Session 19 - Impenetrable

12/05/5-10

The group headed to the store Shiek had visited before, Himmel's Knick-knacks, to try and purchase the pair of Sending Stones. After some bargaining, Valeyo offered 4 feathers from the fiend that the party had fought, presenting them as spoils of the Great hunt, to sweeten the deal. After some deliberation, Himmel agreed and sold them the stones for 150gp. Before leaving town, the party went to the university, to let the faculty know about the 2 men seen leaving the town to the east. They thanked the party and told them they would contact them if anything pops-up.

Now on the road, the group talked about whether to go to Rekasev or Akulavod. Otto pointed out that his vision indicated danger to the person he is looking for in Akulavod and so he would like to hurry there. Valeyo suddenly realized that the freezing water could be a sign of the Frost Giant, who was hunting the "dragon" spreading propaganda. The two of them agreed that hurrying there would be wise, as the ICM would still be in Rekasev after so it could wait. The group then set course for Rekasev.

13/05/5-10-19/05/5-10

On the 17th, after 5 days of quiet travel, the party reached the junction, where to road split to the east leading to Akulavod. The road immediately became more of a dirt path, less cleared, meandering across long-grass fields. Patrols became scarce and travelers few and far between.

20/05/5-10

Three days after the split the party noticed a wagon that had been sundered and left in the middle of the road. Milivoj rode up to the wagon and inspected the area around it. Inside the wreck appeared to be an ornate looking chest. Arrows stuck out of the sides of the wagon and dried blood coated the ground. Milivoj's instincts told him something was hiding nearby and he dismounted his horse, still on alert. He approached, trying to identify any regalia that could point to who the owner was. Standing before the chest, he lifted the lid and a puff of smoke wafted over his face. Suddenly, a wave of drowsiness hit him, but he managed to remain conscious. The inside of the chest was otherwise empty. Milivoj mounted his horse and heard the rustling again. He immediately charged at it and a grassy blanket moved out of his way, but his lance was too quick impaling a small reptilian creature holding it.

Combat began and another of these creatures shouted "Kill the horse!" as a few more of these archers appeared and fired at Milivoj's horse. The party realised that they had been ambushed by a group of Kobolds. Combat ensued and midway through, Valeyo tried casing message on one of the Dragonshields, to convince him to stand down, but was met with a "Hopper's got to eat, or we are all fucking dead!". Before the fight ended, one of the Dragonshields was knocked out and the others killed.

After taking some time to recover, the group started talking and Valeyo asked how common Kobold were in Ikoval. Milivoj said you don't see too many of them, as they are looked down upon, but they are present. Shiek asked about what Kobold were and Valeyo gave a quick summary, describing them as naturally subservient creatures, that worship dragons.

The party woke up the Kobold and asked it what happened to the people here. The Kobold said they were brough to Hopper, who is a blessed creature, half-giant half-dragon. He bore the horn of a blue dragon after arriving a few weeks ago, he built them an impenetrable fortress. Valeyo asked to be lead to Hopper, to challenge him to combat. The Kobold saw this as a chance to feed Hopper and agreed to lead them, saying the fort was an hour away. On the way, Valeyo asked if there were any giantkin, who matched the description. Otto pointed out that it is unlikely to be a true giant, as they would resent being worshipped by Kobolds .

After an hour, the group approached a crude looking fortress. A mess of stacked tables logs and carts could be seen ahead. Shiek, knocked out the Kobold leading them and started snaking around. Going through the middle, Milivoj lead, with Otto next to him. Behind was Valeyo, who shouted a challenge for Hopper. As the Kobold heard it, they rushed back into the fort and a bellowing laugh was heard. Soon, the steps of a large creature could be heard, crushing wood underfoot. Lumbering from behind, a 12ft tall Ogre with a horn protruding from his head. Cassini asked where Hopper got the horn and he said he was blessed by a dragon.

Combat began and Hopper channeled some magic into his horn, casting fear. Shiek climbed up to the tower an saw inside the fort. It was a construction of barrels and tables, with a large pot in the middle, where a nasty-looking stew was bubbling. Eventually Milivoj defeated the Great Horned One. A couple of Kobolds were left and Valeyo convinced one of them to never kill again, by imitating his conscience, causing him to flee.