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Feng [HP 105, AC 23]
Friday October 8th, 2004 9:35:18 AM
Feng is actually glad for the pause in their journey. The dark elves are out there somewhere and they will find them but things have been strained with the death of Gaxx. Feng himself has been deep in thought and silent prayer most of the time.

Setanos [AC 19, HP 98/98] (Ex Mage Armor)
Friday October 8th, 2004 10:24:45 AM
Setanos watches the 'troll', hoping to see some signs of comprehension and amusement. He was certainly amused by the story, a grin on his face and a slight chuckle.

Swapping stories - DM Marcin
Friday October 8th, 2004 10:39:00 AM
While Renik declames a poem Arien looks over the bridge. It is rather sturdy; it is not certain if a fireball would be enough to bring it down. If one had, on the other hand, some means of applying leverage and fifteen minutes or so...

Renik finishes. There is a long, pregnant pause while the troll takes in the story.

.
.
.

Finally...

"O ho ho ho ho! A ha!" Sounds a tubal laughter. "I get it. I get it. A ha ha ha. Hhukanow, eh? Hhukanow! Gheat!" The troll nudges Renik on the ribs. It feels like a blow from a hammer. "Good, gheal good. I have to shahe it with Malachite next time he comeh hound."

"Neveh heen elveh, no. Juht home dhow pahhing though two nighth ago. Didn't chahge them becauthe, becauthe-" - for a moment the troll is lost for words. "I don't know why I didn't chahge them. Told me they wehe going thaight to the cahtle to thpeak with Wah Chief. Thome hnake-men came in a week ago, too. Ghude bunch. Didn't want to thpeak with me any. Alho headed foh the cahtle."

The troll lowers his voice. "Out hehe I heah thingth. Thouble ith bhewing in the cahtle. Hyoung phinteth, they ahe ath diffehenth ath fihe and wateh."

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132) d20+19=29
Friday October 8th, 2004 11:28:53 AM
Hearing, though barely understanding, what the troll says about the drow, Sarigar begins bounding across the bridge on all fours, his brother close behind. Once back onto looser ground, he searches for the drows' tracks once again (Tracking 29).

He signals for the others to follow, then begins trapsing off, following the trail. His mood seems to have shifted to almost playful. He's obviously enjoying the hunt.

Rond d20=3
Sunday October 10th, 2004 12:28:09 PM
Looking around to others in his group, Rond looks to see if anyone has followed what the Troll has said? Waiting to see if anyone indicates that it is safe to proceed. If it is safe, Rond then joins Sarigar back on the trail. If there is some reason why the party may not progress forward, Rond puts his hand, or motions for Sarigar that it is not time to move.

Draax
Sunday October 10th, 2004 4:26:01 PM
Draax cannot be sure that he heard exactly what the troll said, but he believes that the troll said the drow was headed to the castle to speak to the chief. Whether it was true or not he believes the group will know once the drow's trail is picked up again.

If no one has already paid the troll, Draax will give it 150 gold as he moves past it while following the others.

Renik
Sunday October 10th, 2004 6:30:54 PM
"Many thanks, sir, it has been a pleasure to meet you," bows the rogue. "And I appreciate the advice.

"We must press on, but before we do perhaps you might appreciate this little limerick, composed in your honour.

In the mountains there once lived a troll
Who for bridge-crossing levied a toll.
The price was so steep
It caused grown men to weep
But it beat getting swallowed up whole!

"Farewell to you sir, I look forward to meeting you again."

Renik sets off with the rest of the party, and once they are out of earshot says, "OK, did anyone get all that? Something about Snake people arriving at the castle as well as Drow? And that those who are there have an uneasy alliance? Perhaps whoever we go to face are not entirely united in whatever endevour it is they are embarked upon? Feng, I know your dislike of subterfuge, but in this instance we may well be able to play on any distrust that exists between these wary allies. We shall see."

Arien
Sunday October 10th, 2004 9:24:48 PM
"Well it sounded to me like he said something about them being as different as fire and water. So it definitely sounds like there is some turmoil ahead. Perhaps we can use that to our advantage and set them against one another." Arien occasionally looks behind him as he walks, checking to make sure the troll wasn't following them.

The valley of the giants - DM Marcin
Monday October 11th, 2004 4:25:41 AM
Draax counts off the gold and puts a sizeable pile of coins in the hand of the troll. The beast nods approvingly and waves his other arm in the direction of the road leading up. "Hyou may path."

After Renik shares one last bit of poetry with the troll the Hamleteers, led by Sarigar, depart and continue their search for the bard. Arien looks back, but it seems that the troll, busy with counting coins, has stayed behind on his post.

The road starts to zig-zag up a steep slope of a mountain. A giant could probably use it without much trouble. Humans, however, find it at times difficult to traverse. The drow had to spend extra time to lead their horses through the more treacherous spots and Sarigar estimates that the party actually starts to gain on them.

Hour after hour passes. The sun slowly makes its way across the sky. Looking back the Hamleteers can see a breathtaking panorama of the warmer lands south of here. A blue ribbon of Crescent River passes through the lush green fields of Crescent Valley. Somewhat closer a gray line of the Giant Wall marks the northern border of the land of the halflings. Ahead of the party peaks of the mountains of the Scab rise their heads crowned with patches of white. The road the party is following seems to make its way towards a pass between the nearest two.

It is an early evening and the shadows of the trees are already long when the party finally reaches the pass. From this point the road continues downward into a small, green mountain valley. Dense, dark forest covers most of it and some kind of white vapor hangs in the lower parts. A sizeable hill rises right from the middle of the valley, and on the very top of that hill stands the home of the masters of this land.

To call it a castle would be an exaggeration. It is really nothing more but a fort: earthen walls reinforced with stones and logs of wood and a single stone hall standing in the middle of it. Even though no further details can be seen from this distance it is obvious that the fortification is giant-sized. Thin wisps of black smoke rise from the chimneys of the houses built inside the walls as well as from the white mist around it, suggesting that the settlement has outgrown the walls.

A sudden gust of ice-cold wind forces the Hamleteers to pull the hoods on their heads and wrap themselves tighter with their cloaks. It brings along a barest hint of a strange and unpleasant smell that brings to mind rotten eggs.

Tratain
Monday October 11th, 2004 9:46:31 PM
Tratain says, "I think we need to scout the place a little before we go in there. If we just walk in and start a fight the whole town will rise up probably. We need to pinpoint where the items we want are and go in quick and get out again."

Draax
Monday October 11th, 2004 10:04:58 PM
When the group spots the fort, Draax stops and looks at the trackers to see if the trail still leads in that direction. As he catches a whiff of the rotten egg smell Draax uses his cloak to cover his noses. "I wonder what is generating that smell."

Draax listen Tratain, "I agree with Tratain. At the moment our fight is not with the occupiers of the fort. There is no need for us to start killing anyone until we know their intentions or they try to stop us from achieving our goal."

Rond
Monday October 11th, 2004 10:36:48 PM
"But what do we know of the people and what they represent? Is there any permanancy to what they are doing here?"

Pulling the hood of his cloak over his head, Rond looks onto the fort with some apprehension as he waits for others in the group to comment.

Renik
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 2:43:15 AM
Renik nods. "All we know is that we do not know enough. Do we have magical means of spying or scrying on the fort? Or pinpointing the items? Failing that we could try sending in a silent, invisible team, but it's awfully risky. I'd like to find out what we're up against before we move in."

Feng
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 3:08:02 AM
This was one of those times he was glad that his mount was mystical. When things got rough he simply sent his friend back home to the higher plane which he hails from.

"Let's just do what we have to do to make sure that we succeed in our mission."

At the pass - DM Marcin
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 3:26:54 AM
The party, hoods drawn and cloaks tightly wrapped around their bodies, gathers to discuss strategy. Dark colors of their clothing make them next to invisible against the mosaic of shadows cast by nearby stones.

The trail of the drow follows a path descending into the valley.

*** MEANWHILE, SOMEWHERE ELSE ***

It was frustrating. So much power, and none of it used for anything but cheap amusement! When you have power you are morally obliged to wield it. But they wouldn't understand that, would they? They wouldn't even listen to him!

This didn't matter anymore. He has reached a resolve and his mind was now set. He will be much more suited to hold this power. All that he needed now was a proper moment to act. It will come soon, and when it comes he will be ready.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 12:03:28 PM
Sarigar stands there, looking at the others confused. Sadly, Sarigar is more like a club than a scalpel. To him, it's simple, go in, find what they're looking for, kill or wound anyone that tries to stop them. Simple.

"ummm, hmmmm, why not just go in and take it,? Oh wait, what are we looking for again?"

Draax
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 6:33:27 PM
Draax cannot help but smile at Sarigar's comments, "We are after the journal and coin that the bard Rhiad's stole and I do not think we should go running in to take it until we have an idea where it is or if it is even here."

Draax waits to see if any of the magic users answer Renik's question.

Arien
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 7:43:01 PM
"I do not posses the means to do what you ask at the moment. I suspect as well that such an attempt would likely be detected and traced back to us. We should move quietly and hope that we are not noticed until we get there."

Feng
Tuesday October 12th, 2004 9:10:18 PM
Feng looked at the 'castle' before them. Despite its looks he believes it is built to withstand an army let alone their little band.

"May the gods watch over us."

Rond
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 12:35:24 AM
"Do we have time to check out this place on all its sides? To make sure that they haven't already left from their conversation with the chief?"

Renik
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 2:34:52 AM
"I agree with Draax. I am loath to head in there with no idea of our enemy's strength and fortifications. Particularly when we have no idea where the items themselves lie.

"If we cannot recon by magic we must do so by stealth.

"How many invisibility spells can we arrange? I can recon from the sky, and our trackers could determine if the Drow have left the encampment, as well as getting a feel for the fortifications. Perhaps we can get an idea for a way in. But we will need to be invisible to do it. Even then there may be detection spells in place. Do we have a means of overcoming anything like that?

"Does anyone have any additional suggestions on how to proceed? Who wants to join the recon party?"

Discussing tactics - DM Marcin
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 2:59:54 AM
The heroes, aware of potential dangers posed by lack of information, carefully consider their options - almost always a prudent thing to do.

Given the distance to the castle and the time of day it seems impossible to reach the settlement before dusk.

The wind up here is very cold. While there is no snow on the pass the temperature in the night could very well drop below freezing point.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132)
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 11:44:17 AM
"Brother and I can look around. We not be seen." Sarigar says with a mischeivous grin while scratching Black Paws behind the ears.

Setanos
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 2:00:31 PM
Setanos nods in agreement to the invisiblity question, indicating that he can make one person invisible and two people fly.

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: Alarm, Shield, True Strike, True Strike, True Strike
2: Extended Mage Armor, Extended Mage Armor, Melf's Acid Arrow, Melf's Acid Arrow
3: Haste,Haste,Fly,Fly
4: Dimension Door, Improved Invisbility

Feng
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 9:02:01 PM
At this point Feng is oblivious to the temperature concerns. Thanks to his boots the wind has no bitter chill to it. Otherwise Feng would probably insist on finding some shelter.

"Considering what happened the last time we met Giants I think we can count on hostilities. I don't even want to know how many Giants are in there. Is it possible that we can wait for the drow to come back out?"

Draax
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 10:26:15 PM
Draax cannot think of anything better that letting the scouts/trackers see if the prey has left the keep so he nods his head in agreement with Renik's suggestion. "I have a potion of invisibility available if it is needed."

Tratain
Wednesday October 13th, 2004 11:25:30 PM
Tratain says, "It may be best for one or two people to go scout the encampment while the rest of us find some shelter for the night. If there are non-giants there we may be able to walk in and as long as we don't start any trouble pass through without causing concern while we look for the ring."

Arien
Thursday October 14th, 2004 12:55:05 AM
"While I have the ability to make someone invisible I did not prepare that spell today. However," Arien says while removing several potions from his pack. "I do have some potions that might help here. First I have a potion that will protect someone from magical detection. Second I have a potion that will speed someone greatly for a time so that they can scout that much quicker. Finally I have a potion that will allow someone to fly for a time. I'm willing to give these to whomever wishes to scout out the castle."

Spells Memorized
0 Level: Detect Magic x2, Light, Read Magic x2
1st Level: Burning Hands, Magic Missile x5, Protection from Evil
2nd Level: Resist Energy x2, Rope Trick, Scorching Ray x2, Extended Shield, Extended Mage Armor
3rd Level: Displacement, Dispel Magic, Fireball, Haste, Lightning Bolt
4th Level: Dimension Door x2, Evard's Black Tentacles, Ice Storm, Solid Fog
5th Level: Summon Monster V x2, Cone of Cold, Wall of Force

Making plans - DM Marcin
Thursday October 14th, 2004 4:04:48 AM
The group, huddled together against a large rock for protection against wind, watches the distant fort while the sun continues to sink lower and lower on the horizon.

How many giants are there in the fort? Are the drow still inside? What about Rhiad? Where are the coded journal and the coin? Will they be recovered in time?...

Renik d20+21=24 d20+11=18 d20+11=15 d20+11=26
Thursday October 14th, 2004 4:11:23 AM
"OK. Here's what I propose. Sarigar, you scout the land around the castle. Search for any tracks suggesting the Drow may have left. Hunt for any telletale tracks of other creatures also. Also look to see how we might gain entrance. I'd prefer it if you were invisible, though. However well you hide it only takes one sharp lookout to blow our cover. Setanos, please cast your spell on Sarigar. Cast Fly as well if he wishes it.

Draax, Arien, I will take the potions of invisibility and non-detection and make a closer sweep of the castle from overhead. I will pay you for these potions the next chance I get, as they are itms I should have bought myself before we set out.

Tratain, please head up the remainder of the group in finding some shelter and cover. Take care to keep well yourselves well hidden, the last thing we need is some hunting party stumbling upon us."

This done the rogue sets out with Sarigar. He takes great care to remain unseen by any other travelers on the road (Hide 24, Move Silent 18, Spot 15, Listen 26), and encourages Sarigar to do the same. When he gets sufficiently close to the castle he nods silently to Sarigar, drains the two potions and flies towards the structure warily.

Setanos
Thursday October 14th, 2004 7:39:29 AM
Setanos casts Improved Invisiblity and Fly on Sarigar if he wishes. He then sees about finding some shelter, as he's starting to notice the cold.

Spells Memorized:
0: Detect Magic, Detect Magic, Read Magic, Mage Hand
1: Alarm, Shield, True Strike, True Strike, True Strike
2: Extended Mage ArmorX, Extended Mage Armor, Melf's Acid Arrow, Melf's Acid Arrow
3: Haste,Haste,FlyX,Fly
4: Dimension Door, Improved InvisbilityX

Draax
Thursday October 14th, 2004 12:08:07 PM
Draax hands Renik the potion of invisibility before the scouts leaves the group. "No need to pay me back. As long as it is used for the good of the group is all I ask for."

Once they find a place to camp Draax will volunteer to take the first watch.

Sarigar (AC19) and Black Paws (AC17) (CV 132) d20+25=40 d20+30=41 d20+19=39
Thursday October 14th, 2004 12:57:38 PM
Looking to Setanos, "Ain't no bird, no flying here. But, use the see through me finger twiddles."

Sarigar makes sure he and his brother are right next to each other, almost out of instinct, as Setanos' invisibility spell goes off and both fade out of sight.

"Oooo, I can't see me. This is fun. Let's go brother. The footsteps of the brothers can be heard for a few moments then suddenly fade to nothing, but not from distance (Move Silently 40 - Still moving at normal speed though).

As the brothers get within about 100 feet of the "castle", they also begin hiding, just in case someone can see what he cannot, himself (Hide 41, moving at half speed now). They circle around the castle first, looking for the tracks (Tracking 39 - Nat 20) of the Drow and any other beings that might be in or around the "castle". They also look for ways into the castle other than the obvious entrances.

Tratain
Thursday October 14th, 2004 10:59:24 PM
Tratain takes the others and looks for a camp site that is out of the way where they can start a fire that can't be seen if possible.

Feng
Friday October 15th, 2004 9:36:43 AM
Feng uses his large body as a windbreak for his companions. It's not much but considering their situation there isn't much they can do. Any sort of fire would be spotted by the giants.

"I really don't want to go into that fort. I'd rather head into another dragon cave."

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