Bayle hesitates, looking between the growling sound and the stranger.
It takes him a moment to find his voice. When he does, his throat is dry and his words wavering, "Yes, I... I've been this way before... Seen a cottage, so I thought maybe that might be where Lady Frostwood might be living... I'm sorry if we came the wrong way. Promise, we're not here to cause anyone no harm."
The figure hesitates a moment, assessing the situation, then lowers the crossbow and steps into the moonlight. You see an aging human face obscured by a cowl with a piercing glare that seems to cut straight through the darkness.
"Jahia Frostwind is no lady..."The woman says. "Nor is she a 'Giantslayer' as you've called her... She's just a reckless runaway who took far too many lives and lost far too many friends thinking she had something to prove to the world.... The good news is that she's gone... All that's left are a few tall tales... and a salty old woman who values her privacy."
With that said, the woman softens slightly, eyes passing over the two injured party members.
"But I'm not about to leave you all to die out here in the night... Follow this way and we'll take a look at your friends." She then calls out to the tree line behind you, "KlemKlah... Tach! Anois!"
Immediately, a pair of healthy sized wolves patched with mange, comes bounding out of the woods to join its master's side...
But wait...
Not a pair...
You find yourself a bit disoriented but quickly begin to understand what you're looking at... A single, disease-ridden canine with two heads.
The creature calmly pads its way past you, moving to the woman's side as she starts walking. She pauses for a moment, looking over her shoulder to see if you'll follow.
Bayle looks to Tormund and Natalia, taking his cue from them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Natalia cracks an excited grin, pleasantly surprised that Grigor and Pello were right about finding the Giantslayer. She regards Jahia with respect, admiring her features that prove both experience and hardship.
"A salty old woman just means she's well seasoned," Natalia quips. She puts a reassuring hand on Bayle's shoulder before moving to follow Jahia and her beast deeper into the forest.
"We got lucky, but you made the right call to search for the cottage first, Tormund," she adds as she passes the fighter. "You'd still be a welcome addition to my team, should you ever consider it. Money goes far whichever way you choose to use it."
Tormund will release some of his tension and follow the others as they walk, allowing himself to feel some of the weariness of their trek for the first time. He'll adjust Kas on his back, making sure he's still breathing and as comfortable as possible in current circumstances, while reminding himself they're not safe just yet. Hearing Natalie, he'll respond, "I appreciate your words. I'm thankful it has gone well as of yet. We all deserve a rest and Bayle has done a wonderful job getting us this far." He'll cuff the boy lightly on the shoulder with a kind smile. "I have avoided groups before as I go where my instincts tell me, and others often have their own plans. But I would not be opposed to working together again should our principles continue to align."
You push through some trees and find yourselves in front of a humble wood frame cabin. A small cauldron bubbles over a small fire which casts light on a nearby vegetable garden. The whole scene is incongruously serene and bucolic after all the trouble you've had in the wilderness.
The two-headed wolf hurries ahead and quickly curls up in a familiar spot by the fire.
The woman removes her outer layer and moves to the kettle. She grabs a ladle and spills some meaty stew into a pair of worthless old helms she uses as dog bowls.
The two-headed beast immediately jumps back to its feet, but the woman shoes it away, holding out a stern, but loving finger.
"Not yet. It's hot. Wait."
Both wolf heads, chastened, look up at the woman with big eyes as she continues past, beckoning the party to the cottage. She turns her head at the last minute and adds, "Now, you two play nice with each other and share. It's all going to the same gut anyway."
With that, she pushes open her door revealing a humble abode with just enough floor space to accommodate all of you.
"Lay your friends out." She says in a matter-of-fact tone, opening a cabinet filled with splints, bandages and poultices. "Let's see how bad they are."
After setting Kas and Gregor gently on the ground, the woman takes a close look.
She studies Gregor first... Seeing that he's already starting to stir. She checks his bones and joints. Everything seems fine except for a few scrapes from the fall. She treats those with a muddy compound and wraps the wound.
In the process, Gregors eyes flutter open and he starts to orient himself to the strange surroundings. As he looks up into the woman's face, her expression softens, showing more warmth than she has so far. "You're tougher than you look old man."She says. "I don't see any broke any bones. You should be up soon."
GREGOR'S LINGERING INJURY
Festering Wound.
Your hit point maximum is reduced by 1 every 24 hours the wound persists. If your hit point maximum drops to 0, you die. Someone can tend to the wound and make a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check once every 24 hours. After ten successes, the wound heals. The woman passed the first check when she bandaged you up. 9 more to go... though this adventure probably will be over before then.
She then moves to Kas and makes a grunt of recognition. "This one's a little worse for wear though. Broken ribs it seems."
She wraps the bandages tight around Kas's torso. The pain actually pulls him back into consciousness. "Shh-shh-shh..."She says, soothingly. "Got yourself fairly banged up, but you'll heal. You'll just need to stay resting for the next few days..."
She lifts an eyebrow. "But I suppose you don't have that long."
KAS'S LINGERING INJURY
Broken Ribs. Whenever you attempt an action in combat, you must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, you lose your action and can’t use reactions until the start of your next turn.
She looks to Bayle, points out the door and says,"You. Boy. Grab some stew for you and these brave warriors, eh? KlemKlah ought to be done by now. You'll have to share, but you can use their bowls to eat from."
Bayle is thrown by the command but quickly obeys, eager to have a clear directive. The moment he's gone, Jahia Frostwind turns back to you.
"Unfortunately, I have more bad news. I won't be coming to Fickley with you. I'm retired. And the legend about me killing a giant? Well... Let's just say they're vastly overstated. I didn't kill a giant, single handed. I was merely the sole survivor. A half-dozen of us faced off against the bastard... Seeking glory..."She spits. "Picking a fight that we never even needed."
Jahia takes a deep breath, then turns an appraising eye on the party. "What about you? Why would you risk your lives to save a handful of farm folk way out in the frontier? Doubt the town has more than ten gold coins between the lot of them. Not much of a reward for your trouble."
Gregor remains almost motionless where he lies. He peers around him and at the woman. Looking at the bandages he leans back and says in a quiet voice, “I see Bayle has found the giant slayer and she is also a healer. For my part I am simply following my path and helping those I can. Am I to blame if it is not strewn with gold? But it is not our answers that matter. We are strangers. The only answer that matters is Bayle’s and that is why we have risked our lives to bring him to you. Ask, Bayle, and learn a little of what your own future may hold some day.”
Natalia leans against the window, keeping a watchful eye on Bayle—not out of distrust for the tamed beast, but for the wild unknown beyond. "I just started my guard business," she says. "I may not have the heart to save a town out of compassion like some of my companions do, but I know they offer more than just coin." She then gestures to Jahia. "Reputation, and the trust of a whole community, goes far. Like yourself, even if the rumors are a little misguided." She smiles. "A title like Giantslayer wouldn't be too bad either. I’ve considered calling myself Natalia the Nightmare, but it’s much better when a nickname comes from others instead of yourself."
Natalia pauses. "I could have picked anything else to do. But fighting is what I'm good at, and protecting folks as a job is better than being a bounty hunter for hire in my opinion. It's sometimes less messy."
Tormund nods at the others reply, thinking carefully before giving his answer. "I was given my life by farm folk much like those of Frickley. They found me new-born and near death, and raised me skilled and strong. The least I can do with the life I was given is to help those who need it." Tormund will stare into the fire for a moment before continuing, "I was offered advice before we left that has stuck with me since. A hunter by the name of Tastra said that the protection of the town may not require the death of the giant. Does this seem possible to you, Jahia?"
Jahia listens earnestly to Tormund's explanation then smirks in response to his question. "Aye."She says. "It's possible. If ye all flee."
Just then, Bayle returns with a helm full of stew in each hand, head turned to look behind him, his wary eyes still focused on the wolf as he steps inside.
At first he doesn't hear Gregor's words, but when he sees everyone staring at him his eyes grow wide with a muted, "Huh?"
Jahia responds quickly with a matter-of-fact tone as she returns her healing kit to its proper storage spot.
"I asked your guardians why they've come to Frickley's aid." She points to Natalia, scoffing. "This one seeks a business opportunity." Then points to Gregor. "This one says I should ask you."
She closes the cabinet and turns, gathering her leathers as she takes a seat. "So, tell me, boy. Which one of these sods spun a tale of adventure in your ear to convince you to go up against a giant? What promises did they make?"
Bayle's eyes widen slightly at that question. He looks around to each of your faces before replying. "No promises. Just a chance. The hunters in the village, they want to flee. But my mum and da... They've been in the earth since before I could walk. If I leave Frickley, I leave them. I'd stand alone against a hundred giants before I do that. So, when I heard these folks planned to stay and fight, and I could help by leading them to you... There was no choice in the matter." Finally realizing he's been holding the helms of stew, this whole time, he delivers one to Gregor and the other to Kas. "I'll stay and fight... At best we send the giant back to the hills. At worst I join my mum and da in the ground. That's a risk I'll take... And with you at our side, I feel like we'll at least have a chance."
Doesn't require a high insight roll to see the compassion in Jahia's eyes, or the slight frown that creases her lips. She looks at you all, one more time and says. "Rest here tonight. In the morrow, I'll bring you all safely back to Frickley, hear the details of this mad plan of yours. I can promise you that much at least. Hopefully with dawn's crest, you'll all have come to your senses." She indicates toward a pile of pelts in the corner. "It's no traveler's inn, but there's furs to keep you warm and plenty of stew to fill your bellies."
She looks to Kas and Bayle."I'll change your bandages in the morrow." Then looks up to address everyone. "That seem fair to all?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
"Plenty fair to me," Natalia says with content. She plops herself down and eats her share of the stew. "Did the Giant you sought to slay survive too? Any advice, besides finding our senses, would be more than what we already have."
Tormund wordlessly nods thanks to Jahia and looks for a spot to lay down where he won't be in anyone's way. He'll place his things there and adjust/change some of Kas's dressings (using a charge of his healers kit) to ensure he can sleep as comfortably as possible and hopefully feel good to move again by morning.
He'll then lay down clutching his sword at his side before deciding that they're safe here and placing by his feet with the rest of his things. Tormund will then lie awake listening to the sounds of the cabin and the woods surrounding it until he's sure Bayle has fallen asleep, then he'll allow himself to do the same.
Sublime birdsong and the gentle, near-dawn glow herald the breaking of a new day.
The tranquility is punctuated by the playful snarls of KlemKlah and the loving jibes of Jahia as they engage in some roughhousing outside. It's such an idyllic pastoral scene that it's easy to forget the dangers awaiting you in Frickley.
The first of you to wake finds Bayle, on his haunches, gazing out the open window, eastward, towards his home village... He politely rebuffs any inquiries about his disposition, but it's clear the weight of the coming confrontation weighs heavy on his young mind.
Over the next hour or so, you are free to conduct your morning routine as Jahia prepares some hot breakfast and readies herself for the journey back to Frickley.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Tormund wakes with the sunrise, collecting his things and moving outside to allow himself room to stand up fully. He'll spend some time stretching, oiling his sword and daggers, and sorting his pack. He'll then find a sizable rock nearby to sit and spend some time listening to the birds and feeling the warmth of the sun. When breakfast is ready, he'll return to the cabin, offering Bayle a bit of his food and encouraging him to eat enough and keep his energy up.
As they prepare to leave, Tormund will string his bow and strap his sword to his back again, allowing the problems they face to return to the front of his mind.
Gregor wakes early feeling much refreshed. He meditates until the others wake and then sets about checking everyone’s wounds. He uses his healing skills and the herbs and poultices he carries to treat each of them.
In Natalia’s case he observes the inflamed spider bites that remain untreated and asks permission to draw the poison and bandage them. (If she consents she can roll a hit die, add 2, and heal some or all of the 8 points she took from the spider.)
In Kas’s case he will counsel him on the nature of his lingering injury if he properly diagnoses it. (First medicine check 15.)
In his own case he will examine the treatments on his wounds and inspect himself for any wounds Jahia may have missed. (Second medicine check over 20). He replaces the bandages discretely adding his own herbs to Jahia’s work. (Spends a use of a healer’s kit to allow a hit die of healing with his feat).
He will also offer a poultice to Jahia that may help with her pet’s mange. (Third medicine check Natural 20!)
His healing work done, he will eat a light breakfast and perform his morning exercises, a series of martial arts moves outside the cabin.
Although he was asleep when Jahia changed her mind about coming to Frickley, he clearly assumes she will be and offers to search for herbs particular to mange on the trip. He smiles knowingly at Bayle.
Natalia rises with the sun and begins her morning routine: stretching, exercising, and reciting affirmations that today will yield good business because she's a good business woman.
When Gregor offers to check yesterday's wounds, she agrees, and is relieved to see they’ve already scabbed over and that the swelling has already subsided. (Rolled a 10 + 2 on yesterday's hit die). "I was surprised when you joined the mission, offering just your berries. I assumed you weren't much of a fighter, and therefore the weakest link. I was wrong, clearly you're skilled elsewhere. Thank you." Natalia says to him. She watches Gregor does his rounds, impressed by what the old man is able to offer.
As the group prepares for their journey back, Natalia searches outside for a strip of dried bark, and starts to whittle at it. With nonexistent expertise, she shapes it into a questionable shield, and crudely etches onto it sword, axe, and bo staff into the design of an "N." She crushes some berries and stains the center red.
Feeling satisfied, Natalia searches for Bayle. She ruffles his hair and gkves the quiet youth a smile. "You inspired a new initiative for Nightmare Corp," Natalia says, presenting the wooden badge to him. "In recognition of your bravery, skills, and diplomacy in helping us succeed in our mission to bring back the Giantslayer, I grant you a Junior position within Nightmare Corp. It’s nothing official, yet, but it’s a heartfelt token until you can be properly rewarded." The sellsword carries her own worries, but doesn't say much about them, her mind circling around next steps once they return to Frickley.
Gregor wraps Kas’s ribs tightly in cloth. “Your bones are broken and need time to heal. You need to lie still for at least a week and probably more for them to mend. When we return to Frickley we may be able to rest while we wait for the giant.”
Bayle smiles at Natalia's offer, but seems too embarrassed and forlorn to say much more than "Thank you," before taking the token and putting it with his things. Jahia observes this all and can't help but smile a bit.
The two-headed wolf snarls as Gregor approaches to tend its wounds, but Jahia's calming words and Gregor's serene presence are enough to allow him to do the work. His keen medical eye is surprised to see no clear condition he can identify which would be causing the creature's mange.
"No luck?" Asks Jahia. "I'm not surprised. I've tried to treat it many times myself. I found KlemKlah as a pup. She was being held in some Reclaimer stronghold out in the northwest. All sorts of perversions they were working on these poor animals trying to tap into their magical essence, whatever that means. They're the only ones to survive. I'm no kennel master and I'm no sage, but I'm pretty sure the disease and the deformity is the result of whatever obscenities those zealots performed."
She stokes the creature's fur as it licks the palm of Gregor's hand. "They're a good girl though."Jahia says to Gregor with a smile, "And it looks like you've earned their friendship in a big way."
Jahia's statement is punctuated with the sound or rolling thunder in the distance. Moments later a slight drizzle begins. Jahia stands, looking out the window to assess the situation. "Finish your meals. We should make haste if we're to get the best of this weather."
It takes you no time to gather your things and set off through the gentle mist on your voyage back to Frickley.
Jahia leads the group on a roundabout journey, leading through the heavy forest by way of a mostly hidden game trail. She keeps her distance from others, but occasionally imparts some basic survival instructions to Bayle, who hangs on her every word.
As you continue to walk, KlemKlah occasionally sniffs the air and goes rigid, sensing something. Jahia communicates with the beast in her own way, explaining to the rest of you that whatever the beast's heads are smelling, it's not in the immediate vicinity.... but it's approaching.
Finally, as you reach a stretch of dry ground, Jahia puts her ear to the earth and listens... What she hears earns you all a severe expression. "Giant."She says. "Far. At least for now. A mile or more... and moving in no particular hurry... but without a doubt heading toward Frickley."
Bayle's face registers alarm, "We need to hurry. Let the town know he's coming!"
Jahia listens to the boys words calmly, then looks to you all, to see what you'd like to do...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
"The giant's returning already? I thought we had a few more days." Tormund says, trying to keep his voice calm. Turning to the others, he'll say "We could maybe intercept him before he reaches the town and try to slow him down while someone warns them, but perhaps our best move is to get there as quickly as possible and prepare as best we can for what's to come."
Gregor pets KlemKlah. “Qoneus would trick the giant into seeking food in some far off land or smite him with a lightning bolt. But I do not know what we might do to slow him down. A giant’s legs are longer than any of ours.” Gregor continues to pet KlemKlah. Then he looks up at Jahia. “Bayle says we should hurry.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Bayle hesitates, looking between the growling sound and the stranger.
It takes him a moment to find his voice. When he does, his throat is dry and his words wavering, "Yes, I... I've been this way before... Seen a cottage, so I thought maybe that might be where Lady Frostwood might be living... I'm sorry if we came the wrong way. Promise, we're not here to cause anyone no harm."
The figure hesitates a moment, assessing the situation, then lowers the crossbow and steps into the moonlight. You see an aging human face obscured by a cowl with a piercing glare that seems to cut straight through the darkness.
(Music Cue)
"Jahia Frostwind is no lady..." The woman says. "Nor is she a 'Giantslayer' as you've called her... She's just a reckless runaway who took far too many lives and lost far too many friends thinking she had something to prove to the world.... The good news is that she's gone... All that's left are a few tall tales... and a salty old woman who values her privacy."
With that said, the woman softens slightly, eyes passing over the two injured party members.
"But I'm not about to leave you all to die out here in the night... Follow this way and we'll take a look at your friends." She then calls out to the tree line behind you, "KlemKlah... Tach! Anois!"
Immediately, a pair of healthy sized wolves patched with mange, comes bounding out of the woods to join its master's side...
But wait...
Not a pair...
You find yourself a bit disoriented but quickly begin to understand what you're looking at... A single, disease-ridden canine with two heads.
The creature calmly pads its way past you, moving to the woman's side as she starts walking. She pauses for a moment, looking over her shoulder to see if you'll follow.
Bayle looks to Tormund and Natalia, taking his cue from them.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Natalia cracks an excited grin, pleasantly surprised that Grigor and Pello were right about finding the Giantslayer. She regards Jahia with respect, admiring her features that prove both experience and hardship.
"A salty old woman just means she's well seasoned," Natalia quips. She puts a reassuring hand on Bayle's shoulder before moving to follow Jahia and her beast deeper into the forest.
"We got lucky, but you made the right call to search for the cottage first, Tormund," she adds as she passes the fighter. "You'd still be a welcome addition to my team, should you ever consider it. Money goes far whichever way you choose to use it."
Tormund will release some of his tension and follow the others as they walk, allowing himself to feel some of the weariness of their trek for the first time. He'll adjust Kas on his back, making sure he's still breathing and as comfortable as possible in current circumstances, while reminding himself they're not safe just yet. Hearing Natalie, he'll respond, "I appreciate your words. I'm thankful it has gone well as of yet. We all deserve a rest and Bayle has done a wonderful job getting us this far." He'll cuff the boy lightly on the shoulder with a kind smile. "I have avoided groups before as I go where my instincts tell me, and others often have their own plans. But I would not be opposed to working together again should our principles continue to align."
It's a very short trek before the aroma of peppered meat mixed with the scent of wood smoke stirs your hunger with a vengeance.
(Soundscape)
You push through some trees and find yourselves in front of a humble wood frame cabin. A small cauldron bubbles over a small fire which casts light on a nearby vegetable garden. The whole scene is incongruously serene and bucolic after all the trouble you've had in the wilderness.
The two-headed wolf hurries ahead and quickly curls up in a familiar spot by the fire.
The woman removes her outer layer and moves to the kettle. She grabs a ladle and spills some meaty stew into a pair of worthless old helms she uses as dog bowls.
The two-headed beast immediately jumps back to its feet, but the woman shoes it away, holding out a stern, but loving finger.
"Not yet. It's hot. Wait."
Both wolf heads, chastened, look up at the woman with big eyes as she continues past, beckoning the party to the cottage. She turns her head at the last minute and adds, "Now, you two play nice with each other and share. It's all going to the same gut anyway."
With that, she pushes open her door revealing a humble abode with just enough floor space to accommodate all of you.
"Lay your friends out." She says in a matter-of-fact tone, opening a cabinet filled with splints, bandages and poultices. "Let's see how bad they are."
After setting Kas and Gregor gently on the ground, the woman takes a close look.
She studies Gregor first... Seeing that he's already starting to stir. She checks his bones and joints. Everything seems fine except for a few scrapes from the fall. She treats those with a muddy compound and wraps the wound.
In the process, Gregors eyes flutter open and he starts to orient himself to the strange surroundings. As he looks up into the woman's face, her expression softens, showing more warmth than she has so far. "You're tougher than you look old man." She says. "I don't see any broke any bones. You should be up soon."
GREGOR'S LINGERING INJURY
Festering Wound.
Your hit point maximum is reduced by 1 every 24 hours the wound persists. If your hit point maximum drops to 0, you die. Someone can tend to the wound and make a DC 15 Wisdom (Medicine) check once every 24 hours. After ten successes, the wound heals. The woman passed the first check when she bandaged you up. 9 more to go... though this adventure probably will be over before then.
She then moves to Kas and makes a grunt of recognition. "This one's a little worse for wear though. Broken ribs it seems."
She wraps the bandages tight around Kas's torso. The pain actually pulls him back into consciousness. "Shh-shh-shh..." She says, soothingly. "Got yourself fairly banged up, but you'll heal. You'll just need to stay resting for the next few days..."
She lifts an eyebrow. "But I suppose you don't have that long."
KAS'S LINGERING INJURY
Broken Ribs. Whenever you attempt an action in combat, you must make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, you lose your action and can’t use reactions until the start of your next turn.
She looks to Bayle, points out the door and says, "You. Boy. Grab some stew for you and these brave warriors, eh? KlemKlah ought to be done by now. You'll have to share, but you can use their bowls to eat from."
Bayle is thrown by the command but quickly obeys, eager to have a clear directive. The moment he's gone, Jahia Frostwind turns back to you.
"Unfortunately, I have more bad news. I won't be coming to Fickley with you. I'm retired. And the legend about me killing a giant? Well... Let's just say they're vastly overstated. I didn't kill a giant, single handed. I was merely the sole survivor. A half-dozen of us faced off against the bastard... Seeking glory..." She spits. "Picking a fight that we never even needed."
Jahia takes a deep breath, then turns an appraising eye on the party. "What about you? Why would you risk your lives to save a handful of farm folk way out in the frontier? Doubt the town has more than ten gold coins between the lot of them. Not much of a reward for your trouble."
She eyes you all curious to hear your response.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Gregor remains almost motionless where he lies. He peers around him and at the woman. Looking at the bandages he leans back and says in a quiet voice, “I see Bayle has found the giant slayer and she is also a healer. For my part I am simply following my path and helping those I can. Am I to blame if it is not strewn with gold? But it is not our answers that matter. We are strangers. The only answer that matters is Bayle’s and that is why we have risked our lives to bring him to you. Ask, Bayle, and learn a little of what your own future may hold some day.”
Natalia leans against the window, keeping a watchful eye on Bayle—not out of distrust for the tamed beast, but for the wild unknown beyond. "I just started my guard business," she says. "I may not have the heart to save a town out of compassion like some of my companions do, but I know they offer more than just coin." She then gestures to Jahia. "Reputation, and the trust of a whole community, goes far. Like yourself, even if the rumors are a little misguided." She smiles. "A title like Giantslayer wouldn't be too bad either. I’ve considered calling myself Natalia the Nightmare, but it’s much better when a nickname comes from others instead of yourself."
Natalia pauses. "I could have picked anything else to do. But fighting is what I'm good at, and protecting folks as a job is better than being a bounty hunter for hire in my opinion. It's sometimes less messy."
Tormund nods at the others reply, thinking carefully before giving his answer. "I was given my life by farm folk much like those of Frickley. They found me new-born and near death, and raised me skilled and strong. The least I can do with the life I was given is to help those who need it." Tormund will stare into the fire for a moment before continuing, "I was offered advice before we left that has stuck with me since. A hunter by the name of Tastra said that the protection of the town may not require the death of the giant. Does this seem possible to you, Jahia?"
Jahia listens earnestly to Tormund's explanation then smirks in response to his question. "Aye." She says. "It's possible. If ye all flee."
Just then, Bayle returns with a helm full of stew in each hand, head turned to look behind him, his wary eyes still focused on the wolf as he steps inside.
At first he doesn't hear Gregor's words, but when he sees everyone staring at him his eyes grow wide with a muted, "Huh?"
Jahia responds quickly with a matter-of-fact tone as she returns her healing kit to its proper storage spot.
"I asked your guardians why they've come to Frickley's aid." She points to Natalia, scoffing. "This one seeks a business opportunity." Then points to Gregor. "This one says I should ask you."
She closes the cabinet and turns, gathering her leathers as she takes a seat. "So, tell me, boy. Which one of these sods spun a tale of adventure in your ear to convince you to go up against a giant? What promises did they make?"
Bayle's eyes widen slightly at that question. He looks around to each of your faces before replying. "No promises. Just a chance. The hunters in the village, they want to flee. But my mum and da... They've been in the earth since before I could walk. If I leave Frickley, I leave them. I'd stand alone against a hundred giants before I do that. So, when I heard these folks planned to stay and fight, and I could help by leading them to you... There was no choice in the matter." Finally realizing he's been holding the helms of stew, this whole time, he delivers one to Gregor and the other to Kas. "I'll stay and fight... At best we send the giant back to the hills. At worst I join my mum and da in the ground. That's a risk I'll take... And with you at our side, I feel like we'll at least have a chance."
Doesn't require a high insight roll to see the compassion in Jahia's eyes, or the slight frown that creases her lips. She looks at you all, one more time and says. "Rest here tonight. In the morrow, I'll bring you all safely back to Frickley, hear the details of this mad plan of yours. I can promise you that much at least. Hopefully with dawn's crest, you'll all have come to your senses." She indicates toward a pile of pelts in the corner. "It's no traveler's inn, but there's furs to keep you warm and plenty of stew to fill your bellies."
She looks to Kas and Bayle. "I'll change your bandages in the morrow." Then looks up to address everyone. "That seem fair to all?"
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Gregor is already snoring.
"Plenty fair to me," Natalia says with content. She plops herself down and eats her share of the stew. "Did the Giant you sought to slay survive too? Any advice, besides finding our senses, would be more than what we already have."
Tormund wordlessly nods thanks to Jahia and looks for a spot to lay down where he won't be in anyone's way. He'll place his things there and adjust/change some of Kas's dressings (using a charge of his healers kit) to ensure he can sleep as comfortably as possible and hopefully feel good to move again by morning.
He'll then lay down clutching his sword at his side before deciding that they're safe here and placing by his feet with the rest of his things. Tormund will then lie awake listening to the sounds of the cabin and the woods surrounding it until he's sure Bayle has fallen asleep, then he'll allow himself to do the same.
Morning
(Soundscape)
Sublime birdsong and the gentle, near-dawn glow herald the breaking of a new day.
The tranquility is punctuated by the playful snarls of KlemKlah and the loving jibes of Jahia as they engage in some roughhousing outside. It's such an idyllic pastoral scene that it's easy to forget the dangers awaiting you in Frickley.
The first of you to wake finds Bayle, on his haunches, gazing out the open window, eastward, towards his home village... He politely rebuffs any inquiries about his disposition, but it's clear the weight of the coming confrontation weighs heavy on his young mind.
Over the next hour or so, you are free to conduct your morning routine as Jahia prepares some hot breakfast and readies herself for the journey back to Frickley.
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
Tormund wakes with the sunrise, collecting his things and moving outside to allow himself room to stand up fully. He'll spend some time stretching, oiling his sword and daggers, and sorting his pack. He'll then find a sizable rock nearby to sit and spend some time listening to the birds and feeling the warmth of the sun. When breakfast is ready, he'll return to the cabin, offering Bayle a bit of his food and encouraging him to eat enough and keep his energy up.
As they prepare to leave, Tormund will string his bow and strap his sword to his back again, allowing the problems they face to return to the front of his mind.
Gregor wakes early feeling much refreshed. He meditates until the others wake and then sets about checking everyone’s wounds. He uses his healing skills and the herbs and poultices he carries to treat each of them.
In Natalia’s case he observes the inflamed spider bites that remain untreated and asks permission to draw the poison and bandage them. (If she consents she can roll a hit die, add 2, and heal some or all of the 8 points she took from the spider.)
In Kas’s case he will counsel him on the nature of his lingering injury if he properly diagnoses it. (First medicine check 15.)
In his own case he will examine the treatments on his wounds and inspect himself for any wounds Jahia may have missed. (Second medicine check over 20). He replaces the bandages discretely adding his own herbs to Jahia’s work. (Spends a use of a healer’s kit to allow a hit die of healing with his feat).
He will also offer a poultice to Jahia that may help with her pet’s mange. (Third medicine check Natural 20!)
His healing work done, he will eat a light breakfast and perform his morning exercises, a series of martial arts moves outside the cabin.
Although he was asleep when Jahia changed her mind about coming to Frickley, he clearly assumes she will be and offers to search for herbs particular to mange on the trip. He smiles knowingly at Bayle.
Natalia rises with the sun and begins her morning routine: stretching, exercising, and reciting affirmations that today will yield good business because she's a good business woman.
When Gregor offers to check yesterday's wounds, she agrees, and is relieved to see they’ve already scabbed over and that the swelling has already subsided. (Rolled a 10 + 2 on yesterday's hit die). "I was surprised when you joined the mission, offering just your berries. I assumed you weren't much of a fighter, and therefore the weakest link. I was wrong, clearly you're skilled elsewhere. Thank you." Natalia says to him. She watches Gregor does his rounds, impressed by what the old man is able to offer.
As the group prepares for their journey back, Natalia searches outside for a strip of dried bark, and starts to whittle at it. With nonexistent expertise, she shapes it into a questionable shield, and crudely etches onto it sword, axe, and bo staff into the design of an "N." She crushes some berries and stains the center red.
Feeling satisfied, Natalia searches for Bayle. She ruffles his hair and gkves the quiet youth a smile. "You inspired a new initiative for Nightmare Corp," Natalia says, presenting the wooden badge to him. "In recognition of your bravery, skills, and diplomacy in helping us succeed in our mission to bring back the Giantslayer, I grant you a Junior position within Nightmare Corp. It’s nothing official, yet, but it’s a heartfelt token until you can be properly rewarded." The sellsword carries her own worries, but doesn't say much about them, her mind circling around next steps once they return to Frickley.
Natalia checks her pack and is ready to go.
Kas feels better but has this latent problem he'll be dealing with for a while.
He bows to the party and says "Thank you all for nursing me back to health. I'm ready to proceed."
D&D since 1984
Gregor wraps Kas’s ribs tightly in cloth. “Your bones are broken and need time to heal. You need to lie still for at least a week and probably more for them to mend. When we return to Frickley we may be able to rest while we wait for the giant.”
Act II
The Return
Bayle smiles at Natalia's offer, but seems too embarrassed and forlorn to say much more than "Thank you," before taking the token and putting it with his things. Jahia observes this all and can't help but smile a bit.
The two-headed wolf snarls as Gregor approaches to tend its wounds, but Jahia's calming words and Gregor's serene presence are enough to allow him to do the work. His keen medical eye is surprised to see no clear condition he can identify which would be causing the creature's mange.
"No luck?" Asks Jahia. "I'm not surprised. I've tried to treat it many times myself. I found KlemKlah as a pup. She was being held in some Reclaimer stronghold out in the northwest. All sorts of perversions they were working on these poor animals trying to tap into their magical essence, whatever that means. They're the only ones to survive. I'm no kennel master and I'm no sage, but I'm pretty sure the disease and the deformity is the result of whatever obscenities those zealots performed."
She stokes the creature's fur as it licks the palm of Gregor's hand. "They're a good girl though." Jahia says to Gregor with a smile, "And it looks like you've earned their friendship in a big way."
Jahia's statement is punctuated with the sound or rolling thunder in the distance. Moments later a slight drizzle begins. Jahia stands, looking out the window to assess the situation. "Finish your meals. We should make haste if we're to get the best of this weather."
(Soundscape)
It takes you no time to gather your things and set off through the gentle mist on your voyage back to Frickley.
Jahia leads the group on a roundabout journey, leading through the heavy forest by way of a mostly hidden game trail. She keeps her distance from others, but occasionally imparts some basic survival instructions to Bayle, who hangs on her every word.
As you continue to walk, KlemKlah occasionally sniffs the air and goes rigid, sensing something. Jahia communicates with the beast in her own way, explaining to the rest of you that whatever the beast's heads are smelling, it's not in the immediate vicinity.... but it's approaching.
Finally, as you reach a stretch of dry ground, Jahia puts her ear to the earth and listens... What she hears earns you all a severe expression. "Giant." She says. "Far. At least for now. A mile or more... and moving in no particular hurry... but without a doubt heading toward Frickley."
Bayle's face registers alarm, "We need to hurry. Let the town know he's coming!"
Jahia listens to the boys words calmly, then looks to you all, to see what you'd like to do...
DM - Classic Adventures Reborn
Rylan - L1 Human Paladin - Barty's "Princes of the Apocalypse"
"The giant's returning already? I thought we had a few more days." Tormund says, trying to keep his voice calm. Turning to the others, he'll say "We could maybe intercept him before he reaches the town and try to slow him down while someone warns them, but perhaps our best move is to get there as quickly as possible and prepare as best we can for what's to come."
Gregor pets KlemKlah. “Qoneus would trick the giant into seeking food in some far off land or smite him with a lightning bolt. But I do not know what we might do to slow him down. A giant’s legs are longer than any of ours.” Gregor continues to pet KlemKlah. Then he looks up at Jahia. “Bayle says we should hurry.”