Gai-len 2.0 (IC)

[DrK]

Hrothgar

Eyeing the elf suspiciously he prods a bit further. "What be the nature of the trade that you do with the elf? What manner of alliance does a long ear and a green skin have." Surveying the blighted land around thm he looks back to the merchant. "Where would this fire giant make his home?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Oh....the Fire giant is hypothetical...it´s an example of the more powerful creatures I´ve heard of. So....I imagine one of those guys claims to be calling shots here....you know?"

"I trade with the elves for spider silk and mushrooms. You see, I would not call what we have an alliance. What we have is best described as `not war`. We, the Orcs, have brought peace to this continent."

"What do you bring?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Bel hasn´t posted in a while in the games I share with him. Let´s hope he returns soon.

At some point this rather uneasy encounter ends. Even though full of a healthy dose of distrust on all sides, you manage to end it peacefully once you find that this Orc won´t be able to tell you much more. Both parties are back on their way.

Later that day, Hrothgar notices that from the forest on your right hand side puffs of smoke emerge. Accompanied by the smell of roasting meat, you conclude it must be a campfire. You can´t see from here who or what has made this fire, but you have the suspicion that if you continue further along the road the campers will surely notice you. If you want to prevent being surprised by whatever is camping there, you should send someone into the forest to scout. Alternatively, you just carry on and see what happens.

Spoiler: Map

Show

[DrK]

Hrothgar

Hrothgar looks at the elf and Kaladin, "Interesting, more travellors. Probably green aye, but we should go and say hello eh?" Drawing axes he moves cautiously forward, cat at his side and he keeps to the main road seeking to approach the fire side from the open road rather than surprising them through the woods. Just in case he calls down the strength of the bull upon him, might filling his arms as he strides forward. A bold "Ho the fire" in the harsh green tongue as he rounds the edge of wood, senses alert for trouble

Spoiler: OOC

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Cast Bull strength 7 minutes

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Spoiler: OoC

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I suspect Bel is on a short absence, so I´ll let Hrothgar play this out alone so I don´t have to play NPC, DMPC and PC.

Kaladin and Faladen agree to stay behind while Hrothgar investigates. The Dwarf enhances himself with magic and shouts out to who- or whatever is camping.

After rounding the forest edge, you notice a large, rather fat and primitive figure roasting a deer on a fire. The deer looks rather disfigured, with a totally collapsed chest. As if it was unfortunate enough to end up under a large falling boulder. It is some 20 feet away, right at the edge of the forest. Unintelligently, it looks at you and stands up. "Kabutah?" it says. While you don´t speak this language, this is one of the words most Dwarfs understand: it is "Dwarf" in giant. It stands well over 10 ft tall and is clad in a crude hide armor. A large log, probably supposedly a club of sorts, rests at his hip. It produces a sound you interpret as a giggle. Dumb and unthreatened it stares at you.

You estimate that the Giant does not feel threatened by you. Also, perhaps because he has food, he has no need to hunt you. However, he is very likely to defend his food should you approach.

Spoiler: Knowledge Nature DC12

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This is a Hill giant

Spoiler: DC22

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Common combat tactics of hill giants involve throwing rocks from higher ground and bull rushing smaller opponents in melee

Spoiler: DC27

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Congratulations on a great roll. There´s really not a lot more to know about these guys. Well, allright then: they have +9 natural armor ;).

[DrK]

Hrothgar

Hrothgar looks at the hill giant, a hiss of hatred flowing through him as he views the massive giant. "How do you know my kind dumb one? Speak now..." He barks the order at the giant, axes in hand yearning to chop the giant down. THe pouch at his neck twitching as is smells a favoured foe.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Spoiler: OoC

Show

I´ll be away from internet from tomorrow morning till Monday night.

"Hrmpf.." It becomes clear to you that the brute does not speak Orc. However, he does understand the hostility in your words and behaviour. In reply, he picks up a boulder, one at least twice the size of your head. You´d have used it to sit on, or as an improvised table. For the Giant it is simply an object to be used to crush opponents. Quite obviously, if only because it is currently flying at your head with alarming speed!

Spoiler: Boulder attack

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Thrown rock attack, bludgeoning nonmagical damage.
(1d20+8)[17], damage (2d6+7)[13]. Crit confirm (if 28) (1d20+8)[20], bonus damage (2d6+7)[14]

Spoiler: Map

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Simple map. Note that the campfire, that pink/red thingy between you, prevents a charge.

Hrothgar is up!

[BelGareth]

Kaladin was happy to let Hrothgar deal with another traveler, especially a giant, but he boulder was not expected!

Spoiler: Initiative!

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(1d20+3)[19]

[DrK]

Hrothgar

The dwarf ducks as the boulders fly past, a grin on his face as he plans on chopping the giant down to size. "Ye be dead you ugly swine. I'll chop you down to size and mount your skull as a drinking cup."

Swinging axes he darts forward in a zig zag to slice the giant down, a hand sending the cat circling very wide.

Spoiler: Hrothgar

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Cat double move to AD32

Hrothgar move to AU32 via AV33 to avoid the AoO
Chop! (1d20+14)[19] dam (1d10+8)[10] plus (1d6)[4] skirmish

HPs 72/72
AC 22 (Touch 14 Flat 25) +4 vs giants =26
Saves +14/7/11 (+2 vs poison/spells, +4 vs "endurance")

Effects:
Primal hunter (24 hours, +5 climb/jump/swim)
Primal instincts (24 hours, +5 Init/Survival) - double Primal gives uncanny dodge
Pass without trace (7 hours, Hrothgar, horses, Kaladni)
Bull strength (7 mins)

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Spoiler: OoC/Belgareth

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It occurred to me that leaving for so long warrants a DMG thrown at your head. However, you are too far away, so the only thing I can do is throw something at Kaladin. So, here, have a rock .

We´re not really doing initiative at the moment, so I just put you after Hroth and the Giant.

Hrothgar moves in to melee while sending his cat far away. His moves are impressive, but the attack he makes lacks the punch needed to harm the Giant. It grins at the Dwarf, who now, up close, starts to realize to full extent of a typical Hill giant´s odour. It reeks! Hrothgar stares up a hairy armpit as the Giant lifts his greatclub and starts pounding:

Spoiler: Attacks on Hrothgar

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Greatclub 1: (1d20+16)[31], damage (2d8+10)[18]. Crit confirm (if 36) (1d20+16)[35], bonus damage (2d8+10)[24]

Greatclub 2: (1d20+11)[17], damage (2d8+10)[25]. Crit confirm (if 31) (1d20+11)[16], bonus damage (2d8+10)[16]

"Oi!" A second hill giant steps from the forest (how on earth did you not notice him?) near the road and tosses a large rock at Kaladin. The impact of the enormous projectile startles the horses, and one of them is caught by suprise and sprints off a bit before his training allows it to calm itself. Faladin runs after it, making sure it does not wander off, or gets eaten by yet another Giant.

Spoiler: Rock thrown at Kaladin

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(1d20+8)[21], damage (2d6+7)[9]. Crit confirm (if 28) (1d20+8)[24], bonus damage (2d6+7)[10]

Team is up!

Spoiler: MAP

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[BelGareth]

Kaladin scowls as another giant he hadn't noticed appears and chucks a rock at him, clipping him wetting his armor with his own blood!

Moving further into cover, he wiggles his fingers and his Aegis appears around Hrothgar, protecting him against the torrent of blows even further.

Spoiler

Show

Use his aegis on Hroth, another +4 to AC.

Move as far as he can go on row 19. (not sure what horse he is on, or not)

[DrK]

Hrothgar

The dwarf grunts as the club thuds into him, his blood boils as he lets loose the rage with a terrifying battle howl before he throws himself towards the giant as the cat streaks forward leaping istelf upon the giant's back with long claws. He grunts and howls incoherently with both axes trying to wade in blood through the giant.

Spoiler: Hrothgar

Show

Cat double move to AD32

RAGE!!! (1/9)
Chop (1d20+16)[31] dam (1d10+8)[13]
Chop (1d20+11)[31] dam (1d10+8)[11] 25 to confirm, 32 extra damage
off hand chop (1d20+16)[22] dam (1d6+6)[8]

HPs 54/72 +14!
AC 22 (Touch 14 Flat 25) +4 vs giants +4 aegis =30
Saves +14/7/11 (+2 vs poison/spells, +4 vs "endurance") +2 Will rage, +2 Fort

Effects:
Primal hunter (24 hours, +5 climb/jump/swim)
Primal instincts (24 hours, +5 Init/Survival) - double Primal gives uncanny dodge
Pass without trace (7 hours, Hrothgar, horses, Kaladni)
Bull strength (7 mins)

Cat
AC 19 Saves 7/9/4 Evasion
HPs 38/38

CHarge/Flank
Bite (1d20+12)[32] dam (1d6+5)[11] 19 to confirm, 6 extra damage
claw (1d20+10)[25] dam (1d3+3)[4]
claw (1d20+10)[24] dam (1d3+3)[4]
Rake(1d20+10)[18] dam (1d3+3)[6]

Effects:
Bulls strength

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Spoiler: Hrothgar

Show

You wrote the cat made a move to AD32. It was actually already there, so I assumed that it moved eastward along row 32 to get into melee with the giant and then pounce?

The Giant in melee with Hrothgar and his cat staggers after being dealt many blows, one of them was even devastating. It still stands, but there is no way he is going to survive another round of that sort of violence. The other Giant seems content that his rock had scared off that pesky little Human. They´d deal with that one later, his friend needs his help!

Without thinking twice (it is actually unclear whether it actually could if it wanted to) it charges Hrothgar:

Spoiler: Charge on Hrothgar

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(1d20+18)[25], damage [roll 2d8+10[/roll] (17, see OoC). Crit confirm (if 38) (1d20+18)[23], bonus damage [roll 2d8+10[/roll]

The severely wounded giant is now flanking Hrothgar with his buddy. Perhaps that will give him the confidence boost he so direly needs!

Spoiler: Full attack on Hrothgar

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1: (1d20+18)[26], damage [roll 2d8+10[/roll] (23, see OoC). Crit confirm (if 38) (1d20+18)[33], bonus damage [roll 2d8+10[/roll]
2: (1d20+13)[33], damage [roll 2d8+10[/roll] (22, see OoC). Crit confirm (if 38) (1d20+13)[16], bonus damage [roll 2d8+10[/roll]

Kaladin, in the meanwhile, finds himself in the patch of forest, just about halfway to Hrothgar. The trees obscure his vision, giving the combatants at least half cover relative to him.

Spoiler: Map

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Team is up!

[DrK]

Hrothgar

Surrounded by giants the dwarf begins to chant and howl an ululating war cry, cut short slightly as the club smashes into him shattering ribs and leaving a bloody gouge. Hrothgar roars defiance as he leaps forward chopping and hacking incoherently, mind fogged almost completely by the battle rage! Behind the giant the cat continues to rip and tear at the giant seeking to climb up its back and crush its neck joint.

Spoiler: Hrothgar

Show

Cat vs wounded Giant
Bite (1d20+10)[18] dam (1d6+5)[10]
claw (1d20+10)[19]] dam (1d3+3)[5]
claw (1d20+10)[22]] dam (1d3+3)[6]

RAGE!!! (2/9)
(1d20+16)[31] dam (1d10+8)[18]
(1d20+11)[27] dam (1d0+8)[9]
off hand (1d20+16)[23] dam (1d6+6)[9]

- Start on the wounded one and then move to the new one...

HPs 32/72 +14!
AC 22 (Touch 14 Flat 25) +4 vs giants +4 aegis =30
Saves +14/7/11 (+2 vs poison/spells, +4 vs "endurance") +2 Will rage, +2 Fort

Effects:
Primal hunter (24 hours, +5 climb/jump/swim)
Primal instincts (24 hours, +5 Init/Survival) - double Primal gives uncanny dodge
Pass without trace (7 hours, Hrothgar, horses, Kaladni)
Bull strength (7 mins)

Cat
AC 19 Saves 7/9/4 Evasion
HPs 38/38


Effects:
Bulls strength

[BelGareth]

Kaladin moves closer still, moving through the cover to see the second giant attack Hrothgar, he wiggled his fingers at it, uttering a single command: "Shatter."

Spoiler

Show

Move to AV26 (assuming difficult terrain)

Cast shatter on 2nd giants weapon, Will DC 17 or weapon shatters.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

With a combined effort, Hrothgar and his cat take down the Giant and Hrothgar even gets in some blows against the other one. Gripping his club firmly, he manages to resist the magic that was about to shatter his weapon for good. Good, he can still beat Dwarf with it, which is exactly what it is about to do. Not before cursing loudly at the death of his friend: "Gedun-Hebdeller!". Colourful language it must be, Giant.

Spoiler: Beating Dwarf rolls

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Greatclub attack 1: (1d20+16)[20], damage (2d8+10)[19]. Crit confirm (if 36) (1d20+16)[32], damage (2d8+10)[12].
2: (1d20+11)[12], damage (2d8+10)[21]. Crit confirm (if 31) (1d20+11)[30], damage (2d8+10)[17]

Team is up, map unchanged, except that Kaladin is a bit closer now.

[DrK]

Hrothgar

Hrothgar grins as the giant falls, barely pausing he spins around. Blood spraying from the axes as he carves through its body and cleave into the second of the beastly giants. Continuing to shout and bellow ojut his lineage of giant kills he hews into the next one, ducking a massive club and parrying the second of the blows with the the pair of axes. The cat splits left, a flurry of claws and teeth as Hrothgar with axes blurring hews at the Giant seeking to chop it down to bloody dwarf sized chunks.

Spoiler: Hrothgar

Show

Cat vs surviving giant
Bite (1d20+10)[26] dam (1d6+5)[8]
Claw (1d20+10)[24] dam (1d3+3)[5]
Claw (1d20+10)[29] dam (1d3+3)[5]

RAGE!!! (3/9)
Big axe (1d20+16)[36] dam (1d10+8)[14]
Big axe (1d20+11)[13] dam (1d10+8)[16]
off hand (1d6+5)[8]1d20+16[/roll] dam (1d6+6)[11]


HPs 32/72 +14!
AC 22 (Touch 14 Flat 25) +4 vs giants +4 aegis =30
Saves +14/7/11 (+2 vs poison/spells, +4 vs "endurance") +2 Will rage, +2 Fort

Effects:
Primal hunter (24 hours, +5 climb/jump/swim)
Primal instincts (24 hours, +5 Init/Survival) - double Primal gives uncanny dodge
Pass without trace (7 hours, Hrothgar, horses, Kaladni)
Bull strength (7 mins)

Cat
AC 19 Saves 7/9/4 Evasion
HPs 38/38


Effects:
Bulls strength

[BelGareth]

Kaladin sees the last giant resist his command, and with a slight snarl of annoyance, he decides to bring the pain on this monster and knocks and arrow, aiming for some of the sweet spots...

Spoiler

Show

free: 5ft step forward (if he can?)
Full attack

Adjust for aim maneuver: if first missed, second shot gets +4 to-hit
+1 from point blank shot if 5ft step was allowed
attack - (1d20+12)[25]
Damage - (1d8+1)[8]

[roll=attack]1d20+[/roll]
Damage - (1d8+1)[8]

Kaladin
AC: 21
HP's: 44/53

[BelGareth]

Spoiler: att6ack roll i messed up

Show

attack - (1d20+7)[13]
text for the text God

[Autopsibiofeeder]

Spoiler: OoC

Show

I am sorry it took so long. I was traveling, then mostly tired, a little bit under the weather, very busy and not 100% sure where/how I wanted to advance this story arc. Anyway: here it is. I decided to fast-forward a bit into an environment in which there is a more clear purpose for your characters.

Clearly, two savage Giants are no match for the raging Hrothgar, not to mention that the Dwarf is in good company of a magician that had a lot more up his sleeve than he showed. Covered in blood and surrounded by bits and pieces of Giant, you inventory the small camp and any potential loot. It seems they had not much of value. All items are of poor quality and/or in poor condition. You find a bag though, with, alongside some mouldy bread and small stones with some unclear purpose, 300 gold pieces worth of money.

You travel further southwards for many days and then weeks. You chance upon Ogres and Hill Giants occasionally, none of which lived to tell the tale. You might actually get the feeling that not much on this continent is a match for your prowess. Faladen, your Dark Elf companion also slowly grows more and more impressed by your vigor.

The savannah slowly makes way for dense forest, which turns more and more tropical in nature: Trees start to get ridiculously big and the understory vegetation becomes sparse. The weather is hot and humid, and it regularly rains. The trees get a bit smaller as you start to travel higher up and enter more mountainous terrain. It is still very much tropical forest, but a bit less warm and more cloudy: regularly the forest itself is draped in white, cool nebulae. It makes for a very mysterious environment.

Then, finally, you arrive at the gates of Faladen´s Dark Elf city. In the side of a rocky outcrop is a cave that leads inwards. In front of it, four Dark Elfs in intricately adorned golden breastplates stand guard and regard you sternly. You recall what Faladen had told you about his lands: Strongly military, hierarchical and lawful, but fair (in his opinion). The leadership consists fully of women, who are held in high regard and are not very tolerant of disobedient men. Behaving humbly around women, and respectful, is very much advised. Strangers are allowed in the city, mostly for trading purposes. Inns and taverns are plentiful and open for all. However, criminals and people disobeying the law or persons of law are ruthlessly prosecuted. In short: behave, be nice, speak with two words against ladies and keep your head down as much as you can, and you should be fine.

“Halt,” one of the Dark Elves says. “Report.” Faladen scratches his throat and explains: “Faladen, second regiment of the Underworld unit. Captured by Orcs but freed by these two fine men, who seek respite in our fine city.” The Elf Guard nods. They speak in the common tongue, though you think that is not their native language. Perhaps because of your presence? “Report for debriefing, soldier.” Faladen turns around to say something to you, but before he can do so a stern “Now, soldier. Duty first!” sounds and Faladen smiles, winks (as if to comfort you) and moves into the cave.

The Dark Elf turns to you. “Man, Dwarf, please state your name and your business.” Another Dark Elf readies himself to make notes in a book. They apparently take things seriously. They don´t seem very hostile, merely cautious, and not more than you would have been in a similar situation, you estimate.

[DrK]

Hrothgar

The fights have kept the dwarf busy, as has learning about the strict matriarchal laws of the Dark Elf town. The misty forests were the only part if the journey where Hrothgar and his cat felt uncomfortable and seeing the open cave mouth cheers him greatly.

At the dismissal of Faladan Hrothgar offers a hand. "Well met. Come and seek us out when you are free. A flagon of ale or what passes for beer is the least we can do after guiding us all this way."

Nodding to Kal he turns to the guards. "I am Hrothgar 'Longaxe'. As to our business we are not sure. We have much to learn of these lands but plenty of gold to support our stay."

Looking into the cave he turns to the oldest guard - "What would you advise for lodging, entertainment and seeking more of our kind?"

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The guard shrugs. "Have a look around main square for lodging. There must be something to your liking." He inspects you both for a couple of seconds and then adds: "More of your kind, well, I can´t say there are any in the city. But so many souls....can´t say I know many of them, so I could be wrong."

The other guard with the book coughs politely. "I need to write something down. Shall I just put trade, then?" .... "And, eh...." he looks at Kaladin: "I didn´t catch your name?"

[BelGareth]

Kaladin was happy to see a change of pace, fighting off the giants, while doable, was getting tiresome, Hrothgar was proving to be a powerful companion, and he still thought back to the day the short dwarf broke them free of their captors.

He found the giant trees truly amazing, and wandered in open awe as they passed the huge trunks.

he smiled and nodded as the guards appeared out of nowhere, as if to say, of course, why did i not expect this.

He nods to Faladan with a genuine smile on his face, the elf had warmed up to them, and there was a genuine friendship forming. He nodded at Hrothgards words.

He looked to the guard who asked after his name, "I am called Kaladin, and I would say...adventurers?" he looks to Hrothgar, as if asking himself a question, "And yes, perhaps a tavern that accepts our kind?"

[DrK]

Hrothgar

The dwarf nods at Kal's words as they enter the city and walks slowly towards the main square where the guards pointed. Before they go he nods at the guards and heads into the cave. The darkness not a concern for him and his sharp dwarven vision. The cat beside him tenses before he pets it on the back to try and soothe it.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

The Elf seems not very impressed with your answers....he seems to be just a man doing his job that wants to get it over with, nor does he feel like elaborating on the possibilities for staying overnight. "Allright." He lets you pass.

A younger elf (though to be honest they all have a distinct "youngness" over them, even though Elves are very long-lived) guides you into the cave mouth. There´s a hallway some 500 feet long heading into the mountain. The stone is worked and in the high ceilings there are many kind-of balconies where soldiers could stand and shoot. Various structures that hold back boulders can be seen, and you estimate that these boulders might be released when needed. You get the impression that an army from "aboveground" will have considerable trouble getting in, let alone surviving the attempt.

The hallway curves and opens up into a huge cave. Huge as in huge. That is, huge as in HUGE. Hundreds of feet high, and thousands of feet deep and wide. You hear distant sounds familiar to a city (carts, shouts, falling objects) as you gaze over the home of the Dark Elves. Purplish, twilightylight shines over the rooftops of hundreds of houses, and in the streets many colourful (red, yellow, blue) small lights can be seen, most likely magical in nature. In the distance, towering over the lower city, there are large, castle-like structures. "Pretty, eh?" the young Dark Elf says, as you halt before a wooden bridge that crosses a deep chasm separating you and the city. Another good defensive line.

Spoiler: See for yourself

Show

"So, yeah. The first lower ring you see there is where most people live. Houses, you know, and I guess you have no business there. The second ring, behind the first wall, is the crafter´s tier and the market. There you can find lodging, just check the main square. Behind the second wall is the royal quarters. You are not allowed there, unless invited. While we have a fair law-system in effect to deal with arguments, theft and other crime, getting caught there will get you executed. On the spot." He means it....he looks at the distant high buildings with a sort of desire that tells you he may not have been there himself in his life. "Seriously, don´t go there."

"Otherwise, have a great stay!" He is about to turn away but then decides to give you some tips. "The Illiterate Illithid is a great bar with good performances, some dice games....classy, mind you. The kitchen is good too....stew is so tender you could suck it through a straw." He grins, and the joke is probably lost a bit on you. Perhaps if you were an underdark denizen you would have gotten it. "As for lodging, you can´t go wrong with The Sleeping Giant. The owner is a retired minstrel. He tends to know things, if you´re looking for something...or one."

"Questions? Don´t be shy....I´d rather be here than out there in the sun!"

[DrK]

Hrothgar

THe dwarf stumbles slightly as the massive cavern with soft purple lighting showed the city beyond. He breathed a faint sigh, "by Moradin's beard, it be like the dwarven forge homes of old." He looks at Kaladin and then at the "young" dark elf. "My thanks Neighbor." Looking into the city he taps Kaladin on the shoulder, "Come my friend, lets find the giant or the illithid then we can get some drinks and find out more of what trouble we have landed ourselves in."

Leading the horses and walking with his hunting cat at his side he pushes into the city, eyes wide open for any orcs or "pink skins" that he may see amidst the sea of pointed ear elves. The darkness and the soft lighting and the cave giving him pleseant memories of home.

[BelGareth]

Kaladin stood, open mouthed at the wondrous city laid before them.

He had seen nothing like it, it was...magnificent, it took him an act of will power to close his mouth, and even then, he was stumbling over himself, gaping at the wonder of the underground city.

He nodded to Hrothgar, and remembered their host. He smiled wanly at him "I'm sorry my friend, we have not seen anything like..." he waves his hand towards the city "like this! It is slightly overwhelming! Thank you for your kind words and suggestions, I think we'll be heading in." he says, finishing off with a nod of respect.

He follows Hrothgar numbly looking at everything, never had he imagined that the barbaric races on this continent were even capable of city building, let alone....this.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

You slowly make your way to the second tier, where the crafters, inns and markets are. The main street you use to get there is fairly quiet. Life seems to be peaceful. You do manage to attract some attention: the inhabitants are polite, however, and reserved, so at most you get glanced at. Youngsters, whatever that may mean in the Elven world, point at you. Still, you can move about in peace. You imagine that if two Elves with pale hair and black skin would enter your home town it would be grounds for serious turmoil, perhaps fear and at the least gossip. It seems the Elves are used to meeting "strange folk".

The market tier is buzzing with activity. Craftsmen whittle, forge, tailor and whatnot left and right and vendors are praising their wares and negotiating prices with potential buyers. Noone looks at you twice here. You identify at least three Orcs and a Goblin in the crowd. However, the at-homeness with which they behave makes it clear to you that assaulting or harassing them is not an option. One of the Orcs actually obviously notices you but does not give you a second glance. This feels a lot like "neutral ground" in the conflict you have with the Orcs, and you have the impression that the Dark elves would not have it any other way.

You wonder for a moment if the Dark elves are using magic to prevent the noise from this tier to disrupt the silence of the living quarters you were just in. Probably.

Soon enough you find the Sleeping Giant, the inn you were told about. It is a fairly tall building which, judging from the outside, may hold a large common room and at least ten rooms to rent out. Next to it is a small stable facility. A young male Dark elf offers you a place for the mounts, but also notes that if you stay overnight, the mounts will be transferred to a larger stable, free of charge, and taken care of during your stay for 5 silver pieces per night. From the stables, through a side-door you enter the inn. You find a large common room, which offers seats for at least 50 persons, a bar, a stage for musicians or other artists and some room to dance (or fight and brawl were this a dwarven city). No other guests are in this room right now. You estimate they are all out in the markets or away on other types of business. Behind the bar is an aged Dark elf. You notice his skin is not as jet-black as that of many others you saw, but rather a dark grey. His clothing is flamboyant and rich and when he smiles and waves at you, you notice a couple of golden rings on his fingers. The inn-business is a good one, or this Elf has had a career before chosing this path.

"Well, hello, that is a rare sight!" You notice that he speaks your tongue, common, albeit with a slight accent. "Please, have a seat....can I offer you anything to drink. On the house if your tale is any good!"

[BelGareth]

Kaladin walks with a big smile, this was not only eye opening, but horizon stretching, mind boggling, it broadened his view of the entire world, and allowed him to not only see himself in a different light, but others as well.

He mutely walked in awe as they got into the tavern and smiled a genuine smile to the aged elf.

"Greetings" he replied "What do you have, we're new here." he said, half joking.

[Autopsibiofeeder]

"You don´t say!" The Dark elf smiles a broad smile and points at various kegs and containers around him. "We have tea...herbal, nuts or fruit-flavoured, hot and cold. We also have a light mede, home-brewed, and wine and ale." He leans on the counter and winks: "Unless you´re here for the strong stuff, of course, which I also have."