SKT: Session 13: They have stones!!
General Summary
So penned by mine own hand,Chapter the 13th: The Flight from Grudd Haug
There are times when valiant hearts must stand and fight— And times when wisdom whispers: Run. The battle-weary party, their bodies battered and their magic waning, made the only choice left to them: escape the den of giants and live to fight another day. As the first flames of retreat were kindled, Juniper hurled her last fireball into the fray, setting the air ablaze with searing heat and sending giants and orcs scrambling. Thyme, still bolstered by unnatural speed, darted toward the exit, her path a blur. But before Madra could follow, fate struck a cruel blow—one of the monstrous hill giants crushed him beneath its mighty weight. Another beast thundered toward the party, while still more stomped about in a futile effort to extinguish the fire engulfing the throne of Chief Guh. Azure, thinking quickly, unleashed his arcane might to force the giant off Madra, giving the fallen warrior a moment to breathe. Uvar, ever the shepherd to his flock, wove divine magic into his allies, mending wounds even as his own strength faltered. Madra staggered to his feet, only to be caught between two more giants. One swung at Azure, but the Sorcerer retaliated with a crackling surge of power, momentarily paralyzing his foe. The brief respite allowed Uvar and Madra to flee, but as the Barbarian turned to shield Azure’s retreat, the relentless brute struck him down yet again. With few options left, Azure drew upon the last vestiges of his innate power, breathing life back into his fallen comrade before hastening his own escape. Uvar, torn between duty and survival, made his choice—one final blessing to Madra before he too ran. Beneath the crushing weight of the Hill Giant, Madra summoned the raw might within him, forcing his way free and sprinting toward the docks, where Rodderick and the others stood waiting. It was then that Juniper, with the cunning of a seasoned trickster, devised a ploy most unorthodox: she conjured an illusory meat pie, a grander and easier meal than the warriors fleeing before the giants. The brutes fell for the ruse—but upon grasping the false feast, their fury returned tenfold. Their gazes locked onto Madra, but just as they prepared to charge, Azure called upon his quick wit and cast a spell of deception. His voice boomed in the cavern, mimicking the grotesque tones of Chief Guh herself. The simpleminded titans hesitated, confused by their leader’s call, and turned back. And with that, the party made their escape. Their flight led them to the shores of the lake, where at last they caught their breath. Rodderick, eager to reclaim his lost sheep, struck a bargain—he would remain behind to spy upon Grudd Haug, recording its movements for the party’s inevitable return. Uvar, steeled by the hard-earned lessons of battle, knew they could not strike again without first growing stronger. The others, after some deliberation, agreed. The question remained: where to next? Waterdeep, to claim items from an old family connection? Or back to the Bargewright Inn, where merchants still awaited safe passage to Mornbryn’s Shield? To find their answer, Azure reached out with magic, seeking one of the wagon drivers. The reply came swift and clear—they still waited, hoping for a proper escort. So it was that the party turned their path southward, returning to the Bargewright Inn and securing their task once more from Nalaskur Thaelond. Jostin and Lessilar stood ready to travel, and after gathering supplies, the caravan set forth on its thirteen-day journey. On the third day, they came to the village of Belliard, a quiet market town where cattlemen bartered their herds. Yet amid the usual bustle, one notice stood apart: “Adventurers Wanted! 500 gold for the discovery of a Hill Giant den. Seek the Watchful Knight for details.” A wry grin spread across the party’s faces. They had already done the deed—why not collect the reward? Within the Watchful Knight, the inn’s barkeep called the room to attention as the heroes spoke of their exploits. When the name Grudd Haug fell from their lips, the crowd stirred. When they told of its location, voices rose in anger. And when they spoke of Rodderick, alive and well, a cheer erupted. “Death to Guh!” the patrons roared. With the clink of coin, 500 gold pieces exchanged hands, and the party left richer than they arrived. They made one last stop before departing—Juniper, ever the studious Wizard, acquired a brass brazier and charcoal from the blacksmith. Then, they ventured to the stables, where Madra, speaking the primal tongue of beasts, ensured each mount was worthy of their journey. With horses beneath them and the road stretching ever onward, the next chapter of their saga began.
Scriers Phink, Teller of Truths and Weaver of Wonders
"A retreat is not surrender, but the promise of a battle yet to come."
Rewards Granted
Got 500 gp, from a wanted poster in Beliard.
Juniper Bramble
True Neutral Forest Gnome (Rune Carver)
Wizard 5
Wizard 5
32 / 32 HP
STR
8
8
DEX
15
15
CON
14
14
INT
18
18
WIS
12
12
CHA
8
8
Uvar
Neutral Good Aasimar (Ruined)
Cleric 5
Cleric 5
38 / 38 HP
STR
14
14
DEX
8
8
CON
14
14
INT
10
10
WIS
18
18
CHA
12
12
Thyme Bramble
Lawful Neutral Shield Dwarf (City Watch)
Fighter 6
Fighter 6
58 / 58 HP
STR
19
19
DEX
10
10
CON
16
16
INT
8
8
WIS
10
10
CHA
14
14
Azure
Chaotic neutral Air Genasi (Outlander)
Sorcerer 6
Sorcerer 6
38 / 38 HP
STR
8
8
DEX
12
12
CON
14
14
INT
14
14
WIS
10
10
CHA
18
18
Madra
Chaotic Good Human (Giant Foundling)
Barbarian 5
Barbarian 5
65 / 65 HP
STR
18
18
DEX
13
13
CON
16
16
INT
8
8
WIS
10
10
CHA
10
10
Report Date
19 Mar 2025
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