This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Aeyd:
21 As far as you can tell Shalvus is just shaken which given the circumstances isn't unusual. When you ask about Yoga the shepard looks a little confused and says Yo..ga? I've never heard of it. What is it? I suppose I'd be willing to give it a try..
Aeyd you can go ahead and make an acrobatics check if you're going to do Yoga.
Rollo:
The half orc snorts a laugh before spitting again, replying Nah I s'pose you wouldn't. Maybe you ain't a thief but rather a spy. You're just waiting on a giant attack are ye? Gonna use it as cover to slit our throats and maybe take Goldenfields for yerself? Ya know, as Captain of the Guard here its my job, nay duty, to detain you for questioning. Just until we make sure you're who you say you are. Or...He takes a few steps forward towards the cart. I could be persuaded to ignore yer suspicious activity. Just let me take one of these here casks and I'll look the other way.
He attempts to stand over you menacingly but given you are about the same height it doesn't quite have the affect he hopes for. If you plan on intimidating or persuading him roll an appropriate check with your post.
Claire:
Zi nods in agreement and turns to continue her patrol, beckoning you to follow. Thank you. It's nice to know at least someone around here cares enough to do something to help protect Goldenfields. Sometimes it feels like the people here are in their own little world, and don't realize how important the work we do here really is. Anyway, I don't believe we've truly been introduced yet have we? I am Zi Liang, acolyte of Chauntea. And who exactly are you? She waits a moment for a response before answering the rest of your questions.
We'll, its nice to meet you. As for your question about the Captain, if you met him you'd understand. His position here has made him lazy. Before the giants most threats were hardly anything to worry about. Besides the guards we have plenty of druids and clerics who would come to the defense of Goldenfields if needed so most people are smart enough to leave us alone. Hill giants though...well they are just too dumb to know what's good for them. But the Captain simply does nothing but spend his days wandering around his tower at the brewery and bullying people for free drinks. Its disgraceful but he's an old friend of the Abbot from way back in the day so there's little to be done about it as the Abbot won't hear a word of complaint. Not sure what he sees in him to be honest.
Go ahead and roll perception for this length of the patrol.
Narz:
Naxene looks at you curiously before finally seeming to take note of your spellbook and scroll case, telltale marks of a Wizard. I see you are indeed. I apologize, it's quite unusual to find goblinkin who would rather talk than fight let alone ones interested in learning magic. Hmm but yes perhaps you can be of service to me. I've been thinking about this giant problem we've been having. I'm sure you've heard the rumblings of trouble in your travels. Giants running amok all along the Sword Coast and the Eastern kingdoms as well. I'm certain that our little problem here is just a small part of a greater catastrophe to come. I've been brainstorming some ideas to help but...none I'm ready to share just yet, at least not with more time to consider the options we have. If you have time and do not mind, search these shelves for anything you can find about giants, and I do mean anything. It could be about their habits, their culture, their physiology or even their diet. I've got their enemies taken care of here I hope. She taps the book on the table.
The first step to beating your enemy is to know them inside and out. Knowledge is power after all, and we can learn a lot more if we do our own research and then compile what we know after. So if you want to help young man start digging through those shelves for anything of interest, either way be quiet, I need to focus.
With that she sits down and opens her book to read. Any attempts to speak or ask her questions are met with a librarian style "sush." If you plan to help made an investigation check in your next post.
Rollo lets out a burst of laughter. "Oh! If you're the Captain of the Guards I can see why everyone is so concerned about your ability to do your job. This is the worst shakedown I've ever seen and I've met the fat bear who lives at your temple. Firstly, I didn't even know I was in a shakedown until you so explicitly stated it, you have to do something to put me on the back foot from the start." He shifts just a touch, allowing his cloak to slide back, revealing the glittering silver of his armor and the large steel blade attached to his hip. "Next, if you're going to try and stand over someone, make sure it's someone shorter than you. Now it just seems like you want to kiss me and, while I'm flattered about the attention of a man of your station, I'd rather kiss the bear. Next, you made you intentions much too overt. You need to be subtle in displaying your intentions, let the person's imagination fill in the gaps. They'll think of worse than anything you ever could." He rocks back on his heels a bit and places a hand on his chest, allowing a flash of magical energy to pass over his body. Guidance"And lastly you need to just as subtly display what could happen to the person if they don't do what you want." He reaches down and picks up the last barrel, holding under one arm as he finishes up speaking. "Now, I do have a delivery to make so thank you for your time and attention, and I bid you good day." He places the barrel in the back of the cart before hoping up in to the drivers seat and telling the horse that it's time to go, driving away without ever touching the reigns.
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Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Torsus considered heading straight back though he wasn't sure he should. But after a while decided he may as well. Without a bit more focused search, asking random people if they needed help would likely lead to little if any results. Instead, he chose to slowly but surely make his way back, listening to anyone speaking to see if any of them by some miracle knew of someone in more dire need than 'weeds in mah yard' and the like, but unless he heard something that seemed significant, he'd simply continue to make his way to the Abbots to report his 'sucess'
"My name is Claire Arrensfeld. I'm am a conduit of Divine Light, and I used to use my abilities to bless the crops and cure diseases among my home and few other villages, but I recently decided that my influence was needed elsewhere, and so here I am."
Perception: 26 (passive is 18)
While they walk: "Are there any measures you feel should be implemented off the top of your head? Aside from adding more guards to the rank?"
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"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
Aeyd perks up visibly when the shepherd admits not knowing of yoga. Having not sensed much else from his words other than unease, she hopes that teaching him something to help calm those nerves. She moves herself to get into a good space to show him some positions. "Yoga is mind and body practice. It focuses on bringing harmony to the two within yourself. I prefer to do it outside in the mornings, when the air is fresh and crisp, but you can do it inside as well, if you'd prefer."The monk gives him a small smile. "I'll do some easy stances to start..."
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Narz almost fully smiles, but resist the compulsion. While they may be "allies" today, training dictated he not be so quick to correct misconceptions of goblinkin. The rest he listened to with rapt attention, but not much visible reaction. None except a brief faltering in the half-smile at the mention of hearing 'rumblings of trouble'. However, he was a professional at heart, and without further prompting following her request, nodded, then turned to the shelves.
He furrowed his brows, and after several long seconds, Spaz crawls out of his shadow; ready and willing to offer the hobgoblin assistance in the new objective before them.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rollo:
Rollo as you head off you leave a very confused looking Half orc in your wake. The Captain just stands there and scratches his head, almost seeming to actually be taking your advise into consideration. By time he realizes what happened you're already halfway back to the Inn. When you do Miros is waiting for you outside. Ah there ye are. How was the trip? Didn't run into any trouble did ya?
Torsus:
You'll arrive at the Abbey and will rejoin with the group when they are done with heir own things.
Claire:
Zi looks out to the horizon. The edge of the woods is only maybe a couple miles away from the wall with an empty field of snow between them. We'll, we should be checking for damage to the outside. Anything that could crumble easily if attacked or maybe climbed over. I'm not sure how often the masons go around inspecting the wall and making repairs but I'm sure its not often. So, Claire, you're a follower of Chauntea as well then? Are you one of her clerics? While you're talking Zi gets a little distracted but you manage to see something near the south east section of the wall. Theres a large section of the wall that appears to be falling apart. Its hard to see from up top unless you're actually looking for something but its pretty clear this had been damaged recently, possibly in the last giant attack. Should a giant be looking for a weak section to break through this would be an obvious spot.
Aeyd:
Acrobatics 9
Aeyd proceeds do poses right from a list of hardest Yoga poses such as the headstand and the crow. Shalvus tries but simply cannot keep up. Realizing she may have started a little to hard Aeyd takes it a step back and soon Shalvus is able to actually keep up though its clear who is teaching who here. After a little Yoga Shalvus finally says That's....harder that I thought but I do feel a little better. You really do that every morning?
Narz:
Narz, while searching though the stacks you eventually come across a book of history that seems to be focused around giants. Flipping through the pages you learn several key facts about giants, which you may or may not have already know.
Giant society (such as it is) is defined in large part by the ordning, a caste system imposed upon the giants by their gods, chief among them Annam the All-Father. The ordning determines where a giant stands among his or her ilk. Traditionally, storm giants have stood at the top of the ordning. Tall and powerful, they struggle to keep the weaker races of giants from despoiling the realms of small folk and sparking conflict. The greatest storm giants are powerful seers, skilled at identifying and interpreting cosmic signs and divine omens.
The aloof and aristocratic cloud giants, one step below the storm giants, rarely condescend to deal with lesser giants or small folk. Extravagance defines their culture and their place in the ordning. Below them are the tyrannical, warmongering fire giants and the merciless, predatory frost giants. Fire giants rank themselves by their forging skill, whereas frost giants rank themselves by their martial prowess. Near the bottom of the ordning are the xenophobic stone giants, who mostly live underground and regard the surface world as a realm of dreams. How well they sculpt stone determines their place among their peers. The lowest and smallest of the true giants are the hill giants, as gluttonous as they are loathsome. Hill giants are dullards who live in fear of their more powerful giant cousins. In hill giant society, the biggest rule.
Giant society has existed that way since time immemorial, and as long as there have been giants there have been their greatest enemies, Dragons. Giants once had a kingdom of their own, Ostoria, which encompassed much of the northern sword coast and the savage frontier. However after a long and bloody war with dragons their kingdom fell, and as such their hatred of dragons has never faded. This has had a side effect that is fortunate for the small folk of the world, as without giant cohesion smallfolk were able to build their own kingdoms. And although giants occasionally make forays into the territory of small folk this incursions are usually small and lack any sort of real organization.
While you are reading the book in front of you Spaz starts patting at another tome. You go to see what he's pointing at and you find a copy of Volos Guide to Monsters, written by the famed writer Volothamp Geddarm. Inside you find a detailed listing of a variety of different giants and their general capabilities. (You gain access to the stat blocks for the various giants in Volos guide to monsters as well as the descriptor text accompanying it
Although disciplined in mind, and perhaps out of pride for normally being so, Narz would later chide himself for the few seconds more it took to register Spaz' attempts to get his attention. Until then, the hobgoblin carefully set aside his current read away from the well organized pile of other various volumes collected over time for a closer look at the book. "Volothamp Geddarm... hm... A name I know a few goblin chirpers would've loved to rip into." He quietly commented to avoid being shushed again.
After a bit of scanning of the pages Narz eyes grow gradually wide at the details. He cannot help but immediately dig out ink and pen, and start copying as much detail as possible on the fire, hill, and even the frost giant entries, sparing few details but using his own shorthand upon realizing time might be personally of the essence. Satisfied if left to his own devices for several minutes, Narz brings both the Guide and several other books over to Nazene's attention. "Humblest apologies for disturbing your current readings, Mam. But, you may wish to have a look at these for the sake of your mission, eh?"
(Aw, only the giants? Oh well. This must be a volume 2 or three of a series of Volo's Guide to Monsters.)
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Rollo hops down from the wagon and gives the horse a congratulatory scratch between the ears. "None at all. Well, you're Captain of the Guard tried to hustle me out of a barrel. Fortunately, or unfortunately for the city, he's an idiot and I was able to leave him picking up his jaw from the floor just by talking to him. He might come try to give you trouble. If he does, let me know and I'll sort him out. How someone that thick ever made Captain I'll never know."
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Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisysin Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Despite her mistake of starting off with the more advanced poses, Aeyd was impressed with the shepherd. Shalvus might not have done yoga before, but she could definitely see his potential had he kept practicing. Throughout, she was sure to aid in his breathing and balancing techniques as well.
“At first, it does look hard, but the more you practice and the more your mind and body balances itself, you’ll be able to do those first few poses I did earlier. Sorry about that, by the way,” She gives a sheepish laugh. “But yes, every morning. It helps warm up my muscles and keeps me limber and quick for any fights I get into. Sometimes, I’ll do it at night if I’m feeling it. I also meditate as well, to help ease my nerves. Have you tried that before?”
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Torsus re-enters the abbey or goes around, attempting to find the Abbot, wherever he may be. Since he had nothing else to do, he figured he'd see if anything else around the abbey itself needed doing, or if not... if the Abbot had time to talk of other matters.
Naxene pauses to look at the books and skims through them briefly. Interesting indeed. I will take a closer look at these shortly. Your help has been noted and appreciated. By the way, you and your companions, do you plan to be here long? If you prove to be competent I might hire you for a little task before you leave, but right now the details are not quite ready so I dare not get into it further just yet. Still I would be interested in knowing if you'd be for hire when your buisness is finished here.
Rollo:
Miros laughs and says Well truth be told, he only has that position because of his long standing friendship with the Abbot. The two used to adventure together and when the Abbot first decided to return to the monestary to settle down Strogg followed. When the Abbot actually became the Abbot he promoted Strogg to Captain of the Guard. Problem is Stroggs grown lazy here. We don't exactly face many threats and those we do are normally rather weak. If ya ask me its made the Captain a little too confident in his abilities. But there's not much to be done about it. If he would just quit trying to take my Goldencup from me I wouldn't have any problems with the man so long as we stay out of eachothers hair. Anyway thanks for the help, why don't you take a seat inside and I'll make a meal and pour ya a nice cold mug of Goldencup to thank ya while you wait for your friends.
Ayed:
Shalvus finishes his current position before standing normally and saying No I haven't. Usually don't have much time for stuff like that as there's always something that needs doing in my line of work. That's why I go for walks, allows me to relax my nerves but still allows me to cover the grounds and observe th-the animals.
"Hmm? Of Chauntea? No, no. I hadn't actually heard of her until coming this way. I am simply a conduit, a bringer of divine light to where it is needed." After Li's response, Claire stops and points out the damage in the wall. "Oh, there! That part looks a bit damaged! My... I feel that definitely should have been caught by now... more patrols might really be crucial."
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"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
Zi looks over the ledge to see the damage. Shit. Yeah thats bad, and this is exactly what I'm talking about. These Waterdavian guards are either lazy or incompetent. I'll speak to some of the druids and see if they can fix it. It'll be quicker than telling the Abbot anyway. After taking note of the damage Zi continues along the wall, this time keep an eye out for more potential weak points. Come on, let's keep looking for anything else thats wrong. I'm honestly surprised you've never heard of Chauntea though, what you described to me is exactly the kind of magic shes known for. Heck, its what we do here. The Druids and Clerics who follow Chauntea are a big reason we are able to grow some of the crops we do, without their magic this would be a large but otherwise ordinary farm. Ya know, maybe you could sit in for one of the Abbots sermons or speak to another Cleric while you're here. A goddess picking someone random to be their Cleric is unusual but not wholly unheard of, but the fact don't know her is certainly a first for me.
Both Narz and Spaz strike their own thinking poses for a bit, with the former brushing his beard and the latter looking at the ceiling. "At the barest minimum, and do keep in mind this only a rough estimation, but I anticipate that we'll be here for a few days minimum. A week or more, assuming the recent giant attacks here escalate to the point of a proper seige, Madame. But in either event, I would need to discuss the matter with the others, as we too ultimately seek to put an overall end to the recent, uhm, extreme hostile activities of the giants following further investigation." He explained, making small circles with his hands off to the sides, then holds up a finger in a halting gesture. "If this task however is aligned with that or might in some way improve our odds, then I can say with more confidence that convincing them that undertaking this task would be easier."
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Claire shrugs. "It's been this way my whole life. Whether this power was my own or granted from another never really crossed my mind. My family and the other villagers paraded me around and treated me like one might a holy figure, but there was never much actual procedure to it. At least, not that they taught me." Claire clicks her teeth a few times. "...Thank you for inviting me to a sermon, I may take you up on it, but if this Chauntea you speak of was the one granting my power, I think she probably would have revealed herself to me by now." A hint of indignation creeps into Claire's voice, as if she thinks attributing her power to another being is an insult, but then she quickly adds: "Perhaps she will... but if my understanding of Gods in general is accurate, they tend to do these things as their whims permit." Claire frowns to herself; it's not like she understands where her power comes from... the fact that a God has granted it to her makes sense, but she fears what that may mean for her, what she may be expected or obligated to do. Would 'her' god's morals and objectives align with her own? It is easier not to think about it, so Claire dismisses the thought with a shudder and focuses her attention on inspecting the walls.
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"Mulkrip" -Hobgoblin Barbarian, Path of the Totem Warrior -Libertalia
Aeyd nods slowly at Shalvus' answer, though she quirks a brow at the stutter in his voice. Her hand moves to her waterskin, unhooking it from her belt as she offers it to the shepherd. "Water?"Had he taken it, she would give a small smile and a nod. Had he not, she gives a nod in understanding and hooks it back in place.
"Well that's understandable. Maybe alternating between meditating and yoga at night would do you some good... Though... I can't imagine there would be much to observe when the animals would be sleeping, no?"
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Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Narz:
Naxene nods and says Oh yes I believe our goals shall align quite nicely. Still for now I need to do research and reach out to a few contacts of mine.. once I have something solid I'll be sure to reach out to you. In the meantime, if you're in need of me you can usually find me in my room at the Inn, its the large one above the stables round back. If not there then I'm probably here. Oh and if you haven't already, make copies of what you found or commit it to memory. You never know what will come in handy later on.
Rollo:
While sitting in the inn you see that several people have started clearing out after their midday meals. Staff flock back and forth cleaning up tables and cleaning them for when the next inevitable customer walks in. While you're relaxing one of the younger staff members arrives with your meal. With a pleasant smile the simply dressed woman places a large plate of meat and mixed vegetables covered in a thick and spicy smelling sauce with a large portion of the rice you presume they grow here. The rice is actually something you find quite unusual as it doesn't grow around here naturally and the only reason people have access to it is because of Goldenfields. Even still, based on the map you saw the rice fields don't appear large so there's not exactly a large supply of it. Besides the food she also places a large mug filled with a light golden liquid with a white foam nearly overflowing from the top of the mug. Miros said you get an extra big portion for the help sir. He also said to give you this. She places a small pouch filled with 50 gold coins. The young woman to see if there's anything else you need before leaving you to your meal.
The food itself is warm and fresh. It has a slight spice to it to give it some flavor but isn't overpowering. Even if it were the Goldencup ale is cold and refreshing. Its got a strong hops flavor with notes of barley, carmel and fruits. While you're eating the door to the inn opens and several kids run in laughing and playing with pair of dogs. The dogs allow themselves to be pet and doted on by the kids before walking past them and walking to the counter. Before your eyes the dogs forms shift and soon in their place stand two half elves, a man and a woman, who look like they could be twins. The male orders a few waters from the same serving girl who just served you while the woman instructs the kids to go back outside to speak to some names Lifferlas for more lessons, promising they'll play with them again later. The kids don't seem happy about it but they listen well enough and soon leave while the pair of half elves take a seat across the room.
Torsus:
Torsus, when you arrive at the Abbey you head to the back gardens first hoping to find the Abbot. You have to wander around the gardens for a little while before you realize he is not here. On your way back to search inside your eye catches a glimpse of something on the ground. Picking it up, it appears to be a bracelet made of wood and simple metal. It looks like someone dropped it while playing in a flower bed.
Claire:
Zi pauses for a moment as she considers what you told her. It looks like she wants to say something at first but restrains herself and instead replies I see, thats quite interesting Claire. I've never met someone with divine powers who didn't get them direct from a God they worship. But magic is weird like that sometime right? I mean I'm not expert on magic but it seems we have all these rules on how it works and when we think we understand it something new comes along and changes everything. Maybe you were chosen by Chauntea, maybe you weren't. Still, intentionally or not it sounds like you were doing her work, and that's something to be proud of. Zi stops and gestures over the wall towards Goldenfields. Following her hand you seem to get your first real view of the Goldenfields from up here. Massive fields with all sorts of crops for miles, all centered around the tall stone Abbey and quaint town in the center. Even after fall harvest some fields still have flourishing crops of rice, wheat, and vegetables despite the cold winter.
What we do here is massively important. Its more than just doing what Chauntea wishes and praying to her. The food we grow year round feeds thousands who would otherwise starve. We bring crops that would never grow in this climate to everyday people. To be able to provide for so many people is who rely on us is what truly matters, and it's my opinion that that is more important to Chauntea that simply growing food and communing with nature. Regardless of where you got your abilities I think if you were helping the people of your village grow their crops and feed themselves then you were doing Chaunteas bidding, regardless if you knew it or not. I think its the deed that's what's important. Sensing that she may be talking too much about religious matters and making you uncomfortable Zi clears her throat. Sorry, I can get carried away sometimes. Why don't we call it here for the time being. It'll take a while to walk the entire length of the wall and I want to let the druids know about the damage to the wall so we can get it fixed sooner rather than later. I'll catch you around later yeah? Zi stays long enough to listen to a reply before heading to the nearest tower to leave and go find someone to fix the wall.
Aeyd:
15
Shalvus accepts the water with a nod and takes a big sip before handing it back. As he goes to swallow you finish speaking and Shalvus begins to choke on the water. After a brief fit of coughing he catches his breath and says Oh well...ya know....animals could get out...plus I have to check in and make sure wolves don't get to them.
You note that the entire settlement is protected by a large stone wall. You highly doubt wolves are somehow getting in unnoticed to get at a few sheep in the middle of town. Its obvious he's lying and hiding something.
(Was gonna have you roll insight but nat 1 deception soooo.)
Aeyd:
21 As far as you can tell Shalvus is just shaken which given the circumstances isn't unusual. When you ask about Yoga the shepard looks a little confused and says Yo..ga? I've never heard of it. What is it? I suppose I'd be willing to give it a try..
Aeyd you can go ahead and make an acrobatics check if you're going to do Yoga.
Rollo:
The half orc snorts a laugh before spitting again, replying Nah I s'pose you wouldn't. Maybe you ain't a thief but rather a spy. You're just waiting on a giant attack are ye? Gonna use it as cover to slit our throats and maybe take Goldenfields for yerself? Ya know, as Captain of the Guard here its my job, nay duty, to detain you for questioning. Just until we make sure you're who you say you are. Or...He takes a few steps forward towards the cart. I could be persuaded to ignore yer suspicious activity. Just let me take one of these here casks and I'll look the other way.
He attempts to stand over you menacingly but given you are about the same height it doesn't quite have the affect he hopes for. If you plan on intimidating or persuading him roll an appropriate check with your post.
Claire:
Zi nods in agreement and turns to continue her patrol, beckoning you to follow. Thank you. It's nice to know at least someone around here cares enough to do something to help protect Goldenfields. Sometimes it feels like the people here are in their own little world, and don't realize how important the work we do here really is. Anyway, I don't believe we've truly been introduced yet have we? I am Zi Liang, acolyte of Chauntea. And who exactly are you? She waits a moment for a response before answering the rest of your questions.
We'll, its nice to meet you. As for your question about the Captain, if you met him you'd understand. His position here has made him lazy. Before the giants most threats were hardly anything to worry about. Besides the guards we have plenty of druids and clerics who would come to the defense of Goldenfields if needed so most people are smart enough to leave us alone. Hill giants though...well they are just too dumb to know what's good for them. But the Captain simply does nothing but spend his days wandering around his tower at the brewery and bullying people for free drinks. Its disgraceful but he's an old friend of the Abbot from way back in the day so there's little to be done about it as the Abbot won't hear a word of complaint. Not sure what he sees in him to be honest.
Go ahead and roll perception for this length of the patrol.
Narz:
Naxene looks at you curiously before finally seeming to take note of your spellbook and scroll case, telltale marks of a Wizard. I see you are indeed. I apologize, it's quite unusual to find goblinkin who would rather talk than fight let alone ones interested in learning magic. Hmm but yes perhaps you can be of service to me. I've been thinking about this giant problem we've been having. I'm sure you've heard the rumblings of trouble in your travels. Giants running amok all along the Sword Coast and the Eastern kingdoms as well. I'm certain that our little problem here is just a small part of a greater catastrophe to come. I've been brainstorming some ideas to help but...none I'm ready to share just yet, at least not with more time to consider the options we have. If you have time and do not mind, search these shelves for anything you can find about giants, and I do mean anything. It could be about their habits, their culture, their physiology or even their diet. I've got their enemies taken care of here I hope. She taps the book on the table.
The first step to beating your enemy is to know them inside and out. Knowledge is power after all, and we can learn a lot more if we do our own research and then compile what we know after. So if you want to help young man start digging through those shelves for anything of interest, either way be quiet, I need to focus.
With that she sits down and opens her book to read. Any attempts to speak or ask her questions are met with a librarian style "sush." If you plan to help made an investigation check in your next post.
Rollo lets out a burst of laughter. "Oh! If you're the Captain of the Guards I can see why everyone is so concerned about your ability to do your job. This is the worst shakedown I've ever seen and I've met the fat bear who lives at your temple. Firstly, I didn't even know I was in a shakedown until you so explicitly stated it, you have to do something to put me on the back foot from the start." He shifts just a touch, allowing his cloak to slide back, revealing the glittering silver of his armor and the large steel blade attached to his hip. "Next, if you're going to try and stand over someone, make sure it's someone shorter than you. Now it just seems like you want to kiss me and, while I'm flattered about the attention of a man of your station, I'd rather kiss the bear. Next, you made you intentions much too overt. You need to be subtle in displaying your intentions, let the person's imagination fill in the gaps. They'll think of worse than anything you ever could." He rocks back on his heels a bit and places a hand on his chest, allowing a flash of magical energy to pass over his body. Guidance "And lastly you need to just as subtly display what could happen to the person if they don't do what you want." He reaches down and picks up the last barrel, holding under one arm as he finishes up speaking. "Now, I do have a delivery to make so thank you for your time and attention, and I bid you good day." He places the barrel in the back of the cart before hoping up in to the drivers seat and telling the horse that it's time to go, driving away without ever touching the reigns.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Torsus considered heading straight back though he wasn't sure he should. But after a while decided he may as well. Without a bit more focused search, asking random people if they needed help would likely lead to little if any results. Instead, he chose to slowly but surely make his way back, listening to anyone speaking to see if any of them by some miracle knew of someone in more dire need than 'weeds in mah yard' and the like, but unless he heard something that seemed significant, he'd simply continue to make his way to the Abbots to report his 'sucess'
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"My name is Claire Arrensfeld. I'm am a conduit of Divine Light, and I used to use my abilities to bless the crops and cure diseases among my home and few other villages, but I recently decided that my influence was needed elsewhere, and so here I am."
Perception: 26 (passive is 18)
While they walk: "Are there any measures you feel should be implemented off the top of your head? Aside from adding more guards to the rank?"
Aeyd perks up visibly when the shepherd admits not knowing of yoga. Having not sensed much else from his words other than unease, she hopes that teaching him something to help calm those nerves. She moves herself to get into a good space to show him some positions. "Yoga is mind and body practice. It focuses on bringing harmony to the two within yourself. I prefer to do it outside in the mornings, when the air is fresh and crisp, but you can do it inside as well, if you'd prefer." The monk gives him a small smile. "I'll do some easy stances to start..."
Acrobatics: 26
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Narz almost fully smiles, but resist the compulsion. While they may be "allies" today, training dictated he not be so quick to correct misconceptions of goblinkin. The rest he listened to with rapt attention, but not much visible reaction. None except a brief faltering in the half-smile at the mention of hearing 'rumblings of trouble'. However, he was a professional at heart, and without further prompting following her request, nodded, then turned to the shelves.
He furrowed his brows, and after several long seconds, Spaz crawls out of his shadow; ready and willing to offer the hobgoblin assistance in the new objective before them.
Investigation: 8(i19)If allowed to use Spaz help)
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Rollo:
Rollo as you head off you leave a very confused looking Half orc in your wake. The Captain just stands there and scratches his head, almost seeming to actually be taking your advise into consideration. By time he realizes what happened you're already halfway back to the Inn. When you do Miros is waiting for you outside. Ah there ye are. How was the trip? Didn't run into any trouble did ya?
Torsus:
You'll arrive at the Abbey and will rejoin with the group when they are done with heir own things.
Claire:
Zi looks out to the horizon. The edge of the woods is only maybe a couple miles away from the wall with an empty field of snow between them. We'll, we should be checking for damage to the outside. Anything that could crumble easily if attacked or maybe climbed over. I'm not sure how often the masons go around inspecting the wall and making repairs but I'm sure its not often. So, Claire, you're a follower of Chauntea as well then? Are you one of her clerics? While you're talking Zi gets a little distracted but you manage to see something near the south east section of the wall. Theres a large section of the wall that appears to be falling apart. Its hard to see from up top unless you're actually looking for something but its pretty clear this had been damaged recently, possibly in the last giant attack. Should a giant be looking for a weak section to break through this would be an obvious spot.
Aeyd:
Acrobatics 9
Aeyd proceeds do poses right from a list of hardest Yoga poses such as the headstand and the crow. Shalvus tries but simply cannot keep up. Realizing she may have started a little to hard Aeyd takes it a step back and soon Shalvus is able to actually keep up though its clear who is teaching who here. After a little Yoga Shalvus finally says That's....harder that I thought but I do feel a little better. You really do that every morning?
Narz:
Narz, while searching though the stacks you eventually come across a book of history that seems to be focused around giants. Flipping through the pages you learn several key facts about giants, which you may or may not have already know.
Giant society (such as it is) is defined in large part by the ordning, a caste system imposed upon the giants by their gods, chief among them Annam the All-Father. The ordning determines where a giant stands among his or her ilk. Traditionally, storm giants have stood at the top of the ordning. Tall and powerful, they struggle to keep the weaker races of giants from despoiling the realms of small folk and sparking conflict. The greatest storm giants are powerful seers, skilled at identifying and interpreting cosmic signs and divine omens.
The aloof and aristocratic cloud giants, one step below the storm giants, rarely condescend to deal with lesser giants or small folk. Extravagance defines their culture and their place in the ordning. Below them are the tyrannical, warmongering fire giants and the merciless, predatory frost giants. Fire giants rank themselves by their forging skill, whereas frost giants rank themselves by their martial prowess. Near the bottom of the ordning are the xenophobic stone giants, who mostly live underground and regard the surface world as a realm of dreams. How well they sculpt stone determines their place among their peers. The lowest and smallest of the true giants are the hill giants, as gluttonous as they are loathsome. Hill giants are dullards who live in fear of their more powerful giant cousins. In hill giant society, the biggest rule.
Giant society has existed that way since time immemorial, and as long as there have been giants there have been their greatest enemies, Dragons. Giants once had a kingdom of their own, Ostoria, which encompassed much of the northern sword coast and the savage frontier. However after a long and bloody war with dragons their kingdom fell, and as such their hatred of dragons has never faded. This has had a side effect that is fortunate for the small folk of the world, as without giant cohesion smallfolk were able to build their own kingdoms. And although giants occasionally make forays into the territory of small folk this incursions are usually small and lack any sort of real organization.
While you are reading the book in front of you Spaz starts patting at another tome. You go to see what he's pointing at and you find a copy of Volos Guide to Monsters, written by the famed writer Volothamp Geddarm. Inside you find a detailed listing of a variety of different giants and their general capabilities. (You gain access to the stat blocks for the various giants in Volos guide to monsters as well as the descriptor text accompanying it
Although disciplined in mind, and perhaps out of pride for normally being so, Narz would later chide himself for the few seconds more it took to register Spaz' attempts to get his attention. Until then, the hobgoblin carefully set aside his current read away from the well organized pile of other various volumes collected over time for a closer look at the book. "Volothamp Geddarm... hm... A name I know a few goblin chirpers would've loved to rip into." He quietly commented to avoid being shushed again.
After a bit of scanning of the pages Narz eyes grow gradually wide at the details. He cannot help but immediately dig out ink and pen, and start copying as much detail as possible on the fire, hill, and even the frost giant entries, sparing few details but using his own shorthand upon realizing time might be personally of the essence. Satisfied if left to his own devices for several minutes, Narz brings both the Guide and several other books over to Nazene's attention. "Humblest apologies for disturbing your current readings, Mam. But, you may wish to have a look at these for the sake of your mission, eh?"
(Aw, only the giants? Oh well. This must be a volume 2 or three of a series of Volo's Guide to Monsters.)
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Rollo hops down from the wagon and gives the horse a congratulatory scratch between the ears. "None at all. Well, you're Captain of the Guard tried to hustle me out of a barrel. Fortunately, or unfortunately for the city, he's an idiot and I was able to leave him picking up his jaw from the floor just by talking to him. He might come try to give you trouble. If he does, let me know and I'll sort him out. How someone that thick ever made Captain I'll never know."
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Despite her mistake of starting off with the more advanced poses, Aeyd was impressed with the shepherd. Shalvus might not have done yoga before, but she could definitely see his potential had he kept practicing. Throughout, she was sure to aid in his breathing and balancing techniques as well.
“At first, it does look hard, but the more you practice and the more your mind and body balances itself, you’ll be able to do those first few poses I did earlier. Sorry about that, by the way,” She gives a sheepish laugh. “But yes, every morning. It helps warm up my muscles and keeps me limber and quick for any fights I get into. Sometimes, I’ll do it at night if I’m feeling it. I also meditate as well, to help ease my nerves. Have you tried that before?”
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Torsus re-enters the abbey or goes around, attempting to find the Abbot, wherever he may be. Since he had nothing else to do, he figured he'd see if anything else around the abbey itself needed doing, or if not... if the Abbot had time to talk of other matters.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Narz:
Naxene pauses to look at the books and skims through them briefly. Interesting indeed. I will take a closer look at these shortly. Your help has been noted and appreciated. By the way, you and your companions, do you plan to be here long? If you prove to be competent I might hire you for a little task before you leave, but right now the details are not quite ready so I dare not get into it further just yet. Still I would be interested in knowing if you'd be for hire when your buisness is finished here.
Rollo:
Miros laughs and says Well truth be told, he only has that position because of his long standing friendship with the Abbot. The two used to adventure together and when the Abbot first decided to return to the monestary to settle down Strogg followed. When the Abbot actually became the Abbot he promoted Strogg to Captain of the Guard. Problem is Stroggs grown lazy here. We don't exactly face many threats and those we do are normally rather weak. If ya ask me its made the Captain a little too confident in his abilities. But there's not much to be done about it. If he would just quit trying to take my Goldencup from me I wouldn't have any problems with the man so long as we stay out of eachothers hair. Anyway thanks for the help, why don't you take a seat inside and I'll make a meal and pour ya a nice cold mug of Goldencup to thank ya while you wait for your friends.
Ayed:
Shalvus finishes his current position before standing normally and saying No I haven't. Usually don't have much time for stuff like that as there's always something that needs doing in my line of work. That's why I go for walks, allows me to relax my nerves but still allows me to cover the grounds and observe th-the animals.
"Hmm? Of Chauntea? No, no. I hadn't actually heard of her until coming this way. I am simply a conduit, a bringer of divine light to where it is needed." After Li's response, Claire stops and points out the damage in the wall. "Oh, there! That part looks a bit damaged! My... I feel that definitely should have been caught by now... more patrols might really be crucial."
Claire:
Zi looks over the ledge to see the damage. Shit. Yeah thats bad, and this is exactly what I'm talking about. These Waterdavian guards are either lazy or incompetent. I'll speak to some of the druids and see if they can fix it. It'll be quicker than telling the Abbot anyway. After taking note of the damage Zi continues along the wall, this time keep an eye out for more potential weak points. Come on, let's keep looking for anything else thats wrong. I'm honestly surprised you've never heard of Chauntea though, what you described to me is exactly the kind of magic shes known for. Heck, its what we do here. The Druids and Clerics who follow Chauntea are a big reason we are able to grow some of the crops we do, without their magic this would be a large but otherwise ordinary farm. Ya know, maybe you could sit in for one of the Abbots sermons or speak to another Cleric while you're here. A goddess picking someone random to be their Cleric is unusual but not wholly unheard of, but the fact don't know her is certainly a first for me.
Torsus: perception check please.
Rollo gives a greatful nod and sits at a table with his back to a wall so that he can watch what's going on.
Gronk in Bastion, Kingdom of Medrin Elixisys in Talaveroth (Team 2) Uthal in Lost Continent of Theviranne
Both Narz and Spaz strike their own thinking poses for a bit, with the former brushing his beard and the latter looking at the ceiling. "At the barest minimum, and do keep in mind this only a rough estimation, but I anticipate that we'll be here for a few days minimum. A week or more, assuming the recent giant attacks here escalate to the point of a proper seige, Madame. But in either event, I would need to discuss the matter with the others, as we too ultimately seek to put an overall end to the recent, uhm, extreme hostile activities of the giants following further investigation." He explained, making small circles with his hands off to the sides, then holds up a finger in a halting gesture. "If this task however is aligned with that or might in some way improve our odds, then I can say with more confidence that convincing them that undertaking this task would be easier."
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Percolation Check: 4
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Claire shrugs. "It's been this way my whole life. Whether this power was my own or granted from another never really crossed my mind. My family and the other villagers paraded me around and treated me like one might a holy figure, but there was never much actual procedure to it. At least, not that they taught me." Claire clicks her teeth a few times. "...Thank you for inviting me to a sermon, I may take you up on it, but if this Chauntea you speak of was the one granting my power, I think she probably would have revealed herself to me by now." A hint of indignation creeps into Claire's voice, as if she thinks attributing her power to another being is an insult, but then she quickly adds: "Perhaps she will... but if my understanding of Gods in general is accurate, they tend to do these things as their whims permit." Claire frowns to herself; it's not like she understands where her power comes from... the fact that a God has granted it to her makes sense, but she fears what that may mean for her, what she may be expected or obligated to do. Would 'her' god's morals and objectives align with her own? It is easier not to think about it, so Claire dismisses the thought with a shudder and focuses her attention on inspecting the walls.
Aeyd nods slowly at Shalvus' answer, though she quirks a brow at the stutter in his voice. Her hand moves to her waterskin, unhooking it from her belt as she offers it to the shepherd. "Water?" Had he taken it, she would give a small smile and a nod. Had he not, she gives a nod in understanding and hooks it back in place.
"Well that's understandable. Maybe alternating between meditating and yoga at night would do you some good... Though... I can't imagine there would be much to observe when the animals would be sleeping, no?"
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ。ꞈ。ᐟ\
Narz:
Naxene nods and says Oh yes I believe our goals shall align quite nicely. Still for now I need to do research and reach out to a few contacts of mine.. once I have something solid I'll be sure to reach out to you. In the meantime, if you're in need of me you can usually find me in my room at the Inn, its the large one above the stables round back. If not there then I'm probably here. Oh and if you haven't already, make copies of what you found or commit it to memory. You never know what will come in handy later on.
Rollo:
While sitting in the inn you see that several people have started clearing out after their midday meals. Staff flock back and forth cleaning up tables and cleaning them for when the next inevitable customer walks in. While you're relaxing one of the younger staff members arrives with your meal. With a pleasant smile the simply dressed woman places a large plate of meat and mixed vegetables covered in a thick and spicy smelling sauce with a large portion of the rice you presume they grow here. The rice is actually something you find quite unusual as it doesn't grow around here naturally and the only reason people have access to it is because of Goldenfields. Even still, based on the map you saw the rice fields don't appear large so there's not exactly a large supply of it. Besides the food she also places a large mug filled with a light golden liquid with a white foam nearly overflowing from the top of the mug. Miros said you get an extra big portion for the help sir. He also said to give you this. She places a small pouch filled with 50 gold coins. The young woman to see if there's anything else you need before leaving you to your meal.
The food itself is warm and fresh. It has a slight spice to it to give it some flavor but isn't overpowering. Even if it were the Goldencup ale is cold and refreshing. Its got a strong hops flavor with notes of barley, carmel and fruits. While you're eating the door to the inn opens and several kids run in laughing and playing with pair of dogs. The dogs allow themselves to be pet and doted on by the kids before walking past them and walking to the counter. Before your eyes the dogs forms shift and soon in their place stand two half elves, a man and a woman, who look like they could be twins. The male orders a few waters from the same serving girl who just served you while the woman instructs the kids to go back outside to speak to some names Lifferlas for more lessons, promising they'll play with them again later. The kids don't seem happy about it but they listen well enough and soon leave while the pair of half elves take a seat across the room.
Torsus:
Torsus, when you arrive at the Abbey you head to the back gardens first hoping to find the Abbot. You have to wander around the gardens for a little while before you realize he is not here. On your way back to search inside your eye catches a glimpse of something on the ground. Picking it up, it appears to be a bracelet made of wood and simple metal. It looks like someone dropped it while playing in a flower bed.
Claire:
Zi pauses for a moment as she considers what you told her. It looks like she wants to say something at first but restrains herself and instead replies I see, thats quite interesting Claire. I've never met someone with divine powers who didn't get them direct from a God they worship. But magic is weird like that sometime right? I mean I'm not expert on magic but it seems we have all these rules on how it works and when we think we understand it something new comes along and changes everything. Maybe you were chosen by Chauntea, maybe you weren't. Still, intentionally or not it sounds like you were doing her work, and that's something to be proud of. Zi stops and gestures over the wall towards Goldenfields. Following her hand you seem to get your first real view of the Goldenfields from up here. Massive fields with all sorts of crops for miles, all centered around the tall stone Abbey and quaint town in the center. Even after fall harvest some fields still have flourishing crops of rice, wheat, and vegetables despite the cold winter.
What we do here is massively important. Its more than just doing what Chauntea wishes and praying to her. The food we grow year round feeds thousands who would otherwise starve. We bring crops that would never grow in this climate to everyday people. To be able to provide for so many people is who rely on us is what truly matters, and it's my opinion that that is more important to Chauntea that simply growing food and communing with nature. Regardless of where you got your abilities I think if you were helping the people of your village grow their crops and feed themselves then you were doing Chaunteas bidding, regardless if you knew it or not. I think its the deed that's what's important. Sensing that she may be talking too much about religious matters and making you uncomfortable Zi clears her throat. Sorry, I can get carried away sometimes. Why don't we call it here for the time being. It'll take a while to walk the entire length of the wall and I want to let the druids know about the damage to the wall so we can get it fixed sooner rather than later. I'll catch you around later yeah? Zi stays long enough to listen to a reply before heading to the nearest tower to leave and go find someone to fix the wall.
Aeyd:
15
Shalvus accepts the water with a nod and takes a big sip before handing it back. As he goes to swallow you finish speaking and Shalvus begins to choke on the water. After a brief fit of coughing he catches his breath and says Oh well...ya know....animals could get out...plus I have to check in and make sure wolves don't get to them.
You note that the entire settlement is protected by a large stone wall. You highly doubt wolves are somehow getting in unnoticed to get at a few sheep in the middle of town. Its obvious he's lying and hiding something.
(Was gonna have you roll insight but nat 1 deception soooo.)