"If we could only get more intel of what is inside but I can not see in the dark... I feel like I have let you all down" she says with a pout. "I just want to really make the Duke pay for what he has done to the North."

"Maybe it is best we go after another group giants. Maybe those stupid hill giants or the stone ones? From what we have learned before the Cloud giants could be even more trouble than the fire giants? Do you know Ireniana?"

" As Nyx said...Hill Giants are dumber than a box of hammers.....well, generally anyway. Stone Giants can be reasoned with at times.....I'd rather not go up against Frost or Storm Giants given a choice....they can be trouble."

Ireniana nods. "I agree with Nyx. I think this point fighting the Duke is risky. I think the Hill or Stone giants are easier targets." 

Baeshra nods his agreement, "Hill or stone, then. Where are they?"

(Did we get locations for the others?)

Umbriel agrees. "I agree, I don't know how many more near death experiences I can take. Hill or Stone, whoever is closer." 

Alright, see the map below.  You're at Ironslag in the north.  Where do you want to go now?

I was re-reading some of our past posts, and remembered that you were able to find Duke Zalto thanks to your conversation with the Oracle at the Eye of the All Father.  You magically know where Duke Zalto is in relation to you.  You can tell that he is still retreating and almost back at the village.

Lyngheid knelt down beside the dam and pondered...

Nature: 10

Survival: 18

Nature: 3

Survival: 7

So that's a 15 for Nature, and a 20 for Survival, pretty good rolls!

You can tell that the water, when it was running, was about 8 feet below where the wheel's axle comes out of the cliffside.  With those rolls, you estimate that with 4 stoneshape spells, and some random boulders thrown in, you all would be able to create a dam right above the waterwheel and redirect the stream to go through the axle hole and into the cavern beyond.

You can also tell that you won't be able to heat the wheel or the shaft enough for the water to do any damage.

Lyngheid relates her musings to the others with a crooked eyebrow.

 So, what's everyone thinking for a plan?  Long Rest in the airship? 

Sounds like a plan to me.

"I'll always up for a rest after combat, it can be such a bother. Especially with giants.... but have we decided then that we are going to take another red hot poke, excuse the pun, at the Duke and his fire friends? Or are we heading further afield? Lyngheid  does have a plan and I would really love to break his iron grip."

Baeshra shrugs, "Rest, then scout the village and make our plans from there?"

Umbriel nods. "Agreed, I trust Lyngheid's experience in these matters, and the Duke is overdue for justice." 

Alright, the airship takes off and hovers safely above ground, out of reach of any hostiles.  Everyone completes a long rest, and Droop is back to only 2 points of exhaustion.  He can fight again!

The morning dawns.  Three people roll d20s. 

And then roll Perception checks for scouting out the village again, assuming from the airship?

14

Baeshra perception 18

From the ship would be best, and checking on the dam as well. 

Irenaina Perception - 20

6

Perception: 11

Droop will roll:  16

Perception: 8

It's cold, but not abnormally so, and there is no wind and the rain has cleared up, making it easy to see the village far below.

Lyngheid, you are the only one that sees this on the way to the village:
About a half mile up river from the village you spot a band of 5 fire giants, including Duke Zalto, with a few ogres and hobgoblins. 

At the village, the rest of you see two more fire giants and an ogre patrolling the village and the area around the wheel.