Lehmani looks to her compatriots and addresses them.
"Perhaps we can pursue this villain ourselves. If not kill him then delay his return long enough for the town to strengthen its defenses and buy time for those who want to leave."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Zubien takes in the scene, the discussion and shakes his head. I saw the tracks, if it is the same giant, it appears to have done the same tactic. It arrived, it demanded and then left. These are farmers, not warriors. There is no way they can fight a giant, and if the men are killed, their families and their means of living is gone. I agree, it may fall upon us to deal with this threat. But we must calm these people down before they make a rash decision out of fear or desperation."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Lehmani nods in agreement to Zubien's suggestion. She stands and addresses the crowd.
"Gentlebeings! My companions and I are travelers from far off lands, trained in combat and magic. Before you commit to any course of action, I'd like to implore you all to allow us to lend our talents to this situation. Tell us all you know of this fiend that we might do all that we can to protect this village from further harm."
Persuasion: 20
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Grymar steps forward, scratching as he comes to the middle of the floor and obviously uncomfortable seeking attention, but he can stand still no longer. “Lookie here. If we sit here arguing until the beast returns, that’ll do no good see, he’ll eat everything up and crunch some more bones, scoop up more hostages or menfolk for food, likely. We’ve got to take him out, you see. Any appeasement of this beast will just encourage it, and destroy your town. I’d say that anyone who can swing a sword or an axe, or wield a bow step forward right now. The rest of you folk should leave, go away to the west or somewhere safe, half a day away and pitch tents, set up a camp, coverin yure tracks as ye go.”
He pauses for a moment, shushing the bees in his pouch and scratching his beard for a moment. “The rest of us, I say we follow his tracks to the east, find his lair. He’ll walk right back to town like a dolt, following the same path. Well, let’s set up a little ambush for him along that path, somewhere we can control. Does anyone else know how to set a trap, trip him up, land him on the ground so that we can fall on him with our knives, hammers and axes. If we work together, even biggest goon can fall….” He steps aside and looks at the crowd, to see how they received his words.
All - The arguing stops as Lehmani steps forward and begins to speak, followed by Grymar. You see many nods throughout the crowd, and even the most outspoken among them voice no opposition. When they are done, the halfling man you heard referred to as Pello approaches, pot and ladle still in hand, "I'm not sure any of us have more to tell you about this giant, but I know of someone who might. Someone who has experience fighting them and even killing one herself!" You hear murmurs and mutterings among the crowd as Pello continues, "Jahia Giantslayer! She was an adventurer like you all, but she grew up right here in Frickley! With her experience and your help, well, I'd dare to say that big brute doesn't stand a chance!" Pello looks around, then leans in and says under his breath, "And having a local legend on your side just might be enough to help these folks find their backbone." Pello raises his voice again and continues, "You all know the story, our home-town girl going toe to toe with a giant and coming out on top. And the one she killed was even bigger! One of them, eh, Snow Giants... er Frost Giants!" The red-haired woman from before chimes in, "Didn't she have a whole clan of dwarves and their contraptions at her back? Besides, that was ages ago, I wasn't even born yet. No one's seen her in what, a decade? How do we know she's even still alive, much less in any shape to help us?" Pello sighs and begins to offer a rebuttal, but he is suddenly drowned out by a chant rising in the inn. "Giantslayer! Giantslayer Giantslayer!" You see folks from both camps joining in, looking to you all with hope in their eyes. Pello cheers and bangs his pot once more to call for silence. He turns to the red-haired woman who is looking pouty at this point, "Tastra, you're the best hunter this side of the Triboar Trail. If anyone can scout out a prime place for an ambush and fill it with traps, it's you." Tastra sighs and offers a small smile, "Well, Tastra Giantslayer does have a nice ring to it..." More cheers erupt and Pello turns to the lead farmer and continues, "And Grigor, we can still put all that produce to use. We've got to lure the beast away from town somehow, right? We can haul it over to the ambush site." Grigor nods and says, "Aye, we can do that." More cheers fill the inn and Pello turns to you all and says, "Will you seek out Jahia Giantslayer and rally her to our cause? We'll handle the evacuation and preparation here, but I think fellow adventurers like yourselves migth have a better chance at stirring up Jahia's fighting spirit. What do you say friends?"
Zubien approaches the town folks and bows to them. "Are any of you skilled in herbal lore? Perhaps we can mix herbs together that may put our large advisory asleep, use a cart full of food as the bait in the ambush or trap. Mix the herbs in with the food stuff, strong enough to knock the giant down."
Lore - Pello nods as you speak and says, "She lives a few hours away, in a cottage deep inside the High Forest. I believe Minto's been there before... Minto!" You see one of the hunters look over at the sound of his name. Pello waves motions for him to join you and he obediently wends his way through the crowd. "Yes, Pello? How can I help?" Pello replies, "Minto, could you please give these folks an idea of where to find Jahia's cottage?" Minto nods and says, "Sure thing, I'll be right back." He returns a few moments later with a quill and parchment. He draws a simple but easy to read map that indicates the cottage is due east.As he's drawing, he says, "Now, I haven't been up that way in quite some time, so I'm not sure if she's still there or what, but I never forget how to get somewhere once I've been." He dips his quill and finishes the map, " Follow Weeping Rock trail and you can't miss it." says Minto before Pello thanks him and he returns to where the hunters are planning their ambush.
Zubien - You see a middle-aged, bespectacled human man approach, "Hello, my name is Jahner. I'm the local apothecary. Pello mentioned you wanted to speak with me?" You explain your idea to Jahner, and he nods as you speak, eyes unfocused and darting back and forth as he calculates, "Hmm... I don't have enough stock here to render a full-grown giant unconscious. But if you're traveling into the woods, perhaps you could keep an eye out for a few things?" Jahner describes a few different types of fungi, herbs, and berries that might be of use. He writes them down for you on a piece of parchment before returning to his preparation.
Lore - Pello nods as you speak and says, "She lives a few hours away, in a cottage deep inside the High Forest. I believe Minto's been there before... Minto!" You see one of the hunters look over at the sound of his name. Pello waves motions for him to join you and he obediently wends his way through the crowd. "Yes, Pello? How can I help?" Pello replies, "Minto, could you please give these folks an idea of where to find Jahia's cottage?" Minto nods and says, "Sure thing, I'll be right back." He returns a few moments later with a quill and parchment. He draws a simple but easy to read map that indicates the cottage is due east.As he's drawing, he says, "Now, I haven't been up that way in quite some time, so I'm not sure if she's still there or what, but I never forget how to get somewhere once I've been." He dips his quill and finishes the map, " Follow Weeping Rock trail and you can't miss it." says Minto before Pello thanks him and he returns to where the hunters are planning their ambush.
Zubien - You see a middle-aged, bespectacled human man approach, "Hello, my name is Jahner. I'm the local apothecary. Pello mentioned you wanted to speak with me?" You explain your idea to Jahner, and he nods as you speak, eyes unfocused and darting back and forth as he calculates, "Hmm... I don't have enough stock here to render a full-grown giant unconscious. But if you're traveling into the woods, perhaps you could keep an eye out for a few things?" Jahner describes a few different types of fungi, herbs, and berries that might be of use. He writes them down for you on a piece of parchment before returning to his preparation.
Zubien listens to the description of the herbs and nods, then bows to Pello. "I will find these and bring them to you when we return." He will then move through the tavern, comforting those in need (Religion: 5
Lehmani looks over Lore's shoulder at the map handed to her by Minto. "Looks clear enough." Then turns to the others. "Perhaps we should leave with all due haste. The sooner we get to this Jahia's cottage, the better. What say you, friends?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
One last thing before leaving. Lehmani wants to offer a prayer to Gond asking for his favor on their quest.
She asks one of the town elders if there is any small sample of the town’s craftsmanship which she might procure and bring as a token in remembrance of all that they’re trying to preserve here.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Grymar purchases 3 sacks, 10 bags of caltrops, and a hunter’s trap, whistling an odd little tune as he does so (spending 5 gp and 5 sp). He says “Ifn none of you good people have nary a healing potion, we’ll just have to hope ole Joe doesn’t mash our guts into jelly. I’ma gonna do the best I can to trap him. Maybe then we can fill him fulla arrows. Who knows! Let’s be off, ain’t no sense in waitin, time is wastin!”
While the party gathers gear, Zubien will find a place outside to meditate. He will light some incense, pray and gather strength from Tyr, to protect these people and stop the giant. Then meditates to center himself and focus on the coming trial.
Lehmani - Pello lights up when you ask after a sample of the town's craftmanship, "I've got just the thing!" He hurries behind the bar and into a back room. A few moments later he comes back out pushing a wheeled ladder. He positions the ladder near a large hearth and climbs it. Pello reaches for what looks to be a large hunk of metal affixed to a plaque hanging above the hearth. The ladder teeters a bit, but Pello regains his balance and descends the ladder with plaque in hand. "This, my good lady, is Frickley's contribution to modern agriculture! You may have heard the soil 'round these parts referred to as 'Sword Coast Marble' due to the density of the native plant roots and stickiness of the soil itself compared to the sandier soils nearer the coast. Well, about a hundred and fifty years ago, the local blacksmith by the name of Don Jeere turned a dwarven battleaxe blade into the first steel plow. Cut through the soil like a hot knife through butter. They called it the 'plow that broke the plains' and this was the first such plow that Don forged." Pello removes the heavy hunk of steel from the plaque and hands it over to you.
All - You venture forth from Frickley, taking the Weeping Rock Trail eastward following the map in Lore's possession. The trail isn't very wide, and doesn't appear to be used often, requiring you all to go single file. After about an hour or so, the sound of running water drifts down the path towards you, and soon you emerge onto the steep banks of a narrow but fast-flowing river. Several slim columns of grey stone jut up through foaming white water, forming a path of stepping-stones. Downriver you can see a number of dark shapes moving back and forth, just under the surface… There doesn't appear to be another way to cross on either side as far as you can see.
“Hee hee! Justthathingforyaherenow!” Grymar gets out his hammer and a piton, driving it into a nearby tree or sturdy place, then tying the rope off on it. “Tie it off on yon side. Hold onto it here and use it to steady your balance. Hopefullyitllhelpya.” Grymar then pulls out his bow and knocks an arrow, watching the dark shapes carefully.
You recall a passage from a book you read once called River Monsters: Nature's Deadliest Aquatic Predators, Right in Your Back Yard! It wasn't very informative, but what it lacked in information, it more than made up for in graphic depictions of various creatures attacking or consuming their prey. The large dark shapes remind you of the section on Giant Crabs. The drawing showed a large, dark shape lurking beneath the surface of the water as an unsuspecting fisherman approached. In the next scene, the crab burst forth and seized the man in its claws, bisecting him in the third scene as more giant crabs scuttled ashore to claim fallen pieces.
Lehmani looks to her compatriots and addresses them.
"Perhaps we can pursue this villain ourselves. If not kill him then delay his return long enough for the town to strengthen its defenses and buy time for those who want to leave."
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Zubien takes in the scene, the discussion and shakes his head. I saw the tracks, if it is the same giant, it appears to have done the same tactic. It arrived, it demanded and then left. These are farmers, not warriors. There is no way they can fight a giant, and if the men are killed, their families and their means of living is gone. I agree, it may fall upon us to deal with this threat. But we must calm these people down before they make a rash decision out of fear or desperation."
Lehmani nods in agreement to Zubien's suggestion. She stands and addresses the crowd.
"Gentlebeings! My companions and I are travelers from far off lands, trained in combat and magic. Before you commit to any course of action, I'd like to implore you all to allow us to lend our talents to this situation. Tell us all you know of this fiend that we might do all that we can to protect this village from further harm."
Persuasion: 20
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Grymar steps forward, scratching as he comes to the middle of the floor and obviously uncomfortable seeking attention, but he can stand still no longer. “Lookie here. If we sit here arguing until the beast returns, that’ll do no good see, he’ll eat everything up and crunch some more bones, scoop up more hostages or menfolk for food, likely. We’ve got to take him out, you see. Any appeasement of this beast will just encourage it, and destroy your town. I’d say that anyone who can swing a sword or an axe, or wield a bow step forward right now. The rest of you folk should leave, go away to the west or somewhere safe, half a day away and pitch tents, set up a camp, coverin yure tracks as ye go.”
He pauses for a moment, shushing the bees in his pouch and scratching his beard for a moment. “The rest of us, I say we follow his tracks to the east, find his lair. He’ll walk right back to town like a dolt, following the same path. Well, let’s set up a little ambush for him along that path, somewhere we can control. Does anyone else know how to set a trap, trip him up, land him on the ground so that we can fall on him with our knives, hammers and axes. If we work together, even biggest goon can fall….” He steps aside and looks at the crowd, to see how they received his words.
All - The arguing stops as Lehmani steps forward and begins to speak, followed by Grymar. You see many nods throughout the crowd, and even the most outspoken among them voice no opposition. When they are done, the halfling man you heard referred to as Pello approaches, pot and ladle still in hand, "I'm not sure any of us have more to tell you about this giant, but I know of someone who might. Someone who has experience fighting them and even killing one herself!" You hear murmurs and mutterings among the crowd as Pello continues, "Jahia Giantslayer! She was an adventurer like you all, but she grew up right here in Frickley! With her experience and your help, well, I'd dare to say that big brute doesn't stand a chance!" Pello looks around, then leans in and says under his breath, "And having a local legend on your side just might be enough to help these folks find their backbone." Pello raises his voice again and continues, "You all know the story, our home-town girl going toe to toe with a giant and coming out on top. And the one she killed was even bigger! One of them, eh, Snow Giants... er Frost Giants!" The red-haired woman from before chimes in, "Didn't she have a whole clan of dwarves and their contraptions at her back? Besides, that was ages ago, I wasn't even born yet. No one's seen her in what, a decade? How do we know she's even still alive, much less in any shape to help us?" Pello sighs and begins to offer a rebuttal, but he is suddenly drowned out by a chant rising in the inn. "Giantslayer! Giantslayer Giantslayer!" You see folks from both camps joining in, looking to you all with hope in their eyes. Pello cheers and bangs his pot once more to call for silence. He turns to the red-haired woman who is looking pouty at this point, "Tastra, you're the best hunter this side of the Triboar Trail. If anyone can scout out a prime place for an ambush and fill it with traps, it's you." Tastra sighs and offers a small smile, "Well, Tastra Giantslayer does have a nice ring to it..." More cheers erupt and Pello turns to the lead farmer and continues, "And Grigor, we can still put all that produce to use. We've got to lure the beast away from town somehow, right? We can haul it over to the ambush site." Grigor nods and says, "Aye, we can do that." More cheers fill the inn and Pello turns to you all and says, "Will you seek out Jahia Giantslayer and rally her to our cause? We'll handle the evacuation and preparation here, but I think fellow adventurers like yourselves migth have a better chance at stirring up Jahia's fighting spirit. What do you say friends?"
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Zubien approaches the town folks and bows to them. "Are any of you skilled in herbal lore? Perhaps we can mix herbs together that may put our large advisory asleep, use a cart full of food as the bait in the ambush or trap. Mix the herbs in with the food stuff, strong enough to knock the giant down."
Lore - Pello nods as you speak and says, "She lives a few hours away, in a cottage deep inside the High Forest. I believe Minto's been there before... Minto!" You see one of the hunters look over at the sound of his name. Pello waves motions for him to join you and he obediently wends his way through the crowd. "Yes, Pello? How can I help?" Pello replies, "Minto, could you please give these folks an idea of where to find Jahia's cottage?" Minto nods and says, "Sure thing, I'll be right back." He returns a few moments later with a quill and parchment. He draws a simple but easy to read map that indicates the cottage is due east. As he's drawing, he says, "Now, I haven't been up that way in quite some time, so I'm not sure if she's still there or what, but I never forget how to get somewhere once I've been." He dips his quill and finishes the map, " Follow Weeping Rock trail and you can't miss it." says Minto before Pello thanks him and he returns to where the hunters are planning their ambush.
Zubien - You see a middle-aged, bespectacled human man approach, "Hello, my name is Jahner. I'm the local apothecary. Pello mentioned you wanted to speak with me?" You explain your idea to Jahner, and he nods as you speak, eyes unfocused and darting back and forth as he calculates, "Hmm... I don't have enough stock here to render a full-grown giant unconscious. But if you're traveling into the woods, perhaps you could keep an eye out for a few things?" Jahner describes a few different types of fungi, herbs, and berries that might be of use. He writes them down for you on a piece of parchment before returning to his preparation.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Zubien listens to the description of the herbs and nods, then bows to Pello. "I will find these and bring them to you when we return." He will then move through the tavern, comforting those in need (Religion: 5
Lehmani looks over Lore's shoulder at the map handed to her by Minto. "Looks clear enough." Then turns to the others. "Perhaps we should leave with all due haste. The sooner we get to this Jahia's cottage, the better. What say you, friends?"
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
All - Is there anything else you'd like to do in Frickley before I move the narrative along?
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
I wouldn't mind securing some gear, if possible. My wishlist would be: 50' of rope, a grappling hook, 10' of chain, pitons, and some iron spikes.
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Grymar would agree with the rope, any hunting traps that might be available, or potions of healing. And 3-4 bags of caltrops.
Lehmani & Grymar -
You're able to find those things at the local general store at the prices listed in the PHB.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Zubien is ready to travel
One last thing before leaving. Lehmani wants to offer a prayer to Gond asking for his favor on their quest.
She asks one of the town elders if there is any small sample of the town’s craftsmanship which she might procure and bring as a token in remembrance of all that they’re trying to preserve here.
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Grymar purchases 3 sacks, 10 bags of caltrops, and a hunter’s trap, whistling an odd little tune as he does so (spending 5 gp and 5 sp). He says “Ifn none of you good people have nary a healing potion, we’ll just have to hope ole Joe doesn’t mash our guts into jelly. I’ma gonna do the best I can to trap him. Maybe then we can fill him fulla arrows. Who knows! Let’s be off, ain’t no sense in waitin, time is wastin!”
While the party gathers gear, Zubien will find a place outside to meditate. He will light some incense, pray and gather strength from Tyr, to protect these people and stop the giant. Then meditates to center himself and focus on the coming trial.
Lehmani - Pello lights up when you ask after a sample of the town's craftmanship, "I've got just the thing!" He hurries behind the bar and into a back room. A few moments later he comes back out pushing a wheeled ladder. He positions the ladder near a large hearth and climbs it. Pello reaches for what looks to be a large hunk of metal affixed to a plaque hanging above the hearth. The ladder teeters a bit, but Pello regains his balance and descends the ladder with plaque in hand. "This, my good lady, is Frickley's contribution to modern agriculture! You may have heard the soil 'round these parts referred to as 'Sword Coast Marble' due to the density of the native plant roots and stickiness of the soil itself compared to the sandier soils nearer the coast. Well, about a hundred and fifty years ago, the local blacksmith by the name of Don Jeere turned a dwarven battleaxe blade into the first steel plow. Cut through the soil like a hot knife through butter. They called it the 'plow that broke the plains' and this was the first such plow that Don forged." Pello removes the heavy hunk of steel from the plaque and hands it over to you.
All - You venture forth from Frickley, taking the Weeping Rock Trail eastward following the map in Lore's possession. The trail isn't very wide, and doesn't appear to be used often, requiring you all to go single file. After about an hour or so, the sound of running water drifts down the path towards you, and soon you emerge onto the steep banks of a narrow but fast-flowing river. Several slim columns of grey stone jut up through foaming white water, forming a path of stepping-stones. Downriver you can see a number of dark shapes moving back and forth, just under the surface… There doesn't appear to be another way to cross on either side as far as you can see.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
“Hee hee! Justthathingforyaherenow!” Grymar gets out his hammer and a piton, driving it into a nearby tree or sturdy place, then tying the rope off on it. “Tie it off on yon side. Hold onto it here and use it to steady your balance. Hopefullyitllhelpya.” Grymar then pulls out his bow and knocks an arrow, watching the dark shapes carefully.
Lore -
You recall a passage from a book you read once called River Monsters: Nature's Deadliest Aquatic Predators, Right in Your Back Yard! It wasn't very informative, but what it lacked in information, it more than made up for in graphic depictions of various creatures attacking or consuming their prey. The large dark shapes remind you of the section on Giant Crabs. The drawing showed a large, dark shape lurking beneath the surface of the water as an unsuspecting fisherman approached. In the next scene, the crab burst forth and seized the man in its claws, bisecting him in the third scene as more giant crabs scuttled ashore to claim fallen pieces.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey