I raise an eyebrow at the mention of a blue dragon. "Devious," I say.
I look to Harshnag to see how he reacts to this news. Regardless, I re-position my backpack straps and say, "If things are that dire, then there is no time to lose. We have some burial mounds to pillage."
Harshnag seems a bit dumbfounded as he walks through the archway and re-enters the temple room. After a rather lengthy period of silence, he asks rhetorically, "And how could the king of the storm giants fall victim to Iymrith?"
He then looks at the five adventurers and says, "Now we part, friends. This portal must be guarded; ancient dragons know of this place, and they must not be permitted to enter. I shall remain here until your return."
He places Thrym's axe in the hands of the frost giant god's statue and continues, "I trust that you will retrieve a giant relic as the Oracle described. I know of many Uthgardt burial mounds, but what relic lies within each mound I do not know."
Harshnag then names the following barbarian holy sites:
Grandfather Tree
Flint Rock
Morgur's Mound
Shining White
Stone Strand
One Stone
Beorunna's Well
Great Worm Cavern
Raven Rock
"Rest assured, to defile an Uthgardt spirit mound is to invite trouble from those who built them. Be wary and wise."
(I'm advancing the story, but if anyone needs/wants to interact with Harshnag before parting ways, we can fill that in)
Harshnag flashes his giant grin as the adventurers wish him well. He turns to walk through the doors to the feast hall and everyone hears the frost giant talking to himself. "Let's see what I can do about this dead remorhaz..."
The group then makes the long walk down the main hall, passing the remains of the white dragon wyrmling as they go. As they near the exit, they can see that very little daylight remains. Upon reaching the six pillars that support the domed entrance, they are greeted by one of the most peculiar sights they've yet seen...
A strange vehicle hangs in the sky overhead, slowly drifting closer. It looks like a small ship with sleigh runners, held aloft by a giant red balloon. The five adventurers gaze upward, and they see the silhouettes of two crew members as they drop two rope ladders--approximately 50' in length--over the sides of the ship. No one climbs down these ladders; so, it seems the intent of the crew members is to have the group climb aboard.
"Harshnag," I say with a little edge to my voice. "Do not tell me this was an option the entire time."
I grab the rope ladder and look up at the giant. "Next time, we take the flying ship both ways." Then I climb into the terrifying vehicle floating above us.
"Woah, didn't anyone ever tell you not to just get into strange airships when you were growing up?" Andor shouts at Rixton as he scans the strange contraption for signs of life. "They could be anyone!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
"If he goes alone" nodding up to Rixton "he will probly get killed" rushing forward Carrow begins to climb leaning back he shouts down to the group "don't worry Ladrian, we can always pull you up" chuckling to himself he continues to climb.
The goliath bows to the giant as the group departs. "I am honored to know you as a friend, and look forward to spilling more blood with you in the coming weeks. Farewell for now Harshnag."
Vigan stops dead as everyone makes their way outside, eyeing the ship warily, and not without a little trepidation, particularly when Rixton starts climbing the rope. "You expect me to travel in this thing? It is not natural..." Seeing everyone else scurry up the rope, the goliath follows, not wishing to lose face.
Following Rixton's impetuous lead, the others make their way up the rope ladders and climb aboard the unusual airship. The crew members are all humans--three women and five men--and they wear black leather armor and are armed with scimitars.
One of the women steps forward, introduces herself as Delsephine, and says, "We come to you on behalf of Klauth, the Great Dragon of the North! Klauth offers you this vessel and our services as a gift, so that you may cross his vast dominion while avoiding the many perils of the land below. War against the giants is inevitable, but the Great Dragon commands you forge ahead and face your destiny! The ordning of the giants is broken, and they are not united. Slay their leaders, and you may yet prevail. If you succeed in quelling the giant threat, Klauth bids you come to his hidden vale, so that he can reward your bravery.”
A cursory glance at the airship and its crew reveals the following:
The airship's enormous balloon has been constructed from stitched-together animal hides of some sort. Atop the balloon is a crow's nest that can be reached by crawling up ropes that dangle on the outside of the balloon.
Mounted to the rear of the upper deck is a wooden ballista. Near it is a crate that contains a dozen ballista bolts.
A few feet in front of the ballista is the helm, very similar to a steering wheel aboard a sea-going ship.
In the middle of the upper deck is a 10'-tall, cylindrical bronze furnace that is responsible for heating the air in the balloon.
Mounted to the bow is a large harpoon gun, fashioned from burnished bronze, with iron fittings. A winch is nearby, with an enormous coil of rope and several steel-tipped harpoons.
There is a door a few feet behind the furnace; based on the design of the ship, it seems apparent this door leads to the stairs that lead to the lower deck.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Vigan
The goliath eyes up the eight humans standing before the group, looking for some indication that they speak the truth, and that this isn't going to go south very quickly. He keeps his glaive lowered, although he tightens his grip on it.
Insight: 22
"You will forgive us if we are suspicious of a gift from a dragon, especially one we have not had the honor of meeting. Why does this Klauth favor us?"
"What an incredible contraption," I say as I walk around the deck, trying to steady my legs against the sway of the vessel.
"Well," I say, not missing a beat, "Thanks for your services, I suppose. We will take advantage of them happily. Anything to forgo another arduous climb through the Spine. So, when my companions are aboard, let's head south, towards..." I look to Vigan and Carrow, already on board. "The Great Worm Cavern? Perhaps on the way to a warmer destination, like the Grandfather Tree."
Vigan scrutinizes the members of the crew. He's certain that Delsephine is being forthright: they are emissaries of Klauth, who has commanded them to aid the five adventurers.
Carrow takes careful notice of the airship and its crew, but his mind is working diligently to recall something about the name "Klauth." That name sounds familiar, but it's one he has not heard in a long time. At last, he remembers. A few years ago, while sitting around a fire with a few fellow rangers, Carrow listened to an old, battle-scarred adventurer who told a tale about a terrifying and ancient red dragon named Klauth. That old ranger was a bit odd--and a bit drunk that night--so Carrow wasn't sure how much to believe.
The crew isn't overly friendly, and they don't talk much, but it's clear they're waiting for the group to give them a destination. "The crew's quarters are below deck; so you may rest here on the upper deck while we travel. Our destination is in your hands," says Delsephine.
Ladrian awkwardly uses the rope and upon some moments he asks the captain
"If you don't mind me asking Delsephine, how exactly does the great dragon Klauth know of us? And why does he care for such low servants? I mean, we don't have much to offer to a great dragon like Klaus himself!" he asks with curiosity
Responding to Vigan and Ladrian, Delsephine explains, "Klauth makes it his business to know all he can, and the five of you have made plenty of news in the past few weeks. So, a better question would be 'how would Klauth NOT know of you?' A group of adventurers traveling with Harshnag the Grim isn't something that Old Snarl would overlook. And why does Klauth favor you? Well, you seem to be committed to opposing the lords of the giants. Klauth will aid anyone with that goal."
Harshnag nods and gives Carrow a hearty slap on the back. "I'll do just that.
The frost giant stands tall and asks, "Oracle, you have said that Mirran and Nym have misled their father, the king. Why have they done so?"
One more time the chamber rumbles with the power of the Oracle's voice...
MIRRAN AND NYM ARE PAWNS OF A MUCH GREATER EVIL--IYMRITH, A BLUE DRAGON.
Rixton:
I raise an eyebrow at the mention of a blue dragon. "Devious," I say.
I look to Harshnag to see how he reacts to this news. Regardless, I re-position my backpack straps and say, "If things are that dire, then there is no time to lose. We have some burial mounds to pillage."
Harshnag seems a bit dumbfounded as he walks through the archway and re-enters the temple room. After a rather lengthy period of silence, he asks rhetorically, "And how could the king of the storm giants fall victim to Iymrith?"
He then looks at the five adventurers and says, "Now we part, friends. This portal must be guarded; ancient dragons know of this place, and they must not be permitted to enter. I shall remain here until your return."
He places Thrym's axe in the hands of the frost giant god's statue and continues, "I trust that you will retrieve a giant relic as the Oracle described. I know of many Uthgardt burial mounds, but what relic lies within each mound I do not know."
Harshnag then names the following barbarian holy sites:
"Rest assured, to defile an Uthgardt spirit mound is to invite trouble from those who built them. Be wary and wise."
Rixton:
"Stay safe, Harshnag. I do not look forward to climbing out of these mountains without you."
Ladrian
"Who is going to fall with me now?" Ladrian says with a smirk "Stay safe giant friend"
(I'm advancing the story, but if anyone needs/wants to interact with Harshnag before parting ways, we can fill that in)
Harshnag flashes his giant grin as the adventurers wish him well. He turns to walk through the doors to the feast hall and everyone hears the frost giant talking to himself. "Let's see what I can do about this dead remorhaz..."
The group then makes the long walk down the main hall, passing the remains of the white dragon wyrmling as they go. As they near the exit, they can see that very little daylight remains. Upon reaching the six pillars that support the domed entrance, they are greeted by one of the most peculiar sights they've yet seen...
A strange vehicle hangs in the sky overhead, slowly drifting closer. It looks like a small ship with sleigh runners, held aloft by a giant red balloon. The five adventurers gaze upward, and they see the silhouettes of two crew members as they drop two rope ladders--approximately 50' in length--over the sides of the ship. No one climbs down these ladders; so, it seems the intent of the crew members is to have the group climb aboard.
Rixton:
"Harshnag," I say with a little edge to my voice. "Do not tell me this was an option the entire time."
I grab the rope ladder and look up at the giant. "Next time, we take the flying ship both ways." Then I climb into the terrifying vehicle floating above us.
Andor
"Woah, didn't anyone ever tell you not to just get into strange airships when you were growing up?" Andor shouts at Rixton as he scans the strange contraption for signs of life. "They could be anyone!"
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
Rixton:
I call down to Andor, "Well, they aren't coming down to introduce themselves!"
Carrow
"If he goes alone" nodding up to Rixton "he will probly get killed" rushing forward Carrow begins to climb leaning back he shouts down to the group "don't worry Ladrian, we can always pull you up" chuckling to himself he continues to climb.
Rixton:
"I heard that!" I yell down to Carrow. "I choose dying in an amazing airship over falling off a mountain any day."
Vigan
The goliath bows to the giant as the group departs. "I am honored to know you as a friend, and look forward to spilling more blood with you in the coming weeks. Farewell for now Harshnag."
Vigan stops dead as everyone makes their way outside, eyeing the ship warily, and not without a little trepidation, particularly when Rixton starts climbing the rope. "You expect me to travel in this thing? It is not natural..." Seeing everyone else scurry up the rope, the goliath follows, not wishing to lose face.
Following Rixton's impetuous lead, the others make their way up the rope ladders and climb aboard the unusual airship. The crew members are all humans--three women and five men--and they wear black leather armor and are armed with scimitars.
One of the women steps forward, introduces herself as Delsephine, and says, "We come to you on behalf of Klauth, the Great Dragon of the North! Klauth offers you this vessel and our services as a gift, so that you may cross his vast dominion while avoiding the many perils of the land below. War against the giants is inevitable, but the Great Dragon commands you forge ahead and face your destiny! The ordning of the giants is broken, and they are not united. Slay their leaders, and you may yet prevail. If you succeed in quelling the giant threat, Klauth bids you come to his hidden vale, so that he can reward your bravery.”
A cursory glance at the airship and its crew reveals the following:
Vigan
The goliath eyes up the eight humans standing before the group, looking for some indication that they speak the truth, and that this isn't going to go south very quickly. He keeps his glaive lowered, although he tightens his grip on it.
Insight: 22
"You will forgive us if we are suspicious of a gift from a dragon, especially one we have not had the honor of meeting. Why does this Klauth favor us?"
Carrow
He eyes the, assumed captain of this vessel, and notices Vigan tense slightly in his greeting. Wracking his brain he tries to recall who Klauth is.
History: 18
Nature: 12
Rixton:
"What an incredible contraption," I say as I walk around the deck, trying to steady my legs against the sway of the vessel.
"Well," I say, not missing a beat, "Thanks for your services, I suppose. We will take advantage of them happily. Anything to forgo another arduous climb through the Spine. So, when my companions are aboard, let's head south, towards..." I look to Vigan and Carrow, already on board. "The Great Worm Cavern? Perhaps on the way to a warmer destination, like the Grandfather Tree."
Vigan scrutinizes the members of the crew. He's certain that Delsephine is being forthright: they are emissaries of Klauth, who has commanded them to aid the five adventurers.
Carrow takes careful notice of the airship and its crew, but his mind is working diligently to recall something about the name "Klauth." That name sounds familiar, but it's one he has not heard in a long time. At last, he remembers. A few years ago, while sitting around a fire with a few fellow rangers, Carrow listened to an old, battle-scarred adventurer who told a tale about a terrifying and ancient red dragon named Klauth. That old ranger was a bit odd--and a bit drunk that night--so Carrow wasn't sure how much to believe.
The crew isn't overly friendly, and they don't talk much, but it's clear they're waiting for the group to give them a destination. "The crew's quarters are below deck; so you may rest here on the upper deck while we travel. Our destination is in your hands," says Delsephine.
Ladrian
Ladrian awkwardly uses the rope and upon some moments he asks the captain
"If you don't mind me asking Delsephine, how exactly does the great dragon Klauth know of us? And why does he care for such low servants? I mean, we don't have much to offer to a great dragon like Klaus himself! " he asks with curiosity
Responding to Vigan and Ladrian, Delsephine explains, "Klauth makes it his business to know all he can, and the five of you have made plenty of news in the past few weeks. So, a better question would be 'how would Klauth NOT know of you?' A group of adventurers traveling with Harshnag the Grim isn't something that Old Snarl would overlook. And why does Klauth favor you? Well, you seem to be committed to opposing the lords of the giants. Klauth will aid anyone with that goal."
Carrow
"We are committed to stopping those who would deliver suffering to innocent people" Carrows eyes dart across each of the crew members Infront of him.
"Do you work openly against the giant lords?" He asks now in the giants tounge.