While returning from a recent job one of your travelling companions brought up the topic of elemental affinity. Apparently many stone kin, and giants in particular, are resistant to some natural and magical elements. Meeting with a half-orc enchanter named Srayagoth you learned a great deal. You're all but immune to injury from lightning it would seem, though you can still feel it slightly.

The enchanter also spoke of an ancient war between the Titans and the stone kin against the gods and smaller races. Greater giants once existed who supposedly weilded powerful elemental weapons. It's possible ruins from those days might have survived in the vast wildlands of the north. So far no ruins of note have been located but much remains to be explored.

After talking it over Srayagoth has speculated that ruins in the north might be found near Titan metal deposits. While the search for the requisite ores to make mithril is considered to be of the highest importance, there are dwarves hoping to find Titan metals as well. It might be worth signing on with such an expedition.

You've resolved to speak with the other giants in the city about this.

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>some more info on how mechanics work, or even just how mechanics driven the quest is. doesn't have to be hard numbers just general ballpark if you want to keep it mostly behind the gm screen. I have no idea of what the dice mean when it's rolled, to be honest I can't even tell with certainty when it's best of 3 or average.

Rolls in the Silver Marches quest.
Available roll types will be impacted by your training in a skill range. You're an archer and as such any sort of roll involving aim will be best of 3.

Untrained rolls will use an average of at least 3 rolls. If you feel that an archer appropriate skill should be used for a particular roll feel free to argue it with an explanation.

1d20 is generally used for combat
1d100 for certain types of abilities and out of combat actions

Roll ranges are: (d20 example)
(1)Crit fail / 2-7 fail / 8-12 average / 13-19 good / (20)crit success

Hidden modifiers may move the precise numbers up or down. Certain situations may result in an auto success based on your skills, in which case I will generally not call for rolls.

Thread discussion topic: Do people prefer being given multiple options to vote for? Or would they prefer leaving it open ended, such as with a:
>What do?

I've heard a lot of things about both ways over the years.

>>4671974
Two or three options with an additional
>Other
or
>What do
for world/character building occasionally
is usually my preferred choice.

>>4671975
This, honestly.
Being given choices makes stuff engaging for the players and makes voting less chaotic.
Also, variety in choices is preferred over
>shoot left
>shoot left, but slightly higher
>shoot in the sky, but arrow falls to the left

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Current schedule looks like I'll be able to run most days this coming week. I do expect that to change as my workplace was trying to call me in this past week even when I was sick and under quarantine.

>>4651631
>Find out more about the city, the region and the world
>Character sheet to keep track of equipment and fund
>Character list to keep track of NPCs

The character list alone is getting rather long. I have been keeping track of money and reputation so it's just a question of putting it somewhere.

Does anyone have experience with wikidot? If so would it be a good choice to put a game wiki on?

>>4672013
You could always use a pastebin. It's fairly useful, if a bit hard to read at times.

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>>4672035
Pastebin has a lot of autodetect problems right now but I'll consider it.

Searching for the other giants in town is a trivial matter. You can spot nearly any of them across the more open areas making up the east side of town. Today they're busy working the sawmills. Their ability to heft the larger logs makes work much quicker than with smaller crews. Cirus suggests you meet during their lunch break or at the bar after work if you want to talk.

"You should take a day and look around the city," he suggests.

At the very least it would give you a better idea of where everything is so you can find specific stores and buildings later when you need to. Up until now you've rarely been off the main streets. Antonio's workplace in the tanner district isn't far from the road and Enidon's weapon and item shop is toward the edge of the district. A few hours wouldn't hurt and there's still plenty of time to look for more jobs.

Is there any place in town or the surrounding areas you'd like to learn about?

Having a quick stroll around town doesn't take very long and you learn the locations of a few more shops that could come in handy later.

Catching the other giants on their lunch break you tell them about your discussion with the enchanter. About elemental affinity, the possibility of finding ruins from the ancient times, all of it. Flora is doubtful of the idea of finding such ruins and is concerned the orcs might have been trying to pull a fast one on you.

"They weren't lying about my resistance to lightning damage," you point out.

"Well no, that part they were probably telling the truth about," she admits. "Argen and I are resistant to earth magic, which is next to useless if you ask me. Cirus is like you, he can shrug off lighting magic. If it weren't for my so called affinity to the stone I could probably be a proper mage, not just a spellblade."

Being able to channel magic through a weapon is still intriguing if you do say so.

"Well yes, it's just some day's I'd rather not get in close to have to do it."
As an archer you can certainly appreciate that problem.

You look to the other two giants.
"Do both of you feel the same about ruins from the ancient war? Is it just made up?"

Cirus is wary of tricks the smaller folk might be pulling to convince all of you to sign up for expeditions more cheaply. As a result he's more inclined to back Flora up. All eyes turn to Argen as the three of you wait to see how many words he'll utter today.

At length Argen eventually speaks in stone tongue. His words sound more like the cracking and breaking of mountain ranges than the grinding of stone yours does.
"The sky and stone fought. The stone killed a star. Need weapons to kill a star."

All of you ignore a few of the humans nearby protesting the noise.
Flora huffs, clearly annoyed by Argen's response.
"Alright well, they could have used magic."
"Our kind never had the strongest magic," Cirus points out.

"By the sky and stone, fine then!" the giantess exclaims. "I'll talk to some of my contacts about expeditions looking for Titan metals. I expect it'll be a couple of weeks until I can find one willing to take even one of us at giant pay rates though."

That would give you time to build up relations with the locals and make enough money to get a few items or weapons enchanted.

Before they have to return to work Florna mentions that it's good having a new giant in town willing to take on jobs from the hiring hall. After your last two assignments it seems that others are starting to appreciate the usefulness of the giants a bit more. They're finally starting to get more serious offers for mercenary work. Not as high as she'd like but ones that are actually worth considering.

Did you want to suggest that they may be charging too much? You are new here after all and there might be very good reasons for their high prices if it keeps people from exploiting them. Maybe a temporary drop in prices would make people appreciate them more?

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>>4672259
[ ] Giant hiring rates are too high
[ ] You're new here, keep quiet about it
[ ] Suggest a temporary drop in prices
[ ] Write-in

I have the next post ready to go whenever we get players.

As it's been +4 hours without any player posts I'm going to take a couple of hours do do something with a relative while I wait for any player responses.

>>4672261
>[ ] Suggest a temporary drop in prices

>>4672013
I miss the spreadsheet autism honestly

>>4672669
>I miss the spreadsheet autism honestly
I am using a spreadsheet to track money on my end just because I'd have no idea what you have otherwise.
~1800 silver
4 gold

>>4672261
>[ ] You're new here, keep quiet about it
>>4671974
I prefer something like this: >>4671975
>>4672456
I didn't realize that the thread would be today (because timezones), so I didn't check for it.

>I didn't realize that the thread would be today (because timezones)
Yeah, I probably should have said in the post last night that it would be 8 or 10 hours later.

>>4672669
>[ ] Suggest a temporary drop in prices
>>4672808
>[ ] You're new here, keep quiet about it
Just need a tie breaker.

Resuming in the morning, 8AM 4chan board time.

>>4672261
[ ] You're new here, keep quiet about it
We can always say something later.

While you think lowering their prices temporarily would get the other giants more work, you decide to keep quiet about it. You're new here and after all. Perhaps they had some bad experiences with people putting them in excessive danger without adequate pay. With the others being mainly focused on close combat it would be harder for them to back out of a fight than you.

Over at the hiring hall you see what sort of new jobs are available. As predicted there is elevated demand for rangers, clerics and druids willing to perform a sweep for animals infected with rabies. It doesn't pay well -if at all- and could take awhile.

The two jobs for the Silver Talons Missing Caravan and Red Blades Missing Prospector are both still up. Some established groups have been eyeing these but have been reluctant due to there being so many unknowns.

The Air Corps is sponsoring a prospector mission across the river to the north in the hopes of finding gas deposits.

A trade mission is being assembled to visit an orc tribe to the north east regarding the platinum strike you helped guard. The geologic data alone is worth a strong escort. Because of this other merchants are trying to get their own caravans attached to the group for greater protection. Some are in it for regular trade, others for orcish magical components such as runes and the like.

"Is that everything?"

The halfling Tenn Duskarm pulls out a few more papers.
"There are a few other jobs. The druids are bringing some merchandise into town and need an escort. They're willing to pay slightly above average rates or with product. Whatever it is."

Flipping through some more pages he crosses out a few and pulls out the remainder.
"The rest are all independent contracts. A tracker and escort are needed to bring in some escaped slaves that broke loose.
Another is a guard work for unspecified merchandise. The last is escort for "distribution work," which is an odd way of putting it. I'd be willing to bet money these last two are not on the level."

"What do you mean?"
"I mean they're probably smugglers."

As a reminder these two were available in the previous thread.
>Missing Caravan (Silver Talons)
A settler caravan struck out on the east road intending to cross the river and establish their own village. Apparently they didn't want to be answerable to Silver Mantle or the tithe needed to pay for protection. No one has heard from them in two months and some relatives in the city are willing to pay for news.

>Missing Prospectors (Red Blades)
A well connected prospector has failed to report back from their expedition as planned. Find out if they've been killed or captured. If captured either return to report this or find a way to free them.

Additional details for any of the independent jobs or the druids will require you to talk to specific agents here at the hiring hall.

Available work:
>Missing Caravan (Silver Talons)
>Missing Prospectors (Red Blades)
>Hazard a gas? (Air Corps)
>North East Tribe trade mission (City Admin, Enchanters)
>Read it and weep (Druids)
>Escaped Slaves (Independent Contractor/IND)
>Guard Merchandise (IND)
>Distribution work (IND)

Any of these you might be interested in?

>>4673654
>>Read it and weep (Druids)
Even if it isn't the special bark, becoming friends with them could be a good first step.

>>4673654
>Missing Caravan (Silver Talons)
From what I can remember. We already have some affiliation with them. Let’s hope they recognise us when we visit.

While sorting paperwork Tenn brings up another topic.
"You're probably fine for carrying space when it comes to supplies, but have you thought about getting one of those portable holes? Really useful for moving things in quantity, though the snake kin practically have the market cornered on them."

You've thought about possibly getting a bag of ice holding but that's about it.
"Why would the snake kin have so much control over it? Do they use them for transporting slaves?"

"Hah! As if they'd use something that expensive on slaves. No they use them for wheeling their scaly butts around town without having to touch the mud outside."

You're not quite sure what he means or how that would work exactly. Tenn looks out the window trying to spot something, then points across the courtyard to someone seated in a chair with large spoked wheels on either side. You can't tell if it's a particularly tall human or an elf in the chair, but a helper or servant seems to be pushing them along. Probably a necessity as it looks like the person is missing their legs.

Tenn laughs. "Those wheelchairs may have been meant for people missing their legs or unable to walk under their own power, but some bright spark had the idea to mount a portable hole on one. That way the larger snake folk dont take up a sidewalk or half the road when they're out and about."

You'll have to keep an eye out for people using these "wheelchairs." As for a portable hole you're not really in need of such a thing right now. Might be useful for carrying your stock of arrows out on a longer mission though.

The talk of these portable holes does give you an idea though. Something you really should have asked Srayagoth about this morning.
"Portable holes and things like that, they lead to an empty space?"

"That's right. There are big ones and little ones. The bigger they are the more it costs to magic them up."
"Could you connect two of them together?"

Tenn shakes his head.
"Using them to connect two points to the same empty space? You're thinking teleportation magic. It doesn't work that way and what everyone has told me is that it's really dangerous."

Well it was an idea.

"Hold on Ulf. Now, it's not as good as being able to move things between two points but what if I know of a way to send messages between two points?"
You're listening.
"You've probably heard of messenger spells right? Well it's nothing like that. Those are a pain and everyone hates them. I've heard a few people from the blades and talons talking about sympathetic link stones. Turns out they were completely wrong about how the magic in them works. You don't need stones or sympathetic idols for it to work, just two bits that need to be enchanted together."

"Tenn you are losing me," you have to admit.

"Look, you get two of these sympathetic link amulets made and two people can talk to each other over a long distance. Great if two people need to keep in touch. Supposedly the Air Corps office in the city has one that's connected to a place in the south. I dont know how well it works at that distance but I hear that it does actually work."

Hopefully that's not a state secret he's revealed.
"If it is they're doing a lousy job keeping it under wraps."

>>4673656
>>4673657
Did you want to see if it were possible to take on both of these jobs? The Druid one could probably be done rather quickly.

>>4673688
sure
>>4673683
>sympathetic link amulets
sounds useful for coordinating with Jib Jab

>>4672003
>>4672035
And the pastebin is up.
https://pastebin.com/gwX9Vmp3

>Read it and weep (Druids)
>Missing Caravan (Silver Talons)

"Could I sign up for both of these jobs?"

Tenn frowns.
"Normally not at the same time, but what I can do is put down that you're available to take this on in two? Three days time? That should attract a few more people and give them time to get ready. Not everyone has steady access to horses."

That's a good point. Most people would have difficulty keeping up or you'd have to stroll along much more slowly than you'd like.
Tenn asks for your map and marks the location of a druid stronghold on it that's to the north west.
"You might want to try and recruit a few more people to go with you," he suggests.
"The more you show up with the sooner they're likely to get rolling."

Do you want to try and recruit any of the sellswords you've previously worked with? None of the rangers are likely to be available but some of the others are likely around the hiring hall somewhere. You also saw that some of the ranchers that were hoping to go after wild Bison are still in town.

>>4673734
>Do you want to try and recruit any of the sellswords you've previously worked with?
Yes. No preference towards any of them specifically.

>>4673734
Yes. Ferith, Neia, and Aeson in particular.

Writing.

You know that the cleric Ferith might be young and inexperienced, but he does have access to a horse. That would allow him to keep pace with you. The same goes for the elven mage Aeson. Some of the others from your last job might also be good to have along.

First looking then asking around, you're directed to the assembly field to the west of the hall. Quite a few members of the Silver Talons are present here, discussing jobs and trading supplies and equipment.

The centaur Neia stands out thanks in part due to what you'd thought was a helm with horns attached to the front of it. As it turns out they're actually small antlers, something you hadn't realised before.
As you approach you see the distinct white and brown feathered fluffball of the Harpy Ocette sitting on a nearby fence post. She seems to be asleep and neither the centaur or the half-elf Cellica are paying her any mind.

Cellica is the first to notice your approach.
"Hello Ulf, I hope Argigoth and his brother were able to help you out?"

They were you explain, but now you're looking for others to team up with for one or two jobs outside the city. It doesn't take long to tell them of the ones you're interested in.

"I will join you to help the druids," Neia says flatly. This is not an offer, it's a statement.

Cellica takes more time to think it over.
"I could get a horse but for Gegor and Argigoth they wouldn't be able to requisition more in time for the druid mission. I'm sure they'd be happy to help search for the missing caravan but Argigoth really wanted to go on the trade mission that's being prepared."

"I hoped to recruit two more I had met. A cleric and a mage," you explain.

"Well that would be good. I know Ocette likes seeing other druids so she should be fine with coming along. I'll talk to Gegor and Argigoth and see if they're interested."

After promising to meet back here you head for the temples. Ferith is easy to find doing some minor healing outside, and is quick to jump at the prospect of going on another adventure.

As you expected Tara has already left with many of the other rangers in town. The elf Aeson is more difficult to find. When you do track him down he's reluctant to come along at first until hearing the druids are offering more than just just money.
"I know what product they're likely to be moving. Not terribly dangerous, but can be annoying for opponents and allow for a quick getaway."

Neia shows up at the hiring hall with a halfling archer by the name of Tim hitching a ride.
As expected Gegor and Argigoth wont be able to go with you on the druid mission. The Paladin however is prepared to accompany the group in search of the missing caravan in a few days time.

Do you want to try and recruit any of those ranchers or is this a large enough party?

>>4673822
Yeah. More hands makes for a lighter load.

>>4673822
I think the current party is fine. (Maybe +1 member if helps with a tie)

>>4673843
I hope +2 people is okay because I'm not counting on many more players being around to break a tie.

>>4673857
ok

Figuring more people would be better should the group run into trouble, you approach some of the ranchers that you'd briefly talked to before. If they're burning through money every time they try to go after those bison they're going to be in need of coin.

The settler isn't interested as he's not much of a fighter. Two others are up for it, their bard Aman Rosales and a spellgun Trilah Lylth you hadn't met before.
"Yes I'm a man," Trilah confirms. "I know people have trouble telling with elves sometimes."

Though it's getting late in the afternoon by the time everyone is ready, the centaur suggests the group get moving now to cover as much distance as possible.
"The sooner we get there the better our chances of returning to the city untroubled."

Moving out from the city gates the party heads north west at a fast clip. The riders staying ahead while you take up the rear, long strides eating up the distance allowing you to easily keep pace.

Ocette flies up high above, scouting ahead and watching for any signs of trouble. As it gets closer to sunset she begins to fly lower and lower, increasingly giving the impression she might try to land on one of the horses. Or on top of the centaur.

Neia hefts her spear.
"If you land on my head I'll turn you into a pincushion!"
Ocette seems to take this threat seriously and makes a point of staying away. Aman and Trilah seem to get a kick out of this interaction.

Eventually the party has to stop for the night, setting up camp and starting a small fire alongside the road.

Any questions or conversation topics you'd like to ask members of the party?

>>4673866
>Trilah Lylth
"Spellgun?"
More about what it is, why they decided to become one, and where they are headed in life.

>>4673866
how long they've been in the north and how they like it
have they heard anything about titan ruins

I am writing btw, this is just taking a bit.

You ask Trilah Lylth about Spellguns. You don't know much about them. Was it their choice to become one?

Trilah shakes his head and draws their weapon, showing it off. It looks a bit like one of the hand crossbows you saw in the weapon and item shop run by the gnome Enidon. There are many differences though, like a lack of string and limbs for starters. Where you would normally expect to see a bolt is instead a series of metallic rings and a tapered rod that must be a wand. An assembly at the back of the weapon looks like it's keeping the wand from moving around.

"There are so many myths and misinformation about these weapons I have a hard time telling where to start. A lot of stories you hear in the south say that anybody can pickup a wand and use it. Same for one of these. That's blatant lies and fantasy.
There has to be some magic in your blood to spark off a wand, and you have to be able to focus to make use of it a certain way. For instance, I cant use a spellblade weapon. I just can't focus my magic through one of their weapons the way its needed. The same is true the other way. Any spellblades you know cant use one of these guns."

"But a full mage could theoretically use either right?" Cellica asks.

"I doubt it," Trilah answers.

Aeson however disagrees.
"It is possible, but would require additional training. Mages can use most wands but weapons like yours are much more precise. Few mages can be bothered to train themselves in the precise focus needed when other more powerful spells are right at their fingertips.
It requires a great deal of discipline to do what you do."

Trilah shrugs. "Thanks for the compliment but aside from the basic focus I mostly consider it to be good aim."
He twirls his weapon by the trigger guard and holsters it.

"How did you get the actual weapon though?" you ask. "It can't have been cheap."
"It wasn't easy. I'll save that story for another time though."

Next up you share that you've been in the north for most of a month now and wonder how long everyone else has been here.

Ferith answers that he was born here. His parents and siblings have a farm not far outside the city. He hopes that some day he can visit the storm coast with some of the paladins.

Aeson like most of the Ice Elves is from the airless plateau and only arrived recently by his reckoning. He's spent the last 5 years helping out the city with defense, or enchanting ice magelocks. He's hopeful that he can help out relations between his people and the city for greater trade.

"Everyone knows you moved here to keep an eye on my mother," Cellica comments.
This draws a few looks, though about half of those present nod in agreement.

You look around, trading glances with Jib Jab then Neia, who doesn't seem to know what's going on either.
"What do you mean?"

Cellica sighs as though she's had to go through this explanation a few times before.
"There's a ton of half-elves in the north because my mother and another Ice Elf were exiled for trying to take control of the airless plateau two hundred years ago. They want to raise an army of half-elves to march back in there and conquer the place."

"You look to the others to see if this is a joke.
"Uh... is this true?"

"It's certainly true there are more than a hundred half-elves up here," Aman confirms.

Ferith seems to have a moment of realisation.
"Oh! That explains a lot."

Cellica explains she's spent most of her life looking after siblings or other children. That includes Ocette and her sister Odette when they were orphaned. She's more than happy adventuring with her harpy friend for the foreseeable future.

Aman Rosales has lived in the area since his family moved here when he was a child. Most of the time he's busy helping out various farms, but he's been setting aside more time each year to making money through the hiring hall.
"Still haven't decided if the best way to make a livelihood is through the blade, the lasso or plucking the strings on my Tanbur."

Ocette wants to see new places but doesn't want to be by herself when doing so.
"If I can make money just by traveling around with people that seems nice. The trees are different to talk to in some places too."

Neia only arrived in the area two years ago. She met Tim and a few other halflings that were on an expedition to chart the rivers up into the eastern plains a few years ago. She and a few other centaurs have moved here since. Her plan is to eventually return to the plains with a wagon load of items and weapons her people dont have access to.

"There are giants out on the plains that wander just as far as we do, if not farther."

Tim is another marcher native. His ancestors came north with the Red Blades, either as mercenaries or part of their support.
"I don't think the north is as full of excitement as people from the south make it out to be. There's plenty of work to be done and someone has to do it. No point in shying away from it. Sure I'm good with a bow, but I'm just as good with piloting a canoe through rough water. Might as well use what I'm good at if the opportunity presents itself."

>>4673881
>have they heard anything about titan ruins
Neia's comments about giants farther north and east into the plains leaves you wondering. Its possible they may have seen where some of these giants are going to or from. Did you want to share any of your plans to hunt for ruins at this time? Keep it to yourself? Or just ask about ruins in general?

>>4674143
mention being interested in the ruins but don't bring up the elemental weapons

Subtlety may not be your forte but for now you'll hold off on saying anything about the elemental giants and long term plans.

"You must have seen more of the north than most. Have you ever encountered any ruins during your travels?"

"Burnt down orcish settlements I think. Destroyed in wars and raids, or by lightning strike. In the dry season lightning can be a serious threat for the risk of starting fires. Our people have to be ready to move quickly if that happens. The winds can create fire storms unlike anything you've seen."

Cellica is surprised people don't blame that sort of thing on fire elementals.

Neia shakes her head. "Elementals are rare. I've heard from kin that earth elementals are sometimes seen to the west, closer to the coast mountains."

Ferith begins searching through his things. "I'm writing that down! Be prepared for earth elementals near the coast."

You're rather disappointed she hasn't heard of any older ruins, but at the very least it should narrow down your search of where not to look.

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Belatedly realising Jib Jab hasn't had a chance to really introduce himself you ask him to say a few words. He's apparently being treated quite a bit better since being picked up by you. The orc tribe he was with were not exactly the nicest people when it came to treatment of the kobolds. He and most other kobolds working for that tribe were provided as tribute by a kobold warren to stave off attacks the orcs.

For now he's focusing on getting better with his sneaking, rope climbing and using his dagger.

"Give us some warning if you decide to throw Jib Jab at any enemies," Tim jokes.
You assure the kobold you have no intention of throwing him unless it's his idea, much to his relief.

The party takes turns standing watch at night and sets out in the morning without incident. It doesn't take too much longer to reach the druid stronghold. Plant growth is thick here in many places, though there are many clearly marked trails branching off the road and into the undergrowth. You have to duck underneath the occasional branch and even Neia has to watch for some of them.

Eventually you're met by a party of druids in various robes or other rough looking clothing. They check the stamped paperwork from the MMRC then usher you past walls of vines into a large clearing. Some of the structures around the edges of the clearing seem to be grown almost out of the ground itself.

Farther back you can see what has to be a number of golden trees. A big old one and two smaller ones are all bedecked in leaves as shiny as gold.

"This is a nice place," Ocette remarks.

A decrepit looking old woman who certainly fits the definition of a hag approaches, leaning slightly on a heavy staff.
"Welcome, I hope you had a pleasant trip on the way here. I can't promise it will be so nice on the way back. We have product that needs selling and I know first hand some of the thieving bastard in the city are willing to slit some throats to get their hands on it."

She pulls up her robes enough to show greenery stitching together parts of her leg. Ferith is quick to jump forward asking if she needs some healing.

"No. I'll live or die as one with the wilds, but until then work still needs doing. That's why I asked for sellsword to help guard the next set of wagons going out. I'm not tolerating bullshit like what happened last time where I almost lost this leg."

"What is it we're guarding?" Neia asks.
A few of the others also want to know if they're potentially being compensated in whatever is being moved.

"Some bits and bobs made with druidic magic, hemp rope and more delicate items."
The hag ambles over to one of the wagons and grabs a rather small jar. One of hundreds that are packed into padded crates.

"If prepared right the contents of some of these jars can be used for many things. Including a few even the dwarves appreciate. The ones on this wagon are different. You wouldn't want to take a whiff of this."
The old woman gleefully toys with the container.

"What is it?" Aeson warily asks, stepping forward to look into the back of the covered wagon.

"We're calling it tear gas."

>Any interest in acquiring some in place of silver for your payment?

>>4674398
Yeah. We could tie a jar near the head of our arrow shaft and make effectively a bomb arrow.

>>4674398
supporting: >>4674415
ask about what it does, and how long the effect lasts

"Tear gas? What does it do?"

"The liquid inside will turn into a gas when the containers are broken open. If you've ever had a bad experience with an onion before the results are like that but so much worse. Let me know if you make the bastards who cut my leg suffer from it."

Pulling out one of your arrows you begin looking back and forth between it and the jar, trying to gague their size. When the old hag notices what you're up to a grin begins to creep across her face.
"Young man I think you're working on making me a very happy old lady. Hand me a few of those arrows."

You do as she asks but she seems to regret it as the druid cant really manage that many of the large bolts.
"Serstan come here!" She waves a younger druid over. "I want you to shape a few of these arrows for our large friend here. One big that can hold a whole jar and two small ones with the arrow heads still on them."

By the time the wagons are ready the young man had returned and hands the arrows back to you. Has had the steel arrow head removed completely, a jar of tear gas replacing it. The other two now have small hollows formed into the wood just behind the head large enough to hold a tiny flask.

"As much as I may enjoy to hear about it, you should try and save the big one for especially large groups. The smaller ones should create a large enough cloud when they burst to send a handfull of people running. If they don't run they'll quickly regret it."

>Tear gas arrows unlocked!
>You can buy replacement breakable flasks from shops in Silver Mantle.

"Just be careful not to shoot it into mud. There might not be enough of a jolt to shatter the flask and the water might neutralize the gas... so don't use them when it's raining either."

As the three wagons roll out Tim joins the druids in the first one allowing Neia to move about more freely. Each wagon does have a driver and a second armed with a crossbow. After attacks on previous runs they're expecting trouble.

Aman and Trilah are riding ahead while Cellica and Ferith are staying near the rear for now. Aeson and Neia are near the middle where they can quickly move to help either group. Ocette is keeping watch from above, occasionally swooping down to land on top of the middle wagon to report what she sees.

Where did you want Ulf and Jib Jab?

>>4674552
>Where did you want Ulf and Jib Jab?
At the rear. Ulf looking to the sides and the other guards. Jib Jab on his shoulder looking behind

I am burning out. I'm not used to starting so early in the day and usually I'm more or less done before the 12 hour mark. Stopping here for the day and will be resuming Tuesday I hope.

Thank you for those who have been participating thus far.

>>4674586
Just caught up. I wanted to say, you're doing a great job. You have a new regular player.

>>4674557
Support, stick to the rear and have Jib Jab be our eyes on the back of our head.

>>4671969
Thanks for explaining. A character sheet or just a list of trained skills would be nice and enable better decision making I think.

>>4674552
Sticking to the rear as anon suggests seems smart>>4674557

>>4672157
>That map
Did you by any chance participate in aspiring emperor quest back in the day?

File: Body_DMG_Area.jpg (10 KB, 170x297)

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>>4671969
>some more info on how mechanics work
>>4675305
>A character sheet or just a list of trained skills would be nice and enable better decision making I think.
What sort of stuff would you like on a character sheet? I'll say right now I don't intend to be using things like hit points, more like hit locations. A bit like pic related.

Any attacks I list are going to be quite basic at the moment. I am admittedly not terribly knowledgeable about archery, though I have been watching some youtube videos on the topic.
If there are other types of attacks or skills you would like to work on training, or think should be added to a character sheet please let me know.

Ulf
Giant
Affinity: Lightning (Negates lightning damage)
Racial Perk: Greater Stone Kin (Giant Strength, Improved toughness, Lesser Stoneskin)

Weapons: Giant Wooden Bow, Giant Dagger, Steel Reinforced Bracer, Sling bag + 3 throwing stones
Equipment: Reinforced Leather Armor, high capacity backpack, Giant Quiver

Attacks, Melee: Smash, Stone Smash, Giant Dagger Slash, (Lesser)Bracer Smash
Attacks, Ranged: Skillful Stone Throw, (Lesser)Big Stone Throw, Portable Ballista (AKA Giant Bow Shot), Rapid Fire, (Lesser)Double shot

>Smash
Being rather tough creatures giants tend to smash things when they get angry. This is an untrained attack with little precision.
>Stone Smash
Most giants learn quickly how to apply rocks to many problems.
>Giant Dagger Slash
While not terribly accurate, a giant swinging a dagger larger than some swords can be a terrifying prospect. Enough to keep many opponents far away. This functions as an area of effect attack.
>(Lesser)Bracer Smash
You've seen soldiers perform a shield bash before. Your new bracer should let you do something similar you hope.

>Skillful Stone Throw
Any giant can throw stones. Unlike them you can actually aim!
>(Lesser)Big Stone Throw
Just because you can throw a bigger stone doesn't mean you should.
>Rock Barrage
Rapid fire bombardment using any available stones and rocks you have at hand. Stockpiling ammunition before hand is recommended.

>Portable Ballista (AKA Giant Bow Shot)
Your average bow shot if using a bow the size of some siege weapons can be considered average.
>Rapid Fire
High rate of fire at the cost of worsened aim. There may be other ways to make use of this.
>(Lesser)Double shot
Two arrows at once. You haven't done much training with this. Requires increased time to prepare and reduces accuracy.

I'm awake, give me a bit to get rolling.

>>4677292
Can we add:
>Point-Blank Stone Tongue
Yell at adjacent foes to stun and deafen them. Good for when we’re getting swarmed by foes with more sensitive hearing.

"I'll take up the rear," you tell the others. "I can see and shoot over top of the wagons from here."
The young cleric is also nearby where you can help protect him. As long as he's kept safe and healthy healing any injuries sustained by the party should be possible. Jib Jab is told to keep watch for anything you might not see.

The convoy moves fast, making good time on the way back to the city. You'll certainly make it back well before sundown. You just hope those crates carrying vials of tear gas are well padded.

It's starting to look like the others were right about speed being your ally. You're only a few miles from the city now, entering the last bit of forest the road passes before the city plains. Ocette swoops down and lands on the third wagon, reporting she's seen a few riders rushing toward the forest from the direction of some of the homesteads. By now they've reached the road at the other end of the forest.

"Watch for trouble!" Cellica shouts to those up front.

Sure enough it's not too much longer before most of you spot a few men trying to hastily drag a felled tree across the road to block it. Seeing your approach most of them scatter to the cover of the surrounding forest while two take up positions on the road. They quickly pull on hoods to help obscure their faces. One raises a hand as though signalling for the convoy to stop.

The tree isn't far into the road but it's questionable if the wagons would be able to get around it. Turning around would also be if not difficult then time consuming. You could certainly lift the tree quickly but that would leave you vulnerable to attack.

All of this seems to have been set up in a hurry. It's possible your speed meant that they didn't have time to prepare or call in more men. Then again there's no telling how many others might be lying in wait. Ocette will have to take a moment to land in the trees to look through them.

"We are men of the hood!" one calls out. "Surrender the wagons and you shall not be harmed!"

Did you want to stall for time so Ocette can better gauge their numbers, have the wagons halt now a safe distance away while the rest of you engage, or would you rather try and run the gauntlet?

[ ] Stall for time
[ ] Halt and engage
[ ] Run the gauntlet
[ ] Write in

>>4677334
How about this?
>Stone Tongue Shout
Chance to temporarily deafen, stun or frighten friend and foe alike at close range.

>>4677336
[ ] Halt and engage

Lets put one of our heavy arrows directly into the Hooded man calling us to stop.

>>4677336
[ ] Halt and engage
>Skillful Stone Throw
Assuming he’s close enough, just yeet a rock at him before he can react. No need to sluggishly draw the bowllista.

>>4677342
Yeah that sounds like a more proper description. Perfect for the list.

>>4677336
>[ ] Halt and engage

>>4677343
>>4677347
Just need a tie breaker for what weapon we're using.

>>4677364
arrow

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"Halt the wagons here where it's safe," you say loud enough for the group to hear.

These 'men of the hood' are armed and based on what the old hag said, prepared to use deadly force against your party. Cellica might be inclined to negotiate but that will probably just give your opponent more time to get ready. Best to strike while the iron's hot.

Moving toward the front of the group as the drivers come to a halt, you draw your bow and line up a shot on the lead bandit. He seems to just be realizing that you're quite a bit taller than the rest of the escort when your first arrow strikes him center of mass. The impact throws him back at least eight feet.

The second man who had been lining up a shot with his own bow now quickly sprints for the cover of the trees, screaming the whole way.
"Giant! Giant! They've got a gods damned giant with them!"
There's a great deal of shouting after that followed shortly after by the ground beginning to shake.

"Watch out for earth magic!" Cellica warns.

The horses seem on the verge of panic as does Ferith.
"Oh crap, are they going to have the ground open up?!"

When the shaking stops you fire another arrow down range to keep heads down. You, Aeson and Neia move up to join Aman and Trilah. By now Ocette has begun looking through the trees to try and determine how many you're facing.
"I see six humans and some rocks."

"What do you mean rocks?" Trilah asks before you notice a rythmic thumping shaking the ground. A misshapen humanoid form about two thirds your hight stomps its way out from the trees. It looks to be made of earth or clay and is followed by two others.

"Aw shit, elementals!" Aman exclaims.
Aeson disagrees. "No, they're Golems. We have to smash their focus stone or subdue their summoner."

You ready another arrow. "Where do we shoot to hit the stones?"
Aeson doesn't know but suggests the head or upper chest.

As the golems begin to move up five of the bandits leap from cover and fire a hail of arrows. Do you intend to help thin out the archers, try to take out the Golems with hits to their control stones, or perhaps disrupt the summoner with tear gas arrows?

[ ] Archers
[ ] Golems
[ ] Tear gas arrow(s)
[ ] BIG Tear gas arrow
[ ] Write in

>>4677406
[ ] Tear gas arrow(s)
Archers are meant to take down high value rear line targets, maybe if we’re lucky one will direct hit him.

>>4677406
>[ ] Tear gas arrow(s)

Rolled 30, 100 = 130 (2d100)

>>4677420
>>4677427
Roll 2d20

All of you scatter to avoid the incoming arrows. Trilah's spellgun lets off a series of metalic sounding 'pings' as he lays down a barrage of magical darts. Aman and Neia duck behind trees on the far side of the road. Aeson meanwhile backs off far enough to raise a wall of ice to help protect the wagons from stray arrows.

Once in cover yourself you switch arrows, readying the two smaller tear gas shots. Jib Jab meanwhile leaps from your shoulder to a branch on the nearest tree.
"Will sneak from above."
"Be careful," you tell him. "I'm not sure how large an area this tear gas will cover."
The kobold nods in understanding then scrambles up the tree, finding a place to leap or swing to the next with his rope and grapnel.

"Ocette, where is their mage?" you ask the harpy.

"Behind a big tree. Second in on the west from where the last golem is."
Stepping out from cover you make note of where the last golem is right now. She seems confident in the mage's location. You'll have to cross to the other side of the road to manage a shot against that tree unless you circle farther around through the forest.

Trilah badly wounds one of the enemies with another volley of fire from his gun.
"Reloading, keep them off me."

"Ulf!" Aeson calls. "Get ready to shoot the first golem, I'm going to freeze it."

That should give you cover to get across the road.

Roll 2d20

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I meant to post this picture...

Rolled 11, 6 = 17 (2d20)

>>4677510

Writing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APawXhyoDgk [Embed] [No One's Controlling Me]

Taking the tear gas arrows in your bow hand you draw a regular arrow for immediate use. After signaling you're ready Aeson looks to the other elf loading a wand into their gun.
"Trilah, ready?"
"Ready!"
"Then cover us."

Trilah fires a stream of blue sparkling projectiles that seem to home in on some of the bandits. Tim and one of the druids move up to either side of the ice wall and launch a few arrows as additional distraction while Aeson casts a more focused ice spell on the lead golem.

The mud and clay that seem to be making up the creature freezes and begins to crack in places. Satisfied that it should be good enough you move for the other side of the road, firing into the upper body of the golem. The impact is enough to shatter a good portion of the surrounding mass, causing its head to break off and fall to the ground. Spreading cracks cause one of the arms to eventually fall off as well.

A pair of arrows from the bandits strike the heavier armor around your right shoulder. They hit with enough force to penetrate the hardened leather but dont injure you much. The armor slowed them down enough that you can simply ignore them for now.

Once in position you fire off the tear gas arrow in the direction of the mage. It flies up and over the trees closest to the road and looks like it breaks against some lower branches near the target. The two remaining golems that had been trying to maneuver around the remains of the still standing frozen one suddenly halt their advance and begin shambling about.

"Did he get the mage?" asks Tim.

Aeson doesn't answer at first, watching the golems closely. Whatever was wrong with them soon corrects itself, only this time they're not advancing. They seem to be gathering rock.

"Bandits running away!" shouts Jib Jab.
Ocette soon confirms this but you dont catch the rest of her explanation as the golems begin to throw their newly acquired rocks in the direction of the convoy.

"I'm attacking the rear golem!" Neia declares, charging through the brush on the east side of the road. She and Aman look like they're trying to get behind it now that the archers are retreating. That leaves the other golem to you and the mage.

[ ] Combine your attacks with Aeson like before
[ ] Switch to throwing stones and bombard it
[ ] Attempt return to sender with some of the golem's rocks
[ ] Write in

>>4677650
>[ ] Attempt return to sender with some of the golem's rocks

I guess we're going to risk this then.

Roll 1d20

Rolled 7 (1d20)

>>4677735

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Thinking fast you drop the bow and step out into the line of fire, trying to grab some of the incoming rocks to throw back at the golems. This isn't something you've done much of. Usually when a giant throws a rock at another they get out of the way. That or try and hit it out of the air with another if they're trying to show off.

You cant quite catch any of them well enough to hang on and hurl them back. On the plus side you're effectively acting as a shield for the rest of the party, keeping damage to the horses, wagons and smaller ones to a minimum. Everyone else had better be using this opportunity to the fullest though. Impacts from any of the rocks you miss are starting to smart and you're having to swat down some of them with your bracer.

The rate of fire drops of significantly when the rear most golem turns their attention to closer attackers. You have to check twice to be certain of what you're seeing. The second golem seems to be surrounded by centaurs identical to Neia, circling and attacking with her spear. It must be an illusion of some kind. You don't see Aman anywhere.

The distraction you've been causing has bought Trilah time to change wands again. This time when he dares to stick his head out his weapon fires a disk of purple energy much like the smaller darts he'd initially started out with. The disk shears through one of the leading golems legs causing it to collapse to the ground.

Aeson uses this opportunity to remove the ice wall he'd put up earlier. It breaks up into smaller spears, shooting skyward before raining down on the collapsed golem, pinning it in place. While you shake off the after effects of the last few hits the mage rushes past you. Summoning a trio of larger ice spikes he drives them through the golem's head, neck and upper chest, eventually hitting its focus stone.

"One hand span below the neck!" Aeson shouts to Neia.

Several images of the centaur draw back their spear and drive the points into the golem's back where the elf indicated. The magical construct spasms briefly then begins to crumble into a pile of mud and clay.

The illusory centaurs vanish and Aman steps out of cover looking drained.
"Holy shit, did we do it?"

Ocette glides down from the trees looking as though she's about to land on your shoulder, then thinks better of it and sets down on the roadside.
"The rest of them are getting away, should we chase them?"

>What say?

>>4677890
I think we should make sure everyone is ok, heal up and then start heading toward our destination.

The bandits started to flee pretty early into the fight. Trying to chase them down with only 3 of us having any real movement speed might not be the best idea.

>>4677890
supporting: >>4677915

"Is everyone unharmed?"

Ferith is soon on the scene to determine just that. You have a few arrows sticking out of your arm and armor but the wounds are hardly what you'd consider serious. The same goes for all of the bruises from rock impacts. Despite this the cleric still insists on patching you up.

Neia was grazed by a rock while most of the others only have minor cuts from arrows. You managed to stop anyone else from being seriously wounded by the thrown rocks. Something the druid from the lead wagon is most certainly grateful for. The most serious injury was Trilah's horse taking an arrow to the hindquarters.

"Ithica's gonna wring my neck for getting another horse injured," the southern elf complains.

Fortunately this is easily remedied with some attention from the cleric.

Tim hops back onto the first wagon and waves for everyone to get moving again.
"We should get to the city as soon as possible before someone else decides to make a run for our cargo."

"What about those bandits?!" Aman exclaims. "They're going to try this again if we let them go."

His friend is less certain.
"I don't know. We might have dodged the worst of that fight when they decided to abandon ship."
"Can't the bird lady follow them?"
"No, not on her own." Cellica firmly replies. "They had a mage. Who knows what they may do if they notice Ocette following them."

Aeson and Ferith drag the dead bandit back to the horses after removing the arrow you'd put through him. Jib Jab brings your tear gas arrow back which you thank him for. With the body loaded and the wagons ready to roll Aeson speaks up.

"Regardless of what choice the rest of you wish to make we need to move now. We have the dead bandit. Dwarven records may help us identify him."

[ ] Go back to the city with the convoy
[ ] Go after the escaping bandits

>>4678021
>[ ] Go back to the city with the convoy

>>4678021
>[ ] Go back to the city with the convoy
The escort is the main priority. Updating the authorities and turning over the corpse for identification can help start a proper search for the bandits.

>>4678021
[ ] Go back to the city with the convoy
The bandits may be regrouping with reinforcements. Let’s get outta here

You shake your head and start walking, kicking aside a few remaining lumps from the golems. The Druids soon get their wagons rolling after you.

"Well I'm sure as hell not going after them without any backup," Aman concludes.
He and his friend continue to argue about the decision on the way back. It's less of question of should they have done it than rather what now. Should they try and get a band together with the guard and potentially go bounty hunting.

Despite the delay that the fight and subsequent patching up cost, the convoy arrives at the city on time. Well before the sun is threatening to approach the horizon. The druids are quite happy and give you an extra canister of tear gas, suggesting you leave it with one of the local alchemists for safekeeping.

Once the paperwork is looked after you pick up 410 silver leaving you at 2236 silver plus your four gold. The others thank you for offering the chance to work together. It might not have been your job, but knowing there would be a giant along to help certainly improved everyone's morale when it came to getting it done.

Neither Aman or Trilah will be able to accompany you on your next outing but they'd be willing to listen in the future if you were taking on any local work. The two of them offer to buy you a drink. One drink, they're very clear on that. Most of the others need to go their separate ways to drop off their earnings.

Did you want to take up their offer for a drink?

>>4678093
>Sure, but good luck finding a mug big enough. Unless you’re gonna buy me a whole barrel.

>>4675343
>That map
>Did you by any chance participate in aspiring emperor quest back in the day?
I meant to answer this. I have not, though I think that was on my list of quests to read at one point.
I used one of those city generator sites to get the outer walls along with scale and a few basics down then used it as a reference.

>>4678093
>Of course we'll take your drink! To new friends and great fortunes.

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You don't intend to turn down hospitality.
"Sure, but good luck finding a mug big enough. Unless you’re gonna buy me a whole barrel."
This gets the two of them laughing. The bar they frequent is one of the few that the other giants in town happen hang out in. You'd previously picked up a tankard of ale there but for you it was more of a child size cup.

Entering the bar north of main street the two ranchers head over to see the bartender.
"A bit late in the day for you two, what'll it be?" asks a well groomed dwarf.
"Two ales, and one for the big guy."
Aman jerks his thumb in your direction.

Looking up the bartender realises you're not one of the regulars.
"Oh yes! Flora mentioned there was a new giant in town. Wasn't sure what you drank so I've just been keeping an extra of the old standby. Haven't met a giant yet that doesn't like it. It tastes a bit like ale it's just prepared differently so we can fill a proper giant size mug."

The dwarf jumps down to a lower level behind the bar and bangs on a door.
"Seerah! One of the giants are in early!"
A young lady soon appears and climbs up a ladder to what you belatedly realise is another level with a counter situated at giant height. There are a few spots with cast iron seats that fold down, so you take the one closest to those meant for smaller peoples. Seerah sets a mug on the counter the size of a small keg and begins filling it from a hose she hauls up from beneath.

"This is Ulf," Aman tells the bartender who turns to you.
"Ulf, I'm Dunmer but most call me Drummer. Long story, you'll hear it eventually. Always glad to have another customer a- STONEBELOW there's a Kobold on yer shoulder! You already knew that by the looks of things. Sorry. Not used to that."
Drummer takes a moment to catch his breath, a hand on his chest in an effort to calm down. Once he's doing better he resumes talking, seemingly a mile a minute.
"Again sorry about that, startled me is all. I try to be open to anyone coming through the door that's willing to pay, so long as they don't start trouble. Enjoy your drink, let me know if it's not to your taste or you have any trouble."

Seerah gives your drink a stir with a ladle then gives you a thumbs up. Giving it a try you find the drink to be similar to ale like Drummer said, only a bit sweeter. Has a hint of what seems like dandelion tea.

"It's good!" you tell the others.

Trilah raises his glass. "To a job well done."
You in turn raise yours.
"To new friends and great fortunes."

"Hear hear!" says Aman.

It's nice to actually have a proper drink. That's not a thing you've ever really got to experience before. Siege armies were always being miserly with their rations.

Eventually Trilah strikes up more conversation.
"So Ulf, you said you were new in the area. What is it you're after up here? Aman's already said he's trying to find a path. I'm... glad to be away from the south and a good part of my past. What is it you hope to find?"

What are your personal goals? Money to be sure played a part in coming here. The thought of finding ancient ruins, weapons and armor is definitely on your list of goals now. What else? Fame or fortune, power or leadership over a new city state in the north? What are your dreams?

Stopping here for the night. I'll respond to questions tomorrow but I probably wont be doing any story posts until Thursday.

>>4678256
At last, character development. I can think of anything right now but I just wanna confirm what we know so far:
>We come from the open plains, learning how to shoot for hunting food
>We signed on with the Silver Talons, a mercenary group that is more tolerant towards non-humans and gained some war experience.
Anything else?

>>4678244
A mix of Adventure, looking for a bit of giant related history in ruins.

Make sure we get Jib Jab a drink.

>>4678244
A more permanent place for giants to settle on a permanent basis or semi-permanently during the nomadic life. Somewhere for giant culture to have a centre.

>>4678382
>We come from the open plains, learning how to shoot for hunting food
Yes. Though you also spent some time in the iron hills.

>We signed on with the Silver Talons, a mercenary group that is more tolerant towards non-humans and gained some war experience.
Technically you're an associate member, as was the siege company you were with. You haven't joined the silver talons proper yet. I was meaning to bring this up again before you next left the city.

>>4678708
>Make sure we get Jib Jab a drink.
Added.

>>4678244
To sit on the Iron Throne as king.

>>4678708
>>4678793
>>4679416
You get Jib Jab a drink while thinking over an answer to their question.

Giants wander far, see many distant places but rarely stop there. Most only putting down roots long enough to have a few children before moving on. There are exceptions of course, some settling for one reason or another like food, work, friends and allies.

While you hope for some adventure, what you really want is to find a place for those few giants that want to stop for awhile. A place of their own. Maybe there was once such a place in ancient times. If so maybe you can learn of its history from ruins. While giants aren't exactly dwindling in numbers you know they were once more numerous.

If you just happened to end up sitting on the throne of such a place that wouldn't be so bad, would it?

You're still young in the reckoning of most stone kin. Not as long lived as elves but you should have plenty of time in which to accomplish your goals.

>Is this acceptable?

>>4680548
>>Is this acceptable?
yes

>>4680548
Yep sounds good.

>>4680548
Yeah, let’s make a home.

"I can respect that," Trilah says. "A lot of people coming north these days are escaping from problems. Occasionally though we'll get a group that wants to head out on their own, found a new settlement. A few of those hope to turn it into a new kingdom of their own. You'll want to watch your back out there, they may not want the competition."

Aman agrees.
"I imagine some folk would find the idea of a city of giants intimidating. Or see it as a threat. I don't though. Most of you giants that I've met are pretty laid back, and I mean that in a good way. You don't tend to get upset over stupid pointless shit the way humans do."

You thank him for the compliment, though you point out you do get angry when people are trying to trick you. That seems to be fairly consistent among giants. It's probably why Flora is so dead set on keeping an eye out for all of you.

The human shrugs.
"I think that's common among most races."
"Except goblins," Trilah points out. "They get a kick out of pulling a fast one and generally respect it if someone else is quick enough to do the same back."
That could be worth remembering.

Thanking the pair for the drink you wish them luck with whatever job they're taking on next. You need to get a few things ready for the next expedition and there might be time to take care of them today before the shops close.

Antonio looks over the slight damage to your armor and asks to reconfigure some bits before your next outing. He seems confident that they were longbow hits.
"These hits were straight on you can tell. Come back in the morning. If you want I can also sell you some replacement pieces you can switch out in the field if you take any more damage."

That might be handy and would only cost about 20 silver.

Next up is Enidon's shop. You'd been planning to get Jib-Jab a small crossbow but wanted to wait until you had more money on hand. While basic crossbows are surprisingly cheap, the one that is a more ideal size of the kobold is a good bit more complicated. This has driven the price up somewhat.

"500 silver for the hand crossbow, another 50 for the smaller bolts, sheaves and holsters. It should be possible to buy bolts with poison reservoir heads that are compatible with these smaller crossbows. I don't sell them as the guard doesn't particularly care for their existence."

It sounds like you or Jib Jab would have to get on good terms with some of the more shady members of society in order to get those.

Do you want to get Jib-Jab the crossbow at this time?

>>4680695
Might as well, be sure to get some poison arrows, the only way to really do damage with the tiny thing aside from critical hits.

>>4680695
>get replacement pieces
>get crossbow

With the crossbow added to your small companion's arsenal you turn in for the night, ready to get an early start.

First things first, you pick up an extra stack of arrows to bring along. 40 total should be enough. You still have a few spare arrow heads if you need to carve some rough arrows while out in the field.

You meet up with Gegor, Ferith, Cellica and Ocette to discuss plans on the Missing Caravan job. Aeson has apparently sent word that he won't be able to accompany the team leaving you without a mage. Neia and Tim will be a bit late but they are still willing to go along. If you include Jib Jab that's an 8 man party which unfortunately in this case means the money on this job could start to be spread a bit thin if many more were to be added.

Though magic might be useful in an emergency, this is more of a reconnaissance in force than anything. Cellica says she could probably find another mage with the Talons. This is a job that the Talons themselves are offering and keeping it mostly in house might help the pay situation.

After some checking there's only one that's available, a mage by the name of Orlan that specializes in earth magic plus a few other things.

"Ech, please not him." gripes the usually stalwart Gegor.
"Now, I know you two don't get along-" Cellica starts before the Paladin cuts her off.
"He's of demonic heritage, I don't trust him."
"That's not his choice and you know it."
"The young Ferith here has been learning how to dispel magic, that should be good enough."
Gegor claps the cleric on the shoulder.

While he might have a point you really dont know what may have happened to that caravan.

[ ] We don't need a mage, the party is large enough
[ ] Orlan could be useful, Gegor needs to tolerate him
[ ] Try to find another solution (Write in)

>>4680814
>[ ] Orlan could be useful, Gegor needs to tolerate him

>>4680814
I seesawed back and forth quite a bit on that 3rd option whether to put simply: try to find another mage in town.

"Orlan could be useful. If he's with the Silver Talons then he is an ally yes?"

Gegor seems to be attempting to come up with a suitable argument against the mage but eventually simply crosses his arms in frustration.
"I'm not happy about it but you are correct."

Ferith tries to stay positive.
"Look on the bright side. If he's with us you can keep an eye on him. We- we can keep an eye on him."
"Got a point there kid."

With that problem squared away Cellica asks something she's been wondering about.
"Ulf, I think you said that your company in the south was an associate of the Talons. Have you thought about becoming a full member?"

You've thought about it briefly but didn't want to make any waves with the other giants plans to balance their hiring rates.

"I'm asking because those with a high enough standing can see about getting better equipment, or enchantments on equipment. You can then work to pay them off in installments if you want to own them. Until then the company would still own that gear and they'll want it back if you decide to resign.
It's hard to see for all of the feathers but Ocette actually has a light weight enchanted breastplate."
"Ha! You said breast," crows the harpy.
"Very mature young lady."

Magical equipment of one kind or another would certainly be a game changer, but do you really want to tie yourself down to a major mercenary company?
>Would you be interested in signing on with the Silver Talons as a full member at this time?

>>4680933
>>Would you be interested in signing on with the Silver Talons as a full member at this time?
no

You'll hold off on that for now. So far noting has posed too much of a threat and you don't want to be pinned down by a merc company. There's always plenty of time to sign up later should you change your mind.

Gegor heads off with Ferith to buy a few more supplies while the rest of you wait for the remaining party members to arrive. They promise to meet at the eastern gate. Orlan, when he emerges from the Talons area of the hiring hall, appears like some battle mages you've met. Average to tall for one of the smaller folk he's outfitted much like any other. Leather pouches and mail cover his lower torso hanging from a sturdy looking enchanted chestplate. All of that is topped by robes that seem to have even more pockets.

The mage himself however differs quite a bit. His skin is ashen with streaks and splotches of darker colouration like marble. Eyes are an unnatural cyan colour and a pair of short sharp looking horns poke out of his forehead. Though it's hard to tell with the hood up it looks like he doesn't have any hair.

"I am Ulf," you gesture to your left shoulder, "and this is Jib Jab."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," he smoothly replies. "Both of you. I haven't worked with any of the giants before."

"I hope our Paladin won't give you too much trouble," says Cellica, sounding a bit concerned.

"I don't expect we'll have much to argue about Miss Tähti. At least on my end."

When Neia and Tim arrive they both appear prepared for travel. The Centaur is a little surprised by Orlan's presence but shakes it off quickly.
"Sorry we're late. If the rest of you are ready we should head out, we're wasting daylight."

The Paladin and Cleric are waiting at the east gate. Ferith explains that they picked up a few potions just in case since if anything happens to him the rest of you might be a several days travel from another healer. Or at least one that wasn't an orc. Who knows what they might charge if you were able to make contact with a friendly tribe.

As the party gets rolling there is discussion on what you might find. The river crossing is 180 kilometers as the bird flies. A few people live near the crossing, mostly fishers and trappers. Some orcs, some humans but not enough for a proper defensible settlement. According to the Talons one of the other harpies in town were sent out to the crossing and reported back that everything there was fine.

There is some idle gossip among the party until you reach the edges of the city's territory near sundown. Ocette can't see much ahead because of trees overhanging the road but you and Jib Jab notice a figure ahead on foot that you're catching up on. It appears to be an orc wearing little more than a long shirt, shorts and manacles.

Could that be one of the escaped slaves that there was a bounty on? Either way when the orc notices you he runs for the cover of the trees. Did you want to investigate?

File: 7Yi0.gif (1.43 MB, 245x145)

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I have to head out so I may not post much more tonight. I've been considering changing the name of the quest and am wondering what all of you would think of this. Considering going with:
A Giant in the Silver Marches

I'm open to others but if I am going to change it then it should be in this thread so I can start archiving it properly.

>>4681073
>Did you want to investigate?
sure
>>4681082
sounds good

>>4681073
Yes. See what gots the little one all flustered.

>>4681082
I like the new name.

>>4681073
Yes investigate. Does our kobald have any tracking skills?

Writing.

"I know we were going to stop for the night but I get concerned when people flee at our approach. Can anyone track him?"

Though no one is a dedicated ranger Gegor has picked up a few of the basics over the years. Neia likewise knows a thing or two, though she's better at tracking across plains and fields. Jib Jab has not really gained a lot of experience with tracking yet, mainly focusing on spotting while staying hidden. It's something he would like to learn more about.

You, the Paladin and the Centaur charge ahead, trying to get to the point at the road where the orc went off the trail as quickly as possible. Gegor suggests you stick to the road as much as possible, trying to spot what you can between the undergrowth and the tree canopy. There's enough of a breeze that the swaying of the leaves makes it difficult to hear movement through the undergrowth.

The other two split up slightly trying to follow trail signs. Gegor soon calls out that the trail he'd been following has doubled back. You spot Neia giving a burst of speed followed by a shout.
"You there! Stop!"

That's enough of a sign as far as you're concerned. Crashing through the forest you and Gegor soon catch up. Tim has an arrow nocked but isn't aiming at the orc male they've cornered. You note he's rather thin for one of his kind.
"Who are you and why did you run?" Neia demands to know.

The orc looks to each of you in turn.
"You were sent to catch me weren't you?"

"No, we're headed for the river," you answer.

Gegor dismounts and asks to see the manacles he's wearing.
"Hold out your hands, I'm not going to hurt you."

He does as ordered and the Paladin soon grunts after finding a particular marking on the metal bands.
"He's from the ones that reported several escapees alright. Where are the others?"

The orc scowls.
"We scattered. One or two may be caught but some will escape."
This gets a weary sigh from Gegor.
"Let's go setup camp for the night while we figure out what to do with you. As long as you don't try anything we won't tie you up."

>cont

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How to deal with the escaped slave is predictably the main topic of discussion around the camp fire. Ferith gets him some food and water after checking for injuries. Neia is the first to voice her opinion.
"We have a mission. There is no point in turning back now."

Tim shakes his head in disagreement, pointing out that legally they're supposed to turn in escaped slaves. He looks to Gegor for support and he reluctantly answers in the affirmative.
"Yes, in the eyes of the law that is what we are supposed to do."

Cellica doesn't seem happy about this.
"I've never liked that the city allowed this sort of thing, no matter how common it is in the south."

Ocette is asleep on a branch and doesn't comment while Jib Jab just shrugs. He's used to the idea of the bigger and stronger ones deciding what to do. That's the way it's been his whole life.

Orlan doesn't look up from practicing his magic on one of the rocks making up the fire pit.
"The law doesn't apply here. We're outside the territory claimed by the city."
"Outside the area protected by the city you mean," Gegor counters.
"Semantics."

>What is your input on what to do with the escaped slave?

>>4681910
>>What is your input on what to do with the escaped slave?
leave him

>>4681910
We never saw him. There’s no time for human baggage, let’s carry on.

"Leave him. We came out here to search for a missing caravan, not to collect slaves that will weigh us down. The bounty hunters can do their own job."

"We couldn't take him with us?" wonders Ferith.
Gegor shakes his head.
"No, we don't have enough horses."
"Tim could go with Ulf and then Neia coul-"
"No! Absolutely not!" the centaur objects. "I do not let strangers... I barely tollerate Tim and only because he is a friend."

The cleric looks rather abashed.
"Sorry."

You're sure he meant well, as for the orc you suggest he stay off the road. Others that are hunting for him, or even well armed parties of prospectors, might decide it's worth the effort to bring him back.
"What'd you do anyways?"
"I was captured by a band taking prisoners so there would be someone to trade in exchanges with the tribes."

Well for one night at least he has a fire to sit by and some food. Later on when you're on watch you see Orlan break the manacles on the condition he doesn't tell anyone else who removed them. Just before sunrise the orc heads into the woods heading south east.

"We never saw him," you state.
"Saw who?" asks Tim.
"The or- oh. I get it."

It takes two days to reach the river crossing with no further incidents along the way. A small fur trade post is being operated here. The only permanent structure is one with sturdily built walls that could probably take a few of your throwing stone hits. Tents and a few wooden outbuildings surround it but not more than a dozen people are here at present.

Though the river is quite wide here it is rather shallow and calm. You could probably wade across with one of the trappers guessing the water would be up to your chest in places. Long sturdy ropes attached to pulleys are set up to help float a raft across.

Gegor and Cellica ask around for what direction the caravan went after crossing. They seem to think it wen toff north east but nobody who has come back from trapping in that area has run into them.

>Any questions you have for the locals?

>>4682033
>What's the mood of nearby tribes?
>Any unusual behaviours from animals recently?
>Have there been others incidents with caravans previously?

While the others are tying to figure out where the caravan went you decide to ask about other sorts of useful information. Like the mood of the nearby tribes and chances of them giving you much trouble.

You find out that in the mountains east of here there are several tribes of kobolds. They tend to stick to the harsher terrain, dug in so the orcs cant get at them. The orcs and goblins right now are fighting a bit more often than usual after the death of a chief in the winter. Not as bad as up north closer to the plains, but the worst it's been in some time.
They're generally leaving the trappers and traders alone, but a couple have vanished.

"Does that happen often?"
The grey haired man you're talking to shakes his head in dismay.
"We lose a few every year. Some get killed by bears and wolves, handle a river wrong and it can smash you against rocks in the rapids. Plenty of ways to die. Hell I almost died of dysentery drinking from a stream that was no good."

As it's explained to you overall the local tribes are a bit on the combative side right now. Provided your party looks strong a small enough group of orcs should leave you be. Larger ones you're better off making use of the horses to retreat. Or in your case just run.

There isn't much news when it comes to difficulties with the animals. They've been warned to be on the lookout about the rabies outbreak of course but aside from that the only weird stuff is far down river. A few reported seeing giant spiders, but that was nearly 700 kilometers from here.

"No other incidents with caravans disappearing?"
"Well we've had settlers vanish before over the years. Warned them things got less safe across the river but they took us being here as a sign it was too safe on this side. Figured it was only a matter of time until the city annexed these parts.

I heard of one wagon being washed down river about 5 years back. Some tribes captured a few others but a group from the Mantle went and traded for their release. That was when things were a bit more calm. This caravan you're looking for was the largest I've ever seen make the attempt. They may have stood a chance if they were attacked."

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The various clues are discussed before turning in for the night. Searching the east side of the river could take some time but the team is prepared.

In the morning you think you can see the peak of a mountain far to the east. It's hard to make out for certain over the trees and the sunrise may have aided in that somewhat. According to the locals there is a range of five mountains out in that direction running mostly north-south. The southern most one should be roughly 160 kilometers due east. There's supposed to be a fairly wide pass through them between the second and third mountain.

If the caravan departed north east there's a good chance they were headed for the pass. Neia and Gegor would like to spend some time looking for signs of the caravans passage relatively close to the river to confirm this. Before that though you're faced with the actual crossing.

You pile a good portion of your gear that would hang below your waist on the raft and simply wade across. The current isn't bad here and you weigh enough that it cant sweep you away. The others take turns ferrying gear across while the centaur and all but one of the horses simply swim. The remaining one is brought across on the raft, not really seeming to like any method of crossing the river.

"How was I supposed to know my horse didn't like water?" complains Ferith.

There are plenty of signs of the caravan's passing on the other side, at least at first. Branches and shrubs have been hacked away in places to clear a path for the caravan. Into mixed terrain of forest and clearings it soon becomes more difficult to follow what's left of their trail. Too many smaller planets have grown in to fill any gaps they left.

The pass still seems like the best bet. Ocette will be able to spot the remains of firepits on rockier ground. Getting there without stumbling into a band of orcs that think they can take you is the real question.

Did you want to take your time in order to avoid trouble wherever possible, or try to get to the pass as quickly as you can?

>>4682203
move quickly, should make it harder for someone to prepare a spontaneous ambush

Roll 2d100 for enemy avoidance.

Rolled 11, 9 = 20 (2d100)

>>4682254

Now that I've finished laughing I'd better get to work writing this.

Rolled 32, 53 = 85 (2d100)

>>4682209
Might be too late but might as well test our luck!

You urge the rest of the party to try and get to the pass quickly. The less time spent out where orc tribes are fighting the less likely you are to be caught. It will also mean anyone who notices your presence wont have time to race ahead and set up ambushes.

Closer to the river the party makes good time. There are increasing signs each day of marauding orcs and even goblins. Ocette is able to spot a number of smaller groups from far away allowing you to avoid them. That ends on the third day.

As the terrain gets rougher everyone needs to slow down to deal with the difficult terrain. Entering an area of old growth Ocette is unable to spot from high above and descends to lower levels. Flying beneath the canopy she stays near to the group gliding from tree to tree.

Passing through a series of smaller clearings you eventually break through low lying greenery into a larger open space. It's filled with slabs of rock and boulders that may have once stood upright. There isn't any time to check if these are ruins though, you're far to busy taking stock of what else is here.

Two tribes of orcs facing off against each other. Or maybe it's diplomacy? The tribes are mostly hanging back near the north and south sides while a trio from each band meets in the center. Both are rather surprised by the arrival of your group and begin yelling angrily and pointing fingers.

"Is that hobgoblin?" Gegor mutters.
Sure enough the leader of the southern band has the more dusky tanned reddish skin of those from the deep south. Figuring out what they're doing here is not the priority though. Extricating yourself before things get much worse is.

Cellica speaks up loud enough for all of you to hear but hopefully not the orcs. "I's not sure my orcish is good enough to get us out of here. Suggestions?"

>"I'm not sure
Or maybe it sounds more orc with the spelling mistake, I don't know.

I have to head out for dinner. I will be back on in a few hours.

>>4682331
We should try the same tactic late time. Act as an anrgy giant and have our companion shout at them to make way for us.

Diplomacy is not our forte and just leaving or standing still may increase tensions depending on why they are meeting.

"I could act as an angry giant again."
At this suggestion Cellica and Gegor instantly put another couple hand spans of distance between themselves and you. It's like they didn't even move, just suddenly they were farther away.
"We might still need you coherent enough to use your bow Ulf," the half-elf politely suggests.

"Angry giant is after a thief that fled with the caravan?" Tim helpfully offers. "Personally though? Running seems wise to me."
Ferith, though sounding a touch nervous, still seems hopeful.
"This is just an honest mistake. Maybe we can still barter for information?"

"We surrender we not be treated good," is Jib Jab's contribution to the conversation.
Maybe he's just worried he wont be treated as well?

Orlan has another solution; "Tell them we came to pay tribute to one side or the other. Pay a bribe to get out of this mess."
Neia snorts. "We are mercenaries. I will not be leaving with less money than we arrived."

"Backing one side in this could spark a battle," Gegor warns. "A lasting peace between tribes in the area gives us the best chance of finding that caravan. Say the city wants to know what it will take for there to be peace."

Cellica frowns.
"That's not going to be easy to pull off."
"I know."

As the shouting among the orc leaders begins to quiet down into what looks more like cold fury Neia has one more thing to add.
"Sparking a battle might be a good thing. Thinning the orc numbers could be useful in the long run."

[ ] Our angry giant is chasing a thief with the caravan
[ ] R U N
[ ] Barter for information
[ ] Pay tribute to one side
[ ] Offer to back whichever side will pay more
[ ] Give peace a chance

>>4682680
>[ ] R U N
As much as I wanted to Barter for information, the chief that died might have been an orc chief. This might be the summit to decide a new one and if they see us, they might think the other hired us to take the other out.

Going to be leaving this for an overnight vote.

>>4682680
>[ ] R U N

>>4682680
>[ ] R U N

>>4682680
RUN

>>4682680
> [ ] R U N
Nigerundayoooooo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZAQZ4v91Rc [Flight to the Ford - LotR]

"Whoever wins still outnumbers us by too much. Changed my mind, RUN."

Orlan and Gegor wheel their horses about at nearly the same time, the Paladin dragging Ferith's horse along with him. Cellica begins to protest.
"But what about-"
"GO!" Neia shouts.
At this the others flee while you crash through the trees after them. The harpy has shot skyward to avoid the heavy underbrush that slowed her down before. The rest of you move as fast as possible retracing your steps as fast as the horses will dare. Even before you'd made it back into the woods Orc shouting resumed. This time louder, meant to be heard by the rest of the tribes perhaps.

"Do I want to know what they're yelling?" Orlan shouts over his shoulder.
"Something about a truce," Cellica answers.
"Well isn't that nice for them!"

As the going gets rougher Jib Jab ties himself to your armor, trying to avoid the worst of the branches you're not slowing down to navigate properly. The trail being left behind is one that wont be easy to miss. Continuing to follow the others you begin to tear down the occasional mid sized tree to block the path behind you. It's hard to tell how effective it is but it's not slowing you down enough that you can't catch up with the horses.

Once out of the heaviest sections of forest Ocette rejoins the party. Landing on a few trees ahead she does what she can to make a path for all of you while delaying pursuers. It's not long before she squawks in surprise, taking wing again.
"Their druids are keeping me from slowing them down!"

"How many?" you ask.
"A lot!"
"How much is a lot?" questions Tim. "Twenty? Fifty?"
"More!"
Okay that's a lot.

"We need to get to open ground. Use the horses to outrun them," shouts the Paladin.

Roll 2d100

Rolled 53, 10 = 63 (2d100)

>>4683304
Long sexy legs, don’t fail us now

Rolled 37 (1d100)

>>4683304

Rolled 44 (1d100)

>>4683304
>>4683316
and the second roll...

Ocette continues to do what she can to clear a path for the horses. If necessary you're prepared to take up the lead and punch a hole through the brush yourself. Hopefully that won't be necessary.

A stone the size of something you would throw comes crashing down two dozen yards away. Though it's nowhere near landing on you it does momentarily startle the horses.
"What was that?!" asks Ferith.
"You don't want to know," is your answer.

Because you do know. It can only mean one of two or three things and any of them are bad. If you're lucky, really lucky, it's just another golem like the ones you fought a few days ago. If you're right though -and you hope you're not- it's another giant, or worse an ogre.

Rocks begin to rain down at regular intervals. None of them are close but the continued barrage can't be good for the others morale. Gegor continues to urge the others on, the more experienced warrior knowing that stopping at this point means death or capture. Neia takes up the lead, doing what she can to find the best terrain for the horses to follow.

"How are we doing?" the Paladin calls back to those of you watching the rear.
Ocette seems to think the party can outrun them eventually at the current pace. The fall of rocks is certainly becoming more inaccurate by the minute. You can hear other noises though. Glancing over your shoulder you spot a number of enemies closing. Goblins riding... wolves? Dire Wolves?

"Goblin riders!" you warn.

Orlan slows, waving most of the others past him then picks up his pace once he's nearer to you.
"It's going to take me longer to cast while riding like this. Giant, Ulf, could you discourage them while I'm between spells?"

That you can do. The question now is, bow or stone? Stones may limit your rate of fire as you only carry three and will have to scavenge for more along the way. Arrows will be harder to replenish long term but you have more of them immediately at hand.

[ ] Bow, Rapid Fire
[ ] Rock Barrage
[ ] Special: Large tear gas canister
Roll 1d20

Rolled 9 (1d20)

>>4683339
[ ] Bow, Rapid Fire
We need fast projectiles to hit these things.

Rolled 51, 3 = 54 (2d100)

>>4683304
It's best of three, yeah?

Rolled 2 (1d20)

>>4683339
[x] Special: Large tear gas canister

They'll probably think they were poisoned.

>>4671969
>>4683355
>It's best of three, yeah?
For certain things. All of you are certainly fast enough for best of 3 to apply on the d100s in this case.
>Rolled 51, 3
For all the good that's going to do you with rolls like this.

It is fortunately also best of 3 on archery or stone throwing.

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>4683339
>[ ] Special: Large tear gas canister

It's a good thing you brought plenty of arrows along because you're going to need plenty of them today. Shooting while on the run is a skill that you rarely have cause to practice. Certainly not while running away from enemies. Despite any misgivings you begin putting down a hail or arrows.

Wolves duck and dodge to avoid the large bolts, some backing off or whimpering after near misses. The others just seem to get angrier, spreading out to make it more difficult for you to hit them.

Some of the closer goblins begin firing arrows at you, missing at first but gaining in accuracy. Jib Jab warns of some using wands just before blue stinging projectiles begin to impact. You can shrug them off for now, they're too small to do any real damage but it they get hits on the mage it could disrupt him.

Jib Jab fires off a pair of shots with his new hand crossbow, missing the first one but managing to hit a wolf fairly solidly with the second.

Orlan calls out a warning to move fast then unleashes a spell. A barrier of earth, mud and stone shoots up out of the ground just behind you, extending out to the sides by dozens of feet. A few impacts are heard as wolves and riders slam into the wall at speed.

Only a short moment later magic of one kind or another slices into the wall, cutting a hole wide enough for two of the wolves to pass through side by side. What the grinning lead goblin failed to account for was that they were now giving you a tight grouping of targets.

One arrow blows clear through one of the wand users, throwing them from their mount. Another hits a wolf through the head sending its rider flying into a tree. Others scatter in momentary panic, continuing to shoot. Peeking through the hole in the wall one green skin sends of bolt of lightning your way. Turning, you catch it in your off hand. As confirmation of the testing back in the city the magical impact feels little worse than splashing your hand in a stream.

Not waiting to see if this confuses your opponent you continue running. More riders are rounding the edges of the barrier and you send more arrows in their direction. Orlan fires the occasional beam of purple energy from his staff to help.

Catching up to the others at a stream Ocette once again tries to slow down your pursuers with the local plant life. This time you're far enough away from the hostile druids that she has some success. Orlan continues to use earth magic to help, launching blocks of stone or raising more temporary barriers.

>cont

After downing two more wolves with your bow the pursuers begin to back off more. They haven't given up though, and every attempt by Ocette to check on their progress gives away your position. It isn't until the party reaches increasingly open terrain to the west and really puts on the speed that they're left behind.

Neia directs everyone into the next stream, following it down river to keep the wolves from following you. It's into dusk when the party stops for the night. The horses are worn out and you're in need of sleep yourself. Ocette and Orlan do what they can to make a sheltered position for the night, looking to those outside like an overgrown outcropping of rock.

Everyone agrees that a camp fire can't be risked. The better question now is, how long can you afford to stay in place? Can you wait for morning, or is it better to move once the horses are rested enough to continue on foot?

"I can't be sure but we should have covered at least 60 kilometers," Gegor estimates.
That should put you a good piece east of the river still but not too far. You'll have to swing north to get at the pass while avoiding those two tribes. When to move is the question.

[ ] Rest until the horses can walk, leave while it's still dark
[ ] Wait until sunrise
[ ] Take a day and rest the horses

I've been called into work so I probably only have time for one more story post today.

>>4683448
>[ ] Wait until sunrise

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Everyone rests up until sunrise with Ocette standing watch through most of the second half of night. Jib Jab also does some patrolling. He spent a good portion of the escape firing from your backpack so the wolves wont have his scent. They'll think he's just another kobold in the area you hope.

Leaving the constructed hiding place it doesn't look like they've followed you. At least not this far. The tribes may have decided to call off the pursuit once you got far enough away. Heading north at a fairly slow pace most of the day is spent being careful and allowing the horses to recover a bit more.

Your arrow stock has been depleted a bit but there's more left than what you entered the north with. It should be enough. Just in case though a couple of spare rough arrows are carved at the end of each night when stopping to rest.

Once the party is back to being itself again it takes two more days to skirt north and reach the pass. Despite the risk of being spotted Cellica feels you've traveled far enough away for Ocette to take to the skies again.

It takes hours but she eventually finds remains of a few camps and fire pits. Some are the result of orcs but at one Jib Jab turns up a few matchsticks. These definitely weren't from the locals. Other signs are turned up as well. Disturbed rock from prospecting, felled trees, sawdust and a few metal scraps here and there.

"I think they lost an axle off a wagon and had to cut a new one."

Despite scouring the area continued searches finds no sign that they used the pass. Gegor turns up additional wheel ruts that turn southward but it's impossible to be sure if they're the incoming or outgoing tracks. When Neia finds there was an excess of snow melt in the area until recently she comes to an undesirable conclusion.

"I believe they turned south. They may not have been able to get through this pass more than two months ago."

Following the southern set of tracks that seem to skirt the mountains south will almost certainly lead you back into the territory of the two orc tribes. The only safe solutions would seem to be circling west back to the river and then south, or cutting through the pass and around the mountains.

Provided neither of the tribes have captured the caravan that is.

Which way will you go? Through the pass, back to the river, trying to covertly follow the southern trail, or will you attempt something different?

>>4683604
>Through the pass

>>4683604
>Through the pass

"The path behind us is filled with angry orcs or worse. We go through the pass and head south from there."
There are no real objections. If you're not willing to face whatever might be worse then they're in no hurry to either.

The pass itself is quite rough in places. A caravan could get through but they would need a guide who was very familiar with the area or risk damage to the wagons. As seen from the signs of wagon repair they must have given up on that plan. Were they even aware of the local tribes infighting at the time, or were the orcs still busy replenishing their supplies after winter?

From the pass all of you can get a good view of the lands to the east. Another distant group of mountains is off the north west with higher ground to the north. First forest then plains cover much of the land between the mountains and the next river. The same river according to the others. Or part of the same drainage basin.

The rivers here flow south into a series of interconnected lakes. Those in turn drain into what the dwarves have eloquently labeled the east river on your map. Surely there must be another name? You hadn't thought to ask the trappers at the crossing. This gets a few laughs from the rest of the party.

Tim is the first to speak up.
"You must have picked up that map at the gate or on the trade road. The branch of the river west of Silver Mantle is called the Birchhead. The one to the east the Blood Willow because sometimes the river goes red."

"Why would it go red?"
"Folktale is that the orcs and druids slit the throats of hundreds or thousands of enemies or captives as part of a ritual every few years. It releases their spirits to stalk the lands and lay curses on those that would disrespect the old forests."

"Hey, that's not true!" Ocette protests.

"I also heard from one of the stone druids that they think it's from red clay getting washed down into the river."
Ferith is a little disappointed to hear this finding the folktale to be much spookier.

The next time the party stops for the night Tim approaches you.
"I wanted to ask, did you think it was a giant or an ogre that was after us during the escape?"

Giant or ogre, it should be a simple question but which answer feels right?

On again in the morning. If work tries to call me in screw em. That shift was not fun.

>>4684872
Orge.

Always assume the worst. Also what kind of giant misses such easy targets!

>>4684872
>ogre

Ogre. It had to be an ogre, you can feel it in your bones. The brutes tend to have more fat to ward off blows than a giant. Though they might be a bit shorter, its debatable which is stronger. Odds are good one could take you in a fight if they could get into melee range. Then again it's the same for any giant that gets in close, you're an archer not a swordsman.

"Besides, what giant could miss so badly when they have druids to spot their fall of shot? That sort of thing may be my specialty but that was amaturish to be sure."

"Just a bit of professional pride there?" Tim asks, clearly amused by this.
"A bit yes."

You make good time heading south through the plains towards the lakes of the upper Blood Willow river. From there the party can watch for trappers and smaller bands that might be willing to talk and trade for information. If they came this far east someone will have seen them.

What locals should you attempt talks with? Or would you rather spend a few days searching for clues on your own?
>Select all that apply
[ ] Trappers
[ ] Fur Traders
[ ] Smaller orc bands
[ ] Smaller tribes
[ ] Slightly larger tribes the traders say are safe
[ ] Kobolds?
[ ] All of the above
[ ] Avoid contact, search for clues

>>4685223
>[ ] Trappers
>[ ] Fur Traders
>[ ] Smaller tribes
>[ ] Kobolds?

The Trappers and Fur Traders should be easy to find. All that's needed is to get near the larger river and have Ocette watch from high enough up for awhile. Safely approaching smaller tribes and finding Kobolds will be more difficult. There are ways to do this of course, it will just require some skill.

Roll 2d100 for the later 2 options.

Rolled 63, 65 = 128 (2d100)

>>4685255

Rolled 3, 60 = 63 (2d100)

>>4685229
>+1

Rolled 88, 57 = 145 (2d100)

>>4685255

Jib Jab may not be a ranger but he knows more or less what to look for to find his people. His own tribe may live near swampier terrain 500 kilometers farther south, but there are usually some commonalities. He splits of with Tim for the better part of a day while the rest of you are hunting. The archer has a few special arrows that can be used as signals if they need help.

When the two smaller party members get back to camp they report some success. They made contact with some local kobolds and were able to barter for information. To their knowledge a caravan hasn't been to this side of the mountains. That includes the area on this side of the river from Great Willow Lake over to Bow Lake.

"That certainly narrows things down," comments Neia.
Gegor agrees. "I doubt they'll be found east of the upper river."

Tim searches through his pack for a number of maps eventually finding one of Willow Lake. There are a few tiny ink marks here and there that almost look like they were accidental.
"If these are marked right there are a couple of tribes near the lake that are small enough we can approach safely. They're among a bunch I have marked as willing to do business with fur traders."

Nia points to a few other spots here and there.
"What are those marked in red?"
"Ones rumored to drink from the skulls of their enemies, but I haven't updated those ones in awhile."
That's reassuring.

Heading south for the lake takes another two days. There aren't any trappers along the way but a few smaller warbands or raiding parties are spotted and avoided. Approaching one of the smaller lakeside tribes known to do trade goes well. Cellica convinces them you're not here to start trouble, only to trade for information and get rid of some pelts picked up during hunting along the way.

A few humans and ice elves are present at the camp, most dressed as traders. At least one heavily tattooed man is working a forge alongside several orcs. There are quite a few curious looks from the locals at the sight of a giant but none are concerned enough to stop whatever they're working on.

"This is convenient," is Ferith's assessment. "There are a lot of people we can ask here."
Indeed, the traders and other locals know quite a bit about movements of tribes, trade and most anything else in the area. They're concerned with the larger tribes fighting to the west and figure it's only a matter of time until they're dragged into the mess. They may be forced into paying tribute to whichever warband from either side happens by.

>cont

"What is causing the fighting?" you ask one of the orc traders.
"A chief died in the winter. His replacement's a sodding idiot so their treaties fell apart and tributaries are breaking off. Only a matter of time until their enemies join forces against them I say."

According to those present the caravan is known to have passed through the territory of the Rager Bears heading south. Though they left in peace something happened while they were there and after, making the new chief look rather weak. His seems to have picked up a preference for southerner arms and clothing among other things. Though an unmatched warrior, he's managed to increasingly alienate his allies with poorly thought through decisions.

"Where is the caravan now?"
"They crossed down river of the lake, heading south east."
That's a lot of area to cover.

A newly arrived trapper asks what's going on and when he finds out what you're looking for seems quite pleased.
"I saw them up the Cold Beck. 20 silver and I'll mark where it is on a map. You pay me 3 pieces of gold and I'll take you there and find them."

"That's 480 silver yes?" Orlan questions.
"No, gold. Nobody ever finds gold out here, it's like the land's devoid of the stuff."

You're the only one in the party with gold on you and you're doubtful this job is going to pay anywhere near that.

[ ] 20 silver
[ ] 3 Gold? Really?
[ ] Counter offer: 1 gold if its that rare
[ ] Counter offer: (write in)

>>4685350
>[ ] 20 silver
>Ask what makes leading the group there so expensive

File: grizzly-bear-roaring.jpg (39 KB, 600x398)

39 KB JPG

"What makes leading our group there so expensive?"
"Marking it on your map can be done in the span of a few breaths. Going out there, tracking them over land, away from the streams and rivers that make for a quick getaway from Grizzly bears? That's dangerous."

Hold on, what's a Grizzly bear?

"Big brown bear! Some of them can be up to a giant's chest when they stand up. Far more likely to attack people than black bears."

You've dealt with black bears, shooting one on the trip from the gate to Silver Mantle. One of your cousins in the Iron Hills also had one as a pet. Considering your arrows they should be enough to take down even a larger bear right?

"How do they taste?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KAtfQcrWak
"Grizzly? Some taste god awful, others better than black bear. Don't know why though. Diet maybe?"

"I'm not giving up any of my gold," you state.

Everyone chips in a few silver to pay the 20 for the location on the map. Tim estimates it to be 120 kilometers from here to where they were sighted. After that you'll have to pick up the trail yourselves and follow it.

Hearing that you're headed that way a number of the fur traders offer what they claim are good prices for any brown bear pelts you bring back. You might be farther ahead bringing a few back to Silver Mantle and selling them there for a better price.

With the locals permission the party agrees to stay here for the night then find a crossing up river in the morning. Each of you busies yourselves, maintaining weapons or helping out in return for food or drink. Ferith seems to be working the hardest, curing one local of a sickness the shaman couldn't identify. After this he looks into the local water supply.

A few of the hunters and trappers challenge you and Tim to an archery competition. The Halfling might not have your range but two of his three shots hit inside the center ring of the target being used. Two hunters and one trapper each manage to land an arrow inside the ring but with a few other shots not quite as well placed.

Roll 3d20

Rolled 7, 6, 3 = 16 (3d20)

>>4685475

Rolled 16, 4, 8 = 28 (3d20)

>>4685475

"Move the target farther back," you insist. You'd simply stand farther back but then you'd be in danger of having arrows flying past doorways people could walk out of. That would be downright unsafe.

Your first shot is inside the ring, though not as close to the center as you'd like.
"Maybe farther back?"

At an even longer distance you're actually having trouble seeing the target with just the little light from the camp fires. Your next shot hits, if barely, but manages to damage the target enough that it falls apart.

"Do you want a bigger target? We should have enough spares."
"No thank you."
You try again, hitting the target outside the ring but still on the center line. That would be enough to down nearly any opponent. You'll have to give more thought to acquiring a night vision amulet like the Ranger Tara has.

As everyone begins to turn in for the night a young orc woman who appears to be an apprentice shamen approaches Ferith. You don't hear what they're saying but the young Cleric's face very quickly goes beet red. Seeing this Gegor sighs tiredly.
"Guess I better go bail him out. Won't be good to have a worn out Cleric on the road."

On the one hand he may have a point. On the other the young man could probably benefit from a bit of experience in worldly matters. Will you ask Gegor to leave him be, or let him carry on with chaperone duties?

>>4685525
Ask Gegor to leave him be, Why not? Ferith is a young man old enough to make his own decisions.

>>4685525
Have him tell both of them to make sure Ferith isn't exhausted tomorrow.

testing

Deciding to play the part of the Giant wingman you ask Gegor to hold a moment. Ferith may be young but he should be old enough now to make his own decisions shouldn't he?
"You... are not entirely wrong Ulf," the human admits.

"So he is old enough? I have difficulty telling the age of smaller folk youths at times. If he is though does it matter as long as he can perform his duties tomorrow?"

Gegor considers your words then calls over to the two young people.
"Do as you will tonight, but I expect you to be up at dawn."

You covertly (for you at any rate) give them a thumbs up and go to take the first watch. This may be a friendly settlement, but as the locals said this place could be under threat from warring tribes.

The next morning Ferith looks a little bit tired but doesn't complain as you get underway. He is a bit more quiet than usual for much of the first day but other than that seems fine. Terrain near the lakes can be a bit rocky in places and it takes close to four days just to get far enough up the Cold Beck to approach the search area.

The trapper was not playing up the threat of bears. Even with your bow it can take more than one solid hit to down them if the angle is bad. Dealing with them could slow down search efforts.


Roll 2d100 for trail search and bear encounters.

Rolled 45, 12 = 57 (2d100)

>>4685607

It takes three full days and plenty of backtracking to locate the trail of the caravan. Whoever was in charge of scouting and route planning must have learned quite a bit from their experiences farther north. Routes are cut through areas that require as little preparation as possible, or alternatively where temporary bridges can be quickly setup and torn down to take with them.

"This is the work of professional army sappers," you tell the others. "If not then they're being underutilized."
"Could be retired veterans," Gegor suggests, dismounting to take a look at a ravine blocking the path.

Orlan agrees that seems likely as he readies his spell book.
"Shall I use earth magic to span this gap?"

Cellica shakes her head.
"Let's just go around, there's only a few small thickets to get through going the long way. Save your magic for the next bear we have to fight."

Most of you are getting rather tired of fighting bears. There's a half dozen arrow heads that are going to need repairs from the next smith you encounter. It feels as though every time you get into dense woodlands you're about to encounter trouble.

Cellica pulls up short after rounding the next set of trees.
"Oh shit, BABY BEARS! RUN AWAY!"
The now very familiar roar of a grizzly is heard from nearby.

[ ] "By the stone this better be the last time we run away today."
[ ] "Ocette, you're a druid, do something!"
[ ] The list of threatened species is incomplete; you can help by expanding it.

>>4685713
Alternative solutions also welcome.

>>4685713
>[ ] "Ocette, you're a druid, do something!"

>>4685713
>[ ] "Ocette, you're a druid, do something!"

"Ocette, you're a druid, do something!"
"Okay!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAQehjN_96w

[Hello Mrs Bear]
[I am unhappy with your presence.]
[We took a wrong turn and-]
[We? All of you back away immediately.]
[my friends and I are-]
[BACK. AWAY.]
[we're making haste to leave the area and won't be bothering you.]
[Why are you still hovering there feathered thing. Go.]
[Okay I'm leaving! Goodbye little ones!]
[Don't Talk To Me Or My Sons Ever Again.]

A minute later Ocette catches up with the rest of you.
"That lady really doesn't like people very much. This is why I usually just talk to plants."

Cellica is certainly grateful.
"Thanks for doing that Ocette. I didn't want to leave those bear cubs without a mother."

Circling around the party eventually catches up to the trail again. Orlan has decided that if similar barriers slow your progress he's just going to magic the problem away, damn the consequences.

Jib Jab looks over at Orlan.
"Word mean same thing if demon say damn?"
"Just a figure of speech, don't take it as anything different. I get enough shit from the paladins just for existing."

You've been considering asking about his history much as with the other party members in your previous trips. The mage however doesn't seem inclined to share and you've been reluctant to push it.

>cont

Entering a valley where the soil and rock doesn't seem to be as harsh, the trail turns to follow a stream large enough to be considered a small river in some respects. If the high water marks in a few areas are an indicator it would have been an actual river a few months ago.

Then at last you see it, a wooden palisade. It's the wrong shape to be one of the orc hill forts you saw closer to the city. Gegor agrees.
"That's no Oppidum, that's southerner fort."

As the party gets closer you can hear a few small bells being rung. Soon enough you spot figures on the fort walls. Most you can see are humans, only one or two with proper metal helmets. If this place wasn't founded by the missing caravan then either you missed a road or two when you entered the marches, or this is a hideaway for people who came up the river.

As you get closer the bells cease and a man who sounds more ancient than he looks calls out to you.
"What do you want giant? We have nothing worth taking, and the only thing we're willing to give you are the points of our swords and spears!"
A few other men shout in agreement, many of them shaking weapons in the air. If these are the missing ones their morale seems to be holding out.

"Hey that's a Paladin!"
One of the previously cheering men points to the rest of your companions as they come into view. This seems to get things to quiet down as they realise you're probably not hostile. Gegor soon identifies himself and Ferith as members of the Silver Order.

"Not to say we don't appreciate your presence Paladin, but what are you doing all the way out here?"
"Relatives of some that joined your caravan were worried the lot of you had disappeared. Sent us to find out what happened to you."

The old man shakes his head at this.
"I'm sorry those fools back in the city likely put your group in such danger. The orcs have something of a war on, or so we've heard. Come in, rest yourselves after the long journey, I'm sure nearly all in the village of Hithe will welcome you. Open the gates!"

Once the gates are opened a number of the locals take time to greet all of you then head back out to whatever they were working on. Some were busy with tilling and planting, others clearing trees or cleaning logs to be brought in.

The old man and two of the armed men soon arrive to greet you, bowing slightly in greeting.
"Kaiden Wallis, Imperial Army, retired. These two are my cousin's sons, she undoubtedly paid to have you look for us. Their mother was always so worried about them. I don't know how you lads made it through four years in the army with her worrying after you so."
"Uncle, please," the older of the two mutters through clenched teeth.
"A few of the others are veterans who came north. Enough to defend the caravan while trekking through the wilds."

Gegor introduces each of you in turn. The older man grimaces at the sight of Jib Jab, as well as some of the others you think. He quickly tries to cover it up though.

"Most of you are with the Talons then? That makes sense, my cousin is a shareholder you see. She saw it as a very sensible investment. I had my own ideas of course. This is an ideal place for our community. We have good earth, water, and our prospectors found enough tin and copper nearby for us to produce bronze for trade.
You all undoubtedly have questions. Ask away."

Stopping here.

>Schedule this week
I'll only be posting intermittently Monday and Tueday.
Won't be running Wednesday as we're going to attempt a ski trip.
I'm hoping to run Thursday through Sunday.

>>4685962
Thank you as always for running. This is a pretty fun quest.

>>4685958
Ask the basics I guess.

Any Jobs we could take?
Have they seen any giants around?
Could they help update our maps with the newly fractured orcs?
Any supplies they spefically need? Giant power is great at making trade routes!

>>4685913
Any idea what those orcs are fighting over? Also what are their war zones, we need to avoid those areas.

That was a good read, just got caught up.

>>4685958
https://youtu.be/14tiS8ye594
This is a dangerous neighbourhood, how are you handling it?

>>4685958
Why hasn't anyone sent word back yet about this new village proper?

>Why hasn't anyone sent word back yet about this new village proper?
"Because we're still building it. We have a few permanent structures up or at least started, but the walls were our first priority given what's outside. Orcs, wildlife, you name it. It took steady work nearly around the clock to get it done.
We've been far too busy and none of the trappers from farther down river have run into us since establishing ourselves. Later in the year we expect to get some canoes made up, then we'll send a party to Willow Lake to contact some of the trade posts."

He's not joking about the place being under construction. Inside the walls many people are still living in tents. Most structures inside are attached to the outer walls to cut down on the amount of material used. This place wouldn't survive a siege, but it could repel a smaller raid.

While this fort is not much it is a starting point. They've already drawn up plans for a mill pond and reservoir. A basic smithy is set up repairing tools and axes. Hunters and foragers are bringing in game, wild berries and other plants from the area. Their first winter will undoubtedly be hard but they're on track to be ready for it.

>This is a dangerous neighbourhood, how are you handling it?
"It helps there are fewer orc tribes near here. Most stay closer to the lakes as even they don't want to tangle with those bears on a regular basis. Apparently some of the tribes send out ceremonial hunts with their young people to kill a brown bear as a group. Too dangerous otherwise.
We've made similar rules. Never tangle with them in groups smaller than six. Ten is better, though outright avoidance is preferable. Everyone going outside is strongly encouraged to do any kind of work in groups, more because of wolves than bears."

"Tell them of the shadows uncle."
Kaiden frowns in the young man's direction.
"A few of our people feel there are other reasons the orcs mostly stay farther north or west of here. We heard tell of mysterious goings on in these valleys and the next few south. People standing watch from the walls at night have seen movement outside near the stream or in the trees. So far there have been no incidents of attacks at night except one bear that come sniffing around that we scared off."

>>4688530
>Any jobs for enterprising mercs?

>>4688530
Might be worth taking a look into the shadowy figures while we get some reset and supplies.

After hearing about these shadows none of the party are in any hurry to spend the night outside the walls. Keeping an eye out along with the town watch might be a good idea.

>Could they help update our maps with the newly fractured orcs?
>Any idea what those orcs are fighting over? Also what are their war zones, we need to avoid those areas.
Kaiden Wallis and his people learned a great deal on their trek through the wilderness.

The orc tribes east of the main stretch of the Blood Willow river make up the extended Black Bear Clans. In theory their overall leader is the chief of the powerful Bear-skull Tribe. Back during the last war against the city the Black Bear Clans refused to participate. As a result they retained their strength and were able to conquer three tribes to the north and turn them into vassals.

Some of these tribes and others have been looking for an excuse to overthrow their overlord for some time now. From your descriptions the two you encountered were the Rock Crusher Tribe and the Blue Tempest if the translation is correct. Both have been trying to develop new strengths and tactics for several years now.

"Have your people seen any giants around when passing through the orc lands?"

"No but Urag, that's the Bear-skull chief, felt certain the Rock Crushers had brought in ogres from farther north. Since he came to power he's been focused on modernizing his tribes military, metal working and mining. Really he seems interested in just about anything from the south.
Clearly he wants to build his tribe up into a proper kingdom. I doubt it'll happen but it should be interesting."

"Why do you feel their chief won't be successful?" asks Neia.

The older man sits down on a nearby block of wood before continuing.
"He's angering the traditionalists and a good part of his warriors in the process. Weakening his own position when he should be putting down upstarts. He comes across as a bit of a dandy despite being strong enough to knock most men cold in a single blow."

Kaiden raises a hand to forestall any comment by his kinfolk.
"Now don't get me wrong, I certainly appreciated being able to conduct enough trade on the way through to be guaranteed safe passage through their territory. Clothing especially. That also probably pissed off their warriors.
He asked me a great deal of questions about military tactics and formations used by the army in the south. For all the good it will do him, that stuff takes years to master and he doesn't even have a good starting point."

Cellica mentions that the "Blue Tempest" tribe was being led by a hobgoblin. Or at least they were present at the meeting between the two tribes.

"That's bad news, they're cunning bastards. If he can win over any of Urag's embittered warriors he stands a chance at actually assembling them into an organized fighting force. We don't have anything here valuable enough to pay you to kill him, but at least warn the city. I'll give you a letter to deliver to my sister."

Gegor is more than a bit concerned with the direction this is heading.
"Let's slow down here. Wouldn't killing an orc chieftain spark a war with the city? That's bound to incite more than a few tribes we're on good terms with."

Cellica agrees.
"At the very least it would force us to ally with the Bear-skulls in the short term."

Kaiden shrugs.
"I supposed as long as it doesn't affect our settlement I ultimately don't care. We're outside the reach of the reach of the Black Bear Clans internal dispute here. I fought enough hobgoblins in the south that my natural response to hearing about them is to kill them dead as soon as possible.
My sister is better in tune with the socio-political situation between the city and the orcs, she can decide how best to handle the situation. Don't go losing my letter to her and I'm sure she'll provide you a bonus."

When there's time you ask if there are any paying jobs that need doing. To your disappointment the settlers don't have much in the way of currency at the moment. They expect it will be some time until their mining operation is far enough along to start making bronze. That is expected to be their primary trade good.

When it comes to moving trade goods through this rough terrain giants might be able to backpack in items much more quickly. It's certainly the sort of thing those in the city might take an interest in if it pays well enough. Kaiden directs you to the town logistics clerk who will be setting up a general store once they have an actual economy.

The settlers brought a lot with them but more will be needed, much of it fairly mundane things. Everything from salt and spices to tools and magical implements. They wont be able to afford it all at once but expect to gradually work though acquiring what is needed to expand their village.

While you could make money doing this type of trade it's going to be far more gradual than earning pay as a sellsword. There's also the risk of merchants trying to pull a fast one on you.

File: Black_Bear_Tribes.png (202 KB, 718x1264)

202 KB PNG

>>4690985
There was supposed to be a picture with this.

>>4691013
I'd say we accept the work, however, in lieu of payment, they give us a land grant and 1% of any future profits they make once the town forms proper from taxes.

>>4690987
>My sister
"Cousin" is what I meant to put there.

>>4691291
Kaiden laughs at this suggestion.
"I and most of those who agreed to come with me did so to get away from the taxes of the city and the south. So I'll offer you this; you can either help out with what needs to be done before sundown, or you can not. There's warm food on the table at the end of the day for everyone who pulls their weight. Right now that's the best we can do.
If your band figures out that shadow situation though I'll make sure my cousin takes an interest."


Roll 2d100 for night watch.

I'll be resuming in the morning sometime after 8AM board time.

Rolled 25, 77 = 102 (2d100)

>>4691380

Rolled 4, 56 = 60 (2d100)

>>4691380

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbHdxflCgCU

Most of the party does what they can to help out with odd jobs before sunset. Gegor mostly discusses defensive planning with Kaiden, giving insight on preferred tactics used by most orc tribes in raids. Cellica talks to a few of the women and goes to help them with what you don't know. Ferith does his usual thing, checking on people's health and making sure the water is free of parasites and safe to drink.

Orlan is busy doing things with his magic so he doesn't really help out. Neither does Ocette who finds a nice place to perch herself and promptly goes to sleep. She'll likely be spending much of the night awake so this isn't a big surprise.

Neia and Tim patrol the woods looking for any signs of what the locals had mentioned but there are too many tracks. The settlers have been spending a lot of time sizing up trees for construction or simply to clear land to grow crops.

Do you help out with enough of the logging or other work to earn a prepared meal?

>>4691744
Logging is a good idea, that is a giant sized task after all.

>>4691744
Help with logging

>>4691744
Logging seems reasonable, but maybe offer to do other heavy duty labour where our size and strength help like digging or gathering/moving boulders/rocks for building.

Helping out with logging or moving heavy items is light work for you, speeding things up immensely for the settlers. While most remain distrustful of you, they do seem to be rather appreciative of your efforts. Before sundown a few bells are rung to call everyone into the fort for dinner.

Normally you're not one for rating food beyond edible and not, but this is actually the best tasting venison you've ever had. However they did it the cooks that came along with the settlers are certainly good at their job.

At sunset everyone is called inside, bringing tools and anything else of value with them. After a head count the gates are closed and barred. Jib Jab is posted at the north east corner to watch that side while the harpy watches the other. Orlan has readied spells so he can see in the dark too. He'll relieve each of them in turn so they can still get some rest.

The locals have been trying to stay away from Orlan and Jib Jab, while Cellica and Neia are being treated more as a novelty. There must not be many centaurs or harpies where they're from. The situation with the kobold though is enough of an issue that one of the watch protests Jib Jab being on the walls at all.

"What is it with so many people in the marches hating kobolds?!"

Mister Wallis is quick to arrive to diffuse the situation.
"Dane, drop it for now. All Kobolds can see in the dark. If they can figure out what the issue is that you and my nephews have been complaining about, so much the better."

The old man turns to you.
"To answer your question, the majority of our people are devout followers of the Dawnbreaker. The Order of the Dawn Breaker, sometimes called the "Golden Order" of Paladins, has a great deal of influence within the Imperial Army. Because of this many are strong believers of the ancient alliance. Races other than humans, elves and halflings are often viewed with suspicion. Other religions are usually seen as something worse."

"Doesn't being surrounded by orcs make things rather difficult for you? Also how does that work for giants and dwarves?"

"In theory? Those of a stronger belief don't care for either of your kind, but most see giants and dwarves as not being too far removed from humans and halflings in terms of shape. Kobolds are seen as something alien, they're not even shaped the same. More like wingless dragons or crocodiles whose growth was stunted. Given their appearance alone is it really so surprising that people would be suspicious of them?
As for the orcs, well, I feel that I've said enough already. We're fairly well removed from everyone out here."

"The Golden Order are zealots," says Gegor as he walks over. "The Silver Order are considered by many to be moderates by comparison."

Kaiden turns to the Paladin, regarding him warily.
"Among the general populace perhaps, but an increasing number in the army see your kind as heretics, or at least guilty of heterodoxy. I don't agree, but I do see their point. There has been more than one war between the two Orders over the centuries."

Whatever their religious beliefs you hope the settlers can distinguish between friend and foe.
"I'm making certain our people can. That's why I came over here as soon as I heard Dane giving you and your friend a hard time."

>Any questions about the Paladin orders?

>>4691848
Why are there two major orders? Was it one that split at some point? What were the resons for the war?

The Dawnbreaker is among the last of the gods that aided the races of humans, elves and halflings against the Titans. Most of the other gods are believed to have died out or merged with the Dawnbreaker in whatever cataclysm followed the end of the war. There are a few exceptions of course.
Luthien the god of luck is held as the patron diety of many rogues and bards. There are also a trio of gods many dwarves began to follow when they defected from the side of the Titans. Gods of the forge, the hearth and secrets. Despite this many followers of the stone persist in dwarven society.

A widely held belief is that the sun is the Dawnbreaker's physical manifestation. When there were many gods the sky was less bright, but each of their stars shone down on the world with the brightness of moonlight. As they joined together to survive, their combined light became brighter, at last burning away the darkness that had engulfed the world after the supposed demise of the Titans.

The Silver Order holds that the sun and moon are each manifestations of their god's different aspects. Just what those aspects are is a frequent matter of debate, but because of this their followers tend to be more open to such discussions and dissenting views. This concept of duality is seen as heterodox by members of the Golden Order. They hold that the moon is the graveyard of the dead gods who failed, nothing more.

Both orders were formed in the dark ages some time after the war between the Titans and the Gods. Demons began to appear around this time and would attack scattered settlements. Descendants of great heroes from the war were among the first paladins, using ancient arms and armor that had survived. Thanks in part to their efforts civilization began to recover.

The two main orders largely ignored each other but eventually came to blows over their split in beliefs. Leaders of various nations hoped to form a more united front against threats such as demons. Several Kings at the time felt that the Golden Order was easier to control, so they tried to force the two groups into merging. Things didn't work out for a number of reasons resulting in a couple of holy wars among the lands of what is now considered the Empire.

That was admittedly a long time ago and the two groups have had something of a truce for coming up on two centuries now.

"Thanks for the explanation."

Once Kaiden has left Gegor gets your attention.
"Ulf? For the record I don't agree when it comes to the goldies beliefs about the other races. I've worked alongside people of nearly every race out here. Even Orlan, much as I hate to say it, has just as much of a right to be here as anyone.
When it comes to people it's a matter of nature vs nurture. You can't always help how you were brought up. Sometimes it feels like people are going to grow up to be assholes no matter what you do. A lot of the time though people just need a hand to find a better way."

File: Creature in the shadows.jpg (34 KB, 760x570)

34 KB JPG

Into the night the group rotates the watch as usual. Two on the walls, and one near to the fire in the center of town, ready to wake the others at a moment's notice. Several of the wagons the settlers came in were taken apart to use for construction of the town. A few that are left over are still being used as tents.

Past midnight Ocette spots movement to the south and within minutes everyone is up and taking to the town walls. Not you or Neia of course, it's questionable if the platform ringing the interior wall would be able to hold you. The others are being careful to stay as quiet as possible as they take up positions. The wall is just high enough that you can't see over it so you have to listen to goings on.

Ocette and Orlan are each having difficulty telling what the movement is, but it's not a bear. Big but not thickset like a bear is, the harpy seems to think it's moving a bit like a man but with a more stooped posture. A bit of moonlight leaks through the cloud cover helping to illuminate the valley.
"What's that white- Oh gods is that a skull?" Tim whispers before bolting for the stairs, clearly terrified.

Ocette swivels her head until he has a better view.
"Oh, it has antlers. That's neat."
Neia demands to know what the halfling saw but soon enough has a full report from the bird woman. It's a roughly man shaped creature with long clawed hands, twice the height of a man. Its head looks like an exposed elk skull complete with antlers.

Most of the party assembles by the fire while Ocette and Orlan continue to watch the creature as it pokes around the edge of the forest. They're having a hard time keeping track of it as the creature disappears into the shadows only to reappear from the trees elsewhere. That could indicate that it's fast and quiet, there are more than one, or it has control of shadow magic. Everyone is hopeful for anything but the last.

"I've heard of these but it was a long time ago. Where have I heard of these?" Gegor mutters, trying to puzzle out an old memory.

Kaiden and his relatives soon arrive having been woken by other members of the watch.
"Do you know what it is? What we do about it?"
>What say?

>>4691978
>No idea what that is. Let's ask it.

"I don't know what it is but we have a strong party. We outnumber it many times, even if it turns out there is more than one. Let's ask it what it is and what it wants."

"That... is fairly straight forward," Tim admits.

Ferith raises a hand trying to not sound worried.
"Uh, what if this is a trap?"

Orlan points out he can use his earth magic to create protective barriers like with the escape from the two tribes. If that doesn't work he has a few other tricks up his sleeve. Cellica suggests that Ocette and Jib Jab wait on the walls to keep an eye out for any additional dangers.
"We keep weapons ready to use but try not to look like a threat. Sound good?"

Is this plan acceptable?

>>4691978
Not to be judgmental, twig houses and all, but an exposed skull for a head is usually not a sign of friendliness. Might just be a hat, but still.

would suspecting it's a wendigo be to out of character?

>>4692033
>>4692031
Maybe ask it from the safety of the wall? otherwise I'm ok. If it won't respond to being yelled at or flees, it seems safe to assume it's either Intelligent and hostile or not sapient and therefore more like a animal or monster.

>>4692031
try yelling from the wall first

Before anyone can think of opening the gate you vaguely recall hearing of a mythical beast from your cousins in the Iron Hills. What may have been an undead creature that came over the starlight mountains. This gets everyone's attention.

"What was it called?" Kaiden asks, visible concern etched into his brow.

"They called it a weh-chay-uge. My translation is a bit rough, it's a windy... something."
"Windy... wendigo?!" asks Gegor.
You point to the Paladin. "Yes that."
"I didn't think they were undead, but rather cursed."

Tim speaks up.
"Okay, never heard of them, what's their deal?"

Gegor wracks his memory for what little he can remember about them.
"They try to convince, convert or otherwise corrupt other beings with their curse. They tend to cause parties to turn on one another with their magic."

"I don't suppose we could yell at it to go away, or ask what it wants?"
Nobody seems to know if that would work or not.

Orlan suggests warding the valley during daylight to keep such creatures out. If they're aligned toward a particular power, shadow magic for instance, a ward done correctly could subtly convince them to stay away from here. It would take a few days for him to come up with the right design and test it though.

Gegor pulls out his sword, checking it before sheathing it once more.
"Much as I'm reluctant to shoot first and ask questions later, we could take a more proactive approach. Ulf pins it with arrows then Ferith and I get in close enough to kill or purify it."

Cellica still has one other idea on how to talk to it if it wont respond to yelling from the walls.
"I can do some minor illusions. Not like Aman could but close. I can talk to it through the illusion, that way if it ties to put a curse on me it will only be the illusion that gets hit."

[ ] Attempt communication from the walls
[ ] Wait, ward the valley in daylight
[ ] Pin with arrows, purify
[ ] Illusion communication

>>4692110
>[ ] Illusion communication

>>4692110
>[ ] Illusion communication
Should it attack respond in kind. If it runs don't follow and just ward in the morning.

>>4692110
>Illusion communication

"Try the illusion first. It can get close enough to find out if it's a real threat."

"I'll still need to go outside the walls," Cellica warns.
As long as the party can stay near the gates that's still a lot better than having to physically approach that thing.

After arming yourselves the gates are opened and your group steps outside. Cellica does her best to hide behind the rest of the group then sends her illusion out. The Wendigo is still moving among the trees and shadows, all but invisible to you from here. As the illusion approaches the woods Orlan informs you all that it has stopped. Once the fake is a few paces from the trees a clawed hand reaches out, gesturing slightly.

"What is it doing? Is it casting?" Tim anxiously whispers.
The others shush him so Cellica can concentrate. Her illusion continues to step forward then a shadow causes it to vanish into the woods.

The half-elf falls to the ground recoiling in pain.
"OUCH! Owowow! It's biting me!"

Gegor glances over his shoulder yelling at Cellica to dispel the illusion.
"I'm trying, it's doing something!"
Ferith crouches down to help her only for the woman to go silent, drawing her dagger. Orlan grabs Cellica's arm in time to keep her from stabbing the cleric in the throat.

"Ulf shoot it!"

[ ] Bow Shot
[ ] Rapid Fire
[ ] Double shot
[ ] Tear gas shot

Roll 2d20

Rolled 1, 2 = 3 (2d20)

>>4692220
>[ ] Tear gas shot

Rolled 14, 13 = 27 (2d20)

>>4692220
>[ ] Tear gas shot
we just need to stop it right now.

You loose one of the tear gas arrows a short distance into the shadows then ready another. Ocette soon shouts down that she can see a cloud expanding outward from where you shot.

Meanwhile the others are dealing with Cellica.
"What do I do?!" Ferith panics.
"Do what you'd do against demonic possession!" Orlan yells at him.
"Right!"
There's a blast of white light from behind you then Cellica gasps for breath, dropping the dagger with a faint clank.

You can't see the Wendigo but Ocette informs you that it didn't seem to like the tear gas. It had started to move away from the gas being a bit distracted by it. It then started flailing about while swiping its claws at the air when Cellica's illusion vanished.

Firing off a pair of arrows seems to get the message across that you're a bit angry at it for messing with your friend. One of them hits but not hard enough for a kill on a creature that size. It then begins to retreat deeper into the woods almost like a fleeing deer.

Neia hefts her spear, eager to contribute.
"Are we going after it?"

The others aren't sure. Orlan insists on taking Cellica's weapons from her while Ferith does more checks. Gegor is reluctant to pursue while it's dark out.
"I've never heard of possession through an illusion before."

"Theoretically possible," Orlan comments. "If the person doing the illusion is a novice or they're putting too much of their mind into it that link can be reversed. I hadn't read of anyone putting that theory into practice though."
"Can you block it from doing the same thing again?"

Orlan shakes his head. "No, that's the clerics department."

Will you ready torches and horses to pursue, wait until morning to track it, or would warding the valley in daylight be a better plan?

>>4692296
>wait until morning to track it
See if we can't catch it out when it's hopefully more vulnerable, or at least find out where it lives. That way even if it retreats into some dark cave or some such we can just ward the exits instead of the entire valley.

>>4692296
>wait until morning to track it

"Let's wait until morning to track it. If it can manipulate shadows we'll stand no chance in the dark."

It will also give Orlan a chance to do more research into them, potentially preparing more suitable spells.

Cellica is ordered placed under observation for the rest of the night. Gegor and Ferith discuss options while the rest of you get some sleep. By morning the party has settled on a few key pieces of information based on what was soon that night. None of you are to allow the Wendigo to get within ten paces of you or it may be able to use its magic in an attempt to cast a curse or other means of control.

Orlan has some less than thrilling news for you.
"Ulf you may be more vulnerable to the types of curse a Wendigo uses. They tend to be spirits of greed and hunger. Giant kin are... not exactly known for being picky eaters."

"You're worried I'll eat the rest of the party?"
"I'm suggesting you play it safe and keep ten of your paces from the monster. Ferith should be able to lift any curse placed on the party quickly enough, but if you should be afflicted you can do a lot of damage in the time it takes for him to cure you."

Best to make sure that doesn't happen.

Setting out from Hithe the party has to work together to follow the trail left by the creature last the night. This proves harder than expected for something its size. Whatever it may have been bleeding isn't the easiest thing to keep track of.

Roll 1d100

Rolled 86 (1d100)

>>4692389

Rolled 23 (1d100)

>>4692389

Rolled 61 (1d100)

>>4692389

Jib Jab proves to be a big help in addition to the tracking skills of the others. His sense of smell is sharp enough to detect whatever the Wendigo has for blood. He doesn't seem to think it's undead as those smelled different when you encountered the necromancer.

By noon you've followed the trail into the next valley south. From the ridgeline most of you soon realise that it's heading towards one of several golden trees in the area. Despite this efforts to continue following the trail continue. No point in having it double back in an ambush.

Cellica remains a bit anxious after what happened the night before. Understandably so. The constant checking on her by the rest of the party is starting to get to her though.
"Watch for that Wendigo, not for me!" she eventually snaps.
"We need to spot it before it gets close enough."

Not long after Ocette breaks everyone out of their concerns. Using her connection to the forest she thinks she's found what you're looking for. The golden tree ahead that you'd suspected was your destination doesn't feel right to her. She also can't see the Wendigo anywhere.

Cautiously entering a clearing with the great bulk of an ancient tree in the center, it doesn't take you long to notice it's different. Many of the leaves don't look right. Those on one side, and from a few blackened branches in particular, look like they're flaking off layers of green copper residue.

"STOP!" Orlan shouts. Everyone freezes, scanning for enemies.
The mage carefully points to the base of the tree. You'd been too distracted by it's odd state that you'd completely missed what from the corner of your eye looked like stones and driftwood scattered about. Now that you're looking it's easy to pick out the white of skulls resting against its base. Horned Elk skulls.

Tim clears his voice.
"I hate to sound like I'm repeating myself but I'm voting we run the hell back to Hithe right now."
"How many?" asks Gegor, sword at the ready.

Orlan estimates between 8 and 12.
"There's a lot of magic here but it doesn't feel like any of these Wendigo are awake. Maybe they only come out at night?"

"Over here!" Ocette calls, hovering off to the east side of the tree.
Neia heads over to look, much to the consternation of her passenger who begins to protest sticking around. Before long the centaur waves the rest of you over.

>cont