Giantslayer: The Hill Giant's Pledge [IC]

[lostsole31]

"The orcs attacking Trunau have been defeated, but the danger remains—the hill giant chieftain Grenseldek still wants the treasures of the tomb beneath Trunau. In order to protect their chosen community, the heroes must leave it and travel by riverboat through the orc-ruled Hold of Belkzen to the abandoned border fort that the giant has claimed as her lair. Yet even putting down Grenseldek and her squabbling monstrous minions may not be enough to save Trunau. For the hill giant has sent a fateful letter, and a storm is brewing on the horizon..."

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

Name [Player]	Color	Race [Ethnicity] (Gender ID)	AL	Side 1	Side 2
Aasgar Axewielder [Buck Godot]	Saddle Brown	Dwarf [Vizier Creature] (M)	LG	Fighter 5 [Two-Handed Warrior]	Epilektoi 4/ LA 1
Abenor Quentrias [Old Glory NPC]	Purple	Elf [Barbarian-Ranger Ilverani] (M)	CG	Warder 5 [Dervish Defender]	Fighter 2 [Two-Weapon Warrior]/ Stalker [Bushi] 1/ LA 2
Clemency (Cici) Larosière [NPC]	Dark Green	Human [Kellid-Taldan] (F)	LG	Monk (Erastil) 5 [Disciple of Wholeness]	Witch 5 [Herb Witch]
Kurst Grath, Patrol Leader of Trunau [NPC]	Blue	Human [Taldan] (M)	LN	Cavalier 5	Ranger 5
Galakhar the Gray [Old Glory NPC]	Gray	Human w/ Unknown "Cursed" [Keleshyte] (M)	LG (NG)	Investigator 4 [Polymath]	Swashbuckler 2 [Inspired Blade]
Phaevin Sylquinal [admyral]	Plum	Half-Elf [Varisian] (M)	CG	Bard 5	Rogue 5

[lostsole31]

Moonday, 1 Pharast 4715 AR (Waxing Gibbous): Given the grueling nature of the day before, this day is a complete day of rest for the heroes.

Toilday, 2 Pharast: The day is spent - mainly by the newly-christened Galakhar, as aided by Cici - to determine the properties of all magical items. Abenor then assists Galakhar in the best valuation of nonmagical goods.

3-5 Pharast: Time is spent - mainly with the help of Banker Lessie Crumkin of the Church of Abadar - for the various disposition and sales of the many goods, and then in the evening on the last day, Imrijka spends time celebrating the Day of Bones with the few Pharasmins in Trunau, or just the curious.

Starday, 6 Pharast: The group spends the time picking through treasure and going shopping.

Sunday, 7 Pharast: After various religious celebrations, as each person's faith or piety dictates, the group sees off Imrijka and Bariswort Littlefox, who leave for Ustalav.

Moonday, 8 Pharast: The heroes agree to take the mission to Redlake Fort by way of Ghostlight Marsh, and will be joined by Patrol Captain Kurst Grath (and his horse Hope).

---

Toilday, 9 Pharast 4715 AR (Waning Gibbous)
Weather: 35 / 15 F. Winds N 20 mph. Dry. Wind Chill: 10 / -10 F.

Today's scheduled ride promises to be brutally cold as the wind will cut right into the party, and it is an 18-mile trek to the Kestrel River. Galakhar has the means to protect (only) himself from the weather. this means that seven persons will not have full protection .... Aasgar, Abenor, Cici (and Lucette), Gharmez, and Kurst (and hope).

Gharmez, you are the only one who can really do anything about this. What do you prepare for your morning spells?

[Admyral]

Gharmez will replace her Protection From Evil prepared spell with Endure Elements, and then use all of her divine power to protect herself and the other six from the cold.

Spoiler: Tech Info

Show

Gharmez will prepare Endure Elements for 5 CL1 slots, 1 Ranger 1 slot, and 1 CL2 slots.
She will also prepare Aid, Find Traps, and Greater Detect Magic as CL2 slots.
She then casts Endure Elements on herself, Aasgar, Abenor, Cici, Lucette, Kurst and Hope provided each person is willing.

[lostsole31]

With everyone thus protected, the new roster heads out. The Kestrel River, where Raag Bloodtusk’s keelboat is waiting for them, lies approximately 18 miles north of Trunau. The short trip to the river is uneventful, and with Halgra’s letter of introduction, the PCs have no trouble boarding the boat. The group arrives at the boat late in the early evening as Aasgar's slower movement defines the group's rate of travel. Captain Bloodtusk doesn't travel the river at night, and the boat is scheduled to set sail the following morning.

Does anyone do anything before bedding down for the night?

[BuckGodot]

Even though it’s been uneventful thus far, Aasgar still suggests a watch rotation be established and volunteers to take the first round.

[lostsole31]

Ever since Freedom Town assassins tried to kill them in their sleep while they rested in the safety and comfort of the Ramblehouse, Abenor has no problem with that. He'll take part of a midwatch. Kurst offers to take the dog watch, and Galakhar will take the morning watch ... allowing Gharmez and Cici to fully sleep this night.

---

Wealday, 10 Pharast 4715 AR (Waning Gibbous)
Weather: 40 / 20 F. Light snow at early morning. Winds W 10 mph. Dry. Wind Chill: 25 / 5 F.

It will still be freezing today, and a light blanket of snow covers the ground to an inch, with the wind knocking it about a little for a little less than.

Gharmez will need to prepare one less endure elements, as where Hope will be kept will be made warm for her.

Spoiler: Gharmez

Show

So, as before, but you can free up the 2nd-level slot for something else now. What will you prepare?

For his part, Aasgar was so tired after dealing with the troubles in Trunau and resting afterwards that he didn't really keep up with maintaining his discoveries with the strange energies that allowed him to form the sash, spectacles, and diadem from previous. Now that it is back to business, he is sure to include that in his morning routine.

Spoiler: Aasgar

Show

Aasgar is thankful for having survived the recent troubles, but one of the things that worried him was the use of poison among some of Skreed's minions. His ruminations follow this and an earring of gold and jade forms at his left ear that will help him sniff out poisons and diseases in an area, on an object, or in a creature. He has unlocked the minor veil Earring of Safe Health.

Keeping the theme of life, entwined bands of silver and onyx akasha wind their way around his head, forming a tight-fitting circlet. With this, he knows he could save the life of a dying person, or cause a dying person to slip further into Pharasma's grasp. He has unlocked the minor veil Circlet of Life and Death.

But these veils are minor, and now a mischievous side of him giggles when he thinks what others might think of his circlet and earring. This wily mindset makes him think of trickery. Before long, he discovers that he can create veils on his fingers ... as if to create a magical ring itself. With the ring he shapes, he could fold space a short distance away, leaving behind an illusory double of himself. Aasgar easily recognizes the gnomish influences at work in the shaping of the ring and its effects. However, its power is such it can only be used a limited number of times a day. Unlocked Band of Trickery.

Finally, Aasgar realizes his body can now shape and hold more veils than he had before. Thinking of Cici for some reason, from his hands he shapes a witch's broom which could be used as a quarterstaff he could enchant variously should he be unable to use his axe. Unlocked Witch's Broom.

Also, while we're at it, I need you to tell me what 3 guaranteed maneuvers and what 2 withheld maneuvers you will have prepared.

[BuckGodot]

Aasgar will have *Encouraging Roar*, *Strike of the Infinite Protector*, and *Defending the Pride* as GR. *Red Zephyr’s Strike*, and *Scything Strike* as W.

[Admyral]

Gharmez will add Burst of Radiance to her prepared spells.

[lostsole31]

THE RIVER JOURNEY

Bloodtusk’s keelboat weighs anchor and sets off on the river journey first thing in the morning after the PCs arrive. Captain Bloodtusk makes it abundantly clear on the first day that the PCs are not idle tourists; Halgra negotiated working passage for the PCs, and they must make themselves useful while aboard. Bloodtusk expects everyone to help row the riverboat as well as perform other duties. In addition to rowing, each of the PCs can choose one of the jobs listed below. The PCs don’t have to keep the same job for the entire journey, but they must do something daily. Any jobs not taken by PCs are filled by crew members.

• Cooking: PCs can assist the boat’s cook, Gashnakh, in preparing meals and cleaning, stocking, and maintaining the galley (area A4).
• Fishing: PCs can help haul in the day’s catch to feed the crew.
• Lookout: PCs can watch for hazards from the crow’s nest atop the mast.
• Rowing: PCs can spend 5 hours rowing the keelboat in the rowing banks (area A11).
• Sounding: Helping the keelboat’s pilot avoid the shallows along the riverbeds is an important safety job.
• Stable Mucking: This involves maintaining the horses and stable (area A2).

Aasgar and Gharmez, for which jobs do you volunteer today?

[BuckGodot]

Aasgar realises he could use some new blisters so elects to take the first day to row.

[lostsole31]

As most jobs are beneath her, beyond her expertise, or probably just boring and lonely, Gharmez volunteers to help take soundings. She'll be with the ship's pilot in the forecastle for her duties during the day.

Spoiler: Gharmez

Show

Roll a Profession (sailor) or Perception check (your choice).

Meanwhile, Aasgar grunts down in the hold as one of the rowers.

Spoiler: Aasgar

Show

Roll a STR check, followed by a CON check.

[Admyral]

Gharmez, trying to follow the Captain's instructions carefully, throws the line from the bow waiting for it to slack. Her inexperience shows as she quickly pulls up the line soaking herself with river water while counting the knots.

Spoiler: Technical Info

Show

Check Perception(Skill Mod 11) (1d20+11)[18]

[BuckGodot]

Spoiler: Rowing Checks

Show

Str check: (1d20+4)[9]

Con check: (1d20+5)[17]

[lostsole31]

Meanwhile, Cici will take the crow's nest with Lucette; Abenor will help fishing; Galakhar will aid the cook Gashnakh in the kitchen; and Kurst will do the stable mucking.

It's still early morning when the keelboat begins its journey, and Abenor and others are on the main deck working to bring in the day's haul of fish. Abenor is doing well. While his survival skills tend more to hunting and foraging, still he has a feel about things - and in the manner his fellow sailor-fishermen do their job - to perform competently. As they pull up a haul of fish, the rail breaks. Abenor, ever quick on his feet, jumps back. Not so lucky is a half-orc (ALL keelboat sailors are half-orcs, by the way) named Oorug who splashes into the water.

"Man Overboard, Port Beam!" calls Abenor's voice, higher pitched, but carrying well.

Begin Round One ...

R1T24: Gharmez, you heard the splash first, followed by the call, but you are up in the forecastle with the captain. From your position, you don't see the sailor in the water. What do you do?

[Admyral]

Gharmez will repeat the call from below, "MAN OVERBOARD, PORT BEAM!", and then rush down the stairs as fast as she is able heading to the port side of the boat, while readying a rope to throw to the sailor.

[lostsole31]

R1T24: Gharmez will repeat the call from below, "MAN OVERBOARD, PORT BEAM!", and then rush down the stairs as fast as she is able heading to the port side of the boat, while readying a rope to throw to the sailor.

R1T19: Just down at the next deck, Galakhar hears Gharmez' call. He steps over and opens one of the galley doors and repeats, "Man overboard, Port Beam!"

R1T18: Aasgar, you hear the shouts of man overboard (port beam, whatever that means), but you are currently rowing on the starboard side. Coxswain Halrex hasn't yet given you any orders. Do you simply quit your oar and station and investigate? Continuing rowing until directed otherwise, or something else?

[BuckGodot]

Aasgar will wait for instructions and act accordingly when they are given.

[lostsole31]

R1T18: Aasgar will wait for instructions and act accordingly when they are given.

R1T15: Abenor takes out his silk rope, steps up to the open gap, and tosses the coil of rope to Oorug while maintaining the bitter end.

R1T12: Cici starts to keep a verbal update, shouting from the crow's nest to the captain in the forecastle.

R1T11: Oorug grabs the rope, and then swims to the side of the boat.

R1T8: Kurst hustles to get to Abenor.

"Crocodiles, Port Aft!" comes Cici's warning cry.

In the hold, Coxswain Halrex orders port rowers to ship oars, and then gives a command to starboard rowers (including Aasgar) that Aasgar seems to have trouble complying with, and Halrex gives him an earful.

End Round One, Begin Round 2 ...

R2T24: Gharmez, your rope is in hand. I assume you move as quickly to trouble as possible?

Galakhar on deck, Abenor in the hole ...

[Admyral]

Gharmez continues to move as quickly as she can towards the sailor in the water. She offers assistance if needed.

[lostsole31]

R2T24: Gharmez continues to move as quickly as she can towards the sailor in the water. She passes Galakhar in the galley, who has the door open for her, shooing her past.

R2T19: And then Galakhar passes her by ....

R2T15: Abenor has the rope braced for Oorug's climb.

R2T12: Cici continues to call out important information.

R2T11: Oorug is a solid climber, and with Abenor and Kurst's help he makes it to the deck no problem.

Initiative Over ...

The easy meal gone, the crocodiles ease off.

The rowers are told to stand fast while the Coswain goes topside, but not before she calls Axewielder to join her. There, they meet Captain Bloodtusk and the others converging.

Oorug and Abenor state they were pulling up the morning haul of fish when the railing gave way. Abenor and Galakhar examine the railing where it broke free. There are signs that the railing was sabotaged and did not break as a function of poor material readiness.

[BuckGodot]

Aasgar will volunteer to conduct a search of the ship to find any evidence.

[Admyral]

Gharmez will say to Aasgar, "If I may be of help, I will certainly volunteer to assist."

[BuckGodot]

Aasgar nods to Gharmez in acceptance.

[lostsole31]

Galakhar shakes his head, "Search for what, exactly? Simple tools could have done this, and I couldn't help notice they are secreted about the ship all over the place. Each of those burlap sacks with the red dye on the outside have the tools you could've used for this."

Captain Bloodtusk says, "They're for damage control purposes, so that each part of the keelboat has tools to quickly grab in case of a casualty. No, hold off on a search, unless you've a better idea what you would be searching for. In the meantime, don't mention about any sabotage, and just be vigilant in your daily routines."

He heads back to the forecastle.

Does the party have any further comments, or split back up to your assigned jobs?

[BuckGodot]

Aasgar will shrug and return to his duties.

[Admyral]

Gharmez says to no one in particular, " 'Damage Control' bags to separate working tools from emergency ones... What a clever idea." She then turns to follow the Captain back to the fo'c'sle to resume her duties.

[lostsole31]

Everyone does well at their jobs ... except Aasgar. Everyone, except Aasgar, earns some level of camaraderie with the other sailors. Aasgar, however, did a poor job as a rower. As strong as he is, his legs don't go to the floor while he's on a rowing bench, and legs are a big part of leverage. His smaller arms and smaller torso likewise mean that his "body rotation" is limited by his size, and he has earned Coxswain Halrex's contempt. She asks Aasgar to find another job on the morrow.

Gharmez, do you volunteer to take Aasgar's place among the rowers on the morrow?

[Admyral]

Gharmez sits and tries to lift her friend's spirits. Smiling, remembering one of the tenets she learned, she says, "A platinum coin in a beggar's market is worthless." She finds the Coxwain and offers to take Aasgar's place at the oar in the morning.

[lostsole31]

Aasgar, what job do you volunteer to help with the next day?

[BuckGodot]

Aasgar will point out that since his legs are so much shorter, he’ll be closer to the bottom and volunteers for sounding duty.