...Where The Company of Heroes Gather and Bond

Wealsun 2, CY 576
Two weeks ago, you were resting comfortably in one of the many inns located in the city of Istivin, the capital of the March of Sterich. Drink flowed freely, food was plentiful and the roaring fires dried the early morning dew off of walls and windows and even brought some relief to the aching bones of old and young alike. Leisure activity became a sport, to the point where your adventuring life seemed almost a dream in some unwelcomed, fitful sleep. Unfortunately, however, food, drink and especially warm beds take coin, and your purse had been growing lighter by the day.

When word came up from Mittleberg about raiders sweeping down from the Jotens, your ears perked up. The fact that they were giants gave you pause, but after giving Querchard, Earl of Sterich a bit of time to explain, your ears perked once again.

It was true, giants had swept down from the Jotens and sacked a small number of towns, but it was not the intention of Earl Querchard to eradicate the giants, though that would be a grand endeavor indeed, his concern lies in the fact that not only have Hill Giants been seen, but Stone and Frost as well! These attacks seem highly coordinated, and it is the task of those chosen to go and investigate the giants and determine their strength of number as well as who is guiding the attacks.

Of course, as part of the assignment, any and all treasure you find may be kept as payment for your service. If successful, and the true mastermind of the giants banding is found out, a full 5,000 gold coins awaits you when you return (or it may be given to your nearest kin, should your party succeed but you fail to survive).

With the agreement in hand, you each gathered your gear and set out south from Istivin and toward the site of the attacks. Several days ago, you left the last, true settings of civilization and began to climb upward into the mountains, guided by a map given to you by the Earl himself. The Hill giants are led by a grotesquely fat and thoroughly evil king, Nosnra. His strength is almost as legendary as his penchant for human flesh, but his being the one behind the raids is highly doubtful.

So it was that you have climbed higher and higher into the Jotens. While nowhere near as high or rugged as the western Crystalmist Mountains, their height brings you high enough that the grass becomes coarse brush, and the trees more coniferous and able to handle the hardy winters of blowing wind and snow. Even this time of year, late summer, the nights tend to be cool while the heat of the sun is carried away by the light winds blowing across the open landscape.

Finally, cresting the last hill, your target comes into site. A long valley, perhaps one or two miles long and almost as wide, lies before you. Small copes of trees dot the landscape, but what catches your attention more is the huge structure centered in the valley. A large compound, built with thick logs and soaring some thirty feet tall, sits like a fortress daring you to breech its walls. A winding trail makes its way to an entry gate at the southeast corner, while two other gates can be seen standing along the east and north walls. Those gates look like they lead to an open compound, while the main gate leads to the interior. A single guard tower, standing as high as the central, peaked roof, sits along part of the south wall.

Julian
These mountains are different than those you have traveled in before. Rather than sharp, craggy edifices, they are more rounded and hill-like than true soaring peaks. Regardless, from the look of the surrounding hills, if there were to be any such caves to make a base camp, it would be along the edges of the valley somewhere.

While Julian flies away, Aelfric focuses on the steading below.

Aelfric
The sun is just beginning to make its way past the high peaks to the west, casting long shadows across the valley below. A small stream winds its way through the valley's center, and it looks to come within about 20 yards or so of the east side of the giant structure. You can see that the far side of the steading is an open compound, perhaps a training area, with a separate building that just up against the northeast corner.

Your sharp eyes depict a lot of shadows moving around in the open area, which seems to have firelight illuminating the compound. Similarly, the tower on the south end looks like a guard tower. While no light is present, it is logical to assume there are guards posted, and the height of the tower gives it a good view of the surrounding landscape.

Julian
It takes you perhaps 20 minutes of searching, but you spy what looks to be a cave opening along the north side of the valley, on a side of the hill away from the valley.

Gurtrek had always prided himself of his ability to sleep while on horseback, disregarding the part that a rather strong concoction he brewed himself to breathe fire for pennies in the cities was usually the main catalyst. The was of little interest to Gurtrek, as his ofputting behaviour as a cussing drunkard had probably shut down most civil conversation with his newly found companions. He had always found the gentle sway of the horse, gathered with the clattering of his plate armour and wooden alchemists packs in which bottles clinked and clanked together quite soothing. His armour also helped him sleep, it was well padded and insulated so that the cold winds didn’t get to him as much. Gurtrek also wore an ornate mask, covered in runes and flame motives with a mouth that alone would scare many-a-child. The tufts of scorched beard sticking out from underneath it allowed him to rather comfortably rest his head on his gorget. The wind would only herass his bald scalp, but luckily his long overcoat had a hood attached that had since an hour of riding had blown off under the acoustic guidance of Gurtrek’s snoring.


"Hair on me balls! That’s the buggers home innit?"

The stopping of all the aforementioned sounds of riding had woken Gurtrek and his question was followed by a load throat scrape and a glob of phlegm being spit out of the mask’s large mouth. Noticing that they missed Julian and Ælfric and not really expecting and answer on his previous question he spoke on:

"The two nancies have left us now that danger is in sight?"

He figured it a joke, but even Gurtrek knew he was a poor comedian. Another look at the fort did make him anxious of what was to come though. He needed the coin as his drinking away the coin of his work as well as the actual tools of the trade of a firebreather and pyrotechnic had left him rather empty-pursed. It was truly a poor line of work nowadays, with mages doing a better and better job of replacing his trickery in the theatre and circuses. Gurtrek subconsciously reached for the flail on his back. All that was left for Gurtrek was fighting now and there would be much of it soon...

Julian
A quick examination reveals a small cave, odd-shaped, but perhaps 20 feet deep and a little wider at its most wide point. Shrubs and small trees give the mouth a bit of cover when viewed from the left side.

Long legged Fernal, throws back her mess of black hair, "Not so far as make our scouts search for us." On the way here, she hasn't proven herself to be too social.

Julian
The cave looks like at one time it held a wild animal of some sort, perhaps a bear or pack of wolves, but it does not look as if anyone or anything has used it for quite some time. As for stability, it definitely looks solid, being of stone with a dirty, stone floor.

With the first group gathered together, Julian closes his eyes, picturing the spot where he wishes to travel. The air around the edges of the group begins to shimmer and glow. An instant later the very space around them collapses into the center, occupied by the helm upon the wizard's head. A slight popping sound can be heard and they are all gone.

While it seems as if time passes excruciatingly slow, it is not long before Julian returns, his eagle form fading away as he lands back among those remaining. Before you can gather, however, Korgazhar's attendant calls out softly. "Giants!"

Moving to take stock of the situation, you see a trio of giants walking along the valley floor, heading to the steading. It looks like, perhaps, a hunting party, as with them are a small pack of wolves; large wolves, at that. They approach the east gate of the compound and you watch it open. The wolves howl and bark as they run in, followed by the three giants.Gathered once again, Julian concentrates on his destination and the ground beneath your feet suddenly fades away. A nauseating sense of vertigo passes over you, and in an instant you find yourselves standing before a cave mouth. Your steeds are outside, while the party has begun to set up an encampment within.

Julian
The casting of the spell complete, your mind reaches out to the tiny eye you have fabricated from the ether. The land around you comes into focus as you send the eye toward the steading, swooping out of the hills and across the land. Several minutes later, the structure looms into view. It is huge, even larger that you had originally thought. You judge that it will take you at least 5 minutes to just circle around the outside of the building one time.

Julian
After a few minutes of investigation, you manage to get a solid understanding of the sheer size of the giant steading. Over 300 feet to a side, it has an open area along the northeast side. Through the slats of wood, you make out a dozen or so monstrous wolves that stand fully four feet at the shoulder. Numerous chimneys dot the roof, though the pipes are small, and only someone of extremely small stature would be able to get down them.

At the south side you see the guard tower, and when you pass by you see that there is a lone giant there, sitting and looking out over the landscape. Near him is what looks to be a large cask of ale, which he drinks from.

Slipping quickly down the first chimney, you find yourself in some sort of a sleeping quarters. Mounted on the walls of this room are various trophies (heads, antlers, and skins, etc.) making the otherwise damp and droll room feel more 'lived in'.

You see various giant-sized furnishings, including three giant-sized beds heaped with furs and a locked wooden chest. There is a door in the north wall, but it is closed. However, if you wish, you can exit the room under the door, as it is not sealed along the bottom.

Julian
Working methodically through the layout of the steading, you get what you feel is a solid, accurate map of the place. By your count there must be over thirty giants, plus their ogre and orc servants and one rather large bear that sits at Nosnra's side.

The central hall is filled with giants feasting, as apparently they have a guest. A stone giant sits at the table with Nosnra and his queen, and it seems they are throwing the visitor a party. A pair of dwarves, still alive, are spit over a large fire pit, getting slowly roasted by an ogre turning the hand crank.

Julian
It leads down...

Julian
No, you just managed to finish the upper level. You are aware of the lower level, and saw some of the servants coming up and down (as well as a giant), but you didn't get time to do more than note its existence.

With the night comes the cooler temperatures of the mountains, though the warmer months makes it tolerable. Your group settles in, each tending to his nightly routine as he may.The evening is quiet, partly cloudy with Luna and Celene each in their own way providing some light to the countryside. Long rest completed, it is two hours before sun up.

Ælfric
The highest point of the building is roughly 30-40 feet. This slopes down to the edges of the roof, which is about 15-20' high. The chimneys are made of stone, and stand perhaps 5' in height.

There are no windows visible anywhere in the compound.

Ælfric
You quietly leave your comrades behind, slipping like a shadow into the early morning darkness. With your enhanced speed, it takes you about 15 minutes to get to the corner of the steading. You can hear noises from within the open compound ahead, but otherwise the area is pretty quiet.

Ælfric
Silently you cast Mage Hand. Grasping the rope, it moves quickly up the side of the steading, looping around the chimney and tying it off. A few tugs confirm the fastness of the knot and you begin to climb up. As you do, however, you hear sniffs and whines coming from the gate near you, as it appears your scent has been caught by the wolves in the compound.

A second later, one of the wolves is snarling, growling and yipping , and you hear its heavy paws scratching at the wood. You reach the top and find yourself on a slanted roof. While mostly of heavy timber as the base, the entire roof is covered with thick thatch and branches, providing plenty of foot and handholds.

The wolf continues its howling and just as you get to the top you hear the yell of a giant followed by the cracking of a whip. The wolf yelps in pain, and his brothers join the chorus of yelps, barks and howls, as the giant roars in obvious frustration. A few more cracks of the whip send the wolves howling away from the door, and you hear the heavy wood bar being slid open. The gate creaks loudly as a giant exits the east gate and begins to look around.

Julian

Ælfric
The embers of a fire are slowly burning off the last of the firewood, and the room is relatively dark with the exception of the remains of a lantern hanging on one wall shedding a bit of dim light along the south wall. This room is hung with rugs and skins. Against the north wall stands an enormous bed, which is occupied by a pair of giants covered by a thick layer of furs. Along the south wall is a large bearskin rug flanked by two large chests, both of which are locked by large padlocks. Lying at the foot of the bed is a huge bear.

As you step from the fireplace, the bear snorts, but appears to remain asleep, its heavy breath faint beneath the snoring of the two giants sleeping in the bed. From outside the bedroom you can hear yells and calls as apparently there are still revelers... reveling?

Ælfric
Nothing shiny appears to be lying visibly about, so you work to retrieve the hairs from the sleeping giants. While you have not seen the giant leader Nosnra, if this is indeed the leader's room, then he would be him. The giant in the bed is huge, taking up much of the allotted bed space, while the other (apparently female) takes up the remainder. You can see a massive spiked club lying next to the bed, but nothing else.

You manage to get a bit of hair from the fat male in the bed, and then move to retrieve one from the female. As you do, she turns in her sleep and the hair you were looking to grasp becomes a small fistful, pulling up sharply as your reaction is a bit too slow. She awakes with a start, crying out in pain, slapping the giant next to her and screaming at him in a shrill voice.

The male half turns, still in a drunken daze as he does, trying to see what is going on, reaching for his club as he does. The bear, however, awakes with a start.

Ælfric
As you zip back to the roof, you hear a roar come from the bear. A moment later, the creature is growling at the spot where you stood by the fireplace. A lantern lights in the room below as well.

Ælfric
Looking around, you don't see anyone or anything near.

Ælfric
You manage to retrieve your rope and begin heading back, when you hear a series of bellows coming from within the steading. You slip into the night and it does not (yet) seem that any are following.

Julian
Inside, the hill giant leader, Nosnra is now fully awake, though he seems on unsteady feet. He roars and bellows something, and a giant appears at his bedroom door. Nosnra bellows again, waving at his chimney, whereby the new giant moves over to try and look up the flue. Again, Nosnra yells, this time slapping the new giant in the head. Nosnra points out of his room and the giant bows with an exit.

Ælfric
Moving swiftly and silently, you escape the shadow of the steading into the hills. A short time later you arrive safely back at the cave.

Julian
Awake but apparently groggy, you watch as Nosnra moves from his bed chamber and into the room behind the feast hall. With him comes the cave bear and one other hill giant. Nosnra and the giant speak for a few moments and the second leaves. Sitting in one of the large chairs before the fireplace, Nosnra sulks as a pair of orcs rush in to rekindle the fire. A few minutes later, the Stone giant arrives and settles into the other chair. He and Nosnra begin speaking, and based on their looks and Nosnra's gestures, they are talking of the disturbance in his bed chamber.

The day passes slowly, and keeping an eye out below proves beneficial. The giants, or at least King Nosnra, are on edge as you see several patrols exit and enter the steading throughout the day. They look to be scouring the nearby landscape for any sign of intruders, but they never manage to come up and around the hills where you are based.

As night falls, the patrols continue but to a lesser extent. The sky proves helpful as well, as clouds begin to roll in, covering what light the twin moons of Celene and Luna are providing.

Julian
The time passes slowly into the night, as you focus your energy on sifting out the secrets of the lower steading. As expected, there is a full lower set of chambers, long ago carved from stone and rock to create storage chambers, slave cells and other such locations. Interestingly, there is also a set of natural caverns where many of the orcs seem to have taken up residence. In addition, you find a worked stone tunnel that appears to have collapsed (or was collapsed).

In addition to the orcs, you spy a huge giant working the prisoner area, and during your investigation you watch him torturing an elf, tossing the remains into a small pile of broken bodies when he is done. Finally, in a caged chamber, you spy a huge beast with the body of a lion, large leathery wings and a spike tail. What is most unnerving is the head of the beast looks almost human. You have heard of the manticore before, but having never seen one personally, its description pales in comparison to the real thing.

The Hill Giant King stays up late, once again feasting with the stone giant guest before retiring to his sitting room for a while in private consultation with the visitor. After a period of time, he retires to his bed. While you do not know what is said between the two, the stone giant gives Nosnra a large piece of parchment, which he reads and then hands back to him.

Julian
Trying to count the orcs is nearly impossible, as they constantly move around, though more than 50 would be a best guess.

Julian

Flash Forward
Traveling to town, your group gathers the necessary supplies and weapons before returning to the base camp near the giant steading.

The night deepens quickly, with the coming of clouds and a breeze that smells of rain. The omen holds, as sometime in the late hours a rain begins to fall. it lasts until just about dawn, and the sun rises to a misty valley below. Here in the higher hills the water forms a few small streams running down the hillside, but nothing more than a muddy nuisance is the result.

The day promises to be a bit warmer than the recent week, and with the ground saturated with water the humidity rises even early in the day.

You all sit quietly, each involved with his or her own tasks and interests as the day passes. Fortunately, there are no visitors to your area, and the sun sinks just as quietly as it rose.

OOC: Right now, you can be sure he isn't top on Fernal's list. She was waiting for the wolves to come,. but she does love a good fight. You could say it is the Berserkerness in her. That boiling RAGE that wants to be free. She knew the fire was a very bad idea considering the wolves and bear at the giants. She loves a head on fight and more than willing to let one happen, but now she is doubly disappointed. No playing and no fight from the wolves.

Julian
Casting the ritual scrying, you soar across the valley into the steading, homing in on the hill giant king. You are disappointed to find the giant is still awake, but more disconcerting is that he is talking with someone. Who, you are not sure, for there is no one there is no one there. Suddenly, Nosnra reaches out, and there is something in his hand, as if he pulled a piece of jewelry from thin air.

Nosnra waves a hand as if to dismiss the invisible being, then slowly walks to his private chamber behind the feast hall. He slumps into one of the large chairs there, idly staring into the roaring fire. At his side is his ever-present bear, apparently sleeping as the giant king strokes its head.

Julian, Alain, Ælfric
Gathering yourselves, you move closer to Julian. With a whisper of command, the cave fades and you find yourselves before the fireplace within Nosnra's bedchamber. Neither he nor his mate are in the bed, and though the hour is late you can hear giants within the great hall, apparently feasting still.

Ælfric
Looking down, you see that the drawings are all faintly connected into a single pictograph. Your heart sinks as you realize that it is some form of an arcane glyph.

"How did they know?" Alain thinks to himself as he tries to dodge the glyphs.

Julian, Alain, Ælfric
As you spot the etchings on the floor below you, too late you realize that you have walked into an ambush. The markings flare brightly, sending a glow about the giant king's bed chamber and you feel a force of energy sweep through your body, sucking the very life essence into the void now swirling around you. Tendrils of black, wispy energy batter you as you succumb to the magic below your feet.

Alain and Aelfric manage to escape the trap before the last of their life is sucked from them, but Julian collapses within the glowing circle. The revelry continues beyond in the great hall, so it does not appear that you have been noticed.