Company+of+the+Phoenix+Session+15

**11-25-2016** **Giants in Gnoll Pass and Arrival in Tilverton**

Leaving Charlemagne and Alix behind with Karlissa and Anuul in Arabel to help with some clean up, the rest of the Company of the Phoenix took horses and traveled along Moonsea Ride. They rode to the edge of the Eastern Stormhorn Mountains. Tiri was still having a difficult time adjusting to horseback travel. "You can ride on the back of my horse if you like," Alaric offered. She sighed, glancing a little longingly from his horse back to hers, "I really need to learn to do this... It would just be so much easier running on my own." He chuckled, "You don't want to tire yourself out. You never know what we'll come across out here." She nodded her agreement and rode beside him, watching and trying to learn.

An enormous gate marked the entrance of Gnoll Pass through the mountain. The guards waved a greeting as the group approached. Alaric raised the banner of the Phoenix and the guards recognized the symbol, waving them in. One of the guards welcomed them as they came in, "Lord Goldsword, we recognized your heraldry. It's good to see you come this way. Will you be going through Gnoll Pass?" Alaric nodded, "Indeed. How has your duty been? Any problems here at the Pass? There has been a problem of orcs and goblins coming in to the mainland, but I can't imagine they came through here." "The orcs learned long ago that they can't come through here. They usually take the long way around," the guard agreed, "Though every now and again a small group will come to test us to make sure we're still here. We keep them honest as our duty requires." "Excellent!" Tiri nodded to him, "How about the pass?" "You shouldn't have too much to worry about. It's been quiet of late. The gnolls were chased from this pass long ago," he assured her. "It is good to hear that the road is cleared to Tilverton," Alaric nodded. "Don't let your guard down though. Things still wander in to the pass," the guard warned.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Do you bring any word from Suzail?" the guard asked. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"What sort of word are you looking for?" Tiri tilted her head. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Any news about the assassination attempt?" he explained further. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"The elf who took the arrow is still in critical condition," Alaric answered. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Ahh we had heard a rumor that the arrow had some sort of sorcery," the guard nodded. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Yes," Tiri nodded, "We believe that it was intended specifically for Sebathian, but it hit my brother instead." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"The elf was your brother?" the guard looked her over with sympathy. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Indeed," the young priestess nodded sadly. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"That is part of our business in Tilverton," Alaric nodded, "We heard some rumors of the assassin being a worshiper of Shar." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Vile!" the guard spit on the ground. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Tiri nodded her agreement, touching the elongated 8 pointed star of Corellion that she wore. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"If you see him... you should apprehend or kill him, but please... be careful. He is a very skilled assassin," Alaric went on to describe the shao man. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"You know... one of my corporals has a bit of a drawing skill. Perhaps we could take down a sketch that we could post here at the wall in case he comes through," the guard suggested. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"That would be excellent!" Tiri nodded, "Anything to help catch him.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">There was a massive wall protecting the edge of Cormyr from an approach from the mountains. Homes, shops, and various rooms were built into the wall making it their city keep as well. The young elf was fascinated by the architecture. They stopped to stretch their legs and let the horses rest while they had lunch. Alaric put a couple of extra saddle blankets over the young elven woman's horse. Tiri melted a little over the gesture.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">A young man named Matthew met the group with a big drawing pad and charcoal stick. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"I hear you have talent with a pencil," Tiri greeted him warmly. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"So I've been told, m'lady, so I've been told," he nodded, "I'm just happy to put my skill to good use." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Alaric and Tiri worked together to describe everything they could remember from the priest who the assassin had killed... it had been a shao man with very long hair. Likely a worshiper of Shar. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Can I ask what you're doing out to Tilverton?" Matthew questioned, "You don't think the assassin is there, do you?" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"No, we're looking into where the orcs and goblins are coming from," Alaric assured him, "The assassin is likely laying low. He has a lot of people searching for him right now... so we're trying to see what has the orcs all riled up and coming into Cormyr."

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Matthew nodded, "Before the big attack on Arabel we seen small groups of orcs going through the mountains with wildmen with them." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Wildmen?" Tiri looked on with intrigue. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"These were not Cormyrian men... they're men who wear furs and trappings of animals from the other side," he explained. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"We had suspicion that they were coming from the lands north of the mountain," Alaric nodded, "From Tilverton we're likely head west to investigate the desert there." <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Certainly be cautious there," Matthew warned. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Can I send some men with you?" the guard asked. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"No, no. I wouldn't want to deplete your garrison here. Keep it strong. Just please send our companions along when they arrive," Alaric replied. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Of course," the guard agreed.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Alaric, Rhain, Tiri, and Nalen set out through the pass. The priestess and the paladin were struggling with riding through the narrower road with high walled sides. They were in mid-conversation about riding when suddenly a massive boulder came crashing down, knocking Nalen from his horse into the rocky wall! <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Nalen!" Tiri called out his name as her eyes going wide. She looked up the steep hill to see a giant next to a stacked pile of rocks. <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">The giant was grinning ear to ear with a raised fist, "Got one!" <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Another boulder came sailing in from the other side as Rhain went careening from her horse! <span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">"Good one, brother!" the second giant called out with glee.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> Alaric quickly wove a magic shield around himself and began moving up the hill as Tiri pulsed with divine energy to heal some of the wounds of her companions. "Kill the healer!" the first giant called out, pointing at the elven woman with long blue hair. Nalen regained his footing and ran with reckless abandon up the hill to the left to meet the hill giant! Rhain followed him up, but used more caution and lagged behind. "Back up, little man!" the hill giant shouted in surprise as he tried to swing the boulder in his hand at the quick approaching paladin! "Brave, but stupid! I kill you and make you into jelly!" he dropped his boulder and pulled out a huge club, smashing it heavily into Nalen!

"I'll get her brother!" the second giant called out, throwing a large boulder at the priestess still in the center of the road! It barely missed her, crashing into the ground and shattering rocks in all directions. Alaric pulled his scepter, sending a scorching fiery ray into the first giant and burning it's flesh! It screamed in pain, growling out, "Urgh! It burns us!" as it pointed at the mage. Tiri quickly made her way up the hill, pulling her new rod out to send her healing magic beyond her touch to mend some of Nalen's freshly broken bones. "Damn it, brother! Kill that healing bitch!" the first giant called out with frustration, "I had the shiny guy almost dead!" The paladin called in some of his own divine magic to heal more of his wounds, and swung his greatsword wildly. Rhain dashed the rest of the way up, pulling her dual blades out.

The second giant threw another enormous boulder that crashed into Tiri's back shoulder with a sickening crack of bone followed by her screams of pain! "Good shot, brother!" the first giant congratulated him as he swung his massive club into Nalen again, ripping the paladin's shoulder from it's socket to hang crippled at his side! Alaric continued up the hill, sending another fiery ray through his dragon scepter to melt part of the giant's flesh away from it's body! It wailed in pain as blistering and ash covered most of it's body! Rhain managed to dance in behind the giant, piercing one of her blades through his ribcage as she dashed by! Tiri moved up, sending her magic ahead of her again to mend Nalen's arm and shoulder, allowing him to bring his shield back up. "Damn it, brother! You're worthless!" the first giant shouted his frustration as he watched the paladin's wounds healed again. Still reeling from the pain of the giant's heavy hits, Nalen again swung his greatsword wildly.

The second giant bowled one of his massive boulders down his hill and up the other to bounce off of Alaric's magic shield! It howled in frustration, "Stupid magic!" The first turned around, his seared flesh practically dripping to the ground as he slammed his massive club in Rhain! Alaric again washed the giant in a ray of fire, finally dropping it to the ground in an ashen heap! "You! You killed my brother! I smash you!" the second giant wailed from behind them. He grabbed his club in one hand and a boulder in the other and began moving down his hill. Tiri quickly moved up with the others, covering them in divine healing energy.

The giant threw his boulder, smashing through Alaric's magic shield to impact the sorcerer squarely in the chest! Nalen pulled the divinity of Kelemvor to heal more of his wounds. Alaric sent magic missiles from his wand to pierce into the great approaching giant. Tiri dashed over to put her hands against Alaric, healing up most of his wounds as Rhain moved down the hill with her blades. The giant charged down his hill to race up the other hill and swung his massive club at the blonde swashbuckler. Rhain managed to dash in closer than he expected, and used her blade to push his arm wide!

Alaric sent a powerful ray of fire through his dragon scepter, searing the giant's flesh! Rhain slid her blade into the giant's back, puncturing one of his lungs! Tiri channeled out more of Corellion's blessing, healing up her companions wounds. Nalen charged up to the giant, slashing deeply through his massive gut with his greatsword! The giant still managed to stand, but his club clanged against the paladin's shield. Alaric covered the giant in fire, finally bringing him down in a burned and bloody heap. Tiri used her wand of healing to mend Rhain and their horses.

Searching the giants, they managed to find 110 gold pieces on them. Tiri pulled Avrae out of her bag. His feet were wrapped around a gold coin as he was mightily chewing on it. She laughed, petting his head, "I have more gold to put in the bag!" The little golden dragon clapped in delight as she put several handfuls in.

Setting up camp for the night, the four took turns keeping watch. Each person heard large wings flapping in the dark during their watch, but no one seen anything. Something was looping around the area. The wings sounded heavier than the feathery wings of gryphons. "We should perhaps forego a fire," Alaric suggested. Tiri nodded, her teeth chattering in the cool night air, "Alright." "We should stay close together for warmth," he nodded, noting her shivering. "This sounds like a plan..." Rhain muttered, "Fine... scoot over." She squeezed in between the sorcerer and priestess, sitting close to both. Tiri snuggled in closer to the swashbuckler, grateful for the combined heat. Nalen sat on her other side.

In the morning, everyone felt the leftover ache from the chill in the night as they prepared to move on. They rode away from the mountain, noting a large group of footprints, mixed of men, orcs, and goblins... possibly some kobolds moving recently through the area as they made their way to Tilverton.

Tilverton was more of a fort town than a city. It was a free city unclaimed by any country. It had a wooden palisade wall all around it with human guards posted. Large ballistas were set up on the four corners in towers. "You should be used to this sort of rustic place, right?" Alaric turned to the priestess. "I do not live in a fort!" she replied defensively, narrowing her eyes. "You live in wooden buildings, don't you?" he pressed further. "Well I'm not a dwarf where everything is stone!" she barked back at him. He chuckled, seemingly enjoying the rise he could get out of her. She folded her arms, "I can't wait until you see my 'rustic' homeland." "I'm sure I'll be struck blind by the beauty of the elven woodlands," he nodded to her, sarcasm in his tone.

They strode through the gates of the wooden wall to look over the small town. The ground was dirt. Nothing was paved or landscaped. Wooden structures provided homes and gathering places. There was a general store, a fruit stand, and a few carts of furs and things brought in by traders. The stables were small, and the barracks took up a great portion of the town. The clang of a blacksmith could be heard in the corner.

The four went and got 2 rooms at the small local inn, one for the girls and one for the guys. The innkeeper seemed happy to have them. "It looks like you all are doing well here. We've been having some problems with orcs and goblins in Cormyr, but it doesn't seem like they're bothering you," Alaric nodded to him. "We did have a couple of groups come through here, but we think they were looking for easier fare," he replied.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> They learned that Kavin Lusar was the mayor of the town. A man originally from Cormyr. He had struck out into the wilds to find a spot of his own eventually creating the start of the town. "It seems like a good spot of land," Alaric nodded his approval, "Protected by the mountains. You have the elves and the Dalelands to the east and Cormyr to the south... though I doubt you see much from the west." "We do occasionally see a group of elves come through, and of course the Cormyrians," the innkeeper nodded, "But no... wild lands are to the west." "That's where we'll be heading," the golden haired nobleman nodded, "We're just waiting to meet a friend first. We may be staying a few days." "You are welcome to stay as long as you like," he nodded, "When your friends arrive, we can bring some cots in. We don't have anything bigger than 2, but we're happy to try and accommodate you." The group nodded their thanks and settled into their rooms.

As their ate their evening meals, they listened to the talk of the room. Many caravaneers came to the inn. The main talk was about the orcs and the wild men, though some called them desert folk. For some reason these wild desert men had come to some common ground with the orcs and were traveling in larger groups. It all started about 8 months or so ago. In the beginning, it seemed that the groups originally heading in different directions... but in the last few months they were focused on heading south.

A traveling trader spoke with the group for a while. He said that he ventured in and out of southern Anauroch on a fairly regular schedule. "The people who used to live there... most were simple folk who farmed what land they could. The did a lot of water farming. They rarely traded me anything other than now and then a tool... but lately they've been very militarized," he frowned. "Someone has been organizing them?" Alaric asked. The trader nodded, "It seems that way. It wasn't a natural evolution by any means... They don't let anyone into their encampments anymore." "Not even you? Someone they knew," Tiri asked. He shook his head, "No, I was met with swords and told to be on my way." "Any flags or symbols you may have seen?" the charismatic sorcerer asked. He shook his head, "They do wear a very distinctive armor, but no flags or symbols."

Eventually they could hear gasps as Quarrelle came into town. She was dressed as a trader with a cart of furs seemingly doing legitimate business. Alaric and Tiri approached her as customers. The young drow even spoke with a different accent. She passed them a note that she would meet them that night. They bought some straps for gear and padding for saddles before returning to the inn to wait for her arrival.

Alaric adjusted his hair multiple times as they waited. "Are you going on a date?" Tiri giggled. "I want to look my best... she's a servant of the crown," he replied defensively. "So are we," Tiri shrugged.

Quarrelle slid into the chair beside them, "It is good to see that you have arrived safely." Alaric nodded, "There were a few..." "Delays," Tiri nodded. "Delays," Alaric agreed, "But only a few. Thankfully nothing fatal. We found out a little about the wastelands." He went on to inform her of the alliance of orcs and wild men as well the strange towns gets militarized. She nodded, "That makes sense with some of the stuff I've picked up. A wildman had spoke of a new group entering the area who was pushing them from their tribal grounds." "Did he speak of masks and golden armor?" Alaric asked. Quarrelle nodded, "Exactly. It is said that they believed Cormyr would be an easy target." The nobleman sorcerer snorted, "Little do they know... We are willing to die for our country... they would have been better off going into the Dalelands." "Exactly," the drow woman nodded, "But apparently that was too far to walk for them." "Certainly Cormyr is a jewel of the land... it they're looking for treasure, this is the more richer place to go," he replied. "Have you heard anything of winged folk in the area?" Tiri asked. Alaric nodded, "We heard something flying around at the edge of the mountains."

"So we need to investigate these people and try to find out what's going on," Alaric suggested. "If they've stopped trading with the outside world then perhaps they've become self sufficient," the drow agreed. Alaric nodded, "But once they've displaced the orcs... I can't imagine they are just going to stop there. If it's truly a militarized force... but there's no one in the desert, so who is doing it?" "Especially since they're new to militarization," Quarrelle pondered, "It's not like the orcs wouldn't fight back."

Alaric made arrangements to have the group pair up with a caravan as security... encouraging them to get a 2nd group just in case the companions had to part ways in Anauroch. Quarrelle agreed to travel with them as long as they needed her, or at least until their slayer returned.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #222222; display: block; font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"> The Sembian caravaneer was very pleased to sign up the Company of the Phoenix to serve as security for the trip. Alaric agreed that the group would only take food for the trip as payment in addition to the understanding that a separation may occur, "Hopefully we will not have to separate, but if our duty demands it..." "I understand the obligation," Marco agreed. "We did a good trade with Sembia once," Alaric replied, "And we shall again one day now that your country has been liberated." "Let's hope so," he nodded. "Traveling all the way from Sembia is quite the trade," Tiri looked him over. "No, I left my country when it went dark. I signed on as security for a caravan then... and I have my own two wagons now," Marco replied. "Good for you! You are doing well then," Tiri spoke genuinely. "It is a dangerous lot though," he continued. "We've heard things have been happening in the wastes," Alaric nodded, "I expect an eventful trip." "As do I," Marco agreed, "Between the orcs and the barbarians... it's always interesting." "I'm glad we'll be in good company," Tiri nodded. The caravaneer smiled at her and nodded, "I'll work on getting that second group signed up as well."