Against the Giants Summary: 21 Nightal

The heroes and henchmen are gathered around a roaring fire in front of the two enormous but incrementally shrinking dragon hulks.

DonBrapp scours the vast piles of coin, scowling.  “Must count every one…”   he murmurs, as Tomas examines the various magical items and potions.

Milan and Kailute instruct Fyrnlocke in processing as much of the useful portions of the dragon husks as possible, while removing non-essential viscera to burn outside.  One of the heads is removed for protection while the remaining is harvested for a variety of magical components, scales for armor and what edible meat can be scavenged from such ancient wyrms.

The dwarf and half-orc survey the mouth of the cave and discuss various magical means to close off some of the cave to protect the hoard.

“Shoulda taken the gawdferdamt wagon…  we need Bosmos.” DonBrapp grumbles, earning an incredulous look from Fyrnlocke.

There is unanimous support for clearing the mountains of giants, who are clearly under the influence if not control of Zenghyi witch king.

DonBrapp and Tomas minister healing throughout the party as the group continues its grisly dragon harvest.
The dwarf and elf bicker over the immediate distribution of portable wealth from the hoard; Fyrnlocke takes the thief’s side allowing for inventory prior to distribution.

“He’s just gonna give those baubles to the first tart that licks his leaf…”  DonBrapp grumbles, turning back to counting coin.

Milan is amazed by the group and its ability to fell two creatures of such size.
Quilro provides Petra the spellbook taken from the Red Wizards.  47m

On the morning of 24 Nightal the party sets out to the northwest.

A stout stockade stands nestled on the shoulder of the approach to the valley beyond.  The structure is 300’ wide by 600’  long constructed of fresh cut timber.  A watchtower rises above the southern wall.  Immediately below to the east a trampled trail leads to large double doors that are closed shut.  The smell of wet wood burning assaults the nostrils and a pall of smoke permeates the air. Seven chimneys puff smoke into the cold air;  six along the perimeter and one in the center. There appears to be another entrance toward the rear along the eastern wall, facing the valley below.

The construction looks relatively recent, as wood shavings and discarded lumber litter some of the area outside the lumber walls.

There are indicators of patrol activity throughout the valley.  Wolf spoor and detritus litter the trampled areas immediately outside the steading.

Kailute estimates 25-45 giants could reasonably live within a compound of this size.

Overlooking the steading, a lengthy tactical discussion ensues.  Eventually Quilro takes wing and observes a large open pen full of tens of dire wolves within the walls of the compound.  There is a double door cross hatched with timber along the eastern wall of the compound.  None of the walls have parapets.

The polymorphed elf examines each of the chimneys in turn, attempting to discern any activity below.
The elf locates the chimneys of the area he suspects is where food is prepared along the western wall of the compound.

Quilro returns to the party to report his findings.