// Screen-wipe //

The fortified village, named after the famous explorer Xantharl, stands practically in the middle of nowhere, on the west side of a notoriously dangerous and rugged stretch of the Long Road. Delsephine explains this as she approaches the walled village; they will set down to let you off the ship, but otherwise will keep the ship in the air so as to not tempt any raiders in the area. Unless directed otherwise, Delsephine again sets down about two miles out from the village, so as to avoid attracting unwanted attention. 

Josephus will need some magical help getting down from the ship, if you want to bring him with you. Either way, after letting you off, the ship again ascends into the air.

The outer wall of the village features battlements with mounted heavy crossbows. The wall surrounds several dozen stone houses and a keep, all with steep roofs. The sentries at the gate allow you to pass into the village without so much as a question levied your way—the guards all along the walls, with their heavy crossbows, look as if they would provide enough of a deterrent against any would-be troublemakers.

Near the gated entrance stands a freshly-built wooden building with a sign that simply says "The Falling Orc." It looks to be an inn & tavern, and is connected to the stables. . 

If Derrikoth ever looks to Nirzeg for a solution, the Githyanki just throws ups his hands. "Unless you wish to have him ******* jump off, I can help there. But good luck goading the beast to do so. That scroll of flight was an only one time deal, 'cause I got **** all left in that department." He frankly explained.

With or without Josephus in tow, Nirzeg gives the guards a cheeky two finger salute ont he way inside. But is otherwise no more a trouble maker than his usual safe. Yet. "Falling Orc.. falling orc... now where is... Ah! Well shit. That was ****'n easy enough. Let's hope to it then. In case the little bastard proves flighty, Big D. You and Abs-a-plenty there should keep look outside. Remember the goal is to get paid for this little transaction, and I don't think him being dead will help with that. We good?" He asked one last time.

Whether its agreed upon or otherwise, the Gith carries on inside the tavern (or tries to) with either a pep in his step, or a flat look on his face.But enter boldly he did having at least tried to rope Swiper in entering alongside him.

Swiper keeps to Lydia's side as they entered through the gates of the city, eyeing the guards suspiciously. He half expected to be stopped, but when they make it through with no issue, the kenku lightens up a bit. When Nirzeg points out the tavern (he having been looking around elsewhere to be honest), he goes about and enters behind the gith with an equal pep in his step and takes a good look around.

Perceppy: 18

Lydia walks through the city, keeping close to her bird friend, as well as keeping an eye out.

Perception:17

Derrikoth proceeds reluctantly without Josephus, and makes his way towards the stables once the rest of the group enters the tavern. He takes his time examining the other horses, keeping an eye on any back doors of the tavern if able.

Perception: 3

As Lydia and Swiper take some time to look around, they notice a familiar sight. Refugees are beginning to line the streets of this small, fortified town, just like you've seen in Waterdeep and Yartar. 

The Falling Orc: A hulking female half-ogre runs this tavern, which is open for business, and packed. Large groups of people huddle together at tables far too small. 

"More travelers," booms the half-ogre. She holds up a sign, which she reads for you. "We're full on rooms, but I can get you a meal and a drink. Larg will stable your horses, if you haven't talked to him already." 

Derrikoth: The stables are likewise packed, almost to overflowing, with horses. It seems that there are quite a few people here from out of town. Several stable hands move to a fro, bringing water and feed to the beasts.

Nirzeg hides a grimace behind a smile, having not expected so booming a voice. While making a mental note to invent something to dampen sudden noises  assaulting his ears, a casual nod is given in turn for the news. "I see that business is booming then, more or less." He chuckled. "No worries. A meal and drink is fine, and best make it your best stuff for me and mines. And out of curiosity, as a friend of mines is quite particular about who handles his horse, might this Larg fellow be a dwarf of some sort?" He asked smoothily. "And if so, I take he's already in the stables?"

One of the stable hands, a human lad no more than 14 or 15, does a double-take at the tall dragoborn Derrikoth. "C-can I help you, sir? Do you have a horse to stable?"

In the tavern: "Aye, I suppose 'Larg' is a common enough name for a shield dwarf" says the half-ogre to Nirzeg. "Poor creature. He came to me coinless. But what do you expect when you go dragon-hunting in the mountains? If he treats your horses kindly, be sure to tip him well, won't you?"

Barely are these words out of the tavernkeeper's mouth, than you hear the town bell begin ringing in earnest. It sounds like an alarm.

"What's that, then?" The female half-ogre says.

Nirzeg had hardly begun to smile when the ringing began in earnest, promptly turning it upside down. "If even you do not know my dear, it's all the more likely trouble. And if so, we'll be back." The Gith then turns to the others. "Shall we? Zeek will remain for the obvious, but we should go see what is all the hubbub is about, least we be caught unaware later." One last toothy smile is flashed, and then with or without company, head's for the gate again, figuring any trouble is likely to be from there. 

Swiper was about ready to lay down some coin for some food and drink until the bell started to ring. He repeats the words the female half-ogre says, taking a looking around the room. “I ain’t touched nothin’ yet,” He mutters under his breath, then shakes his head and retracts his talons and goes outside with the others to see what’s going on.

Lydia goes out after Swiper, pretty sure that some shit is about to go down.

There is loud commotion amongst the townspeople. The refugees are hurriedly trying to gather their belongings and seek shelter. 

The town guard, which is a surprisingly big militia force, is shouting these things.

”Get yourselves to the keep!”

“Giant! From the west!”

”Close the gates and ready for battle!”

As Nirzeg approaches the gate, he finds the guards working to close the thick wooden doors. 

The militia members all begin to run towards the west wall of the town, where there are already some men on ramparts.

You hear a distant “breeeeeeeeeeeyaaaaaark!!!” and then a splat, as an oddly-shaped object flies into the town from the west and strikes the tall keep. The object then falls to the ground, a dozen yards or so in front of Lydia and Swiper.

// You can join the militia in repelling the threat if you wish. The guard are closing the main gate (on the east wall) and running to the ramparts in the east. //

Lydia puts her shield in front of Swiper as the object smashes into the ground in front of them. "I was correct, some shit is about to go down. This is not one of those times I enjoy being correct."

Realizing the threat for what it was, Nirzeg's flippant attitude is promptly buried behind a mask of professionalism. Zeek, provided the critter was even in range at that point, is sent no orders to goad Derrkoth in at least the direction of the gate.In the meantime, athe Githyanki continues to make for the gate. His steps grow lighter along the way at but a thought in the right direction. His sole preparation, as the more utility focused spells had been been memorized for the day.

In the approach, at least some effort is made to avoid getting directly in the path of militia members. At the first sign of any captain or leadership at the gate, he shifts course to approach them in as short a few strides as possible. "Begging your pardon. But might a spellsword be of any aid in defense?"

Derrikoth looks sadly at the stablehand, keenly feeling the lack of his horse, as the shouting begins. Jerking into action, he takes a moment to look for a suitable horse before commanding the boy, “Ready that one for me. It’ll have to do in this emergency. I wish Josephus was here,” at that last statement, he glances at the stablehand, “forget that last part. Still, prepare me a horse. There are giants to kill.”

Swiper lets out a surprised squawk at the crashing sound, turning to look and see just what was thrown. He look to the cleric with a panic in his eyes. "Missus Lydia! We gotta go hide! Or fight! Or somethin'! Where's ya friends?! What do we do!?"

"Join up with the militia and help defend the city! Hopefully we aren't the only brave ones!"

Quote from Persuasion >>

Derrikoth looks sadly at the stablehand, keenly feeling the lack of his horse, as the shouting begins. Jerking into action, he takes a moment to look for a suitable horse before commanding the boy, “Ready that one for me. It’ll have to do in this emergency. I wish Josephus was here,” at that last statement, he glances at the stablehand, “forget that last part. Still, prepare me a horse. There are giants to kill.”

As Derrikoth speaks, Zeek the tressym finds him and mewls to try and get his attention.

Derrikoth: Please make a Charisma check, using either the Persuasion or Intimidation skill, your choice (just let me know which one you're using).

Quote from Orileo >>

In the approach, at least some effort is made to avoid getting directly in the path of militia members. At the first sign of any captain or leadership at the gate, he shifts course to approach them in as short a few strides as possible. "Begging your pardon. But might a spellsword be of any aid in defense?"

 The man in charge is already running towards the ramparts to the east. He looks confident, and motions for you to run with him. "If you can take orders, then report to the east gate. If you can't take orders, then you can best aid us by making sure all the civilians are sheltered."

Lydia, Swiper, and Nirzeg: please roll Initiative AND state whether you are...

1. joining the militia at the east gate, or
2. staying behind to try and corral the townsfolk into shelter. 

Nirzeg crookedly grins and nods. "East gate it is. Here's -- Mn! East Gate it is." He expresses, barely swallowing back a snide remark in stride. Apart from it, he tries to keep pace with the man, and eyes focused on the way ahead and above for any flying boulders that might yet fly his way. As for Zeek, once Derrikoth has at least mobilized and taken off in hopefully the right direction, the Tressym finds some rafters to hide among and search from any signs of a dwarf near the stables.

Initiative: 20.

Persuasion: 18

Derrikoth turns to Zeek, speaking dismissively, “Yes, yes, giants, I know.”