Chapter 14: A Cloud of Fear

[Jeff]

100-ft. perimeter just isn't realistic. You'd be charging the Blademarks with pushing away Kruthor and his giants, etc. 100 feet is almost the width of this map.

[Darren]

Okay....30' then. What do I know?

[Dave B.]

Shorak rises and follows along. Best for all of them to stay together, and he wants hear everything that Belarin has to say about what he sees.

[Ken]

Belarin blinks several times and then raises an arm to shield his eyes as though to ward off a bright light. He shakes his head and looks up at his friends.

"By the Shadow, it's dark in there," he says. "All right, Krez was in his coffin, but others were talking outside the room. From what I could make out, they were talking about their course. I heard something about 'south' and the coast, with a concern not to go too far inland, because of the wind and other threats. Then an armored man with the rank of captain gave Krez his noon wakeup. Krez said, 'Bring the oathbound to me.'" Belarin's mimicry of Krez's voice is uncanny.

"That was all. I'll have to try this in the evening at some point. What in Khyber is Krez the Vampire doing with a paladin?"

[Elvis]

"Do we have a map?" Thul says.

[Jeff]

The rest of you know that Sem and Larest have maps.

[Brian]

Sept 3, 2017 16:58:49 GMT -4 Elvis said:

"Do we have a map?" Thul says.

"We do not," Melethos says. "But friends of ours do. We will not need them just yet, though. First, we give Belarin a chance to rest. Then it is our journey into the sky. Come, we need to prepare."

As they walk back to Kruthor, Melethos says to Belarin. "That is a useful skill. Well done."

[Dave W.]

Sept 2, 2017 14:29:03 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Aven regards Belarin, then turns back to Adamant. "I think I will wait here," he answers. "I like it here, and would like to look around more. I will speak with some giants. I am curious what they believe in, and what they think of our kind. And it may be that you only take a few hours. In which case I will be here when you return."

Adamant respects the call for quiet and leans in to whisper to Aven, "I think that is a good plan. I don't think we will begone long... but surprises do happen."

When Belarin is finished and speculates about Krez having a paladin, Adamant steps up. "Many people take oaths Belarin, this does not necessarily mean Krez has a paladin. Though there are two possibilities if he does refer to a paladin... one is that he is using the paladin against his will. Krez might be tourturing the man for some reason... or none at all. He may need a holy person for an unholy ritual."

"The other possibility is also dark. Paladins serve Justice but even we are not perfect. It is not often spoken of, but sometimes even paladins go ... bad. They forsake their gods and oaths willfully and do not seek redemption. They draw power from darker sources. They would more properly be called..." Adamant pauses as though the word tastes bad, though he can not taste anything,.. "Oathbreaker."

"This would be very bad indeed."

---

I assume Addy would know about Oathbreakers.

Does Adamant know of any rituals or unholy uses for holy people... or their blood? It seems like something paladin parents use to scare their paladin children into behaving

[Ken]

Sept 4, 2017 6:53:50 GMT -4 Brian said:

As they walk back to Kruthor, Melethos says to Belarin. "That is a useful skill. Well done."

"Thank you," says Belarin. "I'm just relieved it worked. I've never used my senses like that. It's a bit ... disorienting." He smiles at Condign. "A new spell. Despite my earlier fears, it seems the fey are not done with me just yet. It makes me wonder whether what we discover will have some connection to my mission," he says, recalling his and Condign's earlier discussion in front of the temple.

To Adamant, he says, "'Oathbreaker'? Well, as you say, none of these possibilities is particularly appealing." He pauses. "Besides you, and debatably Syrdan, there weren't any paladins aboard the Merrow Down, were there?"

[Jeff]

Belarin's short rest commences. IF you have anything else to do discuss, go for it. Otherwise we'll move through this right quick and get to what Kruthor is going to do...

Would be good to at least get underway before Dave disappears for a week. And Ken for a couple days. All starting Friday.

[Jeff]

A short while later, Kruthor waves to your party to come over. The rain has lessened but never stopped.

Kruthor himself looks disappointed after receiving no reaction at all from Kal, or anyone else, after Kal asked him about the Guardians of Rushemé. He now seems more solemn, almost as though he is less sure about assisting you. Nevertheless...

Two of Kruthor's hill giants come forward, carrying the large rowboat you saw earlier. They set it down beside the boulder, and Kruthor himself then reaches down with his hands and scoops away the earth where he had buried something earlier. Soon one hand comes up clutching a strangely shaped stone that's been carved in a spiral pattern and etched with runes. It's tiny in his palm but it looks like it would be more substantial in anyone else's hand.

"This is a terrestrial stone. One of you must bear it to Nephelee's keep. You must find some rock or soil near its foundations. Any sort of earth there, and place this within it. It doesn't matter how deep or shallow, but it must make contact with that foundation. Do not do this until your are ready to depart. It will not take long for the keep's power to subside. The storms will be quelled, and the clouds diminished. When that happens, Nephelee will have no choice but to allow her keep to fade again, lest it be destroyed. The terrestrial stone's sole purpose is to restore the area to whatever its prevailing state had been."

Kruthor pauses, then gives a warning. "You will not want Nephelee to know you are doing this."

"Who will take the stone?" The hill giant holds it out, and you can see it has some heft.

The Blademarks stand at the fringes of the clearing, while Aven and Starg stand nearer but do not come in close around Kruthor.

The Terrestrial Stone is effectively 20 lb.

4 Goodberries are still unclaimed. Belarin, Kal, and Shorak each took 2.

Short rest completed, Ken.

[Joe]

Sept 5, 2017 11:08:30 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Who will take the stone?" The hill giant holds it out, and you can see it has some heft.

"I suppose I can," Streko says. He looks up at the Hill Giant. "Would you mind placing it inside my haversack, please?" Streko turns his back on the Giant, feels the skin along his spine contract and his shoulders practically demand to twitch. He looks at Kal, keeping his eyes on him, willing the sorcerer who has been his friend for so long to tell him what he's doing is not suicidal, that he can trust these giants. After all that has happened, he finds the ability to trust anyone, or anything, has become limited.

Once he has the stone, he will also take the last of the goodberries, as no one else is claiming them. "I feel as though I should consume them now, just to settle my nerves," he mutters to himself.
____________________________________________________________

I've moved Melethos' pack and waterskin back to him in the stat sheets, so you can add the stone (if everyone in the party agrees). Streko should remain unencumbered thanks to selling the lanterns and sunrods prior.

[Brian]

"That is settled then," Melethos says. "Streko will take charge of the stone, at least for now." He turns to Kruthor and bows low. "You have been kind beyond all we expected. We will honor you and the mighty history you represent as a Guardian of Rushemé by doing our best to end this accursed rain. You have our word.

"Now, tell us what we need to do. We are anxious to get started."

[Dave W.]

"I suppose we will fly up in this boat?" Adamant nervously rubs at the octogram attached to his chest.

"So we talk to Nephelee the Giantess, get the Eye's location while make sure not to mention the Terrestrial Stone, then as we leave the floating castle we drop the stone at the foundation and hopefully return."

"We should try to do this quickly and without conflict if possible. It's likely that other groups we may not care for and may not care for us will be there. Let us try to ignore them as much as is possible. Remember this is not Stormreach or any realm of man... this is Nephelee's realm, we do not know the rules there, so let's be cautious and not antagonize anyone?" Adamant ends what should be a statement with a hopeful question mark.

[Jeff]

"The boat is a carrier," Kruthor says, nodding. He slips the heavy stone into Streko's open haversack. Streko feels the pressure and weight for just a moment...then feels none of it as it disappears into the extradimensional space. The hill giant raises an eyebrow at this, then shrugs.

Kruthor then reaches into his bag and pulls out a brilliant red feather, easily five feet in length, flecked with vivid blue at one end. He holds it up, then turns and regards the tree at the northeast side of the clearing. He says something in the Giant tongue which only Shorak can understand. He's not sure of the exact words, but his best guess is:, "I will need your help with this one, friend."

Then a tall humanoid shape steps away from the tree, and it would appear that part of the tree trunk had been this creature the entire time—standing there, perfectly camouflaged. Its skin is light brown, textured like bark, and patches of green resembling like lichen or moss covers its body in place of fur. The overall effect is bizarre once you see the giant itself, and its body is as lean as a stone giant's. All told it stands about twelve feet high, with a sinewy body. Shorak has seen these before: jungle giants. His tribe treated peacefully with them but didn't trade goods with them. Most of the time the jungle giants merely exchanged information with the Arus'tar—trading rumors and visible threats for mutual benefit. He knows they're even more reclusive than the drow themselves.

The camouflaged giant comes forward to stand beside Kruthor, appearing all the more slender beside him. The hill giant falls into a deep-voiced incantation, and the other giant joins in with a reedier tone. In Kruthor's words, which might just be the Druidic language, you hear the word "Quaal" spoken a few times. All the while Kruthor holds up the red feather, and then it begins to drift by itself into the air.

"Please," Kruthor says. "Those of you who are coming, enter the boat. No more than seven." The giant looks over at Thul and nods to him, as though to remind him that he is included.

[Brian]

Nodding at Kruthor, Melethos climbs into the boat, then extends a hand to help Streko into the vessel.

[Dave W.]

"Come Captain," Adamant says to Thul, "You can glower at me while we rise up..." Adamant says as he steps into the aft of the boat. "It will help to have something else to focus on."

Adamant grips the side of the boat tightly, metal fingers digging into the wood. The light of his eye-gems dims somewhat.

[Elvis]

Thul steps into the craft without any hint of concern and sits in the closest available spot.

Despite his best efforts not to be manipulated, Thul glares.

[Ken]

Belarin climbs into the boat. "Well, this will be unique," he says. He looks over at the jungle giant, curiosity evident in his gaze. He sighs and settles into the rear of the craft.

[Darren]

Kal studies the boat, then turns to Tangat and scratches the dog's ears, gesturing to Starg and winking at his friend. Sitting down between Streko and Belarin, Kal says, "Don't worry, Belarin. Should you fall, I think I know a way to make you fly. It just came to me a little while ago as I was watching Kruthor. At least...." he grins at his friend, "I think I can make it happen. Best you stay inside the boat so that we don't have to find out."

Kal puts his head closer to Streko's and lowers his voice so anyone nearby would have to strain to hear him. "Streko, my friend, I don't mean to sound macabre, but it is my responsibility to consider all of the possibilities. With the stone in your haversack...should you fall or become incapacitated...can anyone else retrieve it? Or will it be trapped in there forever? After our experience beneath the lighthouse, I simply want to make sure that we will be able to complete our mission, even if Adamant is carrying you, or any of us, on the way out."

[Joe]

Sept 5, 2017 15:00:39 GMT -4 Brian said:

Nodding at Kruthor, Melethos climbs into the boat, then extends a hand to help Streko into the vessel.

"Thank you, my friend." He takes the Tiefling's hand and climbs into the boat as carefully as he can.

Sept 5, 2017 18:52:49 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal puts his head closer to Streko's and lowers his voice so anyone nearby would have to strain to hear him. "Streko, my friend, I don't mean to sound macabre, but it is my responsibility to consider all of the possibilities. With the stone in your haversack...should you fall or become incapacitated...can anyone else retrieve it? Or will it be trapped in there forever? After our experience beneath the lighthouse, I simply want to make sure that we will be able to complete our mission, even if Adamant is carrying you, or any of us, on the way out."

"I took ownership for expedience sake. However, should you wish to hold onto it and you think it is safer with you, then by all means. And you do have a good point. If something were to damage the haversack, everything within would disappear, or so I've been told. If something happens to me, the Host forbid, I'm not sure what will happen to the contents. It is up to you, Kal. If you wish to carry the stone, it's quite heavy, I will be happy to provide."
_________________________________________________

If Kal wants it, Streko will reach back and pull it out...with some difficulty, of course.

[Dave W.]

Sept 5, 2017 18:52:49 GMT -4 Darren said:

At least...." he grins at his friend, "I think I can make it happen. Best you stay inside the boat so that we don't have to find out.

Adamant had been humming rhythmically almost inaudible until Kal says this. The warforged mutters, but now that the group is closely assembled, they can make it out, "For the love of the Host, yes, let us stay inside the perfectly serviceable flying boat that Kruthor in his kindness has provided..."

---

Sept 5, 2017 16:26:28 GMT -4 Elvis said:

Despite his best efforts not to be manipulated, Thul glares.

Ha!

[Ken]

Belarin looks at Kal with surprise. "Worried? Who's worried? Surrounded by a baker's dozen of ghouls, a giant acid-spewing beetle, and a specter in an underground necropolis... that's when I worry. This? This is fun."

[Dave B.]

Shorak bows respectfully to the two giants. "Thank you. We will do our best to see this done." With that, he leaps into the boat, settling down in the only empty space left.

[Darren]

Kal places a hand on the back of Streko's neck. "My friend," he says gently, "please do not be offended. I do not mean to imply that you cannot handle the burden. If any of us can, it is certainly you. I worry only for the mission, Streko. I would not have anything happen to you, and I would give my own life before it does, but we all know that Olladra has a funny way of turning battles in whatever direction she wants, don't we? I simply want to make sure we have as many options as possible. Let Adamant or Melethos carry the stone, and should they be unable to carry it, you will be there to take up the burden, I have no doubt." Kal looks over to the two larger soldiers, his hand still on Streko, and nods at them to take the stone from the halfling.


____________________________
Sorry, Joe. I just had a vision of something happening to Streko and the rest of us going, "Great, we'll just carry Streko out of here and get down below as soon as we place the stone here," and Jeff going, "Well, the thing is, it's in Streko's haversack and none of you can access that because you need to be attuned, so......"

[Joe]

Sept 5, 2017 22:27:53 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal places a hand on the back of Streko's neck. "My friend," he says gently, "please do not be offended. I do not mean to imply that you cannot handle the burden. If any of us can, it is certainly you. I worry only for the mission, Streko. I would not have anything happen to you, and I would give my own life before it does, but we all know that Olladra has a funny way of turning battles in whatever direction she wants, don't we? I simply want to make sure we have as many options as possible. Let Adamant or Melethos carry the stone, and should they be unable to carry it, you will be there to take up the burden, I have no doubt." Kal looks over to the two larger soldiers, his hand still on Streko, and nods at them to take the stone from the halfling.


____________________________
Sorry, Joe. I just had a vision of something happening to Streko and the rest of us going, "Great, we'll just carry Streko out of here and get down below as soon as we place the stone here," and Jeff going, "Well, the thing is, it's in Streko's haversack and none of you can access that because you need to be attuned, so......"

Worry not, Darren. It makes sense. Streko just wanted to move things along. He, like me, is afraid of heights and not happy about flying into a raging storm. Whose got the barf bags? :-)

[Brian]

Melethos watches the exchange between Streko and Kal. The sorcerer's concerns are merited, though not complete. "Let Streko keep the stone," he says to them. "When we come before the giantess, I do not want to be seen lugging a large, magical stone around. The obvious questions would be...difficult to answer. The haversack is the best place for it. We will make sure nothing happens to it, or to Streko." With everyone in the boat, Melethos waves Starg over. "We are ready to depart. Cast your spell when you see fit."

_________________________________________

Darren, while I share your concerns about the haversack, I worry more about carrying that stone in front of the giantess. Keeping it out of sight until we're ready to use it makes the best sense to me.

Unless I'm wrong about the size. I don't think this is something that could be put in a pocket or pouch. Certainly not at twenty pounds.

[Jeff]

Starg walks over to the boat and places one large hand on Melethos's arm. He speaks words of magic and the tiefling feels a tingle wash through him. "Your ability to fly will endure for 10 minutes. You need not focus on maintaining this—I will do safely down here—but be mindful that it will eventually cease. Be cautious."

Within seconds of Shorak climbing into the boat, the red feather that Kruthor cast up drifts higher on the wind, and then the very air above you seems to ripple and bend with some magic. A a powerful gust of wind blasts down on everyone, and then a great shadow falls on the clearing. A deep-throated cry, as of a bird of prey, issues from overhead, loud enough to be heard across the entire tent city.

And indeed, a bird it is!

You look up see the largest winged beast any of you have ever seen so close, flapping mighty, red-feathered wings. It is a roc, without question. The mighty eagle, if it eagle it is, looks like the creature of legend you have always heard it to be. It's not solid red in color, though; the feathers of its crown and neck are edged with bright blue, and shades of brown line the edges of the contour feathers of its wings. The tremendous wings beat the air audibly as the bird pushes itself from hovering where it was summoned into actual flight, and immediately it starts on a short—short for it—circling of the Tents of Rushemé. Even when it soars briefly away and grows smaller, there's no mistaking its scale. The roc could easily grasp a full-grown elephant in its talons; it's easily as massive as the largest of dragons. The bird's wingspan must be over two hundred feet. You're pretty sure even some giants could even sit astride its back if the creature let them.

Giants and other visitors to the tent city draw closer to Kruthor's camp at the spectacle, gazing skyward. Obviously most of them have not seen such an animal before; even the giants who may have look on with interest, if not wonder. Everyone else just gapes in awe. Your ride has garnered everyone's attention.

"The roc will bear you up," the hill giant druid says to you all, and with a gesture the long ropes that have been tied to the edges of the boat coil and rise upward like living things, then wind themselves into a ring-shaped knot well above the boat—presumably for the roc's grasping. Kruthor hands Adamant a curious red- and white-feathered token. These feathers are smaller, clearly not an actual roc's, and are bound together by a metal clasp. "Be ready. When you are ready to return to the earth, cast these to the wind. The roc will be summoned again."

"Hold tightly to the boat," Kruthor says with a smile and a slight bow to you all. "And may Eberron keep you."

---

Starg casts Fly upon Melethos. For up to 10 minutes, he has a flying speed of 60 ft.

Click here for a sense of scale concerning the roc.

[Elvis]

Thul watches the roc as it descends towards them.

Of all the ways he imagined he would eventually die, Roc and rowboat where never on the list; neither separately, nor in the same sentence.

[Brian]

"All right," Melethos shouts as the roc descends, a wild grin on his face, "here we go!"