Hammerfall #5
The dwarves have reached Mountain Lake, a small dwarven town nestled high up in the mountains. But not all is peaceful, as a force of frost giants and duergar has enslaved the natives. Even worse there are tales that the mythical Iron Orb is involved in all of this. The Iron Orb was a gray dwarf artifact that was used to control the Iron Warrior, a huge construct whose sole purpose was to destroy. The construction of the Iron Warrior explains the great amount of iron ore spotted in town.
Aria decides that you cannot wait any longer to attack. While frost giants can see through a blizzard as if it was day, they do not have any special night vision. Thus the battlemaiden wants to attack while having the advantage. Everyone moves as quickly and quietly as they can into town.
The group is just over the bridge into the main part of town before the giants realize that there is trouble. A challenge is issued by one of the giants. Aria orders the attack to begin!
Grondar dashes off at seemingly superhuman speeds by his enchanted boots. He circles around to the northwest to flank the giants. He fires his crossbow twice while on the move, but cannot tell if either of his bolts did any damage. Rat dashes after Grondar, but continues on to the north towards the local temple.
The rest of the dwarves advance upon the giants standing in front of the town inn. Aria and Daraden fling their throwing axes as they approach. Aria’s axe embeds itself in her target's chest, while Daraden’s is wide. Farian fires bolts from his crossbow and at least one hits a giant in the leg. Dougan and Senoia simply follow, not having ranged attacks to make use of.
The giant that Aria injured flings a boulder back at her. Aria blocks it with her shield, taking minor damage in the process, but it doesn’t slow her down. Daraden avoids the boulder thrown at him and Darkfang and it tumbles harmlessly away behind them.
Grondar stops at a position to the right of the main group of dwarves and fires his crossbow once more. Two bolts embed themselves in the giant that Aria injured earlier. The giant glances off in Grondar’s direction, committing a fatal error in the process. Aria embeds her axe in the giant's belly with an overhead swing. Blood and guts are sent flying! A follow up smash puts the giant down for good!
Daraden and Darkfang reach the second giant. Daraden connects once with his axe, while Darkfang bites the giant in his leg. In quick succession, Farian, Dougan, and Senoia strike with their warhammers, further wounding the giant, but he refuses to go down!
Grabbing his own huge battleaxe, the frost giant uses it to defend himself. He holds the weapon up and brings it down hard on Farian, wounding the scout.
Hammerfall #5
Hammerfall #5
Try it and find out!
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Daraden Stormbeard
- Wolf Handler
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:48 pm
Daraden
Daraden Stormbeard:
Finally the time for talk is over and battle is upon us! Following Aria, Daraden motions to Darkfang, holding his fist up until they are close enough. He will open his hand and Darkfang will charge, until then the wolf circles around Daraden impatiently.
The rest of the dwarves advance upon the giants standing in front of the town inn. Aria and Daraden fling their throwing axes as they approach. Aria’s axe embeds itself in her targets chest, while Daraden’s is wide.
Daraden hurls an axe in unison with Aria, but his throw is wide. He grumbles but holds anything further he was going to say as a boulder is launched through the air towards them! He rolls to one side and the boulder misses. Aria just takes the brunt of the blow from one onto her shield. Daraden smiles at her fortitude.
Daraden and Darkfang reach the second giant. Daraden connects once with his axe, while Darkfang bites the giant in his leg. In quick succession, Farian, Dougan, and Senoia strike with their warhammers, further wounding the giant, but he refuses to go down!
Giving Darkfang the signal, Daraden closes with the giant. Darkfang leaps forward, growling and biting into the calf of the giant, trying to hamstring him. Daraden swings with his axe and it bites deep. The others rush forward and join the attack, but the giant refuses to drop.
"Aye, you be a tough one!" Daraden compliments, noticing Farian taking a blow from the giant's axe, "but it won't save you this night." He will continue to use his axe to bring down the overgrown brute.
Finally the time for talk is over and battle is upon us! Following Aria, Daraden motions to Darkfang, holding his fist up until they are close enough. He will open his hand and Darkfang will charge, until then the wolf circles around Daraden impatiently.
The rest of the dwarves advance upon the giants standing in front of the town inn. Aria and Daraden fling their throwing axes as they approach. Aria’s axe embeds itself in her targets chest, while Daraden’s is wide.
Daraden hurls an axe in unison with Aria, but his throw is wide. He grumbles but holds anything further he was going to say as a boulder is launched through the air towards them! He rolls to one side and the boulder misses. Aria just takes the brunt of the blow from one onto her shield. Daraden smiles at her fortitude.
Daraden and Darkfang reach the second giant. Daraden connects once with his axe, while Darkfang bites the giant in his leg. In quick succession, Farian, Dougan, and Senoia strike with their warhammers, further wounding the giant, but he refuses to go down!
Giving Darkfang the signal, Daraden closes with the giant. Darkfang leaps forward, growling and biting into the calf of the giant, trying to hamstring him. Daraden swings with his axe and it bites deep. The others rush forward and join the attack, but the giant refuses to drop.
"Aye, you be a tough one!" Daraden compliments, noticing Farian taking a blow from the giant's axe, "but it won't save you this night." He will continue to use his axe to bring down the overgrown brute.
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Grondar
- Berronar's Humble Servant
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:55 pm
- Location: Aboveground, unfortunately
When the Hammer Falls
Grondar:
The battle is joined as they reach the other side of the bridge and are seen by the giants. Racing in a wide loop around the giants, Grondar gets off a couple shots. Though not as fast, Rat loops wide too and Grondar gives the halfling a nod as he continues on through the city.
The rest of the group attack the two giants, quickly downing one and badly wounding the other. However, the giant manages to leave a nasty gash in Farian's chest. Fortunately, it does not appear to be a fatal wound.
Grondar sweeps his glance around in the other directions for any sign of more giants approaching, then fires two more bolts into the wounded giant.
The battle is joined as they reach the other side of the bridge and are seen by the giants. Racing in a wide loop around the giants, Grondar gets off a couple shots. Though not as fast, Rat loops wide too and Grondar gives the halfling a nod as he continues on through the city.
The rest of the group attack the two giants, quickly downing one and badly wounding the other. However, the giant manages to leave a nasty gash in Farian's chest. Fortunately, it does not appear to be a fatal wound.
Grondar sweeps his glance around in the other directions for any sign of more giants approaching, then fires two more bolts into the wounded giant.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie)
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Aria Stonehand
- Adventuress
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2005 11:30 am
Aria
Aria:
Dougan relates the tale of the Iron Orb and Grondar says he heard the same tale before.
Aria rubs her facial stubble while deep in thought.
“So maybe it’s this Iron Warrior thingamajig that’s getting those dark elves all in a sweat. After all, I doubt they’re any friendlier with those gray devils than we are. Still, I don’t trust them on little bit! If our ancestors could stop this Iron Warrior, then we can do the same!”
The attack finally begins. We’re spotted once close enough, so it’s a matter of taking the lumbering mutants down!
“Cut’m down!” Aria cries out as she begins to advance.
They’re far enough away that she can toss her throwing axe first before switching to her battle-axe. The giant icicle throws a boulder that would only graze Aria at best. She uses her shield to deflect it harmlessly away. Once close enough she brings her axe down twice on the giant and he falls.
Catching her breath and avoiding being crushed underneath the falling giant, Aria takes a look around. The others are swarming the other giant, but it has yet to go down. Grondar fires his crossbow while keeping an eye out for any other giants approaching. The giant’s defeat seems imminent, so Aria will keep her distance allowing the others the glory of the kill. She’ll keep an eye out for other giants, while advancing towards the inn and the dwarves inside.
Aria simply nods her understanding. It seems that most of the dwarves dispatched on this mission are not among the most skilled of individuals. At least they’ll be gaining experience in the days and weeks to come.Dougan wrote:“No, I cannot, Lady Aria. Such magic is currently beyond my skills.”
Dougan relates the tale of the Iron Orb and Grondar says he heard the same tale before.
Aria rubs her facial stubble while deep in thought.
“So maybe it’s this Iron Warrior thingamajig that’s getting those dark elves all in a sweat. After all, I doubt they’re any friendlier with those gray devils than we are. Still, I don’t trust them on little bit! If our ancestors could stop this Iron Warrior, then we can do the same!”
The attack finally begins. We’re spotted once close enough, so it’s a matter of taking the lumbering mutants down!
“Cut’m down!” Aria cries out as she begins to advance.
They’re far enough away that she can toss her throwing axe first before switching to her battle-axe. The giant icicle throws a boulder that would only graze Aria at best. She uses her shield to deflect it harmlessly away. Once close enough she brings her axe down twice on the giant and he falls.
Catching her breath and avoiding being crushed underneath the falling giant, Aria takes a look around. The others are swarming the other giant, but it has yet to go down. Grondar fires his crossbow while keeping an eye out for any other giants approaching. The giant’s defeat seems imminent, so Aria will keep her distance allowing the others the glory of the kill. She’ll keep an eye out for other giants, while advancing towards the inn and the dwarves inside.
By Clageddin's Twin Axes!
Farian
Grabbing his own huge battleaxe, the frost giant uses it to defend himself. He holds the weapon up and brings it down hard on Farian, wounding the scout.
Groaning and grimacing in pain as the Blades of the axe tear through his flesh, Farian brings his war hammer to bare, “That all you got you pile of dragon dung!” Farian will swing his war hammer and whack the Giant till hit falls down and rises no more.
Grabbing his own huge battleaxe, the frost giant uses it to defend himself. He holds the weapon up and brings it down hard on Farian, wounding the scout.
Groaning and grimacing in pain as the Blades of the axe tear through his flesh, Farian brings his war hammer to bare, “That all you got you pile of dragon dung!” Farian will swing his war hammer and whack the Giant till hit falls down and rises no more.
Post Continued
Post Continued:
The assault continues! One of the two frost giants has been downed, but the other fights on!
Daraden strikes again with his axe just about the same time as Grondar connects with a crossbow bolt. The combination of attacks, and the wounds suffered early, causes the giant to fall to his knees. This just gives the rest of the attackers an easier target to hit! Farian, Senoia, and Dougan all slam their warhammers into the giant and he finally drops!
Those keeping watch don’t see any other giants approaching, but vision is limited. As you get closer to the inn you see a sign labeling it the Weary Traveler Inn and Stables. Those going inside pass through a foyer that splits off into two large common rooms that occupy the rest of the ground floor of the inn. Stairs are found going up and down.
There are several dwarves here, but none by you any real attention. They sit or walk around with a glazed look on their face.
GM Notes:
Who’s going inside the inn? Going to post any guards against the giants? Rat is still of exploring the dwarven temple.
Current Hit Points:
Aria - 96 of 99
Farian - 55 of 75
Now what?
The assault continues! One of the two frost giants has been downed, but the other fights on!
Daraden strikes again with his axe just about the same time as Grondar connects with a crossbow bolt. The combination of attacks, and the wounds suffered early, causes the giant to fall to his knees. This just gives the rest of the attackers an easier target to hit! Farian, Senoia, and Dougan all slam their warhammers into the giant and he finally drops!
Those keeping watch don’t see any other giants approaching, but vision is limited. As you get closer to the inn you see a sign labeling it the Weary Traveler Inn and Stables. Those going inside pass through a foyer that splits off into two large common rooms that occupy the rest of the ground floor of the inn. Stairs are found going up and down.
There are several dwarves here, but none by you any real attention. They sit or walk around with a glazed look on their face.
GM Notes:
Who’s going inside the inn? Going to post any guards against the giants? Rat is still of exploring the dwarven temple.
Current Hit Points:
Aria - 96 of 99
Farian - 55 of 75
Now what?
Try it and find out!
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Aria Stonehand
- Adventuress
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2005 11:30 am
Aria
Aria:
As Aria watches, the second giant is cut down to size.
“Good work, lads, but no time to break out the ale just yet. Grondar, Dougan, you’re with me. The rest of you take cover and stand guard in case any more giants approach.”
The name of the inn brings a chuckle from Aria. Weary traveler indeed! But her heart sinks upon seeing the state of her kin. They eyes are glazed over and they only seem vaguely aware of what is going on around them.
“By Clangeddin’s Twin Axes! This evil will be repaid in full!” Aria curses, obviously upset at what she sees.
“Lets gather all our kin into one of the common rooms,” Aria continues. “Then Grondar can work his magic and see if this spell can be broken.”
As Aria watches, the second giant is cut down to size.
“Good work, lads, but no time to break out the ale just yet. Grondar, Dougan, you’re with me. The rest of you take cover and stand guard in case any more giants approach.”
The name of the inn brings a chuckle from Aria. Weary traveler indeed! But her heart sinks upon seeing the state of her kin. They eyes are glazed over and they only seem vaguely aware of what is going on around them.
“By Clangeddin’s Twin Axes! This evil will be repaid in full!” Aria curses, obviously upset at what she sees.
“Lets gather all our kin into one of the common rooms,” Aria continues. “Then Grondar can work his magic and see if this spell can be broken.”
By Clageddin's Twin Axes!
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Grondar
- Berronar's Humble Servant
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:55 pm
- Location: Aboveground, unfortunately
When the Hammer Falls
Grondar:
The second giant, already wounded goes down quickly as the dwarves concentrate their attacks on it. Knowing that Farian took a fairly nasty shot, Grondar steps over to him.
"May I heal your wound, friend Farian, so you'll be at full strength for the next wave of these icy idiots?" If Farian consents, Grondar will use his Lay On Hands ability on the Wayfinder.
The second giant, already wounded goes down quickly as the dwarves concentrate their attacks on it. Knowing that Farian took a fairly nasty shot, Grondar steps over to him.
"May I heal your wound, friend Farian, so you'll be at full strength for the next wave of these icy idiots?" If Farian consents, Grondar will use his Lay On Hands ability on the Wayfinder.
With a nod, Grondar follows Aria into the tavern. It is heartbreaking to see the disjointed looks on the faces of the dwarves inside. He says a quick prayer to Berronar on their behalf.Aria wrote:“Good work, lads, but no time to break out the ale just yet. Grondar, Dougan, you’re with me. The rest of you take cover and stand guard in case any more giants approach.
Grondar will start upstairs, gently but insistantly herding the stupified dwarves downstairs to the gathering place. It is a slow process, but they are determined to succeed. Once all of the dwarves in the inn have been brought together, Grondar casts Dispel Magic on the group, praying to the Revered Mother to release them from this horrific state.Aria wrote:“Lets gather all our kin into one of the common rooms,” Aria continues. “Then Grondar can work his magic and see if this spell can be broken.”
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie)
Farian
“Aye you may. Sun caught my eye for a moment,” he says gruffly.
Farian will allow Grondar to heal him then stand watch over the Inn.
"May I heal your wound, friend Farian, so you'll be at full strength for the next wave of these icy idiots?" If Farian consents, Grondar will use his Lay On Hands ability on the Wayfinder.
“Aye you may. Sun caught my eye for a moment,” he says gruffly.
Farian will allow Grondar to heal him then stand watch over the Inn.
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Daraden Stormbeard
- Wolf Handler
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:48 pm
Daraden
Daraden Stormbeard:
Daraden strikes again with his axe just about the same time as Grondar connects with a crossbow bolt. The combination of attacks, and the wounds suffered early, causes the giant to fall to his knees. This just gives the rest of the attackers an easier target to hit! Farian, Senoia, and Dougan all slam their warhammers into the giant and he finally drops!
“Good work, lads, but no time to break out the ale just yet. Grondar, Dougan, you’re with me. The rest of you take cover and stand guard in case any more giants approach.”
"Ha!" Daraden proclaims triumphantly as the second giant finally succumbs to their attacks. There was no doubt about the outcome.
"May I heal your wound, friend Farian, so you'll be at full strength for the next wave of these icy idiots?" If Farian consents, Grondar will use his Lay On Hands ability on the Wayfinder.
“Aye you may. Sun caught my eye for a moment,” he says gruffly.
Daraden chuckles, a deep and craggy sound, at Farian's comment. He then directs Darkfang to an appropriate spot and stands watch should any more lumbering brutes happen by.
Daraden strikes again with his axe just about the same time as Grondar connects with a crossbow bolt. The combination of attacks, and the wounds suffered early, causes the giant to fall to his knees. This just gives the rest of the attackers an easier target to hit! Farian, Senoia, and Dougan all slam their warhammers into the giant and he finally drops!
“Good work, lads, but no time to break out the ale just yet. Grondar, Dougan, you’re with me. The rest of you take cover and stand guard in case any more giants approach.”
"Ha!" Daraden proclaims triumphantly as the second giant finally succumbs to their attacks. There was no doubt about the outcome.
"May I heal your wound, friend Farian, so you'll be at full strength for the next wave of these icy idiots?" If Farian consents, Grondar will use his Lay On Hands ability on the Wayfinder.
“Aye you may. Sun caught my eye for a moment,” he says gruffly.
Daraden chuckles, a deep and craggy sound, at Farian's comment. He then directs Darkfang to an appropriate spot and stands watch should any more lumbering brutes happen by.
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Grondar
- Berronar's Humble Servant
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:55 pm
- Location: Aboveground, unfortunately
When the Hammer Falls
Grondar:
"Of course," Grondar replies cheerily. With a brief prayer of thanks to his patron, he activates the miracle of Laying On Hands.
_______________________________________________________
If I'm not mistaken, that should heal 16 HP.
"Of course," Grondar replies cheerily. With a brief prayer of thanks to his patron, he activates the miracle of Laying On Hands.
_______________________________________________________
If I'm not mistaken, that should heal 16 HP.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie)
Post Continued
Post Continued:
The frost giants guarding the inn have been dispatched. While Aria, Grondar, and Dougan go inside, Daraden, Farian, and Senoia stand guard outside in case more giants show up.
The ground floor of the inn is comprised of two large common rooms. Many dwarves with glazed looks on their faces are here, sitting or walking about. A few are eating and sleeping. Aria orders that all the dwarves be rounded up and placed in one of the common rooms so that he can attempt to Dispel whatever it is that’s affecting them.
Grondar and Dougan check out the upper levels of the Inn. The upper floors each hold five guest rooms. Dwarves are roused from these rooms and brought down to the common area.
Aria explores the lower level. The basement holds the quarters for the inn proprietors, the kitchen area, and a brewery.
All the dwarves are gathered together and Grondar makes his attempt. Grondar’s spell succeeds and the dwarves regain their wits! They are naturally confused and a few step up the new arrivals, while others try to find their loved ones. Most are disturbed that the very young and the children are not here!
An older, currently dirt covered dwarf approaches.
“You have our thanks, strangers,” he says. “I am Arlos Blitzener, the mayor of Mountain Lake. How did you come to be here? How many more giants remain?”
Other dwarves approach to offer their thanks.
Outside the Inn, the first glimmer of daylight can be seen over the mountaintops. Morning isn’t too far away now. The guards don’t see anything at first, but they can feel a soft thumping on the ground and it’s getting louder! Looking around, they spot a band of dwarven prisoners approaching being led by a lone frost giant!
The frost giants guarding the inn have been dispatched. While Aria, Grondar, and Dougan go inside, Daraden, Farian, and Senoia stand guard outside in case more giants show up.
The ground floor of the inn is comprised of two large common rooms. Many dwarves with glazed looks on their faces are here, sitting or walking about. A few are eating and sleeping. Aria orders that all the dwarves be rounded up and placed in one of the common rooms so that he can attempt to Dispel whatever it is that’s affecting them.
Grondar and Dougan check out the upper levels of the Inn. The upper floors each hold five guest rooms. Dwarves are roused from these rooms and brought down to the common area.
Aria explores the lower level. The basement holds the quarters for the inn proprietors, the kitchen area, and a brewery.
All the dwarves are gathered together and Grondar makes his attempt. Grondar’s spell succeeds and the dwarves regain their wits! They are naturally confused and a few step up the new arrivals, while others try to find their loved ones. Most are disturbed that the very young and the children are not here!
An older, currently dirt covered dwarf approaches.
“You have our thanks, strangers,” he says. “I am Arlos Blitzener, the mayor of Mountain Lake. How did you come to be here? How many more giants remain?”
Other dwarves approach to offer their thanks.
Outside the Inn, the first glimmer of daylight can be seen over the mountaintops. Morning isn’t too far away now. The guards don’t see anything at first, but they can feel a soft thumping on the ground and it’s getting louder! Looking around, they spot a band of dwarven prisoners approaching being led by a lone frost giant!
Try it and find out!
GM Notes
GM Notes:
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the more notable dwarves met in the Inn.
Arlos Blitzener – Mayor Mountain Lake. Older dwarf, over 300. Has brown hair and a long, brown beard braided and knotted that he usually wraps around his neck. Both his hair and beard are liberally streaked with gray. Grondar will note that he wears a bonding ring.
Dona Blitzener – Wife of the mayor. Nearly 300 years old with auburn hair and beard. Also wears a bonding ring.
Huk Highhill – Operator of the Inn with his wife Marthe.
Goldie Buttergut – Goldie stands out amongst the crowd of dwarves as she is taller and less stocky then your typical dwarven maiden. Furthermore, her hair and beard are butterscotch gold in color and curled into beautiful ringlets. Her eyes are bright blue. She is quite attractive.
Grondar Lays Hands on Farian and heals most of his wounds.
Current Hit Points:
Aria - 96 of 99
Farian - 71 of 75
Now what?
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the more notable dwarves met in the Inn.
Arlos Blitzener – Mayor Mountain Lake. Older dwarf, over 300. Has brown hair and a long, brown beard braided and knotted that he usually wraps around his neck. Both his hair and beard are liberally streaked with gray. Grondar will note that he wears a bonding ring.
Dona Blitzener – Wife of the mayor. Nearly 300 years old with auburn hair and beard. Also wears a bonding ring.
Huk Highhill – Operator of the Inn with his wife Marthe.
Goldie Buttergut – Goldie stands out amongst the crowd of dwarves as she is taller and less stocky then your typical dwarven maiden. Furthermore, her hair and beard are butterscotch gold in color and curled into beautiful ringlets. Her eyes are bright blue. She is quite attractive.
Grondar Lays Hands on Farian and heals most of his wounds.
Current Hit Points:
Aria - 96 of 99
Farian - 71 of 75
Now what?
Try it and find out!
Farian
Outside the Inn, the first glimmer of daylight can be seen over the mountaintops. Morning isn’t too far away now. The guards don’t see anything at first, but they can feel a soft thumping on the ground and it’s getting louder! Looking around, they spot a band of dwarven prisoners approaching being led by a lone frost giant!
Looking over at Daraden, “Look whos, come home for he’s dinner. Shame we all out of Mead and Ale for this one. Dwarven steel will be a fine substitute me thinks.”
Activating his ring Farian will move forward invisible and flank the giant attacking the giants back with his Warhammer.
Outside the Inn, the first glimmer of daylight can be seen over the mountaintops. Morning isn’t too far away now. The guards don’t see anything at first, but they can feel a soft thumping on the ground and it’s getting louder! Looking around, they spot a band of dwarven prisoners approaching being led by a lone frost giant!
Looking over at Daraden, “Look whos, come home for he’s dinner. Shame we all out of Mead and Ale for this one. Dwarven steel will be a fine substitute me thinks.”
Activating his ring Farian will move forward invisible and flank the giant attacking the giants back with his Warhammer.
-
Grondar
- Berronar's Humble Servant
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:55 pm
- Location: Aboveground, unfortunately
When the Hammer Falls
Grondar:
Scouring the inn, they gather together a fair crowd of dwarves. It seems a sizable group, though Grondar knows that this is just a fraction of the dwarves enslaved here. Still, it is a good place to start.
Praying fervently to the Revered Mother for her blessing on this assembled group, Grondar casts Dispel Magic. The light of intelligence returns to the eyes of the assembled dwarves, showing that Berronar has granted his petition. "Thank you, Mother Truesilver!" he intones.
A dirt-encrusted dwarf steps forward, introducing himself as the mayor. "Greetings, lord mayor. I am Grondar Foehammer, priest of our Revered Mother. With the leadership of Aria here, we found our way through Hammerfall from Fort Fletcher. We have only managed to slay two of the giants so far; I am uncertain how many remain. Can you tell us how many there are in total? So far, we suspect that there were about a dozen when we arrived."
Grondar shifts his gaze to the rest of the assembled dwarves. "Arm yourselves, all ye who desire to help us free the rest of our kin!"
___________________________________________________________
Sorry, but I couldn't find Aria's family name anywhere, so I left it off.
Scouring the inn, they gather together a fair crowd of dwarves. It seems a sizable group, though Grondar knows that this is just a fraction of the dwarves enslaved here. Still, it is a good place to start.
Praying fervently to the Revered Mother for her blessing on this assembled group, Grondar casts Dispel Magic. The light of intelligence returns to the eyes of the assembled dwarves, showing that Berronar has granted his petition. "Thank you, Mother Truesilver!" he intones.
A dirt-encrusted dwarf steps forward, introducing himself as the mayor. "Greetings, lord mayor. I am Grondar Foehammer, priest of our Revered Mother. With the leadership of Aria here, we found our way through Hammerfall from Fort Fletcher. We have only managed to slay two of the giants so far; I am uncertain how many remain. Can you tell us how many there are in total? So far, we suspect that there were about a dozen when we arrived."
Grondar shifts his gaze to the rest of the assembled dwarves. "Arm yourselves, all ye who desire to help us free the rest of our kin!"
___________________________________________________________
Sorry, but I couldn't find Aria's family name anywhere, so I left it off.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie)
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Aria Stonehand
- Adventuress
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2005 11:30 am
Aria
Aria:
While the boys take the upper levels, Aria descends into the basement. It’s not uncommon for dwarven inns to have rooms below the ground as that is what most dwarves prefer. Alas, it’s just appears to the living area for the innkeeper, the kitchen and a brewery. Aria allows herself a small sample of the innkeeper’s brew and finds it to be quiet tasty. It’ll be nice to indulge more later on once the dwarves are free.
Finding no one down below Aria returns to the main level and helps keep the entranced dwarves in one place. Grondar makes his attempt and the spell is broken! The dwarves wonder what is going on, search for their loved ones, and ask other questions.
Making her way through the crowd, Aria reaches the two.
“Well met, Alros Blitzener. As Grondar stated, I am Aria Stonehand, daughter of Arak Stonehand. I’ve been charged with the task of reclaiming our holdings in this area by King Everast. We arrived here in Mountain Lake on our journey to Hammerfall. While I have many questions to ask of you, this is not the time or the place.”
“Grondar has the right idea. Those of you who can fight, need to arm yourselves. There are still at least ten more giants to confront. There are duergar to battle down in your mines, and we’ve even noted the presence of drow in the area. Mountain Lake shall be liberated, but there is much fighting yet to do. Do you have a save place where your non-combatants can be taken to for safety while the rest of us engage in battle?”
---
While the boys take the upper levels, Aria descends into the basement. It’s not uncommon for dwarven inns to have rooms below the ground as that is what most dwarves prefer. Alas, it’s just appears to the living area for the innkeeper, the kitchen and a brewery. Aria allows herself a small sample of the innkeeper’s brew and finds it to be quiet tasty. It’ll be nice to indulge more later on once the dwarves are free.
Finding no one down below Aria returns to the main level and helps keep the entranced dwarves in one place. Grondar makes his attempt and the spell is broken! The dwarves wonder what is going on, search for their loved ones, and ask other questions.
An older dwarf steps up to Grondar.
"You have our thanks, strangers," he says. "I am Arlos Blitzener, the mayor of Mountain Lake. How did you come to be here? How many more giants remain?"
Grondar wrote:A dirt-encrusted dwarf steps forward, introducing himself as the mayor. "Greetings, lord mayor. I am Grondar Foehammer, priest of our Revered Mother. With the leadership of Aria here, we found our way through Hammerfall from Fort Fletcher. We have only managed to slay two of the giants so far; I am uncertain how many remain. Can you tell us how many there are in total? So far, we suspect that there were about a dozen when we arrived."
Grondar shifts his gaze to the rest of the assembled dwarves. "Arm yourselves, all ye who desire to help us free the rest of our kin!"
Making her way through the crowd, Aria reaches the two.
“Well met, Alros Blitzener. As Grondar stated, I am Aria Stonehand, daughter of Arak Stonehand. I’ve been charged with the task of reclaiming our holdings in this area by King Everast. We arrived here in Mountain Lake on our journey to Hammerfall. While I have many questions to ask of you, this is not the time or the place.”
“Grondar has the right idea. Those of you who can fight, need to arm yourselves. There are still at least ten more giants to confront. There are duergar to battle down in your mines, and we’ve even noted the presence of drow in the area. Mountain Lake shall be liberated, but there is much fighting yet to do. Do you have a save place where your non-combatants can be taken to for safety while the rest of us engage in battle?”
---
Look no further than above her avatar!Grondar wrote:Sorry, but I couldn't find Aria's family name anywhere, so I left it off.
By Clageddin's Twin Axes!
-
Grondar
- Berronar's Humble Servant
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:55 pm
- Location: Aboveground, unfortunately
OOC
AAAUUUGGGHHH!!! Smack me in the head with a hammer. I can't believe I missed that!Look no further than above her avatar!
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie)
Post Continued
Post Continued:
The task of freeing the Dwarves of Mountain Lake has begun! Inside the local Inn, the first of the population has been freed of the spell that enslaved them. They are all grateful for their freedom of thought. The rescuers are surrounded by those offer praise and thanks. While the dwarves here primarily worship Dumanthoin, both Moradin and Berronar are highly revered. All the married dwarves here wear bonding rings, a custom of Berronar.
The Mayor of Mountain Lake is located.
Arlos turns to his citizens and quickly sees who is present. Two leaders of the local guard are present. One is a warrior named Lotha Armstrong. He is the younger brother of Lan the captain of the guard, but Lan is not here right now. The other is a dwarven warrioress named Opal Kreigstrum. Both Opal and Lotha are lieutenants in the guard. They, along with Arlos, are the only skilled warriors among the dwarves freed.
Arrangements are quickly made to gather armor and weapons. Ruby Fireforge says that they can make use of whatever armor they can find in her shop, while Pearl Cuttingclose makes the same offer in regards to the weapons in her store. You’ll note that Pearl is with child.
As for a place of safety, the dwarves agree that their cavern homes would be the safest place. (The entrances to these caves are noted as M, N, and O on the Mountain Lake Map.)
Arlos wife Dona takes charge of the noncombatants, assuming a leadership role as easily as her husband does. While everyone else goes forth to battle the invaders, everyone else will make their way to the safety of the caves.
While all this is going on, you become aware of commotion from outside.
The task of freeing the Dwarves of Mountain Lake has begun! Inside the local Inn, the first of the population has been freed of the spell that enslaved them. They are all grateful for their freedom of thought. The rescuers are surrounded by those offer praise and thanks. While the dwarves here primarily worship Dumanthoin, both Moradin and Berronar are highly revered. All the married dwarves here wear bonding rings, a custom of Berronar.
The Mayor of Mountain Lake is located.
“Welcome Priest. You will find many followers of Lady Truesilver among us. I can’t say for sure how many giants there are. Much of we endured seems more like a dream than reality.”Grondar wrote:A dirt-encrusted dwarf steps forward, introducing himself as the mayor. "Greetings, lord mayor. I am Grondar Foehammer, priest of our Revered Mother. With the leadership of Aria here, we found our way through Hammerfall from Fort Fletcher. We have only managed to slay two of the giants so far; I am uncertain how many remain. Can you tell us how many there are in total? So far, we suspect that there were about a dozen when we arrived."
“Arak Stonehand?” The mayor repeats. “An fine warrior he is and I assume that you are as well. I bid all of you welcome to Mountain Lake. You seek to reclaim Hammerfall? But as you say, now is no the time to swap stories. Decisive action is called for!”Aria wrote:“Well met, Alros Blitzener. As Grondar stated, I am Aria Stonehand, daughter of Arak Stonehand. I’ve been charged with the task of reclaiming our holdings in this area by King Everast. We arrived here in Mountain Lake on our journey to Hammerfall. While I have many questions to ask of you, this is not the time or the place.”
Grondar wrote:Grondar shifts his gaze to the rest of the assembled dwarves. "Arm yourselves, all ye who desire to help us free the rest of our kin!"
“Arm ourselves we will, that I promise you!”Aria wrote:“Grondar has the right idea. Those of you who can fight, need to arm yourselves. There are still at least ten more giants to confront. There are duergar to battle down in your mines, and we’ve even noted the presence of drow in the area. Mountain Lake shall be liberated, but there is much fighting yet to do. Do you have a save place where your non-combatants can be taken to for safety while the rest of us engage in battle?”
Arlos turns to his citizens and quickly sees who is present. Two leaders of the local guard are present. One is a warrior named Lotha Armstrong. He is the younger brother of Lan the captain of the guard, but Lan is not here right now. The other is a dwarven warrioress named Opal Kreigstrum. Both Opal and Lotha are lieutenants in the guard. They, along with Arlos, are the only skilled warriors among the dwarves freed.
Arrangements are quickly made to gather armor and weapons. Ruby Fireforge says that they can make use of whatever armor they can find in her shop, while Pearl Cuttingclose makes the same offer in regards to the weapons in her store. You’ll note that Pearl is with child.
As for a place of safety, the dwarves agree that their cavern homes would be the safest place. (The entrances to these caves are noted as M, N, and O on the Mountain Lake Map.)
Arlos wife Dona takes charge of the noncombatants, assuming a leadership role as easily as her husband does. While everyone else goes forth to battle the invaders, everyone else will make their way to the safety of the caves.
While all this is going on, you become aware of commotion from outside.
Try it and find out!
Page 2
Outside the inn, those standing guard become aware of a giant approaching. He’s bringing dwarves back to the Inn. Farian activates his Ring of Invisibility and circles around the unsuspecting giant while the others grasp their weapons and prepare for the battle to come.
Farian spots an opening and takes it! He rushes in, leaps off a snow pile along the side of the street and leaps into the air. He brings his warhammer down in two-handed overhead strike into the lower back of the giant! The giant is momentarily staggered and the rest of the attackers rush in.
Senoia strikes from the left with her twin warhammers. One of her hits seems to do some damage to the giant.
Daraden slices into the giant’s right knee with his axe, shattering it in the process! The giant yelps out in pain and falls to the ground, his wounded leg unable to support weight. Darkfang leaps to attack the fallen giant.
Angrily, the giant reaches out and locks his left hand around Senoia! He then begins to squeeze the battlemaiden!
Farian, Daraden, and Darkfang redouble their efforts and their weapons stop the giant before he can squeeze Senoia to death. The giant’s dead hand is pried open and Senoia is freed. She catches her breath and smashes the giant in the head in annoyance.
You know have twenty more dwarves standing blankly before you.
Farian spots an opening and takes it! He rushes in, leaps off a snow pile along the side of the street and leaps into the air. He brings his warhammer down in two-handed overhead strike into the lower back of the giant! The giant is momentarily staggered and the rest of the attackers rush in.
Senoia strikes from the left with her twin warhammers. One of her hits seems to do some damage to the giant.
Daraden slices into the giant’s right knee with his axe, shattering it in the process! The giant yelps out in pain and falls to the ground, his wounded leg unable to support weight. Darkfang leaps to attack the fallen giant.
Angrily, the giant reaches out and locks his left hand around Senoia! He then begins to squeeze the battlemaiden!
Farian, Daraden, and Darkfang redouble their efforts and their weapons stop the giant before he can squeeze Senoia to death. The giant’s dead hand is pried open and Senoia is freed. She catches her breath and smashes the giant in the head in annoyance.
You know have twenty more dwarves standing blankly before you.
Try it and find out!
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Daraden Stormbeard
- Wolf Handler
- Posts: 60
- Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2007 10:48 pm
Daraden
Daraden Stormbeard:
Daraden waits patiently as Farian vanishes once more. The lumbering giant isn't aware of anything as Farian's initial attack staggers the brute. Daraden rushes in with the others, directing Darkfang to attack as well.
Daraden slices into the giant’s right knee with his axe, shattering it in the process! The giant yelps out in pain and falls to the ground, his wounded leg unable to support weight. Darkfang leaps to attack the fallen giant.
Angrily, the giant reaches out and locks his left hand around Senoia! He then begins to squeeze the battlemaiden!
Daraden's blow is mighty indeed! He lets out a low "whoop!" as he hears bone shatter and the giant crashes to the ground. However there is still fight left in him as he grabs Senoia in his massive hand!
"You not be having her tonight!" Daraden says as he swings once more. The crippled giant is no match for them and they save Senoia from a nasty fate.
Chuckling as she vents her frustration on the brute's corpse, he turns around and sees 20 blank faces staring at them. "What witchery!" he mutters. "Someone fetch our priest to see if he be able to do anything for them."
Daraden and Darkfang will remain nearby acting as a guard to the poor enthralled dwarves.
Daraden waits patiently as Farian vanishes once more. The lumbering giant isn't aware of anything as Farian's initial attack staggers the brute. Daraden rushes in with the others, directing Darkfang to attack as well.
Daraden slices into the giant’s right knee with his axe, shattering it in the process! The giant yelps out in pain and falls to the ground, his wounded leg unable to support weight. Darkfang leaps to attack the fallen giant.
Angrily, the giant reaches out and locks his left hand around Senoia! He then begins to squeeze the battlemaiden!
Daraden's blow is mighty indeed! He lets out a low "whoop!" as he hears bone shatter and the giant crashes to the ground. However there is still fight left in him as he grabs Senoia in his massive hand!
"You not be having her tonight!" Daraden says as he swings once more. The crippled giant is no match for them and they save Senoia from a nasty fate.
Chuckling as she vents her frustration on the brute's corpse, he turns around and sees 20 blank faces staring at them. "What witchery!" he mutters. "Someone fetch our priest to see if he be able to do anything for them."
Daraden and Darkfang will remain nearby acting as a guard to the poor enthralled dwarves.
-
Grondar
- Berronar's Humble Servant
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:55 pm
- Location: Aboveground, unfortunately
When the Hammer Falls
Grondar:
The sight of so many bonding rings brings a smile to Grondar's craggy face. Even better, the weaponseller name Pearl Cuttingclose is with child! How wonderful!
While Grondar and the others have all the weapons and armor they need, Arlos and his men are not so provisioned. Fortunately, Pearl and Ruby volunteer whatever supplies can be found in their shops. The non-combatants will retire to some cavern homes on the edge of the town.
"It seems we had best get these warriors armed," Grondar says to Aria, indicating Arlos and his guards. "Then we destroy those giants at the mine entrance?"
Hearing a commotion from the front of the inn, Grondar races over and looks outside, TruthGiver in hand. He is just in time to see Senoia smash the giant's head!
"It seems you three have been busy..." he says with a grin. Turning, he sees the lost-looking dwarves. "Help me get these people inside." Grondar begins to usher the dwarves into the inn.
Once they are all inside, Grondar will address Dona. "Please take them with you to the homes. I'll come by and cast Berronar's blessing on them in the morning. Hopefully, we'll have rescued the others by then."
The sight of so many bonding rings brings a smile to Grondar's craggy face. Even better, the weaponseller name Pearl Cuttingclose is with child! How wonderful!
"It appears that Dumathoin and Moradin are both well regarded here, as well. Do you know if your temple has been desecrated by the giants or duergar?"Mayor Arlos wrote:“Welcome Priest. You will find many followers of Lady Truesilver among us. I can’t say for sure how many giants there are. Much of we endured seems more like a dream than reality.”
While Grondar and the others have all the weapons and armor they need, Arlos and his men are not so provisioned. Fortunately, Pearl and Ruby volunteer whatever supplies can be found in their shops. The non-combatants will retire to some cavern homes on the edge of the town.
"It seems we had best get these warriors armed," Grondar says to Aria, indicating Arlos and his guards. "Then we destroy those giants at the mine entrance?"
Hearing a commotion from the front of the inn, Grondar races over and looks outside, TruthGiver in hand. He is just in time to see Senoia smash the giant's head!
"It seems you three have been busy..." he says with a grin. Turning, he sees the lost-looking dwarves. "Help me get these people inside." Grondar begins to usher the dwarves into the inn.
Once they are all inside, Grondar will address Dona. "Please take them with you to the homes. I'll come by and cast Berronar's blessing on them in the morning. Hopefully, we'll have rescued the others by then."
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie)
Farian
Circling around the Frost giant and seeing a snowpile Farian moves with all his barely hearing the crunch of the snow beneath his feet, he brings his war hammer over his head and leaps to the air. His warhammer slams into the giants back making the behemouth stagger as the other move in.
Rolling to his feet Farian moves hammering away as the other do the same within moments the beast is fallen.
“I’ll be staying here.” He states evenly as he crosses his war hammer across his arms at turns toward the caves.
Circling around the Frost giant and seeing a snowpile Farian moves with all his barely hearing the crunch of the snow beneath his feet, he brings his war hammer over his head and leaps to the air. His warhammer slams into the giants back making the behemouth stagger as the other move in.
Rolling to his feet Farian moves hammering away as the other do the same within moments the beast is fallen.
“We gonna be havin bigger trouble in a few moments. Them no good coal suckin liches will come out of their hole in mere moments, once that one doesn’t return. Tell Aria to be on guard for dwarves or Frost giants, or both!”Once they are all inside, Grondar will address Dona. "Please take them with you to the homes. I'll come by and cast Berronar's blessing on them in the morning. Hopefully, we'll have rescued the others by then."
“I’ll be staying here.” He states evenly as he crosses his war hammer across his arms at turns toward the caves.
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Aria Stonehand
- Adventuress
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2005 11:30 am
Aria
Aria:
“While I wish these were better circumstances, I am happy to be here. Let us get to work on freeing your town of these invaders!”
The freed dwarves are quickly organized, and that pleases Aria. At least we won’t have to supervise them that much and can just concentrate on the invaders. They decide to move the non-combatants into the living caves for safety.
“I had a man go to your local temple, as I thought it would be a safe haven for you. But if you think the caves are better, so be it. We had best get moving.”
There is a commotion outside. We emerge to see the tail end of a battle with another giant. He has more dwarves with him, but these ones are still under the foul spell. Grondar goes to help the new arrivals into the Inn.
“Let’s get moving,” Aria speaks up. “We’ll stand guard outside while Arlos and his warriors gear up. The rest of you move to the safety of the caves!”
Aria and her band will move along with the others and cover the trail to the north to the caves. After a moment’s thought, she changes her mind.
“Dougan and Senoia come with me! We better make sure these caves are safe first before letting the people in. Grondar, check out the temple and see if Rat is okay. He should have been back by now. The rest of you keep guard!”
Grasping her axe, Aria makes her way to the caves. She can’t help but think what if the duergar are there now!
“That he is, Mayor,” Aria answers. While she prefers to be acknowledged for her own accomplishments, sometimes its easer to mention who her pappy is to get people on her side.Mayor Arlos wrote:“Arak Stonehand?” The mayor repeats. “An fine warrior he is and I assume that you are as well. I bid all of you welcome to Mountain Lake. You seek to reclaim Hammerfall? But as you say, now is no the time to swap stories. Decisive action is called for!”
“While I wish these were better circumstances, I am happy to be here. Let us get to work on freeing your town of these invaders!”
The freed dwarves are quickly organized, and that pleases Aria. At least we won’t have to supervise them that much and can just concentrate on the invaders. They decide to move the non-combatants into the living caves for safety.
“I had a man go to your local temple, as I thought it would be a safe haven for you. But if you think the caves are better, so be it. We had best get moving.”
“Agreed,” Aria adds. “The longer we take, the more organized our foes will become. We strike while they are unprepared!”Grondar wrote:"It seems we had best get these warriors armed," Grondar says to Aria, indicating Arlos and his guards. "Then we destroy those giants at the mine entrance?"
There is a commotion outside. We emerge to see the tail end of a battle with another giant. He has more dwarves with him, but these ones are still under the foul spell. Grondar goes to help the new arrivals into the Inn.
“Let’s get moving,” Aria speaks up. “We’ll stand guard outside while Arlos and his warriors gear up. The rest of you move to the safety of the caves!”
Aria and her band will move along with the others and cover the trail to the north to the caves. After a moment’s thought, she changes her mind.
“Dougan and Senoia come with me! We better make sure these caves are safe first before letting the people in. Grondar, check out the temple and see if Rat is okay. He should have been back by now. The rest of you keep guard!”
Grasping her axe, Aria makes her way to the caves. She can’t help but think what if the duergar are there now!
By Clageddin's Twin Axes!
Post Continued
Post Continued:
Inside the Weary Traveler Inn the first of the Mountain Lake dwarves have been freed of whatever it was that was controlling them. The adventurers speak with the Mayor, one Arlos Blitzener.
After Arlos pauses a moment to gather his thoughts, he continues.
“That’s why we stayed here in Mountain Lake when everyone else withdrew. Our head priest was convinced that something was hidden here, that Dumathoin wanted us to stay here for a reason. He was quite convincing and most of us remained behind. We sealed up the caverns behind us so that nothing from the Underdark would bother us.”
“We had peace for many years, but one day something was uncovered deep in the mines. The miners came across old construction. Built by dwarves in the distant past, but not by our kind of dwarves. Across a flow of lava sat a dark and abandoned fortress. Brother Clavis was convinced that it was this fortress that Dumathoin wanted us to find. The reason that we remained behind.”
“The fortress was huge, but damaged. Inside the ruins a large iron orb was found. Brother Clavis proclaimed it to be the object of our search. He lifted the orb over his head and it floated there! But this orb wasn’t a gift from the gods! No, it was a foul curse for it was an artifact of the gray dwarves! It possessed Brother Clavis and he in turn used the powers of the orb to draw everyone under his influence.”
“What happened from there I can only guess at. The time we spent enslaved by the orb seems more like a dream than reality. Eventually real gray dwarves arrived, followed by a band of frost giants hired to be the surface guards by Brother Clavis. He know works to building something foul down in the evil fortress!”
“So, the temple is not safe to us, but the caverns are. None of them connect to the Underdark, so I doubt any gray dwarves are there as they are loath to stand in the light of day. But we must find out for sure!”
Inside the Weary Traveler Inn the first of the Mountain Lake dwarves have been freed of whatever it was that was controlling them. The adventurers speak with the Mayor, one Arlos Blitzener.
Grondar wrote:"It appears that Dumathoin and Moradin are both well regarded here, as well. Do you know if your temple has been desecrated by the giants or duergar?"
“No!” Arlos cries out. “The temple is not safe! It was the priests who did this to us in the first place!”Aria wrote:“I had a man go to your local temple, as I thought it would be a safe haven for you. But if you think the caves are better, so be it. We had best get moving.”
After Arlos pauses a moment to gather his thoughts, he continues.
“That’s why we stayed here in Mountain Lake when everyone else withdrew. Our head priest was convinced that something was hidden here, that Dumathoin wanted us to stay here for a reason. He was quite convincing and most of us remained behind. We sealed up the caverns behind us so that nothing from the Underdark would bother us.”
“We had peace for many years, but one day something was uncovered deep in the mines. The miners came across old construction. Built by dwarves in the distant past, but not by our kind of dwarves. Across a flow of lava sat a dark and abandoned fortress. Brother Clavis was convinced that it was this fortress that Dumathoin wanted us to find. The reason that we remained behind.”
“The fortress was huge, but damaged. Inside the ruins a large iron orb was found. Brother Clavis proclaimed it to be the object of our search. He lifted the orb over his head and it floated there! But this orb wasn’t a gift from the gods! No, it was a foul curse for it was an artifact of the gray dwarves! It possessed Brother Clavis and he in turn used the powers of the orb to draw everyone under his influence.”
“What happened from there I can only guess at. The time we spent enslaved by the orb seems more like a dream than reality. Eventually real gray dwarves arrived, followed by a band of frost giants hired to be the surface guards by Brother Clavis. He know works to building something foul down in the evil fortress!”
“So, the temple is not safe to us, but the caverns are. None of them connect to the Underdark, so I doubt any gray dwarves are there as they are loath to stand in the light of day. But we must find out for sure!”
Try it and find out!
Page 2
A commotion outside is noted and another frost giant has been slain by those standing guard. More entranced dwarves are rescued.
The dwarves begin to move out towards the caves when Aria has a thought.
Arlos Blitzener rushes to his home, which is closer to the Inn than any of the living caverns. There he dons his old adventuring gear and returns. He’s now dressed in chain mail, carries a shortsword as his main weapon, but has several throwing axes with him. (The Blitzener home wasn’t sealed up, as there is no one inside it.)
In town the local shops are raided for tools, armor, and weapons. The dwarves toiling in the local smithy are led away as well. They do not resist in their entranced state.
Grondar is sent to find Rat at the local temple. The main temple entrance doors are huge. Each door is ten feet tall and fourteen feet wide! They stand slightly ajar. Beyond is a natural tunnel that goes in nearly 100’ before coming to steps leading out to a second pair of doors. Numerous torch holders line the walls of the cavern and the temple, but their fires have gone out long ago. The temple is quiet and dark now.
Just inside the main entrance, Grondar finds the rotting body of a dwarf wearing the gray robes of a priest of Dumathoin. He was killed many weeks ago. A quick search of the temple turns up Rat who was just taking his time exploring and the bodies of five more priests. Only Brother Clavis remains of this former priesthood.
Tools are used to pry open the bands holding the cavern doors shut. Inside you find the elderly and the young children of the town. They were deemed unsuitable for the necessary labor and sealed into the caves to keep them out of the way. Families are reunited.
The warriors among the dwarves are armed and ready for battle.
Dona Blitzener is about to say something in response, but ultimately decides against it. It’s clear that she’s unaccustomed to being ordered about!Grondar wrote:Once they are all inside, Grondar will address Dona. "Please take them with you to the homes. I'll come by and cast Berronar's blessing on them in the morning. Hopefully, we'll have rescued the others by then."
The dwarves begin to move out towards the caves when Aria has a thought.
Aria, Dougan, and Senoia rush ahead to the entrances to the living caves. When they reach the doors, they find that each of them has been sealed shut with bands of iron. Tools will be required to open them up again. Runners are sent to fetch them.Aria wrote:“Dougan and Senoia come with me! We better make sure these caves are safe first before letting the people in. Grondar, check out the temple and see if Rat is okay. He should have been back by now. The rest of you keep guard!”
Arlos Blitzener rushes to his home, which is closer to the Inn than any of the living caverns. There he dons his old adventuring gear and returns. He’s now dressed in chain mail, carries a shortsword as his main weapon, but has several throwing axes with him. (The Blitzener home wasn’t sealed up, as there is no one inside it.)
In town the local shops are raided for tools, armor, and weapons. The dwarves toiling in the local smithy are led away as well. They do not resist in their entranced state.
Grondar is sent to find Rat at the local temple. The main temple entrance doors are huge. Each door is ten feet tall and fourteen feet wide! They stand slightly ajar. Beyond is a natural tunnel that goes in nearly 100’ before coming to steps leading out to a second pair of doors. Numerous torch holders line the walls of the cavern and the temple, but their fires have gone out long ago. The temple is quiet and dark now.
Just inside the main entrance, Grondar finds the rotting body of a dwarf wearing the gray robes of a priest of Dumathoin. He was killed many weeks ago. A quick search of the temple turns up Rat who was just taking his time exploring and the bodies of five more priests. Only Brother Clavis remains of this former priesthood.
Tools are used to pry open the bands holding the cavern doors shut. Inside you find the elderly and the young children of the town. They were deemed unsuitable for the necessary labor and sealed into the caves to keep them out of the way. Families are reunited.
The warriors among the dwarves are armed and ready for battle.
Try it and find out!
GM Notes
GM Notes:
I’m going to stop here for now. As far as you know, there are two more groups of frost giants. One group is a pair guarding the mine entrance and the rest are in the camp further to the north. Any particular strategy in engaging them?
It is now morning and the sun has cleared the mountains. As noted above, Duergar cannot stand the light from having lived in the dark so long. They will not venture out on the surface during the day, much like drow. The adventurers are weary as they’ve now been up for a full day.
Current Hit Points:
Aria - 96 of 99
Farian - 71 of 75
Senoia - 31 of 45
Now what?
I’m going to stop here for now. As far as you know, there are two more groups of frost giants. One group is a pair guarding the mine entrance and the rest are in the camp further to the north. Any particular strategy in engaging them?
It is now morning and the sun has cleared the mountains. As noted above, Duergar cannot stand the light from having lived in the dark so long. They will not venture out on the surface during the day, much like drow. The adventurers are weary as they’ve now been up for a full day.
Current Hit Points:
Aria - 96 of 99
Farian - 71 of 75
Senoia - 31 of 45
Now what?
Try it and find out!
-
Grondar
- Berronar's Humble Servant
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:55 pm
- Location: Aboveground, unfortunately
When the Hammer Falls
Grondar:
Aria agrees with his opinion that they should press the attack. Still, they have been up for a long time, and will need rest soon.
Arlos warns them that the temple may not be safe as the priest of Dumathoin is part of the treachery that left them enslaved. He also confirms that the Iron Orb is involved in all this, which suggests to Grondar that the priest may not have been entirely in control of his actions. However, there is no way to know at this time.
Grondar soon reaches the temple and slips within. Looking about, he finds Rat and the bodies of six dwarven priests. Grondar checks the altar, if he can find one, to see if it was descecrated.
"Rat? We need to meet back up with Aria. We were able to rescue a number of the miners and return them to their senses. We've also slain three of the frost giants. Come on, let's go." Grondar will lead him back to meet up with Aria and the others.
Once the warriors are all back together, Grondar will approach Aria. "I suggest we take out those two giants guarding the mine entrance, then get some rest. The duergar won't come out until nightfall, which should give us plenty of time to take out the rest of the giants and then prepare to deal with them."
Aria agrees with his opinion that they should press the attack. Still, they have been up for a long time, and will need rest soon.
Arlos warns them that the temple may not be safe as the priest of Dumathoin is part of the treachery that left them enslaved. He also confirms that the Iron Orb is involved in all this, which suggests to Grondar that the priest may not have been entirely in control of his actions. However, there is no way to know at this time.
"Yes, milady," Grondar replies. Once outside, he races off toward the temple to find Rat. He keeps the town's buildings and the edge of the hill between him and the two giants guarding the mine as much as possible.Aria wrote:“Dougan and Senoia come with me! We better make sure these caves are safe first before letting the people in. Grondar, check out the temple and see if Rat is okay. He should have been back by now. The rest of you keep guard!”
Grondar soon reaches the temple and slips within. Looking about, he finds Rat and the bodies of six dwarven priests. Grondar checks the altar, if he can find one, to see if it was descecrated.
"Rat? We need to meet back up with Aria. We were able to rescue a number of the miners and return them to their senses. We've also slain three of the frost giants. Come on, let's go." Grondar will lead him back to meet up with Aria and the others.
Once the warriors are all back together, Grondar will approach Aria. "I suggest we take out those two giants guarding the mine entrance, then get some rest. The duergar won't come out until nightfall, which should give us plenty of time to take out the rest of the giants and then prepare to deal with them."
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie)
Farian
Once the warriors are all back together, Grondar will approach Aria. "I suggest we take out those two giants guarding the mine entrance, then get some rest. The duergar won't come out until nightfall, which should give us plenty of time to take out the rest of the giants and then prepare to deal with them."
Stiffling a yawn, Farian listens to the dwarf shaking his head. “And letting them dwarves know we are here by the bellows of those over groan rock suckers? I would rather fight the remaining giants so those two oafs have no help from their brothern then fall upon them like hammer to rock. The sunlight gives us time, to fight and retreat back to the caverns for rest, I dunno about you but I could use a few winks meself!”
"We could be sending them giants and duegers a message... the heads of their companions on pikes. They know not of our number or what attacks them. perhaps we could even use those trees as cover from the rock suckers."
Once the warriors are all back together, Grondar will approach Aria. "I suggest we take out those two giants guarding the mine entrance, then get some rest. The duergar won't come out until nightfall, which should give us plenty of time to take out the rest of the giants and then prepare to deal with them."
Stiffling a yawn, Farian listens to the dwarf shaking his head. “And letting them dwarves know we are here by the bellows of those over groan rock suckers? I would rather fight the remaining giants so those two oafs have no help from their brothern then fall upon them like hammer to rock. The sunlight gives us time, to fight and retreat back to the caverns for rest, I dunno about you but I could use a few winks meself!”
"We could be sending them giants and duegers a message... the heads of their companions on pikes. They know not of our number or what attacks them. perhaps we could even use those trees as cover from the rock suckers."
Rat
Rat:
And so the Master Finder was of doing what he does best. He slipped through town and into the temple leaving no trace of his passage. The main doors are huge and made of stone! Of course dwarves favor stone, so that shouldn’t be no surprise. They are slightly ajar, so that solves just how Rat gets inside.
Beyond is a large natural cavern that leads back into darkness. Rat pauses to rummage through his backpack. A torch is produced and lit. Unlike the dwarves, Rat can’t see in the dark.
At the far end of the cavern steps lead up to a large area with three sets of double doors. There’s also what looks like a dwarf in gray robes lying on the floor. Must be dead from the smell. Or undead…
Rat keeps well clear of the corpse. He was tempted to see what could be found in his pockets, but even a Master Finder has to have his scruples! Rummaging through the pockets of a dead priest is sure to bring down some awful dwarven curse upon the Master Finder! The Master of Stealth wouldn’t approve of that! So Rat decides that this isn’t the place for finder’s keepers! Be respectful to others, Rat’s mum always said. And this would someday make a wonderful tale, with perhaps a little embellishing, to tell while sipping ale by the fire. The Master of Stealth would approve of that!
And so Rat returned to his scouting, as that’s all this mission was going to be. He went to the left first. The first room looked like it was a visiting room or something. The next was workshop were dwarves could be dwarves. Next was a cloaking area for the priests before they entered the main place of worship.
And what a place of worship it was! It was huge! The altar looked to be damage. No dwarf that Rat knew would allow a broken altar in their temple! Looking around, Rat found more slain priests.
“I be beggin’ you’re pardon, padre. I be meanin’ no disrespect at all! So you all just keep on layin’ there and everything will work out fine!”
Looking back towards the altar, Rat notices something that he didn’t see before. Something that before this moment only existed in his most ravenousness dreams! Suspended high over the broken altar on silver chains is a platform of solid gold!
“Glory be!” Rat says, seemingly entranced by the sight. Embedded in the side of the platform were many gems that glittered in the torchlight. Diamonds from the look of them.
For the next several minutes, Rat tried to figure out just how to get up there, and second just how he could make off with this fabulous treasure? The golden platform was taller than Rat! It probably weighted tons! Only giants could move this thing. No chance that a Master Finder could make off with it.
His dreams of fabulous wealth dashed, Rat noticed one of the priest bodies.
“Aye, that did tempt me mightily, padre. Perhaps you can share the secret of how you got that up there with me and better yet just how to get that down? No? I thought not. Yer treasure is safe, padre. Figures that a dwarf would make something so large that no one could pick up and walk off with it!”
The only other exit from the temple seemed to be the double doors up front. That led Rat back to the area with the three sets of double doors. That took care of two sets of doors, so one more to go!
With his torch lighting the way, Rat steps into what he guesses to be a library. Shelves line the walls where there are books and scrolls. Rat opens a scroll up, only to find the writing to be unknown to him. Must be in the dwarvish, he assumes as he returns the scroll.
Two more chambers are found off the library. The first is a large common dormitory were must of the priests must have slept. The last was a smaller private chamber for a single occupant. Must likely the high mucky-muck that was in charge here.
The next thing Rat knows, Grondar is calling out to him.
Rat returns with Grondar and wonders just what he’ll find next.
And so the Master Finder was of doing what he does best. He slipped through town and into the temple leaving no trace of his passage. The main doors are huge and made of stone! Of course dwarves favor stone, so that shouldn’t be no surprise. They are slightly ajar, so that solves just how Rat gets inside.
Beyond is a large natural cavern that leads back into darkness. Rat pauses to rummage through his backpack. A torch is produced and lit. Unlike the dwarves, Rat can’t see in the dark.
At the far end of the cavern steps lead up to a large area with three sets of double doors. There’s also what looks like a dwarf in gray robes lying on the floor. Must be dead from the smell. Or undead…
Rat keeps well clear of the corpse. He was tempted to see what could be found in his pockets, but even a Master Finder has to have his scruples! Rummaging through the pockets of a dead priest is sure to bring down some awful dwarven curse upon the Master Finder! The Master of Stealth wouldn’t approve of that! So Rat decides that this isn’t the place for finder’s keepers! Be respectful to others, Rat’s mum always said. And this would someday make a wonderful tale, with perhaps a little embellishing, to tell while sipping ale by the fire. The Master of Stealth would approve of that!
And so Rat returned to his scouting, as that’s all this mission was going to be. He went to the left first. The first room looked like it was a visiting room or something. The next was workshop were dwarves could be dwarves. Next was a cloaking area for the priests before they entered the main place of worship.
And what a place of worship it was! It was huge! The altar looked to be damage. No dwarf that Rat knew would allow a broken altar in their temple! Looking around, Rat found more slain priests.
“I be beggin’ you’re pardon, padre. I be meanin’ no disrespect at all! So you all just keep on layin’ there and everything will work out fine!”
Looking back towards the altar, Rat notices something that he didn’t see before. Something that before this moment only existed in his most ravenousness dreams! Suspended high over the broken altar on silver chains is a platform of solid gold!
“Glory be!” Rat says, seemingly entranced by the sight. Embedded in the side of the platform were many gems that glittered in the torchlight. Diamonds from the look of them.
For the next several minutes, Rat tried to figure out just how to get up there, and second just how he could make off with this fabulous treasure? The golden platform was taller than Rat! It probably weighted tons! Only giants could move this thing. No chance that a Master Finder could make off with it.
His dreams of fabulous wealth dashed, Rat noticed one of the priest bodies.
“Aye, that did tempt me mightily, padre. Perhaps you can share the secret of how you got that up there with me and better yet just how to get that down? No? I thought not. Yer treasure is safe, padre. Figures that a dwarf would make something so large that no one could pick up and walk off with it!”
The only other exit from the temple seemed to be the double doors up front. That led Rat back to the area with the three sets of double doors. That took care of two sets of doors, so one more to go!
With his torch lighting the way, Rat steps into what he guesses to be a library. Shelves line the walls where there are books and scrolls. Rat opens a scroll up, only to find the writing to be unknown to him. Must be in the dwarvish, he assumes as he returns the scroll.
Two more chambers are found off the library. The first is a large common dormitory were must of the priests must have slept. The last was a smaller private chamber for a single occupant. Must likely the high mucky-muck that was in charge here.
The next thing Rat knows, Grondar is calling out to him.
“Okay,” Rat answer with a shrug. “Seems like someone wiped out the priests here. I found six bodies. The altar was broken, but their floating treasure is still there. I don’t think this place would be very safe. It’s too big! Those giants could walk right in!”Grondar wrote:"Rat? We need to meet back up with Aria. We were able to rescue a number of the miners and return them to their senses. We've also slain three of the frost giants. Come on, let's go." Grondar will lead him back to meet up with Aria and the others.
Rat returns with Grondar and wonders just what he’ll find next.
Finder's Keepers!
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Aria Stonehand
- Adventuress
- Posts: 93
- Joined: Sun May 15, 2005 11:30 am
Aria
Aria:
Aria listens to Arlos tale. It explains what happened to these people, why there was a wall built along the way here, and just how those gray devils figure into this!
Aria, Dougan, and Senoia go and make sure the living caves are free of danger. The doors are sealed shut, but are freed once we have tools. The dwarves make the trek to the caves and to safety. Once that is done, Aria meets up with everyone else and the new warriors among us.
Aria suspects the next battle will be easy. This group already took down three giants and they’ve been bolstered by three of the locals. It’s the one after this that could get interesting, but one step at a time. Aria uses the same strategy as before. Ranged attacks until close enough to use her axe!
“What?” Aria responds. “The priests? What do you mean?”"No!" Arlos cries out. "The temple is not safe! It was the priests who did this to us in the first place!"
Aria listens to Arlos tale. It explains what happened to these people, why there was a wall built along the way here, and just how those gray devils figure into this!
Aria, Dougan, and Senoia go and make sure the living caves are free of danger. The doors are sealed shut, but are freed once we have tools. The dwarves make the trek to the caves and to safety. Once that is done, Aria meets up with everyone else and the new warriors among us.
Grondar wrote:Once the warriors are all back together, Grondar will approach Aria. "I suggest we take out those two giants guarding the mine entrance, then get some rest. The duergar won't come out until nightfall, which should give us plenty of time to take out the rest of the giants and then prepare to deal with them."
“We take out those guarding the mines,” Aria answers decisively. “Then we engage the rest of them back in camp. With the giants gone, we can rest easy. Like Farian said, our other enemies will not venture out in the daytime. That gives us time to rest and the citizens of Mountain Lake time to prepare for the night to come. Then tonight we go down and take out those gray devils, and those dark elves should they get in the way!”Farian wrote:Stiffling a yawn, Farian listens to the dwarf shaking his head. “And letting them dwarves know we are here by the bellows of those over groan rock suckers? I would rather fight the remaining giants so those two oafs have no help from their brethren then fall upon them like hammer to rock. The sunlight gives us time, to fight and retreat back to the caverns for rest, I dunno about you but I could use a few winks meself!”
"We could be sending them giants and duegers a message... the heads of their companions on pikes. They know not of our number or what attacks them. perhaps we could even use those trees as cover from the rock suckers."
Aria suspects the next battle will be easy. This group already took down three giants and they’ve been bolstered by three of the locals. It’s the one after this that could get interesting, but one step at a time. Aria uses the same strategy as before. Ranged attacks until close enough to use her axe!
By Clageddin's Twin Axes!
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Grondar
- Berronar's Humble Servant
- Posts: 406
- Joined: Thu Sep 02, 2004 7:55 pm
- Location: Aboveground, unfortunately
When the Hammer Falls
Grondar:
They return to meet up with the others.
Like before, Grondar will use his crossbow until the others close with the giants, then race in with TruthGiver in hand.
"I saw those bodies too, and none of them appeared to be a high priest, which fits the story Arlos told us. It saddens me to hear that the altar was broken, as that means that this place is no longer sanctified. What did you mean by floating treasure?"Rat wrote:“Okay,” Rat answer with a shrug. “Seems like someone wiped out the priests here. I found six bodies. The altar was broken, but their floating treasure is still there. I don’t think this place would be very safe. It’s too big! Those giants could walk right in!”
They return to meet up with the others.
"They will know anyway as soon as the next shift of dwarven miners is due to be swapped out," Grondar says with a shrug.Farian wrote:Stiffling a yawn, Farian listens to the dwarf shaking his head. “And letting them dwarves know we are here by the bellows of those over groan rock suckers? I would rather fight the remaining giants so those two oafs have no help from their brothern then fall upon them like hammer to rock. The sunlight gives us time, to fight and retreat back to the caverns for rest, I dunno about you but I could use a few winks meself!”
Grondar nods tiredly. It's an ambitious plan; Grondar can only hope they won't stretch themselves too far before they collapse from lack of sleep.Aria wrote:“We take out those guarding the mines,” Aria answers decisively. “Then we engage the rest of them back in camp. With the giants gone, we can rest easy. Like Farian said, our other enemies will not venture out in the daytime. That gives us time to rest and the citizens of Mountain Lake time to prepare for the night to come. Then tonight we go down and take out those gray devils, and those dark elves should they get in the way!”
Like before, Grondar will use his crossbow until the others close with the giants, then race in with TruthGiver in hand.
Gordon (fanchergw AKA Kylie, Grondar, Yusef, Lily Pak / Menagerie)