The ranger does one last sweep of the perimeter, the horses safe and his companions resting inside, a close call again for some he thinks staring through the window at the group. The giants bodies still lay outside, he took some time to study thier anatomy and physique while he could, impressive creatures the ground slick with thier blood, more of these would be a welcome challenge indeed.
Taking his finger he traces a line around the outside of the house in the dirt "Alarm, so wake me" he mutters as he joins the two ends of his unbroken line. Entering now, a man of few words, he silently nods to those still awake and crawls onto his bed roll falling into an easy sleep.
OOC: cast alarm around the house perimeter, mental ping to awake him not audible.
Returning Carrow's nod the young sorcerer continues to sit against the wall mentally replaying the last battle over and over in his mind. It seemed impossible that they had killed two giants and although Rixton had nearly been pulverised by a rock they had triumphed. Looking over his own performance Andor had to admit it could have been better but the thrill of throwing the spell that finished the first giant was undeniable. Settling down Andor wondered what the group could be capable of if their powers continued to grow.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
If there is no interruption in the night (I will erase this post otherwise):
Rixton:
The sun just hanging on the horizon, I examine the bodies of the fallen giants. They are flabby and disgusting but they have much in common with other humanoid creatures. I examine where the bolts, arrows, magic, and blades were most effective. I go so far as to strike their flesh in places, testing where strikes will be absorbed and do little and where they may shatter bone. My fists ache, reminding me of my weaknesses.
I look at the bodies of the giants sadly. Perhaps the giants are starving. These ones were still a threat, though only to property and us, their attackers. I feel like we were the villains in felling them. Hours have passed when I feel the pangs of hunger and I check on the horses and my little flying snake, Pendergast, before feeding myself.
The others are rousing or already awake. "I think I am well enough to ride a ways today," I say. "You, Vigan? Andor?" I am ready to leave this place behind.
The homestead proves to be an excellent place to rest; the only disturbance during the course of the night is the howling of a distant, lone wolf.
The next three days of travel to Triboar are blessed with fair weather and no complications, and on their fifth day since leaving Nightstone, the adventurers arrive at their destination with a few hours of sunlight to spare. Located where the Long Road meets Evermoor Way, Triboar is well-accustomed to seeing travelers and strangers; so no one seems surprised by the presence of the new faces that have just ridden into town. Entering the town from the south, the five adventurers see a large horse ranch to their left, and the first large building on their right is the Triboar Arms, the town tavern. Just north of the tavern is the local wainwright's shop, and standing prominently in the center of Triboar is a a simple stone keep that leans decidedly to the east. Hanging above the entrance is the dusty banner of the lord protector, which depicts three black boars running toward the head of the banner on a blood-red field.
"Well, gents," I say, trying to hide the weariness I feel, "I suppose tending to the horses and letting a room is the first order of business. Then we can ask around for Alaestra. You didn't lose the letter on the way, did you Vigan?"
He starts packing his bedroll and comments with Rixton "Speaking of which, you never did mentioned how you already know Alaestra... Care to share what you know?"he asks softly
Stroking the neck of his horse Andor looks over the town. "Old flame, Rixton? Hope you didn't break her heart and run, I wouldn't want to get dragged in to any trouble." The sorcerer laughs to himself, before continuing. "I suppose the Inn will have stabling facilities and I could use a drink, let's head to the Inn and get the lay of the land."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
The adventurers enter the Triboar Arms, and they are immediately met by a smiling tiefiling who is leaning against the taproom doorway, drying and polishing a mug. He nods, and says, "Good afternoon, friends."
A quick glance at those who are seated in the tavern reveals that the Triboar Arms is a popular hangout for rangers and scouts. Faded and weathered cloaks, muddy boots, and a few longbows are all indications of who's having a meal and pint of ale on this autumn day in Triboar. A female half-elf near the entrance sits alone at a large table and silently motions for the five adventurers to be seated. Her sage-colored cloak is fastened about her neck with a clasp that indicates she's a member of the Emerald Enclave. "Typically when I see a new face in town, I am quick to offer my services as a guide, but my senses tell me the five of you will need no such assistance."
As we dismount the horses, I say to my companions, "Oh, I have never met her. I only know of her by reputation. I have some contacts in several of the factions including the Harpers. Hers is a name I have encountered before."
Upon being invited to join the half-elf, I sit, tenderly after a day of riding, and nod to her. "Our business is here, actually," I say. "I am Rixton Pendrift. With me are Vigan, Carrow, Andor, and Ladrian. How might I call you? And what is the latest news of Triboar and the surrounding areas?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Andor
After raising an eyebrow as Rixton announces his knowledge of Harper contacts the Sorcerer goes into the Inn with the others bows his head to the half elf and then looks about the bar listening to the conversation whilst looking over the other patrons and the place in general.
The half-elf introduces herself as Zindra Winterbow, a scout who makes a two-fold living by selling game that she kills to local inns and taverns and by working as a guide for those who are unfamiliar to this part of the North. "Latest news, you ask? Simply put, more and more hill giants, ogres, and Uthgardt barbarians wandering the hills around Triboar recently. It's become my habit to warn adventurers leaving town to be wary of them."
Andor surveys the crowd and does what he can to pick up any pieces of conversation, but he doesn't seem to notice anything of substance or interest.
I nod. "We encountered a pair of hill giants a couple of days ago. They appeared to be looting farms for food. Nothing more, just food. That doesn't bode well for the giants or for the farmers."
I fall silent, unsure if sharing our business with this woman is in our best interest.
"Common behavior for the hillies," she remarks. "I'm hearing talk of fire, frost, and cloud giants as well. Marauding and murdering. Something is amiss."
Zindra then slips into silence, staring at the surface of the table as if it might reveal why the giants are acting in such a way.
"You said that you have business in Triboar. I know most folks here. Say the name or the place and I'll point the way."
Riding in silence most of the way Carrow contemplated the meeting the group will soon have with a member of the Harpers, it's been many moons since his endeavours in the north met with failure, the results of which have left him seriously questioning his loyalties, and perhaps even the direction his life is heading. As a Ranger he always held the beliefs of the emerald enclave close to his own, one with the land, protection of the wilderness. As they entered the Inn he sitting down he looked forward to hearing from a member of the Enclave.
"Well met friend" Carrow says removing his hood and sitting down after the introductions "troubling times, how does the enclave fair with the giants"
Zindra nods and offers a warm smile to Carrow. "Troubling, yes. The Enclave, in my estimation, is merely treading water. Our frequent skirmishes with the giants keep them at bay. Nothing more."
"Harpers, Zhentarim and Emerald Enclaves and any other faction be damned"he snickers "A bunch of tools and pawns for someone to puppeteer, nothing more." he says following the directions of Zindra to get to Alaestra.
"Some more so than others, and sometimes they are all that saves us from dire threats that no amount of well-meaning individuals could manage on their own." Andor accompanies Ladrian as they leave to see Alaestra.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Zindra wishes the adventurers well as they depart the Triboar Arms. The five hop on their horses and make their way down the narrow path that leads back to the Long Road. As soon as they reach the road and make the turn to the north, they are met with the sudden screams of women and children, followed by a man yelling, “Giants! Run!” Perplexed residents and shopkeepers emerge from their domiciles in time to see a large rock fall from the sky and crash onto an old cart in the center of town, splintering it. As a cloud of dust erupts from the wreckage, a second rock hits the ground, tumbles through a fence, and slams against the wall of a building, startling a pair of mules tethered to a post nearby. All around you, people begin to shriek and scatter. In the distance, two buildings that stand on the northern edge of town are ablaze. What has caused the fires? Where are the giants? From where the five adventurers stand, they cannot yet tell.
In the map below, all five adventurers are on horseback at "X"; the burning structures are circled in orange. Regarding the scale of the map and counting rounds/turns, we'll start that soon. For now, let's assume you've been given two rounds--12 seconds--to move as you see fit. To give you some scale, the party currently stands approximately 200' from the square keep in the center of the town. The next map I post will reflect each character's specific location.
Carrow
The ranger does one last sweep of the perimeter, the horses safe and his companions resting inside, a close call again for some he thinks staring through the window at the group. The giants bodies still lay outside, he took some time to study thier anatomy and physique while he could, impressive creatures the ground slick with thier blood, more of these would be a welcome challenge indeed.
Taking his finger he traces a line around the outside of the house in the dirt "Alarm, so wake me" he mutters as he joins the two ends of his unbroken line. Entering now, a man of few words, he silently nods to those still awake and crawls onto his bed roll falling into an easy sleep.
OOC: cast alarm around the house perimeter, mental ping to awake him not audible.
Andor
Returning Carrow's nod the young sorcerer continues to sit against the wall mentally replaying the last battle over and over in his mind. It seemed impossible that they had killed two giants and although Rixton had nearly been pulverised by a rock they had triumphed. Looking over his own performance Andor had to admit it could have been better but the thrill of throwing the spell that finished the first giant was undeniable. Settling down Andor wondered what the group could be capable of if their powers continued to grow.
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
If there is no interruption in the night (I will erase this post otherwise):
Rixton:
The sun just hanging on the horizon, I examine the bodies of the fallen giants. They are flabby and disgusting but they have much in common with other humanoid creatures. I examine where the bolts, arrows, magic, and blades were most effective. I go so far as to strike their flesh in places, testing where strikes will be absorbed and do little and where they may shatter bone. My fists ache, reminding me of my weaknesses.
I look at the bodies of the giants sadly. Perhaps the giants are starving. These ones were still a threat, though only to property and us, their attackers. I feel like we were the villains in felling them. Hours have passed when I feel the pangs of hunger and I check on the horses and my little flying snake, Pendergast, before feeding myself.
The others are rousing or already awake. "I think I am well enough to ride a ways today," I say. "You, Vigan? Andor?" I am ready to leave this place behind.
The homestead proves to be an excellent place to rest; the only disturbance during the course of the night is the howling of a distant, lone wolf.
The next three days of travel to Triboar are blessed with fair weather and no complications, and on their fifth day since leaving Nightstone, the adventurers arrive at their destination with a few hours of sunlight to spare. Located where the Long Road meets Evermoor Way, Triboar is well-accustomed to seeing travelers and strangers; so no one seems surprised by the presence of the new faces that have just ridden into town. Entering the town from the south, the five adventurers see a large horse ranch to their left, and the first large building on their right is the Triboar Arms, the town tavern. Just north of the tavern is the local wainwright's shop, and standing prominently in the center of Triboar is a a simple stone keep that leans decidedly to the east. Hanging above the entrance is the dusty banner of the lord protector, which depicts three black boars running toward the head of the banner on a blood-red field.
Rixton:
"Well, gents," I say, trying to hide the weariness I feel, "I suppose tending to the horses and letting a room is the first order of business. Then we can ask around for Alaestra. You didn't lose the letter on the way, did you Vigan?"
Ladrian
He starts packing his bedroll and comments with Rixton "Speaking of which, you never did mentioned how you already know Alaestra... Care to share what you know?" he asks softly
Andor
Stroking the neck of his horse Andor looks over the town. "Old flame, Rixton? Hope you didn't break her heart and run, I wouldn't want to get dragged in to any trouble." The sorcerer laughs to himself, before continuing. "I suppose the Inn will have stabling facilities and I could use a drink, let's head to the Inn and get the lay of the land."
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
The adventurers enter the Triboar Arms, and they are immediately met by a smiling tiefiling who is leaning against the taproom doorway, drying and polishing a mug. He nods, and says, "Good afternoon, friends."
A quick glance at those who are seated in the tavern reveals that the Triboar Arms is a popular hangout for rangers and scouts. Faded and weathered cloaks, muddy boots, and a few longbows are all indications of who's having a meal and pint of ale on this autumn day in Triboar. A female half-elf near the entrance sits alone at a large table and silently motions for the five adventurers to be seated. Her sage-colored cloak is fastened about her neck with a clasp that indicates she's a member of the Emerald Enclave. "Typically when I see a new face in town, I am quick to offer my services as a guide, but my senses tell me the five of you will need no such assistance."
Rixton:
As we dismount the horses, I say to my companions, "Oh, I have never met her. I only know of her by reputation. I have some contacts in several of the factions including the Harpers. Hers is a name I have encountered before."
Upon being invited to join the half-elf, I sit, tenderly after a day of riding, and nod to her. "Our business is here, actually," I say. "I am Rixton Pendrift. With me are Vigan, Carrow, Andor, and Ladrian. How might I call you? And what is the latest news of Triboar and the surrounding areas?"
Andor
After raising an eyebrow as Rixton announces his knowledge of Harper contacts the Sorcerer goes into the Inn with the others bows his head to the half elf and then looks about the bar listening to the conversation whilst looking over the other patrons and the place in general.
Perception 21
Andor sees nothing, nothing at all...
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
The half-elf introduces herself as Zindra Winterbow, a scout who makes a two-fold living by selling game that she kills to local inns and taverns and by working as a guide for those who are unfamiliar to this part of the North. "Latest news, you ask? Simply put, more and more hill giants, ogres, and Uthgardt barbarians wandering the hills around Triboar recently. It's become my habit to warn adventurers leaving town to be wary of them."
Andor surveys the crowd and does what he can to pick up any pieces of conversation, but he doesn't seem to notice anything of substance or interest.
Rixton:
I nod. "We encountered a pair of hill giants a couple of days ago. They appeared to be looting farms for food. Nothing more, just food. That doesn't bode well for the giants or for the farmers."
I fall silent, unsure if sharing our business with this woman is in our best interest.
"Common behavior for the hillies," she remarks. "I'm hearing talk of fire, frost, and cloud giants as well. Marauding and murdering. Something is amiss."
Zindra then slips into silence, staring at the surface of the table as if it might reveal why the giants are acting in such a way.
"You said that you have business in Triboar. I know most folks here. Say the name or the place and I'll point the way."
Rixton:
I nod, smiling. "We come bearing a message for Alaestra."
"A few buildings to the north. The Lion's Share. Alaestra, along with Narth Tezrin, is the proprietor."
Carrow
Riding in silence most of the way Carrow contemplated the meeting the group will soon have with a member of the Harpers, it's been many moons since his endeavours in the north met with failure, the results of which have left him seriously questioning his loyalties, and perhaps even the direction his life is heading. As a Ranger he always held the beliefs of the emerald enclave close to his own, one with the land, protection of the wilderness. As they entered the Inn he sitting down he looked forward to hearing from a member of the Enclave.
"Well met friend" Carrow says removing his hood and sitting down after the introductions "troubling times, how does the enclave fair with the giants"
Zindra nods and offers a warm smile to Carrow. "Troubling, yes. The Enclave, in my estimation, is merely treading water. Our frequent skirmishes with the giants keep them at bay. Nothing more."
Ladrian
"Harpers, Zhentarim and Emerald Enclaves and any other faction be damned" he snickers "A bunch of tools and pawns for someone to puppeteer, nothing more." he says following the directions of Zindra to get to Alaestra.
Andor
"Some more so than others, and sometimes they are all that saves us from dire threats that no amount of well-meaning individuals could manage on their own." Andor accompanies Ladrian as they leave to see Alaestra.
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
Zindra wishes the adventurers well as they depart the Triboar Arms. The five hop on their horses and make their way down the narrow path that leads back to the Long Road. As soon as they reach the road and make the turn to the north, they are met with the sudden screams of women and children, followed by a man yelling, “Giants! Run!” Perplexed residents and shopkeepers emerge from their domiciles in time to see a large rock fall from the sky and crash onto an old cart in the center of town, splintering it. As a cloud of dust erupts from the wreckage, a second rock hits the ground, tumbles through a fence, and slams against the wall of a building, startling a pair of mules tethered to a post nearby. All around you, people begin to shriek and scatter. In the distance, two buildings that stand on the northern edge of town are ablaze. What has caused the fires? Where are the giants? From where the five adventurers stand, they cannot yet tell.
In the map below, all five adventurers are on horseback at "X"; the burning structures are circled in orange. Regarding the scale of the map and counting rounds/turns, we'll start that soon. For now, let's assume you've been given two rounds--12 seconds--to move as you see fit. To give you some scale, the party currently stands approximately 200' from the square keep in the center of the town. The next map I post will reflect each character's specific location.
Updated map: