distant rumblings

Hey!
Its my turn now. That hit, which was a REACTION, happened during the giant's turn.
Then Warhol
Now its my actual turn

Zax will take Attack Action, giving 1 attack to Marvin, which happens during my turn and doesnt use his turn

Zax 1 swing All in -5/+10

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 3 to total : 20, + 3, TOTAL: 23

Oh yay!

Sat Jul 23 2022 17:37:21 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
Rolling line 1 : 4d6 + 15 to total : 3, 4, 4, 1, + 15, TOTAL: 27

Bonus action, extra attack from GWM with Adv from Crusher, all in


Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 3 to total : 14, + 3, TOTAL: 17

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 3 to total : 9, + 3, TOTAL: 12

Hit!


Rolling line 1 : 2d6 + 15 to total : 1, 3, + 15, TOTAL: 19

Waiting for result of Marvin's shot.  If its not dead, I will use action surge

Edit - i copied the whole web page, doh!

oh, my apologies. I didn't realize that.

ok, you do the 19 to it. Marvin gets his additional shot before the turn ends.

Ok DM, does Marvin have advantage on this shot due to being hidden?

yes

Marvin’s shot with ADV:
Sun Jul 24 2022 12:10:07 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 10 to total : 17, + 10, TOTAL: 27
Rolling line 2 : 1d20 + 10 to total : 2, + 10, TOTAL: 12

HIT!
Damage:

Sun Jul 24 2022 12:11:41 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 3d6 + 6 to total : 3, 3, 4, + 6, TOTAL: 16
Rolling line 2 : 2d8 + 0 to total : 5, 2, TOTAL: 7

23 damage. Will post Marvin’s turn after resolution of that shot.

the giant looks pretty beat up and is bleeding from multiple wounds.

go ahead with the rest of your turn

Everyone gets ADV vs the giant until my next turn from my Crusher feat, for all attacks. Enjoy!

Crusher
REPORT AD
Source: Tasha's Cauldron of Everything

You are practiced in the art of crushing your enemies, granting you the following benefits:

Increase your Strength or Constitution by 1, to a maximum of 20.
Once per turn, when you hit a creature with an attack that deals bludgeoning damage, you can move it 5 feet to an unoccupied space, provided the target is no more than one size larger than you.
When you score a critical hit that deals bludgeoning damage to a creature, attack rolls against that creature are made with advantage until the start of your next turn.


Last line applies to everyone

Chris wrote:

Waiting for result of Marvin's shot.  If its not dead, I will use action surge

Action surge, 2 swings w ADV all in

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 3 to total : 8, + 3, TOTAL: 11

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 3 to total : 18, + 3, TOTAL: 21


hit

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 3 to total : 8, + 3, TOTAL: 11

Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 3 to total : 20, + 3, TOTAL: 23

Geez, overkill


Rolling line 1 : 2d6 + 15 to total : 4, 4, + 15, TOTAL: 23

Rolling line 1 : 4d6 + 15 to total : 2, 2, 2, 5, + 15, TOTAL: 26

49 more, on my turn, to fugly #3

Done

ok, assuming that everything stayed 'in turn' the giant is dead.

Within about 30 seconds,  a troop of Dwarves comes riding over the hill... they are mounted on giant rams that also have armor.  

They eye you curiously but do not attack.  "Do you serve the king?" one of them asks rather pointedly.

whit10 wrote:ok, assuming that everything stayed 'in turn' the giant is dead.

Within about 30 seconds,  a troop of Dwarves comes riding over the hill... they are mounted on giant rams that also have armor.  

They eye you curiously but do not attack.  "Do you serve the king?" one of them asks rather pointedly.

“Yeah. You?”

Warhol releases his spikes.

 “Hey keep yah eyes open. We tracked 4 of these giants but only caught up wit 3.”

You can see that they relax a little.

"Did you come from village to the south of here? Was it also attacked?"

whit10 wrote:You can see that they relax a little.  

"Did you come from village to the south of here?  Was it also attacked?"

“It was near completely razed when we arrived. Three giants. Most of the villagers survived. The garrison was fighting elsewhere and returned later. Maybe you should protect your homes and let us hunt them.”

They exchange glances and the one that looks to be in charge looks back at you.

"No, the other villages are safe for now, what's left of them. Please come with us to see Thegn Duncan, he has been waiting for word from King Arcardius."


There are also the loot bags for the giants. You can gather these as you get your mounts rounded up.

Treasure; 1000 silver and 200 gold, two sets of gold cups – for ritual use in the temples as well as vestments for Thuenor clerics
Small iron box with potions: Resistance, Greater Healing, two empty slots
1 scroll case – scroll of Remove Curse and Word of Healing – 3rd level
Bag of Holding - this one is rather easy to figure out
Large Emerald - but larger and different looking to other emeralds you might have seen (Identify or something else will be needed for this one)

Sorry, a little late to the party...


"Glory to you and to your goats!"


Loot suggestion - as before, return clearly dwarven gold cups and robes
Scrolls to Warhol
Resistance and greater healing to Marvin (i get resistance when i teleport)
Emerald - we can also spend 1 hr, like during a short rest, to Identify


Zax whistles for Arrod to return and is ready to ride.

Chris wrote:Sorry, a little late to the party...


"Glory to you and to your goats!"


Loot suggestion - as before, return clearly dwarven gold cups and robes
Scrolls to Warhol
Resistance and greater healing to Marvin (i get resistance when i teleport)
Emerald - we can also spend 1 hr, like during a short rest, to Identify


Zax whistles for Arrod to return and is ready to ride.

I’ve started a loot thread. Go ahead and pick your stuff out like usual, your plan makes sense unless a scroll is usable by Marvin.

Warhol quietly cleans up the part about the “goats.”  
“Sorry fellas, city boy…” he nods towards Zax when he isn’t looking. “We were on our way to see the Thegn. Just wanted to provide the best report possible, not knowing the state of things ahead.”

The lead dwarf identifies himself as Brock. He nods to Warhol's comment and smiles. Then he looks at the religious items that you hand over.
"These thieving bastards!  They have been plundering temples and shrines throughout the earldom... we still don't know why."



Feel free to engage in any conversation or ask questions.  

As you travel along (which will take a few hours) Brock whispers to each of the PC's, individually, "be careful with Thegn Duncan, he is losing his mind. He was once a great warrior and leader, but he is old and tired...  oh, and refer to him as 'king' - he's starting to go back to when he was much younger and before his earldom was part of the kingdom of Merciana"

"Glory to you Brock and to house of Duncan!" Zax beats his chest in salute. "We observed purple veins or vines on the giants. Do they all carry this... infection? Have you seen it on any other animals or creatures?"

Brock's face darkens at that comment... "we have seen those as well, we don't know what they are. Some think they're a curse. For some reason, they are far more aggressive than ever before. They even attacked Thegn Duncan's great hall. We were able to repel them because its fortified and well defended."

As you travel, it starts to rain off and on and its getting colder.

and before I forget, he has already acknowledged Marvin as he seems to have met him before.. years ago.

Whenever a ram is nearby, Arrod holds his head up extra high exaggerating his height. He swishes his tail at them if they brush too close to him.

To Brock, "Do you have any reason to suspect the Kingdom of Korrath is involved? King Arcadius would feel most betrayed given the recent peace accord."

"That's what the Thegn thinks.. I'm not so sure because the Mountain Dwarves don't normally like the hill giants and the giant still raid Mountain Dwarf lands."

whit10 wrote:"That's what the Thegn thinks.. I'm not so sure because the Mountain Dwarves don't normally like the hill giants and the giant still raid Mountain Dwarf lands."

“Is there anyone who stands to gain from sabatoging the peace? Or is it possible there could be a new threat?”

"Well, the Dwarves of Koloth would certainly profit but they just signed a treaty... the timing seems odd. As for another cause..." he shrugs slightly.

Marvin have any insight into these tribal politics that might be relevant? You mentioned he’d had a run-in with the dwarf before…
Insight Roll:

Mon Jul 25 2022 15:01:39 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 5 to total : 10, + 5, TOTAL: 15

Nothing that you can think of specifically. Other than the highland dwarves and their mountain cousins historical animosity

“At the risk of hitting a raw nerve, is there a more ancient enemy common among dwarves?”

another shrug... "there are some that think we need to consult an old crone that lives in the mountains. But those are mostly the superstitious folk that believe in her over Thuenor."


As you finally reach your destination, it couldn't be more welcome. You are relatively drenched and starting to get cold.

The great hall of Thegn Duncan.



(minus the people of course)

you are ushered in and are warmed by a fire and given food and drink. On your way in you could see a defensive ditch and part of a palisade. Some of it was damaged and several dwarves are working on repairing it.

"The Thegn will be out soon, he is indisposed at the moment."

Go ahead and consider this at least a short rest for now.

There is a stables outside where mounts and such can be left

Are there any shops? Is this a little town? A minor city?

Zax stables Arrod and then enjoys a short rest with food by the fire.  He passes on any drink stronger than water.

last HP

Chris wrote:Cheers!
51/67 HP

use 1 HD for HP
1d10+3
7+3 = 10

action surge, 2nd wind both refreshed

Chris wrote:

Gor'Zax
HP: 61/67
AC: 19/21
BM dice: 5/5d8
2nd wind:  1/1
Action Surge:  1/1
SV: str +7, con +6, wis +2
PP: 15
Necro resistant
HD 6/7


Arrod
HP: 19/19
AC: 18

As Marvin settles Chopper into the stables he thinks about the dwarf’s mention of the old crone in the hills. Anything about that ring a bell for Marvin?

While he ponders that he’ll make his way into the hall and have a casual look around for anything unusual.
Investigation:

ue Jul 26 2022 07:31:14 GMT-0600 (MDT)
Rolling line 1 : 1d20 + 5 to total : 8, + 5, TOTAL: 13

not that you can think of? You know that some people like to go to "older" sources of wisdom than the standard temples. But nothing other than that...

Longer update later today. Go ahead and do anything else you might need to do over the short rest. Actually, go ahead and consider this a long rest, as you will have time to sleep. The Thegn is taking longer than usual.

all HD restored too then

Zax will spend an hour with the Emerald to discover its magical nature

Ok. Marvin’s knowledge of his homeland is not a plot device. Got it.

Warhol is looking for a wizard or magic shop if such a thing exists here.

Warhol will also spend time pondering the green gem.

Before resting Warhol makes a big pile of good berries and does a ritual casting of Divination.

Divination Question: Is the Thegn’s malady connected to the condition of the giants?

navyik wrote:Warhol is looking for a wizard or magic shop if such a thing exists here.

Warhol will also spend time pondering the green gem.

Before resting Warhol makes a big pile of good berries and does a ritual casting of Divination.

Divination Question: Is the Thegn’s malady connected to the condition of the giants?

2 good ideas!

The Thegn... no, it is not connected

The Gem is an Elemental Gem - Water Elemental - you can look it up or just use this snippet - you smash the gem and it's the same as casting Summon Elemental

Magic 'shops' are pretty rare in general. Only the larger cities might have one

Marvin - not in this instance. I haven't forgotten

After several hours. The Earl (sorry I keep screwing up his title - it's Earl) finally makes his appearance.  He is a very old dwarf and is muttering as he's helped to the table in the great hall.



"Ah, great heroes!  How goes the war against my foolish cousins in the mountains?"  He smiles at all of you; then one of his advisers whispers in his ear...

"oh, that's right, we already defeated them utterly!!" He thumps his goblet.  "Please, join me at my table and regale me with your exploits!"

He dives nosily into a cup of soup and some bread.

and one correction.. Marvin, you know that, in the distant past, the dwarves all lived under one king. The split happened during Earl Duncan's youth. So well over a hundred years ago.

Zax stands and gives the Mercian salute by beating his chest, "Glory to you and to the House of Duncan! I am Gor'Zax O'Dred, son of Mal'Gor, son of Dur'Mal. I am a servant of King Arcaidius. We defended your village from giants and fought more on the road here. Har Har, they are stinking corpses now!"

“Hello sir! I am Marvin VinMarvin of the VinMarvin clan. The VinMarvins have been friends to the dwarves in these lands for generations. My father Mario and uncle Vincent send their good tidings and wishes for your continued umm…good(?) health!” Marvin addresses his next question in the direction of the Earl, but makes eye contact with the advisor as he does so “My lord, what would you have us do? We serve the king and are at his orders to defend these lands as if it were his own flesh.”

“My Lord,” (an acceptable address even to a king), “I am a talking Turtle. I am a student of nature and ancient secrets. King Arcadius owns me as a beast of his lands, naming me Warhol, which so far is working out for me. Arcadius sends his regards and commands that we render aid to your lands.”

Warhol is looking for clues among The Earl’s retainers as to whom is actually calling the shots and whom is possibly plotting to overthrow that person.  He is also hoping to meet a wizard…

Earl Duncan is impressed... "welcome Warhol, Gor'zax and Marvin. I know of you (you aren't convinced at this comment).... King Arcadius, bah... a wise king normally but why did he make peace with my mountain cousins? Eh? They are craven conquerors.. can't leave anything alone. That peace agreement... what folly was that? Now they attack us again!! When I was younger, we crushed them all the time! When I was king...." he just goes silent at this.

After a few seconds... "The giants were never a problem after we defeated them at Glenmorie many years ago. They have never given us trouble since!! I have called for the old crone. She is considered wise and my father thought highly of her. She should be here soon..."

He goes back to his soup. It seems like he fades in and out of reality.

Warhol looks around for priests of Thuenor.

Any sign from the advisors as to what we should do next?

Zax seeks out a master of arms, captain of the guard, or field marshall ( whatever the dwarven title ) Brock, that rode the goat.

Brock is present in the hall. He is sitting at the large table that has been set for all of you and the Earl's retainers.

The earl pipes back up.... "so you serve King Arcadius eh? Someone needs to tell him that the dwarves have already broken the peace!! But we will handle this the way that my grandfather did. The priests of Thuenor are baffled as to why their temples and shrines are being attacked... so I sent them away. I have called Lucinda, the old crone. She served my father well."

At that, the main doors open and two dwarven guards allow a very small and obviously old dwarf woman into the hall. She can't be more than 3' tall and she is hunched over. You see one working eye and one milky white one on her wizened face. A small child helps her walk along towards the Earl.



Gor'zax notices that Brock appears unsettled at her appearance.

(more later)

The crone settles down near the hearth and casts bones upon the floor... she mutters to herself and then looks at the Earl. "what does the great man ask of one so old as I? Earl Duncan, son of Earl Morgan you are concerned about the giants? Oh yes the giants..." (she mutters to herself some more).

Duncan replies... "aged mother, we seek your wisdom. Why are the giants attacking us?" Earl Duncan seems more lucid at this point.


Lucinda reads through the bones then mutters an incantation and stays silent for a minute.... then she lets out a scream and her voice changes considerably. It sounds like it's almost demonic.

"arrogant mortals... you sow your own doom. Your enemies seek the downfall of the twin kingdoms. They will unleash the old ones. Beware the witch, beware the twisted titans, beware your own ignorance! Beware, beware...." Then she collapses... she starts to rise and looks to be back to 'normal' but exhausted.... then she screams again and collapses again and doesn't move. She whispers, very hoarsely, 'the witch, the witch' and then she goes silent as if she's dead. She is just barely breathing.

All of the dwarves are shocked by this and they immediately take her away for attention. Earl Duncan sits there as if thunderstruck. While he looks like he's still lucid, he looks rather terrified. His advisers and warriors keep looking to him for some decision but he only looks at the fire, as if he's lost in thought (or having another bad spell)

Zax leans near Marvin and Warhol, " my crazy-old-lady is a little rusty, but if I had to venture a guess.... there is a 3rd party (witch) that seeks to start a war between Merciana and Koloth (twin kingdoms, sow your own doom). We know the twisted giants but old ones are a mystery to me. What say wiser men?"

What does Warhol know of witches?
Result of the throw of dice "1d20 +4" :

17 + 4 = 21

Chris wrote:Zax leans near Marvin and Warhol, " my crazy-old-lady is a little rusty, but if I had to venture a guess.... there is a 3rd party (witch) that seeks to start a war between Merciana and Koloth (twin kingdoms, sow your own doom).  We know the twisted giants but old ones are a mystery to me.   What say wiser men?"

“I need an excuse to get out of here for a while. I need to consult with the trees and the birds.”

Marvin sits wide eyed as he tries to process what he’s just seen. He absently listens to Zax’s question, and for a minute doesn’t think he’s the “wiser men” the elf is referring to. As he gathers his wits, Marvin hears Warhol’s comment and decides to take some action.

Marvin pushes back from the banquet table “Welp, bout time me and turtleman here got his uh, nightly shell…polishing…taken care of. C’mon Warhol, can’t have the king’s prized trophy creature looking…dingy.” Marvin bows to the Earl and nods to the old crone and leads the Tortle out of the hall. As they make their exit he leans in to Warhol’s ear “getting kind of stuffy in there for my taste. Let’s get some elbow room and see if we can figure out what’s going on.”