4. The First Expedition

Grim releases grip on his holy symbol, and brandishes his warhammer. Still unsure of the creature’s intent.
Hmph, he exudes coursely.

Jacky resorts to cupping his hands around his mouth and calling out to the big creature as it paddles. "Ho there! Friend!"

If the creature doesn't react, he will repeat the attempt, this time in Orcish.

None that you can see. There may be some hidden from view on the floor of the canoe, but both the creature’s hands are occupied with his paddle.

---

In response to Jacky’s greeting, it waves its paddle in a non-threatening manner. As it approaches the shore, it jumps out of the canoe into the shallows before pulling the craft out of the water.

Standing to its full height, you see that it is easily 9’ tall. Even Thrud seems diminutive in comparison. Using broken, halting language it addresses you in a deep, booming voice: "Gog. Visitors! Food?"



---
12:40 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Zach gazes up at the imposing figure? So your name is Grog? Nice to meet you, I am Zach, using the short form of his name, given the creatures predilection to monosyllabicy. Setting down his shield and reaching slowly and unthreatingly into his backpack, Zach removed one day's worth of trail rations. Here food. What you give?

Seeing how her companions wanted to talk their way out of the situation, she released the pressure from her bow, but kept an arrow readied to the string. She observed the exchanges quietly.

Grim lowers his trusty hammer, but watches the creature warily.

"You Gog? Me Thrud! These my friends." Thrudmarr nods encouragingly at Zach's offer of trade.

While Zach negotiates with the small giant, Jacky will stroll around and peek into the canoe to look for anything interesting.

Gog bats away Zach’s offer of rations with a contemptuous snort. "No good. Meat. Fresh."

And then in a whisper: "Man beast."
Definitely flesh.
Gog left his paddle in the canoe. But other than that, it’s empty.

Pointing at Jacky, he asks: "How Plumthorn?"

---
12:40 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Jacky turns back to see the giant's finger pointed at his nose. A rather discomfiting sight, especially following the creature's last words about meat. "Who is Plumtom, mister Gog?"

I fear he means you for food, Jacky.

"Pish," Jacky declares with bravado. "If Gog here has a hunger for halflings, surely he would not have asked for this Plumtom's name!"

Grim positions himself between Jacky and the Jiant. The monster intentionally misspelled by the player, for alliterative purposes!

I don’ like dis, Grim says grimly. Brown bulging eyes gazes warily upon ol’ Gog. Hoping the party’s present encounter doesn’t find dwarves particularly appetizing!

Thrudmarr's expression changes from friendly to confused as he processes the other's words.

"Gog want eat Jacky friend? No! Thrud not let big man eat friends!" The warrior steps forward and stands alongside Grim.

Pointing upwards: "Plumthorn. Half man. Like you. You work?"

---
12:40 pm, Basilsday 2nd Lucreon (April) 2993 AEP
Ellagel, Elven Fighter/Magic User 1/1: 6/6, 90’
Grimidek, Dwarven Cleric 1: 9/9, 60’
Jacky, Halfling Fighter/Thief 1/1: 6/6, 60’
Thrudmarr, Wiskin Fighter 1: 5/5, 90’ (Lantern)
Zacharias, Archontean Fighter 1: 10/10, 60’

Link to Jacky’s maps …

Zach clears his throat, trying to draw the creature’s attention to him. Well, Mister Fog, I’m sorry, but none of my companions—half-size or full size—is available for trade or meal services. Anything else we can trade or share? If not, we bid you to fare well. Zach gazes calmly at the nine-foot tall mountain of pale muscle, although his hands are feeling somewhat clammy. First ten years, now a cannibalism giant, I should have stayed home!

"Does this mister Plumthorn have an arrangement to bring you, uh, man flesh?" A horrible thought. Pushing it aside, Jacky continues, "I don't work for him, I'm afraid. Although, if you are not too picky about meat as long as it's fresh, I would be quite happy to teach you how to fish! It's good for your soul and your belly."