World of Prime: Campaign Journal #71

The Giant's Divide

The party follows Fegr to the giant village, a collection of ancient and massive stone houses with one great longhouse for the King. They are welcome as novelties; the giants do not often have guests.

After polite introductions Fegr informs the party of the lay of the land. Three giants support him; three support the King; but there are three more who could yet be swayed. He sends the party off to build support.

As soon as they start they are intercepted by an emissary from the King. They are taken to the King's private chambers, where he explains that Fegr is plotting rebellion and needs to be dealt with. Unfortunately the King can do nothing, due to the oaths that bind them; but if the feast were to be delayed long enough for the oaths to expire unnoticed, the King could then stand by and allow the party to put down the troublemaker and his goons. He does mention, however, that there are three giants who have not yet chosen a side, and the party should seek them out and win them over.

After much moaning about railroads, the party makes its first stop at Somnyr's. She sends them on a task to fetch her prize bull from a stinky mushroom field, neglecting to mention that the mushrooms induce a murderous delusional rage, mostly because she is unaware of this effect (the giants cannot fail the Fortitude check). The Druid is also immune, but both the Bard and Cleric succumb, resulting in some hijinks before Neutralize Poison is cast all around. The same trick calms the bull, allowing the Druid to talk it into returning peacefully, and Somnyr expresses her gratitude. After that the only issue is hours with soap and a bristle brush, trying to get the revolting smell off. Again, the Druid is immune, but mostly because he always smells like that.

Their next stop is Moflagr, a thick-headed giant who only responds to strength. He strips down to a loin-cloth and challenges the party to a wrestling match. Old-school, meaning kicking and punching are allowed (but no biting!). The party divests themselves of armor, weapons, and spells, and enter the ring as a group. The wizard amazes everyone by landing a punch for 2 pts of damage, then amazes them again by surviving the giant's friendly return slap, and taps out of the rest of the fight. After that the giant mostly hits the Barbarian and Ranger, allowed the rest of the party to keep fighting, and after only 11 rounds they have reduced him to a quarter of his HP. Moflagr admits defeat, taps out, promises to support them in council, and goes away to sulk.

The third and final stop is Villnr, who simply asks for an astronomical bribe. As expected, the party does not even consider this option. Risking life and limb for a few coins is their stock in trade; they don't give the things away.

Now the party heads into the feast, still uncertain which side to back. While the King is Good, he has not offered them aid against the dragon, and he wields a Hammer of Thunderbolts that the Barbarian would really like to have. On the other hand, Fegr feels a little too much reminiscent of Queen Rian and her clever plots.