Post by Milo Brightmane on Sept 12, 2019 10:43:25 GMT
Lady Aurelia, and others of the Council,
I. Bliss - Tiefling - Swordswoman
II. Bubbles - Tiefling - Dancer/Hairdresser
III. Faye - Elf(?) - Musician
IIII. Greebo - Cat - Cat
[. Milo- Dwarf - Smith (myself)
[I. Mystigon - Human - Mage
Together we were forewarned by Councilman Coll of the Blindfolds we must wear in the City of Zot Goran on our arrival, and provided with such.
By Councilwoman Aurelia's magics we passed through the Circle in Daring Heights Central Plaza and were teleported to Zot Goran. Some little Distance from the Building in which we arrived we were met by Pte. Antony Shorthorn, Minotaur, who led us via all manner of narrow, winding Streets - suspect we would have become quite lost without him. Exiting the City proved the Purpose of this labyrinthine Layout - constant gale force Winds become reduced to a light Breeze.
Out destination was Jarvanol, a town apx. 1 day travel to the Foot of a Mountain range, similar to travel between Daring Heights and what remains of Stoneleaf (out of personal curiosity, request update on status of preparations to restart the quarry). We were taken across the undulating Countryside in an ingenious military Vehicle - wheeled, yet with Mast and Sail, and hinged across the Centre to increase ease of movement. Mystigon having visited K'ul Goran some Occassions prior ventured to introduce me to some of their unique Weaponry - the "Boom-a-rang" I was already familiar with via Mystigon, but was also shown a Chakram, known to me as the Weapon of Followers of Shar - an ill Omen, but I am convinced there is no Alliance with the Mistress of the Night in K'ul Goran. The weapon simply takes advantage of their Continent's unusual weather.
We made camp at Jarvanol, outside the main Town, a large Cluster of Farms and Houses, and ingratiated ourselves with the Errant Guard through various means, including preparation of a Goat Curry - hunted by Mystigon, cooked by myself. Interesting to note - Mystigon claimed that on killing the Creature all Blood drained from its Body and disappeared into the Earth leaving no trace. Indeed the Meat was tough. On questioning Pte. Shorthorn he appeared unconcerned, saying "The Ground is thirsty" with a shrug. Apparently this Phenomenon occurs all across K'ul Goran - Blood spilled on the Ground is drawn into it, and leaving no Stain; the Blood from slain Creatures drains until none remains. The K'ul Gorans do not fear it, and a number of sayings revolve around it e.g. "I pray the Ground does not thirst today" when going into Battle. Nevertheless suggest further Investigation.
As the Light of Dawn spread across the Land we were introduced briefly to Lt. Porous, a water Genasi, who further introduced us to Cdr Lydia Duststorm, an "aerotaur" (Minotaur/Air Genasi mix). The Cdr had hoped to find us some light Duties, allowing us to become accustomed to Life in K'ul Goran, but instead we were met with an Emergency. A family (of Minotaurs, we would later discover) had been taken captive by a Group of Hill Giants, themselves now cornered in a mountain Cave. I had previously been informed of Hill and Stone Giant activity in K'ul Goran, and in retrospect should have inquired if this was that same Area. From what little I know of Hill Giants I thought them too unintelligent to understand the Concept of "taking Hostages", but perhaps it is not such a complex Idea, even for Hill Giants.
While the Army camped out front of a large Cave entrance in which the Giants hid, we were led to a small Tunnel entrance. On making our way through the Tunnels we were briefly attacked by a Flock of Darkmantles, before crossing a large underground River. On the far side of the River we discovered the Cave in which lurked the Giants. Though we attempted to remain silent in our approach Faye did slip on the wet ground, and drew Giant attention to us. Faye and Mystigon performed most admirably, their Speed magically augmented by Bliss. A Giant attempted to make good on their Threat, and hurled a Boulder at the Family, strung up in a large Sack. Most thankfully the rock did not strike true, and Greebo (the Cat) was able to release the Family through some magics I had not thought capable of such a creature, even one so well-spoken. Upon their release Bubbles corraled the Family to the rear of the Cave until the rest of the group had disposed of the Giants. I fear I did not contribute meaningfully to the encounter, though I attempted to distract them from the Family. Cdr Duststorm did show that high command has not robbed her of willingness to make battle personally, taking on one Giant who was forced from the Cave.
Cdr Duststorm was grateful for our assistance, and I believe we have improved relations between K'ul Goran and Daring Heights by these means:
I. Improving Morale among Errant Guard and other military Personnel - curry, song, flirting and flattery etc. (Note: I was not among those flirting or flattering.)
II. Ensuring the captured Family were rescued successfully, if uncleanly
III. Healing the wounds suffered by Cdr Duststorm in her fight with the Giant
Suggested Topics for further Investigation:
I. Problems with Giants always known in K'ul Goran? Or are they increasing?
II. The "Ground That Thirsts". Presume magical cause, but what? And why? Blood magic unlikely to be benevolent.
On a personal note, I found the Venture most fascinating and thought-provoking. I intend to return, if possible, to discover the Truth of Stories regarding Stone Giants commanding Hill Giants, pending further Research among my Associates in Daring Heights who have had past Experience with their kind.
I remain your most humble Servant,
Milo Brightmane, Smith
