This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Riataur is willing to offer...
For Rixton's two scimitars: 5 (90% of 50 gps = 45 gold pieces)
For Rixton's light crossbow: 10 (100% of 25 gps = 25 gold pieces)
Riataur welcomes Rixton to his shop for the second time. After looking over the rogue's scimitars and crossbow, he offers up 70 pieces of gold. "Ten gold each for these arrows," he reminds Rixton. "How many then?"
I've splitted the interactions per shop, just to be easier to keep track of. Since Ladrian can't afford shopping in all 4 stores, can we assume he just visits each one, haggles, leaves,make sa decision and comes back to the shop he wants? If you don't agree just let me know. Also, please disregard any rolls you don't think it makes sense and kindly tell me if you need more rolls on my part, or even they should be made with disadvantage or advantage.
Medusa's Glare
Ladrian approaches the balcony where Zo is "Greetings my fair merchant. How is business treating you recently? My name's L" Ladrian smiles at Zo reaching out his hand for handshake "Pleasure to meet you. I must say, you really have very interesting merchandise, but I'm particularly interested in your Wands and the Talking Doll" he says pointing at those items "Really curious, could be interesting as a gift for a... niece of mine. What's the absolute best price you can make on those?" Ladrian says grinning at Zo.
Persuasion roll for the haggling: 15
Riataur's Weaponry
Ladrian walks in and opens is mouth in a act "AHH so the rumours were true!"Ladrian says flamboyantly and gestures to all the exibited weapons "Look at all this fine weaponry" he then turns to Riataur himself and tries to shake his hand in a very firmly and excited way "My name's L, pleaseure to meet you! You wouldn't believe all the the stories I heard about you and your fine shop, Mr Riataur. I didn't imagined I would had to honor to meet you, since I wasn't expeting you to be tending for your shop full-time. I would assume you would have some helpers here, and you would only coordinate the bigger business trades!" Ladrian finally stops shaking Riautars hand. "I'm looking for some of your crossbows, magical preferably but otherwise your regular ones already seem out of this world, eh? Oh and do you have any magical bolts or arrows?. What''s your best price for these items?" he winks at Riautar.
Persuasion roll for the haggling: 16
Saern's Swords
Ladrian steps in the store, watching the discussion between the half-elf and the half-orc and waits until he leaves. He walks towards the half-elf, looking her straight at her eyes, with seductive attitude, ignoring everything else around. That half-elf is the center of Ladrian's world, for now, and he wants her to feel it. Upon getting near her, Ladrian bows like he would in the presence of a Queen. A distinct and regal bow "You honor me twice my dear lady: I have yet to see such a finer collection of swords in all of Faerun, but it still gets outshined by your presence" he says taking her hand and kissing yet softly "I'm L, and I assume I'm the presence of the best weaponsmith in Waterdeep, Saern?"he asks with a mellow voice.
Assuming she says she is Saern's niece, Ladrian continues and shakes his head "Ah, I can definitely see that your family has amazing genes. Apologies, I need to focus on business right now" he says and winks at Saern's niece "I'm looking for something special: a rapier. Can you kindly help me on this quest? I understand it's not the usual type of swords you sell, but they do have its uses, as you know. If you have it, by how much would you be willing to part with it?"Ladrian says , placing his elbows on the counter and moving slightly toward's Saern's niece.
Persuasion roll for the haggling: 23
Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures
"Well well, you do have some interesting itmes here, Mr?..." Ladrian shakes the gnome hand "I'm L, I'm looking for something... out of the ordinary" he says lowering his voice. "What's the best price you can make me on that Charlatan's Die, Boots of Elvenkind and especially the Figurine of Wondrous Power?" Ladrian says with a twinkle in his eyes when mentioning the figurine.
Persuasion roll for the haggling: 15
Depending on how he reacts, Ladrian continues: "Also..." he says lowering even more his voice "I'm assuming a gentlemen as yourself has all the... proper paperwork, like the certificate of origin" Ladrian says as he gauges the gnome's reaction. If he's not insulted or mad at the comment he continues "I've heard, on the streets, that you could be the right place for... moving some goods around" Ladrian says trying his luck. If the gnome feels insulted or take it the wrong way, Ladrian tries to de-escalate the situation immediatly, explaining he said nothing wrong or illegal and it was just a misunderstanding and a wrong choice of words.
Deception roll for the rumour: 20
If not, Ladrian continues: "I could be of use, faciliting some of those business and even arranging the proper paperwork, should you require. It's a win-win situation for everyone and could be the beginning of an interesting business relationship, of course."he says calmly.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ladrian:
Zo rubs his chin and nods his head (which of course causes the bell on his hat to begin ringing) before saying, "Third doll would be free, of course...and I'll drop ten gold off the price of the doll. So then, three magical wands and one talking doll...that would be 150 gold, sir.
"This one here may be just the thing you're looking for," says Riataur, as he holds up a light crossbow (+1). "It's yours. Just 175 pieces of gold. Or, for a bit less, you could pick up these 7 bolts (+1) for nine gold pieces each." A few regular light crossbows are hanging on the wall as well. "Twenty gold for one of those," he explains.
"Charming," responds Saern's niece, with a slight smile and a playful roll of her eyes. "Only rogues, scoundrels, and mountebanks wield rapiers. At least, that's what my uncle tells me. You're not one of those, are you? Anyway, the only one I have is broken. The smith who's repairing it won't have it ready for another few days."
Shaking your hand, the gnome introduces himself. "The name's Trig. Welcome to Balthorr's!" He cocks his head sideways and continues, "The die, the boots, and the figurine, eh? Well, the boots--which are very special indeed--I can lower to an even 400 gold. No less. Not a copper less." Trig then picks up the serpentine owl in one hand and the die in the other. "Three hundred for the figurine and I'll throw in the die for free. How's that? The die alone...well, let me see...I'll drop five gold off the price. Thirty-five?"
The gnome listens intently to Ladrian's inquiry about papers of origin and the hints about the questionable legality of the business that's taking place in the shop. "Curious things you are hearing, Ladrian. This troubles me. I must let the owner, Balthorr himself, know of this. He's well-known and respected in Waterdeep. He is! I assure you. Wouldn't surprise me if Zo is up to something! Trying to cast doubt on the credibility of this establishment!" The gnome is clearly a bit distressed by the news.
"And any business relationship you might wish to establish with him will, of course, need to be discussed with him. He normally stops in after he eats his midday meal. Shall I tell him to be expecting you?"
"I see. You practise fair prices my friend, but upon consideration I believe I should find a different gift for my niece. I will not waste your precious time but know this: I will come back to do business with you and it will advantageous or both of us. May your shop continue to bring you great business" Ladrian says while bowing and goes to leave the store.
Riataur's Weaponry
"Marvellous, what at thing of beauty you have there" Ladrian says in awe to the crossbow and respective bolts. "Tell me something master weaponsmith, out of curiosity, how much would you be willing to buy thishand crossbow" he asks, putting his hand corssbow on the balcony for evaluation.
Saern's Swords
"Now now Miss, you're hurting my feelings. Do I really look like a rogue or a scoundrel?"Ladrian says with a shocked expression "The rapier is a nobleman's weapon, it has... finesse! Every weapon has it purpose, you shouldn't demerit a proper rapier" Landrian says "I'll give you a chance to redeem my feelings: how about these two fine daggers, would you be interested instead?" Ladrian says putting the two daggers for inspection.
Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures (OOC: He meant Mr L and not Ladrian, right?)
"Ah Mr Trig, I would love the opportunity to have a talk with Mr Balthorr himself! And I will promptly tell him you were quick to defend this establishment from such blemish and deceitful rumours!" Ladrian asks mimicking Mr Trig's distress "I will come back, after lunch then, is that suitable?"Ladrian asks and turns to leave
"Marvellous, what at thing of beauty you have there" Ladrian says in awe to the crossbow and respective bolts. "Tell me something master weaponsmith, out of curiosity, how much would you be willing to buy thishand crossbow" he asks, putting his hand corssbow on the balcony for evaluation.
Roll (1d12) to determine Riataur's offer: 2
Riataur is willing to pay 68 pieces of gold for Ladrian's crossbow.
"Now now Miss, you're hurting my feelings. Do I really look like a rogue or a scoundrel?"Ladrian says with a shocked expression "The rapier is a nobleman's weapon, it has... finesse! Every weapon has it purpose, you shouldn't demerit a proper rapier" Landrian says "I'll give you a chance to redeem my feelings: how about these two fine daggers, would you be interested instead?" Ladrian says putting the two daggers for inspection.
She smiles and says, "For you, four gold pieces for both blades."
"You drive a hard bargain but I'll take the light crossbow, in exchange for the hand crossbow + 107 gp, as you requested. Just for the hnor of having such a fine weapon made by Riataur himself" Ladrian says, giving the proper ammount fo coins.
Saern's Swords
"I see, I'll sell one and keep the other as a memento, just for the opportunity to make business with you. To the beginning of a fruitfull business adventure together"Ladrian says gently to Saern's niece.
Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures
"Oh I just remembered I have an appointment outside Waterdeep so I might not be able to have that business discussion with Mr Balthorr. However, can you kindly pass the message I will return as soon as I can and would like an appointment with him Mr Trig? Thank you"
The five adventurers have lightened their coin purses but in so doing have substantially augmented their battle strength. By midday they ride slowly through the northernmost part of Waterdeep and then pass through the Troll Wall via the North Gate. Other than seeing and greeting a few merchants who are heading south to Waterdeep, the only incident of note during the day of travel is the sighting of a copper dragon. Flying high overhead and traveling northward, the beast is hard to identify at first. Just a silhouette is visible and, therefore, the dragon's color is indistinguishable. Eventually the dragon turns in its flight and allows the sunlight to glint off its copper scales before it disappears into the eastern sky.
As night falls the party camps south of the town of Amphail, which lies a short distance from the foothills of the Sword Mountains. Setting up camp, preparing a meal, sleeping in shifts, and, in the morning, preparing breakfast and breaking camp goes smoothly. The five riders then make their way through Amphail--a retreat city for wealthy Waterdhavians--at an early hour when things are quiet. A few barking dogs, wandering chickens, and an old dwarf delivering buckets of milk to some noble villas is all there is to see.
The serenity and ease of the first day on the Long Road continues for several hours into the second day. An hour or so before sunset, however, the members of the party see two huge humanoids, lumbering side by side, crossing the Long Road from right to left. They are approximately three-hundred feet away, and after crossing the road they begin to make their way up a gently-sloping hillside at the top of which sits a small homestead. Each giant has a massive club in one hand and a large sack in the other.
There's no indication that the giants see the five members of the party, and there's nothing about their movement to suggest that they're attempting to be stealthy.
Tracking:
The giants are 300' north of the party and approximately 300' from the homestead which is directly to the west of them.
The party is, therefore, approximately 425' southeast of the homestead.
The terrain is open with knee-high grass on either side of the road, but there are several trees on the hill top near the homestead.
"With giants, I think the answer to that question will rarely be anything we want to hear." Andor calls across to the others, "we need to be closer if we plan to do anything, it won't take them too long to reach that steading, the question is are we even capable of doing more than distracting them? We could try and head them off and divert them from the farm but I'm not sure we can out stop them going back to the farm if we don't make it dangerous for them. Maybe harry them with bows until they run off, the horses can get us clear?"
The pair of giants continue their approach toward the home. After lumbering another 100' one of the giants drops the club it is carrying, opens the sack that is slung over its shoulder, and takes out two large rocks. A moment later, the giant hurls both rocks, one right after the other, at the homestead. The sound of wood shattering can be heard by everyone as the rocks tear holes through the roof of the home. Despite being rather far away, the giants' deep, resonant laughter can be heard as well. The second giant then drops its club and joins the ranged assault on the house. Four more rocks sail through the air and crash violently into the home.
"Well, I guess that question has been answered, we have to act, I think we should close the gap, hit them from range and try and distract them from the farm, if there are any survivors by then they might have enough time to escape. Vigan, I don't think you should rush them, I'm not sure even you could take more than one hit from those clubs they were carrying, mind you those rocks don't look any kinder..." Andor's voice tails off a bit as he works through the possibilities. He does continue to spur his horse forward towards the farm though.
I spur Viola on, charging as close to the giants as I can, drawing my bow and nocking it with an arrow (+1). I curse a myself for hesitating. Of course they intended violence. When I am close enough to fire (80', I should reach it after about 30-40 seconds), I slide off of the horse, plant my feet, and aim my shot. I exhale and release.
Shortbow Attack: 24 Damage: 9
(OOC: I am assuming since we are getting to them while they are facing somewhat away from us and distracted, we can take the first shot without rolling initiative. Do we get advantage for surprise, even with no stealth check? I assumed not. Edit: I guess I didn't need it!)
Rixton spurs his horse and closes the gap between the giants and himself. The rogue is able to approach on horseback relatively out of sight by using a small cluster of trees as cover, but after dismounting he has to step into the open to fire his shot, which penetrates deeply into the ribs of hill giant #1.
And so it is that round 1 begins. A few notes:
No initiative roll is necessary.
Players do not have advantage on their first attack.
Any player may take a round 1 action against the hill giants if he, like Rixton, put himself within range of the giants during "round zero."
In your next post, make sure you describe where your character is. If during round zero, your character placed himself somewhere on the map, then, of course, use a grid square to denote location. If, however, your character chooses a more conservative approach or is somewhere to the east of the giants (and therefore off the map), then please give the direction and distance in relation to the giants. For example, "Character is approximately 90' southeast of the giants."
There are no trees to the east of the giants, just open territory that stretches to the Long Road.
The trees are tall (25' - 60') and hiding behind their trunks for cover is possible. Hiding without peeking around the trunk to attack = full cover. Hiding and peeking around the trunk = 1/2 cover.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Andor
Pulling up close to Rixton but not right next to him (I30), Andor doesn't dismount but fires his crossbow at the same giant that Rixton hit, ready to retreat further out of range if the need arises.
"Rixton, you might want to saddle up again, what's the betting those long legs can move faster than yours?" the sorcerer states to the rogue. "Oh and nice shot."
Rixton:
(Prior to going to the weapon's shop): "Done, fine sir. Thank you."
Riataur is willing to offer...
Riataur welcomes Rixton to his shop for the second time. After looking over the rogue's scimitars and crossbow, he offers up 70 pieces of gold. "Ten gold each for these arrows," he reminds Rixton. "How many then?"
"Hmm," I say. "That puts me at 147 gold. What say you to this hooded lantern to complete the full 150 needed for all the arrows?"
"Or," I say with a slight smile, "147 gold is close enough."
Persuasion: 17
"Close enough," responds Riataur. "Happy hunting."
I've splitted the interactions per shop, just to be easier to keep track of. Since Ladrian can't afford shopping in all 4 stores, can we assume he just visits each one, haggles, leaves,make sa decision and comes back to the shop he wants? If you don't agree just let me know. Also, please disregard any rolls you don't think it makes sense and kindly tell me if you need more rolls on my part, or even they should be made with disadvantage or advantage.
Medusa's Glare
Ladrian approaches the balcony where Zo is "Greetings my fair merchant. How is business treating you recently? My name's L" Ladrian smiles at Zo reaching out his hand for handshake "Pleasure to meet you. I must say, you really have very interesting merchandise, but I'm particularly interested in your Wands and the Talking Doll" he says pointing at those items "Really curious, could be interesting as a gift for a... niece of mine. What's the absolute best price you can make on those?" Ladrian says grinning at Zo.
Persuasion roll for the haggling: 15
Riataur's Weaponry
Ladrian walks in and opens is mouth in a act "AHH so the rumours were true!" Ladrian says flamboyantly and gestures to all the exibited weapons "Look at all this fine weaponry" he then turns to Riataur himself and tries to shake his hand in a very firmly and excited way "My name's L, pleaseure to meet you! You wouldn't believe all the the stories I heard about you and your fine shop, Mr Riataur. I didn't imagined I would had to honor to meet you, since I wasn't expeting you to be tending for your shop full-time. I would assume you would have some helpers here, and you would only coordinate the bigger business trades!" Ladrian finally stops shaking Riautars hand. "I'm looking for some of your crossbows, magical preferably but otherwise your regular ones already seem out of this world, eh? Oh and do you have any magical bolts or arrows?. What''s your best price for these items?" he winks at Riautar.
Persuasion roll for the haggling: 16
Saern's Swords
Ladrian steps in the store, watching the discussion between the half-elf and the half-orc and waits until he leaves. He walks towards the half-elf, looking her straight at her eyes, with seductive attitude, ignoring everything else around. That half-elf is the center of Ladrian's world, for now, and he wants her to feel it. Upon getting near her, Ladrian bows like he would in the presence of a Queen. A distinct and regal bow "You honor me twice my dear lady: I have yet to see such a finer collection of swords in all of Faerun, but it still gets outshined by your presence" he says taking her hand and kissing yet softly "I'm L, and I assume I'm the presence of the best weaponsmith in Waterdeep, Saern?" he asks with a mellow voice.
Assuming she says she is Saern's niece, Ladrian continues and shakes his head "Ah, I can definitely see that your family has amazing genes. Apologies, I need to focus on business right now" he says and winks at Saern's niece "I'm looking for something special: a rapier. Can you kindly help me on this quest? I understand it's not the usual type of swords you sell, but they do have its uses, as you know. If you have it, by how much would you be willing to part with it?" Ladrian says , placing his elbows on the counter and moving slightly toward's Saern's niece.
Persuasion roll for the haggling: 23
Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures
"Well well, you do have some interesting itmes here, Mr?..." Ladrian shakes the gnome hand "I'm L, I'm looking for something... out of the ordinary" he says lowering his voice. "What's the best price you can make me on that Charlatan's Die, Boots of Elvenkind and especially the Figurine of Wondrous Power?" Ladrian says with a twinkle in his eyes when mentioning the figurine.
Persuasion roll for the haggling: 15
Depending on how he reacts, Ladrian continues: "Also..." he says lowering even more his voice "I'm assuming a gentlemen as yourself has all the... proper paperwork, like the certificate of origin" Ladrian says as he gauges the gnome's reaction. If he's not insulted or mad at the comment he continues "I've heard, on the streets, that you could be the right place for... moving some goods around" Ladrian says trying his luck. If the gnome feels insulted or take it the wrong way, Ladrian tries to de-escalate the situation immediatly, explaining he said nothing wrong or illegal and it was just a misunderstanding and a wrong choice of words.
Deception roll for the rumour: 20
If not, Ladrian continues: "I could be of use, faciliting some of those business and even arranging the proper paperwork, should you require. It's a win-win situation for everyone and could be the beginning of an interesting business relationship, of course." he says calmly.
Persuasion roll for the business relationship: 19
Ladrian:
Zo rubs his chin and nods his head (which of course causes the bell on his hat to begin ringing) before saying, "Third doll would be free, of course...and I'll drop ten gold off the price of the doll. So then, three magical wands and one talking doll...that would be 150 gold, sir.
"This one here may be just the thing you're looking for," says Riataur, as he holds up a light crossbow (+1). "It's yours. Just 175 pieces of gold. Or, for a bit less, you could pick up these 7 bolts (+1) for nine gold pieces each." A few regular light crossbows are hanging on the wall as well. "Twenty gold for one of those," he explains.
"Charming," responds Saern's niece, with a slight smile and a playful roll of her eyes. "Only rogues, scoundrels, and mountebanks wield rapiers. At least, that's what my uncle tells me. You're not one of those, are you? Anyway, the only one I have is broken. The smith who's repairing it won't have it ready for another few days."
Shaking your hand, the gnome introduces himself. "The name's Trig. Welcome to Balthorr's!" He cocks his head sideways and continues, "The die, the boots, and the figurine, eh? Well, the boots--which are very special indeed--I can lower to an even 400 gold. No less. Not a copper less." Trig then picks up the serpentine owl in one hand and the die in the other. "Three hundred for the figurine and I'll throw in the die for free. How's that? The die alone...well, let me see...I'll drop five gold off the price. Thirty-five?"
The gnome listens intently to Ladrian's inquiry about papers of origin and the hints about the questionable legality of the business that's taking place in the shop. "Curious things you are hearing, Ladrian. This troubles me. I must let the owner, Balthorr himself, know of this. He's well-known and respected in Waterdeep. He is! I assure you. Wouldn't surprise me if Zo is up to something! Trying to cast doubt on the credibility of this establishment!" The gnome is clearly a bit distressed by the news.
"And any business relationship you might wish to establish with him will, of course, need to be discussed with him. He normally stops in after he eats his midday meal. Shall I tell him to be expecting you?"
Andor
At Balthorr's Andor pays with the tourmaline and 85 gold for the wand of magical detection, thanking the gnome for his help.
"Fare well and if I pass this way again I may well stop by, hopefully with more coin to my name."
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
Medusa's Glare
"I see. You practise fair prices my friend, but upon consideration I believe I should find a different gift for my niece. I will not waste your precious time but know this: I will come back to do business with you and it will advantageous or both of us. May your shop continue to bring you great business" Ladrian says while bowing and goes to leave the store.
Riataur's Weaponry
"Marvellous, what at thing of beauty you have there" Ladrian says in awe to the crossbow and respective bolts. "Tell me something master weaponsmith, out of curiosity, how much would you be willing to buy thishand crossbow" he asks, putting his hand corssbow on the balcony for evaluation.
Saern's Swords
"Now now Miss, you're hurting my feelings. Do I really look like a rogue or a scoundrel?" Ladrian says with a shocked expression "The rapier is a nobleman's weapon, it has... finesse! Every weapon has it purpose, you shouldn't demerit a proper rapier" Landrian says "I'll give you a chance to redeem my feelings: how about these two fine daggers, would you be interested instead?" Ladrian says putting the two daggers for inspection.
Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures
(OOC: He meant Mr L and not Ladrian, right?)
"Ah Mr Trig, I would love the opportunity to have a talk with Mr Balthorr himself! And I will promptly tell him you were quick to defend this establishment from such blemish and deceitful rumours!" Ladrian asks mimicking Mr Trig's distress "I will come back, after lunch then, is that suitable?" Ladrian asks and turns to leave
Roll (1d12) to determine Riataur's offer: 2
Riataur is willing to pay 68 pieces of gold for Ladrian's crossbow.
She smiles and says, "For you, four gold pieces for both blades."
Riataur's Weaponry
"You drive a hard bargain but I'll take the light crossbow, in exchange for the hand crossbow + 107 gp, as you requested. Just for the hnor of having such a fine weapon made by Riataur himself" Ladrian says, giving the proper ammount fo coins.
Saern's Swords
"I see, I'll sell one and keep the other as a memento, just for the opportunity to make business with you. To the beginning of a fruitfull business adventure together" Ladrian says gently to Saern's niece.
Balthorr's Rare & Wondrous Treasures
"Oh I just remembered I have an appointment outside Waterdeep so I might not be able to have that business discussion with Mr Balthorr. However, can you kindly pass the message I will return as soon as I can and would like an appointment with him Mr Trig? Thank you"
The five adventurers have lightened their coin purses but in so doing have substantially augmented their battle strength. By midday they ride slowly through the northernmost part of Waterdeep and then pass through the Troll Wall via the North Gate. Other than seeing and greeting a few merchants who are heading south to Waterdeep, the only incident of note during the day of travel is the sighting of a copper dragon. Flying high overhead and traveling northward, the beast is hard to identify at first. Just a silhouette is visible and, therefore, the dragon's color is indistinguishable. Eventually the dragon turns in its flight and allows the sunlight to glint off its copper scales before it disappears into the eastern sky.
As night falls the party camps south of the town of Amphail, which lies a short distance from the foothills of the Sword Mountains. Setting up camp, preparing a meal, sleeping in shifts, and, in the morning, preparing breakfast and breaking camp goes smoothly. The five riders then make their way through Amphail--a retreat city for wealthy Waterdhavians--at an early hour when things are quiet. A few barking dogs, wandering chickens, and an old dwarf delivering buckets of milk to some noble villas is all there is to see.
The serenity and ease of the first day on the Long Road continues for several hours into the second day. An hour or so before sunset, however, the members of the party see two huge humanoids, lumbering side by side, crossing the Long Road from right to left. They are approximately three-hundred feet away, and after crossing the road they begin to make their way up a gently-sloping hillside at the top of which sits a small homestead. Each giant has a massive club in one hand and a large sack in the other.
There's no indication that the giants see the five members of the party, and there's nothing about their movement to suggest that they're attempting to be stealthy.
Tracking:
Rixton:
I pull up on Viola's reins, stopping in the middle of the road. I attempted to gauge the intent of the giants.
Insight: 14
Ladrian
Pushing the reins on his horse "Oh, hold on. What is that?" he asks lookings at the massive humanoid creatures "What are they doing? "
Andor
"With giants, I think the answer to that question will rarely be anything we want to hear." Andor calls across to the others, "we need to be closer if we plan to do anything, it won't take them too long to reach that steading, the question is are we even capable of doing more than distracting them? We could try and head them off and divert them from the farm but I'm not sure we can out stop them going back to the farm if we don't make it dangerous for them. Maybe harry them with bows until they run off, the horses can get us clear?"
Vhon - Level 2 Warlock - What shall become of the Drunken Sailor?
Lyreis - Level 6 Elf Fighter - Eberron: Omega
DM - Dzenda: The Cracks - DM - Dzenda: Whispered Tales
The pair of giants continue their approach toward the home. After lumbering another 100' one of the giants drops the club it is carrying, opens the sack that is slung over its shoulder, and takes out two large rocks. A moment later, the giant hurls both rocks, one right after the other, at the homestead. The sound of wood shattering can be heard by everyone as the rocks tear holes through the roof of the home. Despite being rather far away, the giants' deep, resonant laughter can be heard as well. The second giant then drops its club and joins the ranged assault on the house. Four more rocks sail through the air and crash violently into the home.
Andor
"Well, I guess that question has been answered, we have to act, I think we should close the gap, hit them from range and try and distract them from the farm, if there are any survivors by then they might have enough time to escape. Vigan, I don't think you should rush them, I'm not sure even you could take more than one hit from those clubs they were carrying, mind you those rocks don't look any kinder..." Andor's voice tails off a bit as he works through the possibilities. He does continue to spur his horse forward towards the farm though.
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 spur Viola on, charging as close to the giants as I can, drawing my bow and nocking it with an arrow (+1). I curse a myself for hesitating. Of course they intended violence. When I am close enough to fire (80', I should reach it after about 30-40 seconds), I slide off of the horse, plant my feet, and aim my shot. I exhale and release.
Shortbow Attack: 24 Damage: 9
(OOC: I am assuming since we are getting to them while they are facing somewhat away from us and distracted, we can take the first shot without rolling initiative. Do we get advantage for surprise, even with no stealth check? I assumed not. Edit: I guess I didn't need it!)
Rixton spurs his horse and closes the gap between the giants and himself. The rogue is able to approach on horseback relatively out of sight by using a small cluster of trees as cover, but after dismounting he has to step into the open to fire his shot, which penetrates deeply into the ribs of hill giant #1.
And so it is that round 1 begins. A few notes:
MAP:
Andor
Pulling up close to Rixton but not right next to him (I30), Andor doesn't dismount but fires his crossbow at the same giant that Rixton hit, ready to retreat further out of range if the need arises.
"Rixton, you might want to saddle up again, what's the betting those long legs can move faster than yours?" the sorcerer states to the rogue. "Oh and nice shot."
Attack 18 damage 4
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