This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As your newly-formed group parts ways with Jatoka, you hear his farewell. "Upon your return I hope to hear your tale of visiting the Blue Bear spirit mound. Never have I seen it."
With the ancient trees of the High Forest on your left and the noisy Delimbiyr on your right, you begin the journey toward Stone Stand having only the slightest hint of what might lie ahead. A few hours later dusk arrives. At regular intervals bats flutter through the air in the vale, snatching whatever airborne insects they find near the river. The screech of an owl reaches your ears; so too does the howling of a wolf from somewhere distant.
The first night passes without incident. You camp in an area of the Delimbiyr Vale that is well-known to each of you. Your life of hunting, fishing, and gathering has brought you here on multiple occasions. The morning greets you with a chill in the air and mist that hangs over the bottom of the vale. Your body greets with you hunger.
In a span of thirty minutes, a pair of rabbits has been caught, skinned, and roasts over a small fire. Soon after, the group continues its northward march, and by midday you are farther north than you have ever been. The autumn sun has caused the mist to dissipate, and, although you can't gaze far into the shadows of the forest on the left, your visibility across the river valley couldn't be better. In fact, it permits you to see a large humanoid a few hundred yards ahead of you. You've no doubt it's a giant of some sort, but determining anything further is too difficult at this distance. Oddly enough, it is walking in the river, heading downstream directly toward all of you. There's no indication by its demeanor that it's aware of the group's presence. Or, if it is aware, it doesn't seem to care.
Grateful for the others' tracking and hunting skills to trap and cook such tasty rabbit, Avelin also appreciated the chill air of the morning to give him further vigor. None of the others had bothered him the night before. But, Avelin had hoped to speak with Mateya at some point during a lull in the upcoming day to ask her of her mother's visions. He'd always found it curious when others had visions, because their descriptions were wildly different than how experienced being in communion with the spirits of ancestors or speaking directly with Nature.
The river is gorgeous, making Avelin happy to be this close with Nature once more even under such uncomfortable and uncertain circumstances to track down a missing funeral party.
Seeing a gigantic form splashing steadily downstream snaps Avelin from his absentmindedness. Taking a small stutter step back, he quietly whispers, "Run, Hide, Fight, or Talk, I am at your service. I have only ever heard of these types of large men, if anyone has any good suggestions?"
Uri looks at the towering figure. "I have no love for giants but that is not our task. The more we delay with that the further chance the trail has to go cold."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"My mother was no shaman, I do not know of what Kriga spoke." Mateja answered in response to Avelin, at first casting her gaze downward in respectful deference, then suddenly locking fierce eyes on the shaman walking beside her, anger having crept into her voice. "Nobody told me she had a vision. The hunters she was with only brought back her body, said she was trampled by an elk. I do not know what she has seen, and what Kriga knows. Nobody told me." She stalked off then, drawing her mother's blade and taking a few angry swipes at the foliage by the side of the path, the air surrounding her crackling and snapping with energy. It took a few minutes for her to calm down, but for the rest of the morning she kept her eyes on the horizon with a steely resolve to see this mission completed, to learn what the vision had foretold.
By midday she has softened again, open to the rest of the group, listening to their quiet murmurings among each other and the various sounds of nature that surround the group. Upon catching sight of the giant trudging through the middle of the river she casts a glance at Uri. "Perhaps the trail ends at that creature. We should at least inspect if it carries recent wounds, or things that belong to our brethren."
"I agree with Mateja, we could close and observe it at least, if it comes to battle we might find it to be a chance to earn glory, it does appear to be a monstorus creature!"It is clear from his voice that Farkas is not against the idea of fighting the giant regardless of the value to the mission. "But I would think sneaking up and seeing what we can first makes the most sense."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Uri nods. He quickly looks around for any place in which he could conceal himself and give cover with his longbow. "If that is our plan then I would suggest you and Mateja get close. You two can be quiet when it is needed and will be more useful than I if the giant engages in close. I will come partway with you and cover you with my bow."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
((The edge of the High Forest lies within 50' of the party. Finding full cover within it can be done with ease. A few rocky outcroppings near the river might also serve as cover))
"Stick to the trees we can get close enough and the big lump will not know we are there unless we wish him to."Farkas will go as long as nobody makes an attempt to stop him or change the plan.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Avelin senses the tension between the warriors as they begin to discuss sneaking and observing. In a non threatening manner, he lightly touches Farkas on the shoulders. Quietly, Avelin says,
"I am not much good for sneaking in the same manner as you brave warriors. But I can always offer my assistance, and ask the spirits provide Guidance for a minute to heighten your eyes to see or to quiet your stealthy approach. I would need to meditate quietly for a minute during this, and you would need to act quick. Alas, I can only benefit one warrior at a time in this manner."
The giant, seemingly unaware of your presence, continues its southward march in the midst of the Delimbiyr River. At one point, it stops and freezes entirely for the span of half a minute with a greatclub held motionless over its head. Suddenly, the giant swings the club downward and delivers a vicious blow to the river's surface, causing an explosion that sprays water in all directions. The purpose of this strange behavior soon becomes apparent as the giant reaches into the water and pulls out a large fish that has been killed, or at least severely stunned, by the mighty blow. Stuffing its fresh catch into a sack that is slung over its shoulder, the giant resumes its march, now coming within two hundred feet of where you stand. It is now close enough for you to discern a bit more detail: it is a stone giant.
In your next post, please express what action your character wishes to take (i.e. take cover in the nearby forest, take cover behind one of the few rocky outcroppings close to the river's edge, remain in the open, approach the river, hail the giant, challenge the giant to a fishing contest, etc)
Avelin's eyes briefly water in the shock of the violent fishing strategy of this giant, and in sympathy for that poor noble fish. He hopes the fish died instantly; Uthgar demands that respect be given ro any creature whose flesh is to be eaten, to be killed quickly and painlessly and not to suffer. Avelin shutters at the thought of the fish possibly struggling and which would no doubt choke on the air while out of the water.
That giant could crush Avelin's skull just as quicky. Giving a quick hand motion to the others still near him but not waiting for them to follow, Avelin attempts to move inside the forest's tree line in the hopes of avoiding the giant's attention
Mateja follows closely after Farkas, keeping her hands close to the weapons at her side as she moves into the forest edge. She hunkers down behind a thick brush, getting down on one knee to stay out of sight behind it, then trains her eyes on the massive figure stomping through the river. She had considered the rocky outcroppings near the water's edge, but she agreed that it would be a dangerous position, and she certainly would not want to be the only one caught out there.
Teya seems almost ready to charge the giant right then, but instead she slinks off into the shadow of the trees with the others.
In an urgent whisper, she says "We can't just let this giant go past! What if it's going to attack the tribe? Or it might know what happened to the burial party!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1) DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Uri takes a position behind a tree and holds his bow ready to fire at the giant. "If we are to attack then we should split up a little. Make it so that we can support one another but not so that it can reach all of us at once."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
The giant splashes onward for a bit before taking to the western bank of the Delimbiyr. His granite-grey skin and black eyes now completely visible as he passes within 50' of the forest's edge. With a greatclub resting on one shoulder and the large canvas sack over the other, the giant strides toward a large rock and plops down upon it with a grunt. After setting down his club, he reaches into the sack and draws out an entire dried leg of mutton and begins to eat. His eyes are upon the running water, and his back faces all of you.
"it seems we are unnoticed and the creature will likely be distracted eating for the time being, we have some opportunities and a chance to weigh options for the moment"Avelin whispers very carefully to the others.
Avelin leans forward a few more inches and gently lifts away some foliage to get a better view to see if the giant has any obvious recent wounds or scars, or if there's any obvious Blue Bear tribe equipment tied to the sack.
Not sure of typical play by post etiquette, still learning the ropes, but basically I'm trying to get a better look to determine if anything unusual or conspicuous is seen in the sack or on the giant's skin/clothing to suggest if it has had any contact with the funeral party; also, not sure if I make the ability check or the DM does on my behalf, or if any roll would be necessary at DM discretion; if dice rolls are needed how about Perception21
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Farkas moves quickly and quietly through the woods to get into a vantage point knowing the others are doing the same behind him. Keeping an eye on the giant the man drop down into a good place to watch form.
Stealth 18
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
As Farkas sees the giant turn his back he looks around at the others wondering if they would leave the giant where it is an back away into the forest, the axe slung across his back calls to him to take it and charge across the ground looking to stand against the creature but it would need a coordinated attack to have any chance in bringing it down. Hearing Teya whisper he nods. "Yes, we cannot ignore it, but if we attack we may lose any chance at learning more, and if we talk and then need to fight we will have a harder time of it. It is a hard choice."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
As your newly-formed group parts ways with Jatoka, you hear his farewell. "Upon your return I hope to hear your tale of visiting the Blue Bear spirit mound. Never have I seen it."
With the ancient trees of the High Forest on your left and the noisy Delimbiyr on your right, you begin the journey toward Stone Stand having only the slightest hint of what might lie ahead. A few hours later dusk arrives. At regular intervals bats flutter through the air in the vale, snatching whatever airborne insects they find near the river. The screech of an owl reaches your ears; so too does the howling of a wolf from somewhere distant.
The first night passes without incident. You camp in an area of the Delimbiyr Vale that is well-known to each of you. Your life of hunting, fishing, and gathering has brought you here on multiple occasions. The morning greets you with a chill in the air and mist that hangs over the bottom of the vale. Your body greets with you hunger.
Survival: Farkas 21 | Mateja 19 | Teya 8 | Uri 17
In a span of thirty minutes, a pair of rabbits has been caught, skinned, and roasts over a small fire. Soon after, the group continues its northward march, and by midday you are farther north than you have ever been. The autumn sun has caused the mist to dissipate, and, although you can't gaze far into the shadows of the forest on the left, your visibility across the river valley couldn't be better. In fact, it permits you to see a large humanoid a few hundred yards ahead of you. You've no doubt it's a giant of some sort, but determining anything further is too difficult at this distance. Oddly enough, it is walking in the river, heading downstream directly toward all of you. There's no indication by its demeanor that it's aware of the group's presence. Or, if it is aware, it doesn't seem to care.
Grateful for the others' tracking and hunting skills to trap and cook such tasty rabbit, Avelin also appreciated the chill air of the morning to give him further vigor. None of the others had bothered him the night before. But, Avelin had hoped to speak with Mateya at some point during a lull in the upcoming day to ask her of her mother's visions. He'd always found it curious when others had visions, because their descriptions were wildly different than how experienced being in communion with the spirits of ancestors or speaking directly with Nature.
The river is gorgeous, making Avelin happy to be this close with Nature once more even under such uncomfortable and uncertain circumstances to track down a missing funeral party.
Seeing a gigantic form splashing steadily downstream snaps Avelin from his absentmindedness. Taking a small stutter step back, he quietly whispers, "Run, Hide, Fight, or Talk, I am at your service. I have only ever heard of these types of large men, if anyone has any good suggestions?"
Boldly go
Uri looks at the towering figure. "I have no love for giants but that is not our task. The more we delay with that the further chance the trail has to go cold."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
"My mother was no shaman, I do not know of what Kriga spoke." Mateja answered in response to Avelin, at first casting her gaze downward in respectful deference, then suddenly locking fierce eyes on the shaman walking beside her, anger having crept into her voice. "Nobody told me she had a vision. The hunters she was with only brought back her body, said she was trampled by an elk. I do not know what she has seen, and what Kriga knows. Nobody told me."
She stalked off then, drawing her mother's blade and taking a few angry swipes at the foliage by the side of the path, the air surrounding her crackling and snapping with energy. It took a few minutes for her to calm down, but for the rest of the morning she kept her eyes on the horizon with a steely resolve to see this mission completed, to learn what the vision had foretold.
By midday she has softened again, open to the rest of the group, listening to their quiet murmurings among each other and the various sounds of nature that surround the group. Upon catching sight of the giant trudging through the middle of the river she casts a glance at Uri. "Perhaps the trail ends at that creature. We should at least inspect if it carries recent wounds, or things that belong to our brethren."
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
"I agree with Mateja, we could close and observe it at least, if it comes to battle we might find it to be a chance to earn glory, it does appear to be a monstorus creature!" It is clear from his voice that Farkas is not against the idea of fighting the giant regardless of the value to the mission. "But I would think sneaking up and seeing what we can first makes the most sense."
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
Uri nods. He quickly looks around for any place in which he could conceal himself and give cover with his longbow. "If that is our plan then I would suggest you and Mateja get close. You two can be quiet when it is needed and will be more useful than I if the giant engages in close. I will come partway with you and cover you with my bow."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
((The edge of the High Forest lies within 50' of the party. Finding full cover within it can be done with ease. A few rocky outcroppings near the river might also serve as cover))
"Stick to the trees we can get close enough and the big lump will not know we are there unless we wish him to." Farkas will go as long as nobody makes an attempt to stop him or change the plan.
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
Avelin senses the tension between the warriors as they begin to discuss sneaking and observing. In a non threatening manner, he lightly touches Farkas on the shoulders. Quietly, Avelin says,
"I am not much good for sneaking in the same manner as you brave warriors. But I can always offer my assistance, and ask the spirits provide Guidance for a minute to heighten your eyes to see or to quiet your stealthy approach. I would need to meditate quietly for a minute during this, and you would need to act quick. Alas, I can only benefit one warrior at a time in this manner."
[Edits due to Farkas post a minute earlier
Will cast the cantrip if Farkas proceeds alone
Boldly go
The giant, seemingly unaware of your presence, continues its southward march in the midst of the Delimbiyr River. At one point, it stops and freezes entirely for the span of half a minute with a greatclub held motionless over its head. Suddenly, the giant swings the club downward and delivers a vicious blow to the river's surface, causing an explosion that sprays water in all directions. The purpose of this strange behavior soon becomes apparent as the giant reaches into the water and pulls out a large fish that has been killed, or at least severely stunned, by the mighty blow. Stuffing its fresh catch into a sack that is slung over its shoulder, the giant resumes its march, now coming within two hundred feet of where you stand. It is now close enough for you to discern a bit more detail: it is a stone giant.
In your next post, please express what action your character wishes to take (i.e. take cover in the nearby forest, take cover behind one of the few rocky outcroppings close to the river's edge, remain in the open, approach the river, hail the giant, challenge the giant to a fishing contest, etc)
Avelin's eyes briefly water in the shock of the violent fishing strategy of this giant, and in sympathy for that poor noble fish. He hopes the fish died instantly; Uthgar demands that respect be given ro any creature whose flesh is to be eaten, to be killed quickly and painlessly and not to suffer. Avelin shutters at the thought of the fish possibly struggling and which would no doubt choke on the air while out of the water.
That giant could crush Avelin's skull just as quicky. Giving a quick hand motion to the others still near him but not waiting for them to follow, Avelin attempts to move inside the forest's tree line in the hopes of avoiding the giant's attention
Boldly go
Urijeon follows Avelin towards the woods, bow drawn and arrow knocked. He keeps a close eye on the giant.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Mateja follows closely after Farkas, keeping her hands close to the weapons at her side as she moves into the forest edge. She hunkers down behind a thick brush, getting down on one knee to stay out of sight behind it, then trains her eyes on the massive figure stomping through the river. She had considered the rocky outcroppings near the water's edge, but she agreed that it would be a dangerous position, and she certainly would not want to be the only one caught out there.
Mechanics:
Stealth: 19
Perception: 11
Lynn-Marie Verine-Wintercleaver, Human Bloodhunter - Adventures in Esyldien
Finan Caible, Human Bard - Joys of Balance
Yroc Grumbak, Orc Fighlock - Pizazz's ToA
Arell Peroan, Half-Elf Warlonk - Scattered Gods
ESC! | 10|33|5~
(Avelin still holding concentration for cantrip Guidance on Farkas until used by Farkas or other circumstances eliminate the concentration)
Boldly go
Teya seems almost ready to charge the giant right then, but instead she slinks off into the shadow of the trees with the others.
In an urgent whisper, she says "We can't just let this giant go past! What if it's going to attack the tribe? Or it might know what happened to the burial party!"
Horatio Hirschfeld - Squire imbued with fae powers, in the Coliseum of Conquest (W2/L1)
DM for Reavers of Harkenwold, and sometimes The Fighting Grounds of the Coliseum
Uri takes a position behind a tree and holds his bow ready to fire at the giant. "If we are to attack then we should split up a little. Make it so that we can support one another but not so that it can reach all of us at once."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Perception check for stone giant: 5
The giant splashes onward for a bit before taking to the western bank of the Delimbiyr. His granite-grey skin and black eyes now completely visible as he passes within 50' of the forest's edge. With a greatclub resting on one shoulder and the large canvas sack over the other, the giant strides toward a large rock and plops down upon it with a grunt. After setting down his club, he reaches into the sack and draws out an entire dried leg of mutton and begins to eat. His eyes are upon the running water, and his back faces all of you.
"it seems we are unnoticed and the creature will likely be distracted eating for the time being, we have some opportunities and a chance to weigh options for the moment" Avelin whispers very carefully to the others.
Avelin leans forward a few more inches and gently lifts away some foliage to get a better view to see if the giant has any obvious recent wounds or scars, or if there's any obvious Blue Bear tribe equipment tied to the sack.
Not sure of typical play by post etiquette, still learning the ropes, but basically I'm trying to get a better look to determine if anything unusual or conspicuous is seen in the sack or on the giant's skin/clothing to suggest if it has had any contact with the funeral party; also, not sure if I make the ability check or the DM does on my behalf, or if any roll would be necessary at DM discretion; if dice rolls are needed how about Perception 21
Boldly go
Farkas moves quickly and quietly through the woods to get into a vantage point knowing the others are doing the same behind him. Keeping an eye on the giant the man drop down into a good place to watch form.
Stealth 18
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
As Farkas sees the giant turn his back he looks around at the others wondering if they would leave the giant where it is an back away into the forest, the axe slung across his back calls to him to take it and charge across the ground looking to stand against the creature but it would need a coordinated attack to have any chance in bringing it down. Hearing Teya whisper he nods. "Yes, we cannot ignore it, but if we attack we may lose any chance at learning more, and if we talk and then need to fight we will have a harder time of it. It is a hard choice."
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