(OOC Wreck [Josh] after a very short cameo part is withdrawing from the campaign but never fear I have a replacement. In a lesson for me, running a battle of this size with all of the NPCs and their interactions is proving near - if not actually impossible - in a PBM format. I am therefore going to create a post - it’ll be up later today my time - which takes place at the end of the battle.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
It is now about 7 pm – sunset was about 40 minutes ago and all is quite in the town of Triboar except for the crackling of flames from the burning buildings and trees.
The Giants left, nobody is quite sure why about 15 minutes ago. What is known is that whilst there were advancing into the centre of the town, they suddenly stopped and after some sort of what appears to have been a conversation amongst the two Giants, called back their troops and left.
On the way out, the Magmins delighted in setting fire to any buildings they could. Most of the buildings in the east-north-east section of the town have been destroyed. Notable buildings that have been destroyed include:
Tarmock Felaskur’s Apothecary
Urgala Meltimer’s fine Inn ‘Northshield House’
a large section of The Lionhield Coster warehouse
Over to you lot to RP out what you want to do. I’ll take over running of the NPCs.
As you look around you notice that the stranger who had appeared earlier - just as the battle was starting - has also disappeared.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Trusting Vark to continue working on Golemgote, D.O.R.K calls over Beedo, as well as anyone that might be freely available, to access the damage, routing any lingering enemy forces. Though her voice remained steady, her hurried step, and sometimes reckless rush into a burnt out remains of a building for enemy or survivors alike be spoke a different story. Nevertheless, unless interefered with in some manner, little dissuades the cleric of the Red Knight.
When Vark eventually /does/ get Golemgote mobilized, seeing the small Lake enroute to playing catch-up with D.O.R.K and Beedo prompts a detour on the goblin's part to try and "teach" Mr.G to spray water onto smoldering or burning houses from his trunk.
Devin stretches for a moment and then starts moving through the town looking for the injured. Casting Light on the end of his staff to see he'll use Spare the Dying on anyone unconcious and will use Cure Wounds on only the most seriously wounded.
Eventually he'll make his way to D and the others and tell them what he did.
"I think that's why they left. I magically used an aura to disguise the properties of the artifact and it seemed to have worked. They could no longer discern its location, maybe they even believed it wasn't magical after all. But they left, leaving destruction in their wake. they are gone now and that's what counts. "
Ok you now all get an additional 2,840 XP each for beating/driving off the giants and 1,758 XP each for general roleplay since leaving the town of Secomber. Given that it has been five months – and once again I apologise for my tardiness in keeping the campaign flowing over the past month plus in July – since the party left Secomber I’m not asking people to vote but simply share the RP’ing XP out equally.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
The party reconvenes in the Town Square about an hour later having out most of the fires. Golemogote’s assistance – once his enthusiasm was curtailed (the party had heard several cries in goblin that sounded like “…focul, nu eu al dracului de elefant prost” coming from Vark) – as he directed Golemogote’s efforts. In fact it is questionable which is wetter, the smouldering wrecks of several of the houses or Vark.
Darathra turns to Devin “I thank you for your assistance, disguising the artefact like that was a truly inspired move, Mystra herself must watch over you.” (OOC: Devin can have Inspiration for the idea to use Arcanist's Magic Aura to disguise the artefact). She continues “I am worried that giants would make it this far into the Dessarin Valley without me receiving some kind of warning! Perhaps I could prevail upon you to follow the Evermoor Way” pointing to the road heading east out of the town “…and give this badge” handing over a platinum badge bearing the Triboar insignia of three boars charging forward “…to one Dral Thelev at Danivarr’s House in Everlund? He will know what to do with it!”
“Those thrice damned Giants ruining an old woman’s liveliehood” Urgala mutters as she comes back from surveying the ruins of Northshield House. “I’m of half a mind to go find Harthos Zymorven, borrow his Giant Slaying Greatsword and go after the Giant’s meself! But I suppose I’d better concentrate on rebuilding the Inn.” She turns to D.O.R.K and says “Oi tin lady I reckon you know one end of a sword from another. Why don’t you go find Harthos Zymorven and tell him Urgala sent you to borrow his sword. As far as I know it’ll only be hanging on his wall!”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond DM - Four bards walk into a bar... Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
"My lady, it is my pleasure to serve. The aura will only last about 24 hours, but by that time hopefully the giants will have left the area and have given up. We will do as you ask and deliver this token."
... Eventually he'll make his way to D and the others and tell them what he did.
"I think that's why they left. I magically used an aura to disguise the properties of the artifact and it seemed to have worked. They could no longer discern its location, maybe they even believed it wasn't magical after all. But they left, leaving destruction in their wake. they are gone now and that's what counts. "
"... That is.... This one... understands the intent is condolences. Which is... appreciated, but undeserved. This operative has failed this team, and the people here. Again. There will not be a third time." D.O.R.K expresses, but would refrain from going into further details into meaning. Instead, she often deflected or used the request from Urgala and Darathan as an excuse to avoid speaking altogether.
Lukian furrows his brow. "Are we leaving the artifact here? Shouldn't we excavate it and give it to Uncle Zeph to keep safe?"
"This one concurs. At the very least, he will know how best to have it continually masked until the threat of the giants is seen to. However, as it is late, it will have to wait until the morning. Our current focus for now should be in ensuring secure lodgings for at least one more night of stay. That, and treating what injuries and the like that we can." As she says that, she looks to Meiva, still in the process of assessing the condition of any villagers that might've nearly or definitely got caught too close to the blaze or trouble.
A sleepy-eyed Beedo nods enthusiastically at her side and throws up a thumbs-up; clearly too tired for his usual mouthiness. As for Vark, the goblin warrior can be seen directing an equally tired Mr.G back to their original stabling."If there is nothing more, I will see to filling up the pitfalls over the night." She states. Though whether there is more or not, she takes at least a few moments to look for her brother if he wasn't already around, and make sure Torunn hadn't gotten any ideas...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I had forgotten about Uncle Z. Before leaving town we certainly should inform him off what has transpired and see what he wants done with the artifact. In the morning a few of us could go see him. As for rooms I am sure Nemyth still has our rooms at The Triboar Arms. We can sleep there tonight and see about the great sword and the artifact in the morning."
Devin responds to the others.
"Lets get a good night's sleep. Things always seem better in the morning."
"Excavation. Even if the matter with Uncle... Z falls through. We will want it prepared for alternate transportation method."Is D.O.R.K last words on the matter. "'fer once I gotta agree wit' ya, D-man. I'm fook'in beat from all dat running around." Beedo musters up as he follows after Devin. Even if he wound up sleeping in the stables, so long as he got to sleep, nothing much mattered.
(Thank goodness for Sending. Now to hope he'll pick up the phone, or hasn't somehow got kidnapped by other sky pirates.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Come morning, D.O.R.K would send two messages(expending 2 spell slots of 3rd level) as she stood vigilant on the road, watching the rising sun.
For Zephyros:
Master Zephyros. Acquired Fire Giant Artifact. Triboar. We humbly request you take it in your possession for safe keeping. Limiting further conflict for time being.
For Dossa(D.O.R.K's Mentor)
Mentor. The journey goes well so far. This operative however should possible be replaced. Tactics repeatedly proven flawed. Request advice. For failing you, Unit Apologizes.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
A Hearty Breakfast - Day 6, Third Ten-day, Month of Eleasis
Response from Zephyros to D.O.R.K.'s message
Cannot help. It is one part of many. The Fire Giants are collecting all. It should be reburied a long way from Triboar! Good luck.
Response from Dossa to D.O.R.K.'s message
Request for recall denied. A good unit learns from its mistakes. This learning makes a better soldier. Stay the course soldier. Good luck
D.O.R.K. walks back into the Common Room of The Triboar Arms and greets those of the party who are starting to assemble for breakfast. "A truly glorious morning and a lovely day just like back home" he says to Toruun. To the others he simply says "I have sent a message to Uncle Zeph"
"OK, so we need to decide what to do. We've been asked to bring this badge to Dral Thelev at Danivarr’s House in Everlund but I think that can wait a bit. D has a sword she needs to find, or be given, and we need to decide what to do with the artifact. Do we rebury it or dig it up and dispose of it in some way? D says she has sent communication to our our large friend, hopefully he will show an interest in getting it. But if not, I'm inclined to think it needs to be dug up and moved. My spell will last for most of today, and I can always recast it. I'm afraid if we leave the artifact here the spell will lapse and the fire giants will return. That won't help Triboar in any way. As the artifact may give us clues regarding our overall mission I say we get to work today digging it up. Maybe we can get some help from the villagers?"
"It was suggested that it be at least moved from Triboar by Master Zeph. Unfortunately, it is but one of many, and the fire giants are 'intent' on recollecting them all. Judging by Master Zeph's reticence, it seems all the more promising they have a means of even intercepting, or perhaps calling upon cloud giant allies to arrest any piece from his grasp."D.O.R.K concludes as Beedo and Vark finally come in from their morning regime.
Of the two only Vark seems energized enough to pay much attention as the other focuses on just stuffing his face full of whatever food and drink happens to be in easy reach. "If some of you could speak to the higher ups once more, or perhaps the more affluent in town, they may have a means of faster transport to at least more secure locations. Anything to set our adversaries back."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
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(OOC Wreck [Josh] after a very short cameo part is withdrawing from the campaign but never fear I have a replacement. In a lesson for me, running a battle of this size with all of the NPCs and their interactions is proving near - if not actually impossible - in a PBM format. I am therefore going to create a post - it’ll be up later today my time - which takes place at the end of the battle.)
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
The Giants leave Empty Handed
Over to you lot to RP out what you want to do. I’ll take over running of the NPCs.
As you look around you notice that the stranger who had appeared earlier - just as the battle was starting - has also disappeared.
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Lukian looks around for a water source to start putting out flames, praying for guidance while doing so.
Perception: 10 + 2
Trusting Vark to continue working on Golemgote, D.O.R.K calls over Beedo, as well as anyone that might be freely available, to access the damage, routing any lingering enemy forces. Though her voice remained steady, her hurried step, and sometimes reckless rush into a burnt out remains of a building for enemy or survivors alike be spoke a different story. Nevertheless, unless interefered with in some manner, little dissuades the cleric of the Red Knight.
Vark's Animal Handling Attempts:
#1: 23.
#2: 4.
#3: 14.
When Vark eventually /does/ get Golemgote mobilized, seeing the small Lake enroute to playing catch-up with D.O.R.K and Beedo prompts a detour on the goblin's part to try and "teach" Mr.G to spray water onto smoldering or burning houses from his trunk.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Devin stretches for a moment and then starts moving through the town looking for the injured. Casting Light on the end of his staff to see he'll use Spare the Dying on anyone unconcious and will use Cure Wounds on only the most seriously wounded.
Eventually he'll make his way to D and the others and tell them what he did.
"I think that's why they left. I magically used an aura to disguise the properties of the artifact and it seemed to have worked. They could no longer discern its location, maybe they even believed it wasn't magical after all. But they left, leaving destruction in their wake. they are gone now and that's what counts. "
Bucket loads of XP
Ok you now all get an additional 2,840 XP each for beating/driving off the giants and 1,758 XP each for general roleplay since leaving the town of Secomber. Given that it has been five months – and once again I apologise for my tardiness in keeping the campaign flowing over the past month plus in July – since the party left Secomber I’m not asking people to vote but simply share the RP’ing XP out equally.
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
A smouldering ruin
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
"My lady, it is my pleasure to serve. The aura will only last about 24 hours, but by that time hopefully the giants will have left the area and have given up. We will do as you ask and deliver this token."
Devin responds.
Lukian furrows his brow. "Are we leaving the artifact here? Shouldn't we excavate it and give it to Uncle Zeph to keep safe?"
"... That is.... This one... understands the intent is condolences. Which is... appreciated, but undeserved. This operative has failed this team, and the people here. Again. There will not be a third time." D.O.R.K expresses, but would refrain from going into further details into meaning. Instead, she often deflected or used the request from Urgala and Darathan as an excuse to avoid speaking altogether.
"This one concurs. At the very least, he will know how best to have it continually masked until the threat of the giants is seen to. However, as it is late, it will have to wait until the morning. Our current focus for now should be in ensuring secure lodgings for at least one more night of stay. That, and treating what injuries and the like that we can." As she says that, she looks to Meiva, still in the process of assessing the condition of any villagers that might've nearly or definitely got caught too close to the blaze or trouble.
A sleepy-eyed Beedo nods enthusiastically at her side and throws up a thumbs-up; clearly too tired for his usual mouthiness. As for Vark, the goblin warrior can be seen directing an equally tired Mr.G back to their original stabling. "If there is nothing more, I will see to filling up the pitfalls over the night." She states. Though whether there is more or not, she takes at least a few moments to look for her brother if he wasn't already around, and make sure Torunn hadn't gotten any ideas...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I only need four hours of sleep," Lukian says to Dork. "I can either begin the excavation or help you fill pitfalls. Your choice."
"I had forgotten about Uncle Z. Before leaving town we certainly should inform him off what has transpired and see what he wants done with the artifact. In the morning a few of us could go see him. As for rooms I am sure Nemyth still has our rooms at The Triboar Arms. We can sleep there tonight and see about the great sword and the artifact in the morning."
Devin responds to the others.
"Lets get a good night's sleep. Things always seem better in the morning."
(OOC sorry if not clear but Uncle Zeph has long gone!)
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
"Excavation. Even if the matter with Uncle... Z falls through. We will want it prepared for alternate transportation method." Is D.O.R.K last words on the matter. "'fer once I gotta agree wit' ya, D-man. I'm fook'in beat from all dat running around." Beedo musters up as he follows after Devin. Even if he wound up sleeping in the stables, so long as he got to sleep, nothing much mattered.
(Thank goodness for Sending. Now to hope he'll pick up the phone, or hasn't somehow got kidnapped by other sky pirates.)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC - draft the message you’re proposing to send please)
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Come morning, D.O.R.K would send two messages(expending 2 spell slots of 3rd level) as she stood vigilant on the road, watching the rising sun.
For Zephyros:
Master Zephyros. Acquired Fire Giant Artifact. Triboar. We humbly request you take it in your possession for safe keeping. Limiting further conflict for time being.
For Dossa(D.O.R.K's Mentor)
Mentor. The journey goes well so far. This operative however should possible be replaced. Tactics repeatedly proven flawed. Request advice. For failing you, Unit Apologizes.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
A Hearty Breakfast - Day 6, Third Ten-day, Month of Eleasis
Response from Zephyros to D.O.R.K.'s message
Cannot help. It is one part of many. The Fire Giants are collecting all. It should be reburied a long way from Triboar! Good luck.
Response from Dossa to D.O.R.K.'s message
Request for recall denied. A good unit learns from its mistakes. This learning makes a better soldier. Stay the course soldier. Good luck
D.O.R.K. walks back into the Common Room of The Triboar Arms and greets those of the party who are starting to assemble for breakfast. "A truly glorious morning and a lovely day just like back home" he says to Toruun. To the others he simply says "I have sent a message to Uncle Zeph"
So what is next?
DM - Storm King's Thunder - The Gods Respond
DM - Four bards walk into a bar...
Cracitus Tibicen (Tibi) - Aarokocra - Rogue [Swashbuckler] / Fighter [Battlemaster]
Devin smiles as D comes in.
"OK, so we need to decide what to do. We've been asked to bring this badge to Dral Thelev at Danivarr’s House in Everlund but I think that can wait a bit. D has a sword she needs to find, or be given, and we need to decide what to do with the artifact. Do we rebury it or dig it up and dispose of it in some way? D says she has sent communication to our our large friend, hopefully he will show an interest in getting it. But if not, I'm inclined to think it needs to be dug up and moved. My spell will last for most of today, and I can always recast it. I'm afraid if we leave the artifact here the spell will lapse and the fire giants will return. That won't help Triboar in any way. As the artifact may give us clues regarding our overall mission I say we get to work today digging it up. Maybe we can get some help from the villagers?"
"I believe digging it up is the best course of action," Lukian says.
"It was suggested that it be at least moved from Triboar by Master Zeph. Unfortunately, it is but one of many, and the fire giants are 'intent' on recollecting them all. Judging by Master Zeph's reticence, it seems all the more promising they have a means of even intercepting, or perhaps calling upon cloud giant allies to arrest any piece from his grasp." D.O.R.K concludes as Beedo and Vark finally come in from their morning regime.
Of the two only Vark seems energized enough to pay much attention as the other focuses on just stuffing his face full of whatever food and drink happens to be in easy reach. "If some of you could speak to the higher ups once more, or perhaps the more affluent in town, they may have a means of faster transport to at least more secure locations. Anything to set our adversaries back."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.