The occasional forest creature comes snuffling or crawling, but otherwise this night is uneventful. Nevertheless, through the canopy you can just make out the tip of the tower of the castle you will be assaulting or infiltrating the next day. It doesn't move or take flight, but it hangs there, distracting you, and perhaps even finding a place in your dreams.
Nevertheless, you are not disturbed during the night. No owlbear bursts into your camp, no patrol from the village is hunting you. The campfire was enough to keep the worst of the cold at bay, and you pass the night peacefully. In the morning, you wake having completed a long rest. You have also reached Level Six.
You pack up the little camp and are soon ready to set off. What's the plan?
"Soar, are we paying the captain-guy a visit? Depending on how slick you are, it might get us more info about this frozen castle we are about to enter... or just more information in general... or else we can just fly the banner and go in the front door. What do you think?"
Nub asks "Given the flying castle is made of ice, should we also see if we can buy some furs and warm clothing? I think Soar's idea of buying some food is also a good idea, as we won't be able to forage after we are in the castle... well, not unless we find the castle's kitchen."
"Already bought some!"Soar says, stowing leftovers from breakfast in the pack next to the rest of the groceries she has. She's carrying quite a bit and has no idea where things will end up, but she's got plenty of treasure and plenty of food. "Worth getting some more. And as for this captain, I'm really tempted to go sneak around his place, look for more information, maybe take him out if he's important here in town, but, well, I think we shouldn't. It might be good to have Talis and the captain grumping at each other, since she said she doesn't like the others in the cult. If we take him out, she'll just take over, and while I'm happy to keep on her plan, well, I don't trust her at all! The other thing is, we don't want to risk a big fight with a captain and whatever cultists he has to protect him, making us that much weaker for whatever we find on the castle. We have to assume Rezmir and Jos are on there. Probably a lot more. So I think we should walk through town on our way to the castle if we really need any more provisions -- though I think a castle would have food we could use -- and try the banner and the password before it departs. That work?"
[Sorry - I was unclear. Nub meant the idea that Soar had had the previous night of getting food was a good idea.]
Nub indicates "I agree with all of Soar's points. Shall we head to the market then?" Nub will try to find sellers/shops selling warm clothing, furs and food.
In the market square you have no problems finding warm clothing. A really good quality set of boots, gloves and a cloak will cost three gold pieces each. You will need to wait a couple of hours while they make adjustments to fit Nub and Soar.
(I would suggested adding a new set of Clothes, Traveler's to your inventory and customising it as 'Warm Clothes'. Please also deduct the three gold.)
The market is getting busy again in the morning; you see a few wagons headed towards the castle, their contents packed into crates and securely fastened down.
Nate would pick up a set of warm clothes as well for the castle (hadn't thought of that!) as the party made their way through town. I've added it to inventory, customized the item and removed the gold.
"Sounds good Soar. I feel ready. Let's make haste so the blasted thing doesn't leave on us. Or melt. ha. ha. ha."
"I really hope that banner and password gets us somewhere... its going to be hard to fake being a cultists again. I'm not going to say a word unless one of them talks to me. This castle is going to be intense anyhow, I have to try to keep it together just not being in awe of the thing. The disgusting thing."
Nub adds "I shouldn't speak either on account at not being any good at telling lies, so if someone asks me something feel free to jump in and answer on my behalf."
You leave the village, headed towards the castle. The villagers go about their business, paying little attention to you. Or so most of you think. Nate, you alone notice that a villager has followed you and halts at the edge of the village, skulking in the shadows and observing your progress as you walk the short distance to where the castle lies. After a while, your silent observer heads back into the village.
The castle looms above you. Before you is the main gate, about two three hundred feet ahead where a lowered drawbridge spans a foggy moat. Beyond the drawbridge is an open portcullis, and beyond the portcullis is a covered gateway leading to an open courtyard. Large figures loom in the gateway, but you can’t quite make them out from here.
On the road nearby two wagons pass; one laden with crates, with a driver and two guards headed into the castle, another empty with a single driver going in the direction of Parnast village. They are all busy engaged with maneuvering their vehicles past each other without getting stuck in mud, and pay you no heed at all other than the occasional uninterested glance.
Are you making any particular preparations before you approach the main gate?
Soar makes sure she's got a nice heavy cloak that covers her armor, and does her best to get Jalt a similar one that would allow his armor to be covered, and concealed.
"Well, ready to go?"she says, looking at the castle and getting the banner ready. "What was the phrase again, and also, as we walk to the gate, we might want to figure out a story."
You approach, banner at the ready but not yet unfurled. Ahead, you now see a heavy oak-and-iron portcullis is drawn up just behind the drawbridge. Two life-sized statues of 18-foot-tall cloud giants — one male and one female — stand behind the portcullis, facing each other within the covered gate. You see movement on top of the walls; you can't make out what or who, but you don't see any humanoid guards in the main gate itself.
You are free to talk and make plans as you walk, until you actually reach the gate. Feel free to discuss and then let me know when you're ready to walk up and over the drawbridge.
She starts ticking through the things they know from Talis. "Rezmir is likely there, and someone called Varram. Likely that wizard Jos. We're supposed to display the banner as we approach, and then give the phrase 'Tiamat, our mother and strength' at the gate, and the golem statues will let us pass. The castle's run by a cloud giant, who needs to be alive to keep the castle flying. He's working with another culty head honcho, Severin. We might be able to bargain with the giant and get him to turn on the cult, since maybe he's not really a fan? Do I have any of that right? Maybe we show up and ask where the cloud giant is and hope that we don't see a cultist on our way to him. If we do, then there'll be a fight, and we'll have to try bargaining with the giant after the fight. Nate, would you want to be in an animal form as we approach, to give you some scouting and hiding options and also let you swear at anyone you like in a language they can't understand while we try to bargain?"
(these are the things Nate says during the approach)
Nate rubs his head "Yeah... that sounds about right. So many details, although I think you have it right. Ideally we can get in, find ole' Rezzy and the wizard Jos and any other head honcho-ish scum like you mentioned, kill em', and get the hell off the castle without anyone, let alone the cloud giant find out about it. Might not even have to do any bargaining. I wonder if this thing is going to take off when we are inside?"
"...Although I doubt it will go down like that. Why don't we just fly the banner, use the password, get ourselves in there and then start asking about the cloud giant like you said once we get in there."
"As for what we will say when we are asked WHY the heck we are even there to begin with... we could say we just have private matters with the giant, or... I know you can think of something better, Soar." Nate smiles in a hopeful way.
"Only way to find out is to head in I guess."
"I think I will stay in human form... for now, anyway. I'll do my best to control myself." Nate looks at the castle and Soar you can tell he's not intending to act in a rash manner given what we are about to do. Not intending too, anyhow.
"Private matter with the giant, that works for me!"Soar says clapping Nate on the shoulder encouragingly. She offers to help Jalt unfurl the banner as they get closer, and will say the passphrase as she gets within 100 feet of the gate. Quieter, she says, "can anyone see more of what's moving on top of the walls? It's not just golems waiting for us..."
Nub you see big, hulking things moving on the top of the walls; and you glimpse half a head as it leans over to survey the surrounding countryside. They're definitely much bigger than you. 19 Perception is enough to see them, but I think I also need a Nature check to identify them. You could also describe it to the others, who can also make the same check.
Soar, you unfurl the banner at 100 feet. There's no response.
You say the pass phrase at 100 feet too. There's no response.
11 4
The occasional forest creature comes snuffling or crawling, but otherwise this night is uneventful. Nevertheless, through the canopy you can just make out the tip of the tower of the castle you will be assaulting or infiltrating the next day. It doesn't move or take flight, but it hangs there, distracting you, and perhaps even finding a place in your dreams.
Nevertheless, you are not disturbed during the night. No owlbear bursts into your camp, no patrol from the village is hunting you. The campfire was enough to keep the worst of the cold at bay, and you pass the night peacefully. In the morning, you wake having completed a long rest. You have also reached Level Six.
You pack up the little camp and are soon ready to set off. What's the plan?
"Soar, are we paying the captain-guy a visit? Depending on how slick you are, it might get us more info about this frozen castle we are about to enter... or just more information in general... or else we can just fly the banner and go in the front door. What do you think?"
Nub asks "Given the flying castle is made of ice, should we also see if we can buy some furs and warm clothing? I think Soar's idea of buying some food is also a good idea, as we won't be able to forage after we are in the castle... well, not unless we find the castle's kitchen."
"Already bought some!" Soar says, stowing leftovers from breakfast in the pack next to the rest of the groceries she has. She's carrying quite a bit and has no idea where things will end up, but she's got plenty of treasure and plenty of food. "Worth getting some more. And as for this captain, I'm really tempted to go sneak around his place, look for more information, maybe take him out if he's important here in town, but, well, I think we shouldn't. It might be good to have Talis and the captain grumping at each other, since she said she doesn't like the others in the cult. If we take him out, she'll just take over, and while I'm happy to keep on her plan, well, I don't trust her at all! The other thing is, we don't want to risk a big fight with a captain and whatever cultists he has to protect him, making us that much weaker for whatever we find on the castle. We have to assume Rezmir and Jos are on there. Probably a lot more. So I think we should walk through town on our way to the castle if we really need any more provisions -- though I think a castle would have food we could use -- and try the banner and the password before it departs. That work?"
[Sorry - I was unclear. Nub meant the idea that Soar had had the previous night of getting food was a good idea.]
Nub indicates "I agree with all of Soar's points. Shall we head to the market then?" Nub will try to find sellers/shops selling warm clothing, furs and food.
In the market square you have no problems finding warm clothing. A really good quality set of boots, gloves and a cloak will cost three gold pieces each. You will need to wait a couple of hours while they make adjustments to fit Nub and Soar.
(I would suggested adding a new set of Clothes, Traveler's to your inventory and customising it as 'Warm Clothes'. Please also deduct the three gold.)
The market is getting busy again in the morning; you see a few wagons headed towards the castle, their contents packed into crates and securely fastened down.
Nate would pick up a set of warm clothes as well for the castle (hadn't thought of that!) as the party made their way through town. I've added it to inventory, customized the item and removed the gold.
"Sounds good Soar. I feel ready. Let's make haste so the blasted thing doesn't leave on us. Or melt. ha. ha. ha."
"I really hope that banner and password gets us somewhere... its going to be hard to fake being a cultists again. I'm not going to say a word unless one of them talks to me. This castle is going to be intense anyhow, I have to try to keep it together just not being in awe of the thing. The disgusting thing."
Nub adds "I shouldn't speak either on account at not being any good at telling lies, so if someone asks me something feel free to jump in and answer on my behalf."
Soar nods, ready to head to the castle with their new clothing and provisions. "I'll do the talking. What could go wrong?" She grins.
Nate quickly puts on the heavier clothes directly over his robe and current light clothing and follows Soar and the others towards the castle.
16
You leave the village, headed towards the castle. The villagers go about their business, paying little attention to you. Or so most of you think. Nate, you alone notice that a villager has followed you and halts at the edge of the village, skulking in the shadows and observing your progress as you walk the short distance to where the castle lies. After a while, your silent observer heads back into the village.
The castle looms above you. Before you is the main gate, about two three hundred feet ahead where a lowered drawbridge spans a foggy moat. Beyond the drawbridge is an open portcullis, and beyond the portcullis is a covered gateway leading to an open courtyard. Large figures loom in the gateway, but you can’t quite make them out from here.
On the road nearby two wagons pass; one laden with crates, with a driver and two guards headed into the castle, another empty with a single driver going in the direction of Parnast village. They are all busy engaged with maneuvering their vehicles past each other without getting stuck in mud, and pay you no heed at all other than the occasional uninterested glance.
Are you making any particular preparations before you approach the main gate?
Soar makes sure she's got a nice heavy cloak that covers her armor, and does her best to get Jalt a similar one that would allow his armor to be covered, and concealed.
"Well, ready to go?" she says, looking at the castle and getting the banner ready. "What was the phrase again, and also, as we walk to the gate, we might want to figure out a story."
Chapter Eight: Castle in the Clouds
You approach, banner at the ready but not yet unfurled. Ahead, you now see a heavy oak-and-iron portcullis is drawn up just behind the drawbridge. Two life-sized statues of 18-foot-tall cloud giants — one male and one female — stand behind the portcullis, facing each other within the covered gate. You see movement on top of the walls; you can't make out what or who, but you don't see any humanoid guards in the main gate itself.
You are free to talk and make plans as you walk, until you actually reach the gate. Feel free to discuss and then let me know when you're ready to walk up and over the drawbridge.
She starts ticking through the things they know from Talis. "Rezmir is likely there, and someone called Varram. Likely that wizard Jos. We're supposed to display the banner as we approach, and then give the phrase 'Tiamat, our mother and strength' at the gate, and the golem statues will let us pass. The castle's run by a cloud giant, who needs to be alive to keep the castle flying. He's working with another culty head honcho, Severin. We might be able to bargain with the giant and get him to turn on the cult, since maybe he's not really a fan? Do I have any of that right? Maybe we show up and ask where the cloud giant is and hope that we don't see a cultist on our way to him. If we do, then there'll be a fight, and we'll have to try bargaining with the giant after the fight. Nate, would you want to be in an animal form as we approach, to give you some scouting and hiding options and also let you swear at anyone you like in a language they can't understand while we try to bargain?"
(these are the things Nate says during the approach)
Nate rubs his head "Yeah... that sounds about right. So many details, although I think you have it right. Ideally we can get in, find ole' Rezzy and the wizard Jos and any other head honcho-ish scum like you mentioned, kill em', and get the hell off the castle without anyone, let alone the cloud giant find out about it. Might not even have to do any bargaining. I wonder if this thing is going to take off when we are inside?"
"...Although I doubt it will go down like that. Why don't we just fly the banner, use the password, get ourselves in there and then start asking about the cloud giant like you said once we get in there."
"As for what we will say when we are asked WHY the heck we are even there to begin with... we could say we just have private matters with the giant, or... I know you can think of something better, Soar." Nate smiles in a hopeful way.
"Only way to find out is to head in I guess."
"I think I will stay in human form... for now, anyway. I'll do my best to control myself." Nate looks at the castle and Soar you can tell he's not intending to act in a rash manner given what we are about to do. Not intending too, anyhow.
"Private matter with the giant, that works for me!" Soar says clapping Nate on the shoulder encouragingly. She offers to help Jalt unfurl the banner as they get closer, and will say the passphrase as she gets within 100 feet of the gate. Quieter, she says, "can anyone see more of what's moving on top of the walls? It's not just golems waiting for us..."
[Nub put on his warm clothing when he purchased it]
Nub looks to the top of the walls, trying to make out what is up there: Perception: 6
Nub you see big, hulking things moving on the top of the walls; and you glimpse half a head as it leans over to survey the surrounding countryside. They're definitely much bigger than you. 19 Perception is enough to see them, but I think I also need a Nature check to identify them. You could also describe it to the others, who can also make the same check.
Soar, you unfurl the banner at 100 feet. There's no response.
You say the pass phrase at 100 feet too. There's no response.
Nub explains what he sees (also a nature check: 11).
Nub, it might be a giant? Bit small for a giant. You're not really sure.