeking passage through the mountains.”

Jarder, meanwhile, makes his way across the bridge. Renia follows several paces behind the thief, ready to lend aid at the first hint of danger. But the crossing is uneventful. Arriving at the opposite side of the ravine, Jarder finds it unoccupied. Venturing several paces away from the rocky edge of the cliff, he sights a thick pine forest at the top of a short incline, a little used trail winding through the tall trees.

Killian nodded to the Giant with respect "Well met, Azor.  I am Killian Hawkfire."

He continued "We have invaded your home and slain your pets.  In return you have treated us with courtesy and respect.  For this I would offer you an apology.  I have no weregild to give now, but know that Hawkfires pay their debts."

The elf winces at Killian's confession and tries not to make eye contact with the giant.

"We thank you Azor. We'll endeavor to keep our end of the bargain. May you find repose and may the God of Mysteries keep yours hidden."

Patch bowed with a flourish of his multi-colored cloak, mounted his hog and rode across the bridge.

Jayanti may have winced but Orin's eyes flew wide open and he spluttered, before hastily dragged his horse out onto the bridge.  "Thanks and such," he said gruffly with a quick wave over hi shoulder, urging the mount to keep up with his stocky legs that were trying to move a mile a minute.

"Please don't have caught on to that.  Please don't have caught on to that," he kept repeating under his breath and into his fulsome beard.

Greyband nods while listening to this. "Makes sense to me," he says matter-of-factly. He salutes. "Well-met, Azor. I am Greyband. And we will do our best to honor your wishes."

Neuken says nothing, and prays silently to the nameless gods of chaos that his companions stop saying so much.

Scouting out the area on the far side Jarder signals the others over the bridge.  Once all are across he points off to a thick group of pines on a nearby hill; "Up their is trail through the forest.  Its a bit old, but definitely not a game trail.  I think its the one we are supposed to take."

The giant’s features tighten with a mixture of anger and regret at Killian’s words. “The fault rests partially with me. I had presumed that any that came would be more orc scouts from the north. And so I sent my wolves to deal with them as I often do.”

He lets out a bitter sigh. ”I will be gratified if you return Killian Hawkfire, with the promised wereguild. But if you are able to strike a blow against Denagoth, to even slow their incursions to the south, it will be enough.”

Renia joins Jarder across the bridge, where she quietly studies the forest trail. Save for the stirring of the mountain breeze and the buzzing of a few hardy insects, all appears quiet. Neither adventurer perceives anything moving within the foliage ahead.

Killian regarded the Giant for a few moments as his respect grew for the creature.  Th Elf Lord bowed toward Azor before wordlessly crossing the bridge.  It was unknown then if the fates would allow for Killian to return and fulfill his promise, but his words had been true: Hawkfires paid their debts.

Greyband salutes and rides up alongside of Killian. "Nicely done. Couldn't have done better myself."

"There were many lessons to be learned from Azor.  Even for one such as I.  The World is a better place with such creatures in it." Killian responded "Honor, I fear, is a thing that will be cast aside the farther we ride north, but in this place, at this time it shines true."

Neuken covers his mouth for some reason.

Orin was surprised when the giant didn't rage and crash about when the news of his wolves was inadvertently mentioned.  The response was entirely not in keeping with his understanding and experience with other giants, which only made him suspect an even deeper betrayal brewing.

"The sooner we're away from here the better," he grumped in his gravelly voice as he neared the far end of the bridge, well away from the towering warden.  "Giants are best left alone, especially ones who play at games of civility such as he."

On the other side of the bridge the dwarf took a gander at the path Jarder and Renia had found, and nodded.  "Sooner started, sooner finished," he pronounced, and made ready to continue down the trail once all were assembled.

"There was nothing inadvertent about my words, friend Orin.  I saw in the Giant a similar desire that my own Family values." said Killian.

"Mock as you will, mage, perhaps I have earned it for making a decision which was better left to the group.  But one must consider things beyond the immediate future:  If we somehow accomplish our mission we will need to return in this direction.  Leaving without telling him the truth would only hurt our chances later." the Elf spoke to the Human but did not look toward him.

Killian shrugged "After speaking to him I was very confident that my decision was a wise one.  However, in the future, I will defer to the group on such judgments."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:14, Mon 30 Dec 2019.

The forest quickly grows deep, the tall conifers blotting out much of the light from the overcast sky. Only the wind finds its way between their branches, occasionally issuing an unsettling moan as it presses through the wide, ancient trunks that line each side of the narrow, little used, trail.

Although the company is aware of the movement of small insects, buzzing past in flight or leaping amongst the thick blanket of pine needles, the wood as a whole is largely silent. None of the adventurers perceive any other evidence of life within it. No birds call, and no animals can be seen or heard moving amongst the foliage. It is largely still amidst the tall trees, the ancient forest content to leave its secrets untold.

After roughly two hours of travel, the trail reaches a clearing, the woodland thinning, yielding to an open moor, the marshy ground covered in spots by tall reeds and short clumps of grass. Here and there, gray boulders sit, keeping a timeless vigil, each one partially sunken into the soft earth.

Ahead, a village can be seen, surrounded by a tall wall, sturdily constructed from the trunks of pines. A gate, which stands open, leads into the settlement’s interior, flanked by a pair of brightly burning lanterns, hung from hooks on either side. A pair of soldiers, garbed in the colors of Denagoth, loiter near the entrance, each one holding an ebony hafted spear.

“A village of Denagoth,” Neuken says with a smile.  “How charming.  Still, it would be far more charming with a cloud of black smoke rising above it, accompanying the piteous screams of its inhabitants to the heavens above, desperately seeking the ears of whatever gods may be listening, only to encounter amused indifference.”

He abruptly turns his head towards his companions.

“Or, to put it more simply, I’d like ‘em better if they were on fire.”
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Wed 01 Jan 2020.

Greyband chuckles. "It would be a short-lived satisfaction once we were swarmed. Come on, we have a man to meet."

Patch pulled his ragged cloak tightly around himself, the multi-colored flaps of fabric seeming subdued somehow, bereft of a certain vibrancy they'd held when the strange old cleric was first encountered. This was a darker part of the world, and his cloak and mood seemed to reflect that somehow.

"Mercenaries, that's our story, right?"

Greyband nods. "That's the idea. Who's our spokesperson again?"

“Although I am reluctant to volunteer, I am well versed in the ways of evil and also possess a captivating personality.  But I would have no objections, were you to make an inferior choice.”

"I think it would be best if one of the Humans among us is spokesman. Greyband or Jarder would be my choices in the matter." offered Killian.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:41, Mon 06 Jan 2020.

Neuken smiles, but doesn’t say why.

The brim of the priest's tall, dilapidated hat, raised just enough for the old priest to look upon the wizard with a stern gaze. He seemed to consider something, his jaw made a chewing motion in response, the tips of a few whiskers in the corner of his mouth. After a moment he shrugged, apparently not coming to a satisfactory conclusion.

"We'll probably need to set the tone and flex a little muscle in order to match our story, but let's not burn the village down, just yet..."

Patch shifted aboard his huge porcine mount. "Ready." The colorful patches of his cloak seemed to have dimmed or faded, the blues turning to gray, the purples to black, and the reds... to crimson.

"I'm indifferent-either the wizard or one of the fighters would make the most sense as our 'leader'" he says with air quotes.  "Definitely isn't me..the fun sized underweight human scoundrel."

Greyband shakes his head. "Jarder, I disagree. You are the perfect man to speak for us. I am too blunt for this situation, and nobody would buy me as a mercenary leader. I feel you can pull it off. I nominate you."

“Sheer laziness motivates me to second the nomination.”

The party approaches the gate to Geron, a distant rumble of thunder sounding in the gray sky above. The damp ground sinks slightly beneath their tread as they move and as they draw close, one of the guards sights them, gesturing to his companion toward the band of adventurers. Above the wall, the company members can see several narrow streams of smoke rising in the air, doubtlessly the result of warm fires burning in hearths and stoves within the village. As they reach the entrance, each of the explorers can smell the faint scent of roasting meat emerging from the walled community.

Both guards set the blunt ends of their spears onto the ground. One of them, a scarred man with a long black beard, addresses the company. ”State your business,” he says gruffly.

Neuken inhales deeply, relishing the meaty smells.  Probably roasting the babies of their poor, he thinks with approval.

Laughing to himself and then shaking his head at the predicament that has allowed someone like him to be the party speaker.  Jarder moves into the village trying to display some level of confidence.  The others following behind....hopefully.

As the man with beard shouts out at them, Jarder looks forward and doesn't even make eye contact, but slaps his sword hilt as he says: "Our business is simply coin.  We have heard that their is opportunity for some coin, especially for those skilled with blade, axe and bow....."  Leaning down toward the guard from the height of his mount and in a stern voice; "...and great magic.  We wish to sell our services to the highest bidder, and I have heard that we have some high bidders near."

_____________________________________________________________________________________
OOC:  I think we have mounts.....

Based on the strength of Jarder’s performance, Neuken seriously considers getting back into the pimp game.

The guard looks over the gathered adventurers, wiping his nose with the back of a gauntleted hand.

”Well, the dragon let you lot through, so he must’ve been sure you weren’t troublemakers.”

He points through the open gates at the muddy road that travels through the center of the village. ”If it’s just local work you want, you should stop at the Beggar’s Roost Inn. Sits right at the crossroads in the center of town. There’s always someone there, looking to have a problem solved.”

“If you’re more interested in long term service, go to the Sheriff’s Office. Last building on the northern end of the road, right before you reach the spot where all the lancers have bivouacked. The office is serving as the military headquarters at the moment. Ask for Captain Benar. He, or his assistant Camla, should be able to help you.”

The guard nods to his fellow soldier and the pair move to either side of the gate, allowing the party entrance to Geron.

OOC: It has been a while, so as a reminder, Camla was identified by King Gylharen as the treacherous student of magic who had stolen the Elvenstar from Wendar and taken the magical stone north, to Denagoth.

Greyband nods and looks at Jarder, clearly following his lead for now.

Patch reached down and patted his mount, the enormous hog with whom he seemed to share a certain bond. The beast's large tusks were prominent and the bristle-like hairs stood like pikes up the front of his head and across his wide shoulders.

"If the Inn has hot food and a fire, then that'll do for me, boss." Patch said from beneath his wide-brimmed hat, remembering at the last moment to show some hint of respect toward Jarder as their leader.

Nodding to the guard he flips him a silver; "Don't spend it all in one place. Hot food and drink first, work second.  Too the inn." Spurring his horse forward he heads to the inn.

The elf tips hir hat to the guard respectfully as they pass by.