Spectrum's Comments: The Seekers have chosen to take a short cut through a valley that the goblin army they are tracking went around to gain ground on them. However, there was a reason the goblins went around....
The Frontier #38
The Seekers have encountered the inhabitants of the valley-- Fomorian Giants!
Two giants surprised the scouts, one punching Validar, the other grabbing Stephanie.
While the main party rides to their aid, the scouts attack back.
Arathron, Finrod, Blod and Dar ride to her rescue. Arathron sinks his longsword into the giant, but it still holds onto Steph.
Bernie fires a bullet, but it bounces harmless off a piece of the giants' armor.
Dar conjures a Flame Blade to go with his own sword. He drives the Flame Blade into the giant. It releases Steph, dropping her to the ground.
Elsewhere, Validar has risen, drawn his blade and advances on his attacker. His sword sings twice, wounding the giant.
The giant tries to punch him again, but this time Validar ducks.
Stephanie has also regain her footing and draws Lightning. Together with Blod, the muscular warriors slay the giant.
The battle shifts into high gear as the other two giants and the rest of the Seekers arrive.
Bernice fires another sling, but it falls short of its target.
Stephanie and Arathron rush to engage the incoming giants', but both miss with their blades.
Dar has better success, wounding one. Blod rushes in, removing a portion of the giants leg.
Kaan and Valgrin launch missiles at the rear giant, but miss. Araduin has better success, pumping a magic missile into the behemoth.
Validar wounds his opponent once more as he ducks yet another clumsy swing. The giant still stands, grunting incoherently.
Stephanie is hit by a giants club in the shoulder area, sending her sprawling.
The last giant, seeing the other Seekers ride in, moves to attack them.
GM Notes
The battle continues!
Hit Points:
Stephanie 28 of 43
Validar 27 of 42
SUBJ: Kamreill FROM: Kid Texas 05/03/90 S#: 49748
I told you! ;) Well, by the looks of the post I'm still running to the giants whilst readying my 2handed sword. I'm gonna puree that last giant!
::yelling battle cry::
DOWN WITH THE SMURFS!!!
The Kid/Kamreill
SUBJ: Arathron (R) FROM: RAD DWEEBE 05/03/90 S#: 520058
"I hate giants, they make me cough sometimes! ;D"
Arathron will try to move up behind the giant attacking the rest of the Seekers and stab him in the back if possible, and if not he'll just join the fight in any way he can.
SUBJ: Kaan (R) FROM: Xent6 05/03/90 S#: 793462
will ride in screaming Cowboy-like. I drop my sling and go into range for my spell. If a giant is stunned I will draw my Longsword and finish him. I try to stay away from the very front, but I will slash at any giant near me.
"Whooa, let's Munch the dwarves. "
:) No offense meant.
SUBJ: valgrin FROM: Vanter 05/03/90 S#: 459721
Seeing how ineffective his javalins are he tries to sneak around the giant and attack them from behind.
SUBJ: Arocken FROM: Wildchilde 05/03/90 S#: 834710
I will draw forth my Long sword and Dagger and charge the on rushing Giant, I will try and slash him with my sword and stab with my dagger. If the dagger hits home I will let go of it, to provide the giant with the further agitation.
SUBJ: FINROD FROM: SGT STONEY 05/04/90 S#: 5555
...has technical difficulties. Fearing for his hardware should he push it in it's failing state, he requests that he be possessed by a spirit while his brain is being serviced.
His last fading thought is " Steph looks hurt, but she should do fine without me...hope the rest of the seekers last through the Giants, We'll need everyone against the Goblins...."
Spectrum's Comments: Apparently, Finrod's player was having computer problems. He disappeared for a while, but did eventually return. It was quiet with out him.
SUBJ: Stephanie
'Well struck Blod and Dar! Together let us whittle this giant down to size!'
When the first giant falls, I give out a triumphant cry.
'Let's us take the battle to them, comrades!'
Instead, I find myself picking myself off of the ground with a ache in my side.
'Careful, mates, these 'lumbering mutants', a term I once heard a certain dwarf employ, have a sharp sting! Have at thee, miscreant!'
I'll continue to slice away at the giants.
Spectrum's Comments: 'Lumbering Mutants' was a term a dwarf in a different game that I briefly played in gave to giants.
SUBJ: Bernie.... FROM: Modesty1 05/06/90 S#: 830556
Realizing her shots with the sling aren't doing any good, she slowly puts it away and draws her short sword. She'll advance slowly on the giants, not noticing how ridiculous she looks, a halfling trying to attack a giant. Anyways, she slowly draws nearer the fighting muttering 'Somebody stop me, please anybody stop me' over and over again. She sure hopes 'those big fighting types' finish the battle before she gets there.
Trembling (again!)
Bernice
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 05/06/90 S#: 836604
Feeling that his personal battle is quickly turning in his favor, Validar will press the injured brute harder yet, moving in as close as possible to deliver the telling blow.
Validar shouts some words at his dim-witted opponent, but with his heavy breathing and the muffling effect of his helm, they are lost to everyone. Validar barely takes a fleeting moment to wonder if this brutish behemoth even understands his words.
If successful in his attempt to down his large foe, Validar will not bother to take a moment, but rush in to attack the closest opponent still standing. There will be time to rest when this battle is ended...
SUBJ: demonslayer FROM: Ace37 05/07/90 S#: 802522
demonslayer will cast an armor spell upon himself, & attack these mutants hand to hand if necessary!!!
SUBJ: Blod FROM: Begal 05/09/90 S#: 462006
I will continue the attack!
"You ugly things not so big!! Eat Steel!!"
The Frontier #39
The battle against the giants continues.
The main force of Seekers appear on the scene and engage the last giant coming out of the cave.
Further on, Dar and Stephanie engage a wounded giant. He hits twice, with sword and Flame Blade. Steph lands two powerful swings and finishes him off.
Validar continues against his grunting attacker. His sword wounds the misshapen giant once more, but it still refuses to fall. Almost unnoticed, Bernice sneaks in and hits the giant with her short sword. The giant makes a fatal mistake in attempting to locate this new attacker. Validar seizes the opening, driving his sword into the giants chest, slaying it.
The last giant has the full attention of the party. Kaan hits it with a Color Spray, but it has no effect of the giant. Valgrin and Arocken shoot arrows into it.
Finrod connects with his sword and dagger, and narrowly avoids having his head taken off by a giant fist.
Blod and Telinos stagger the giant with powerful hits.
Rathis sneaks in, stabbing the gaint in the back. Severely wounded, the giant attempts to retreat.
Arocken embeds another arrow into it. Kamreill and Fin wound it further, but it still stands. Cereld settles the issue with swing of his battleaxe. The giant falls.
SUBJ: GM Notes:
The battle went pretty easy for the party. Only Steph (28 of 43) and Validar (27 of 42) are wounded.
Now what?
Here is the up to date XP's. Many have gained levels. This is the last update before going up against the goblin army.
| Class/Level | HP's | XP's | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Araduin | M/4 | 14 | 12203 |
| Arathron | R/3 | 23 | 6789 |
| Arocken | R/2* | 17 | 2702 |
| Bernice | T/3* | 22 | 4270 |
| Blod | F/2* | 15 | 3237 |
| Cereld | C/5 | 36 | 19867 |
| Dar Thaltus | R/2 | 25 | 6407 |
| C/4* | 6547 | ||
| Demonslayer | F/1 | 6 | 1156 |
| M/1 | 1196 | ||
| Eagle | C/2* | 12 | 2598 |
| Finrod | F/4* | 24 | 8176 |
| M/3 | 8888 | ||
| T/4 | 9285 | ||
| Kaan | B/3* | 15 | 3280 |
| Kamreill | P/2* | 15 | 2642 |
| Rathis | T/2* | 8 | 2202 |
| Stephanie | F/5* | 55 | 17062 |
| Telinos | R/1 | 11 | 1892 |
| Valgrin | B/2* | 12 | 1812 |
| Validar | F/5 | 42 | 20347 |
SUBJ: Kamreill FROM: Kid Texas 05/10/90 S#: 849968
AHA! I gained a level! Now where is a nice paladin like me supposed to train in a place like this? :D Well, if at all possible, I'll try to train from the elder fighters and clerics. Methinks the goblins are in for a wee surprise with the looks of this bunch!:D Now, I'm going to scrounge around near/in the cave of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Sloth Giants and look for treasure. If this fails, I give up. Ok, now that these giants are dead, and I'm picking giant guts from my Sword ::sheaths sword:: what 'bout them goblins?....
"DOWN WITH THE SMURFS!"
The Kid/Kamreill
SUBJ: Arocken (R) FROM: Wildchilde 05/11/90 S#: 796294
I suggest that we have no time for looting treasure as we must hurry if we wish to catch the Goblin army.
SUBJ: Blod... (R) FROM: Begal 05/11/90 S#: 32561
"Me had fun cutting ugly ones! Now let's look in cave. You ok Steph?"
Blod will proceed to search the cave.
SUBJ: Valgrin FROM: Vanter 05/11/90 S#: 18668
Alright now i can get spells!!
Valgrin will look inside the cave for treasure.
SUBJ: Stephanie
Well done, comrades! Surely not even the mass of goblins can withstand the might that we have assembled! I am well, Blod, although I could stand a healers touch. [Hint, hint!;)]'
'Yes, let us see what awards awaits for we slayer o'giants. We won't be losing any time, as it shall take several minutes to recover from the battle. We'll only be gone a moment!'
I'll follow the others into the cave.
SUBJ: demonslayer FROM: Ace37 05/13/90 S#: 807938
I will follow the others into the cave, to look for a weapon for myself.
GM Notes:
Entering the cave is similar to walking into a garbage pit. Rubbish is scattered across the cavern and rats scurry off as you enter. Many bones can be seen. The glint of gold coins can also be seen.
Rummaging through the junk, the group finds:
4000 gp
A large gem (Hematite)
2 bottles of some unknown liquid (Magical)
A few miscellaneous weapons can be found. A longsword, 3 daggers and 2 shortswords. All non-magical.
SUBJ: Kaan, the Caveman FROM: Xent6 05/13/90 S#: 810173
Just Kidding :)
I will sing a song about the glory of battle. When I am done I will cut the ear of one of the Giants and put it in my backpack. Later after the fight is over I will get my sword ready and join the others in exploring the cave.
"Hah I gained a lot of experience in this I bet I could do better next time.
These Giants must be pretty bad if they can withstand my spells."
Kaan Giantkiller, the Bard
Mail From: Kazaroth Date: Sunday 13-May-90 21:06 EDT
Revised spell list(to be used as soon as permissible): CLW*3 Entangle*2 Flame Blade, Obscurement, Stalk**
**as per Greyhawk Adventures if not then....Charm Person/Mammal
SUBJ: Dar Thaltus...... (R) FROM: Kazaroth 05/13/90 S#: 493109
Dar feels satisfied with the results of his combined prayer and combat skills as he surveys the dead remains of the giants. Looking into the cave along with the others he murmurs softly to himself "some pile of junk here..." Noting the wounds suffered Dar will offer his god given healing powers to Steph then will approach Validar with his herbal and natural healing skills.
As the others begin the quick tally of goods Dar moves away to be alone to offer grateful prayer to Ehlonna and asks the favor of her continued guidance and support. He will meditate and allow Her will to flow into him in the form of the spells he would like to keep memorized.
Returning thereafter Dar looks to the assemblage before him and mouths one word before he departs to regain his scouting position ahead of the main party: "Goblins" He hurries forward, eager to enjoin this foul enemy as soon as time and distance permits firm in his belief that the others will not be far behind.....in body and in purpose. One last gesture he makes.... towards the other rangers among the group...it is a sign of invitation...asking if any would join him as part of the vanguard of the Seekers. Then he is off...to watch and guide as he has helped do so often before...
SUBJ: Kamreill FROM: Kid Texas 05/13/90 S#: 87157
All I want is one of the potions, and maybe about 100gp.
SUBJ: Arathron FROM: RAD DWEEBE 05/13/90 S#: 493711
Hmmm...junk 'n' gold!
Arathron looks mainly at the liquids and the gold.He just walks around a little and is happy when they get out of the cave because of the awful stench.
SUBJ: More Notes (R) FROM: GM Mad 05/14/90 S#: 494684
While searching the cave, you are surprised to discover a young woman with long blonde hair under some trash! She appears to have been in some combat; i.e. minor wounds and cuts. She is regaining consciousness.
Spectrum's Comments: Another new player. One that would make Bernice VERY nervous! Zynara was very much a last second addition to the group, which was why she wasn't mentioned in the earlier GM Note. As I noted in the Sword of Doom files, the player was actually one of the other GMs lurking under a playing name.
SUBJ: demonslayer (R) FROM: Ace37 05/14/90 S#: 835708
All demonslayer would like to take is the longsword:)& perhaps a dagger. At the sight of the girl I'll take a step back to make sure she is not armed. I then will assist the others in taking her to Cereld.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 05/14/90 S#: 1384
"Those of you who enter the cave, have a care, with the accumulated filth in there, the risk of disease is not small."
I've no interest in any of the loot from the cave.
SUBJ: Kamreill FROM: Kid Texas 05/14/90 S#: 17410
Well, if the girl needs it, I will "lay hands" on her or try and cure any present diseases with my abilities as a paladin. When she regains consciousness, I will ask her who she is, and why the '(%'('(&% she's in a freaking giant's cave. Oh, yeah, I'll also have my mace ready if any trouble erupts. Hey, That's the post, and I am outta here!
"DOWN WITH THE SMURFS!!!"
The Kid/Kamreill
P.S., I still want one of the liquids.
SUBJ: Eagle (R) FROM: Perpbuster 05/15/90 S#: 503365
After the battle I will try to heal anyone needing it. After searching the cave I will take my share and if there is time I will pray for my spells and offer some of the gold to my god as thanks, for getting us through the battle.
SUBJ: Better late then never.... FROM: Modesty1 05/15/90 S#: 54807
Bernice jumps aside when the giant falls. She looks...well, shocked is the only way to describe it. That SHE a halfling thief helped VALIDAR kill a GIANT is beyond her belief. Surprise leaves her open-mouthed and quiet for a few minutes. But only a few!
"Boy-howdy, we sure got him, didn't we Validar!" Her smile looks a little forced as she reaches UP to pat his back (if she can reach). "We make a good team, you and me! Ha!"
After this short outburst, Bernie walks far enough away so that she can't be seen and comes back after a few minutes, looking pale.
"Did someone say 'not go into the cave'? Of course we do" ::snort:: "We've got to!" She walks toward the cave, and after a few minutes looks back at Araduin. "Well, aren't you coming?" Then she walks into the cave, not looking back.
When the gem is found she is transfixed. She picks it up and holds it at arms length, admiring it and turning it slowly. She holds it this way and slowly makes her way out of the cave. 'Isn't it bea-u-ti-ful, Araduin? Have you ever seen anything prettier?' she says in a dreamy voice. Then she approaches Finrod. 'Can I keep it? Can I? Pleeease?'
Not a pretty sight when she's begging,
Bernice
SUBJ: Stephanie
Thanks Dar for his healing.
'Comrades, let us gather that treasure and continue on with our mission. Cereld has been strangely silent and we need leadership. Perhaps we should name a leader in his absence?'
If it comes to this, I'll vote for Validar.
SUBJ: demonslayer FROM: Ace37 05/16/90 S#: 7408
Here is a list of spells I would like to learn, charm person, mount, magic
missile, color spray, identify, friend, phantasmal force, & affect normal missiles.
SUBJ: Araduin FROM: Deslock 05/16/90 S#: 798046
Admiring the gem Bernie has brought from the cave.
"It is indeed a joy to behold, the Earth Mother is kind to us, to bestow such beauty."
"We should finish up here, and get moving again. There is still much good travel time in this day, and we don't want to give back any of the time we've made up by coming through this valley."
SUBJ: AROCKEN (R) FROM: Wildchilde 05/17/90 S#: 807066
I will offer to use my ranger skill to scout ahead with a lead party. Also rather impatiently I suggest that the treasure be loaded and we be on our way as we are losing valuable time. As for the girl I will try to find out what she is doing there and where she was from. With that I will prepare to hit the trail.
SUBJ: Girl FROM: Zynara 05/17/90 S#: 511517
The girl you find is about 5' 11" tall, about 120 lbs, and has blonde hair down to her knees. Her eyes are a beautiful emerald green and when she sees the paladin looking down upon her, noticeable silver flecks appear in the pupils.
I remain speechless till the paladin offers to lay hands on me. At this I smile and say, "You can lay your hands on me any day or night." I give a wink to him as I say night.
When asked who I am and what I am doing here, "Well I was travelling with my brothers on my way to a wedding. The giants put an end to that plan. I am the soul survivor. Can you help me find my things?"
My things turn out to be a set of bracers with some forest etchings in them, a backpack with clothes and a book and a few other odds and ends in it.
When I have all the equipment, I close my eyes and smile. I then walk outside, "Sheba! Come on Sheba, it is time to go." A few moments later the bushes near the cave start moving and a 10' python comes out of the bushes. I immediately rush over to it and pick it up. "Sheba. It is good to see you too. I thought those giants might have gotten you."
When asked about Sheba, I smile, "My baby is a good friend of mine. She helps me when she can. She gets cumbersome for me to carry at times but....Where Sheba?" Turning to look at the halfling, "No Sheba. That is not a big rabbit and no you can't eat it. That is a halfling and one of my rescuers. I will see about getting you something to eat soon."
Mail From: Zynara Date: Thursday 17-May-90 00:40 EDT
HI!
Here is my equipment list and it comes to a total of 40gp exactly.
Bracers with forest etchings on it. Soft boots, Belt, 2 large belt pouches, backpack, (inside pack) good cloth cloak, girdle, blue breeches, brown breeches, midnight blue common robe, blood red common gown, (robe should be gown), Sandals, Brown Tunic, blue tunic, 1 lbs soap, small sack, large sack, 1 week dry rations, (tied to pack) 2 waterskins, and a tan winter blanket.
I have posted. I hope you don't mind my paladinhood hunting? I like tainting pure things like those paladins. ;> Is there anything else you need for this character?
SUBJ: VALIDAR FROM: Panther13 05/17/90 S#: 511822
Upon killing the gigantic opponent, Validar quickly look about at the rest of the battle, but sees that everything is well in hand. He will gaze at the dead figure before him for a moment, still wondering how something so huge could take the scout party unawares.
He absently shakes his head, and then turns his attention to his "partner", removing his helmet to speak to her.
"That was a valiant attack on your part, friend Bernice. Between the two of us, this foul creature never had a chance."
Validar will emphasize his point by absently prodding the dead giant with his blade before sheathing it. He has an amused smile on his face as he regards his halfling companion.
He soon returns to the seriousness of the business at hand and returns the helm and remounts Havok, his warhorse. He will take up his lance and keep a vigil over the area while his companions search the cave.
"Thank you for the offer of healing, Dar. I would take advantage of your gift, but I think that it might be more advisable when we camp for the evening. I am not seriously hurt and the removal of this armor would take time that could be better spent trailing our quarries." "If any other foul creature seeks to ambush us, I will be ready this time. And clearly, with the size of that cave, I can come to anyone's rescue from here even inside the cavern itself."
With that said, Validar will maintain a watch over the valley, assuring that no other assaults come catching us unawares.
After the others return from the cave, Validar will remain on his mount, lance still at the ready.
"I must agree with the sentiments of Arocken. The goblinoid forces await us and we shouldn't tarry longer than necessary."
Upon seeing the young woman emerge from the cave opening, with my teammates, Validar observe her and her subsequent actions with an interested eye, while still maintaining his normal watch. "Quite bizarre", he thinks to himself.
When the time for introductions comes, Validar will dismount from his warhorse and remove his helmet and greet her suitably. However, he will quickly return to the business at hand. Any other talk can wait until we are encamped.