20060217 TouchTheTwilightSky

<H1> Touch the Twilight Sky </H1>
<H2> Role Call </H2>
<TABLE>
<TR>
 <TD> Corriol </TD>
 <TD> 19th/10th/1st Storm Giant/Sorcerer/Paladin </TD>
 <TD> John Speck </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Galzos </TD>
 <TD> 19th/6th/5th Storm Giant/Cleric/Church Inquisitor </TD>
 <TD> Rob Gale/Ray Chiang </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Kraukan </TD>
 <TD> 19th/10th Storm Giant/Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Peter DiPiazza/Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Norroc </TD>
 <TD> 19th/10th Storm Giant/Barbarian </TD>
 <TD> Robert Giedt/Jim Yonemura </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Farotshu </TD>
 <TD> 19th/10th Storm Giant/Monk </TD>
 <TD> Keith Farrar </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Galadia </TD>
 <TD> 19th/5th/5th Storm Giant/Rogue/Ranger </TD>
 <TD> Peter Koning/Mark Whisler </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Shamus </TD>
 <TD> 19th/10th Storm Giant/Fighter </TD>
 <TD> Ray Chiang/Matt Miller </TD>
</TR>
<TR>
 <TD> Roga </TD>
 <TD> 19th/10th Storm Giant/Bard </TD>
 <TD> Matt Miller </TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<H2> Prelude </H2>
The Black Cloud is an elite group of storm giants. They are the eyes and ears of the storm giants.
The City of Brass is a city on the Plateau on the Westmarch and entirely occupied by giantkind. They are decended from the Jotun, which are the gods to giants. The City of Brass was ruled by the Cloud Giant Bolcus, who is known to be a wizard. No one has visited in 40-50 years, so no one knows what's going on. What is weird is that all the mortal giants have all congregated in the City of Brass and they are not fighting each other. They have moved under one person in the Jarl.
There are rumors of something big (100's of mechanical constructs gathered) and no one is clear as to what is going on. This time it's not the little people who have done something and screwed up. There was some business that some dwarves dug up a god and all sorts of trouble.
A few words were whispered in the ears of the leaders and it appears as though the little people.
Determine whether it's time for the storm. Lots of creatures like to do favors for Storm Giants, so when they call in favors.
<H2> Intentions Revealed </H2>
Galzos scries on the Jarl of the City of Brass, but doesn't get any images. Presumably he is well protected.
Corriol uses Clarivoyance to scry around the city. There is a great deal of order to the camp where the constructs. Rolling hills have been levelled and gridded out in little sections and lined by up by type and group. This lends credence to the premise that they are from Mechanus. Several types are seen: those who deny justice, those who mete out punishments to those who break bargains and oaths, and maruts (those who represent the inevitability of death).
Roga says that the City of Brass was built by Fire Giants under the rule of an Efreet Lord--in the image of the city in his home plane.
During the 3 day. The city looks overcrowded. There were market plazas which now look like shanty towns. Corriol peeks at the gate and there appears to be some sort of process for entering, but nothing rigorous.
The central tower goes up into the cloud dwelling where the cloud giants live. There are small white fluffy clouds with castles built in them. The city is built in concentric circles with radial spoke walls (for military). The walls are rumored to be made of solid brass. Lots of domes, coppolas, and arches. Definitely lots of uses of circles and domes.
The stone giants appearing to be carving themselves a home underground. The other giants appear to be paying attention to the cloud giants.
Roga thinks that there are several clans of giants in the Imperium and none of them have shown up in the city yet. There is a clan of Fire Giants in the Occident province that. Those giants apparently built the road through the parapets. Roga disguises the party as these Fire Giants. The Clan is the Suns of Surtur. They are primarily builders. Unfortunately, Fire Giants are too small for a disguise to work properly.
The group comes in disguised as a group of Cloud Giants. They walk over there within days.
If these constructs don't go home, they wander in the area looking for a new mission.
The group walks by. There is a group of eight Frost Giants and one Stone Giant at the gate.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Galzos:</B> We're here to join up.
<B>Guard:</B> You'll need to talk to Bolcus.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
There is a castle with dragons flying around and a thundercloud next' to it.
"What kind of dragons?" "What's the thundercloud?" "That's where the Jarl lives."
The group heads up to Bolcus' castle. As they get closer, one of the winged figures swoops and dives towards the city. It appears to be a blue dragon with a cloud giant riding it. There also appears to be blue, white, red (just a few), and green dragons--probably 16-17 in total. There is a tremendous cloud with a stately looking castle with a couple of young cloud giants standing around in front. A few people spot a few strange currents flying through the clouds. Roga spots some sort of creature composed entire of mist are in the clouds. They are probably Aerial Servants--it's not uncommon for these creatures to be visitors, servants, and loafers.
Of all the giants, the Cloud Giants are the most different in nature from giant to giant (good/evil/lawful/chaotic). As the group arrives, Corriol detects (strong) evil ahead.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Galzos:</B> Hi, we're new arrivals. We're told to come see Bolcus.
<B>Guards:</B> Okay, stay there.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The figure on the right raises his arms. Six air elementals come out of the clouds. Corriol also sees seven invisible creatures (stalkers) rise up between the monk and the guards. The other cloud giant pulls a horn from his belt (two shorts and a long). A number of the dragons (3 blue, 1 white) swoop into the area.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Guard:</B> It will be a few minutes.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
There is something strange in the cloud giants. These guys aren't draped in finery, and they have a strange attitude about them (more like veteran fighters or mercenaries rather than nobles). Kraukan notices that their skin is exceptionally pale and rough looking (as if sunburned or dry). The other is sort of a pale sky blue. One possibility is that back in their heritage, there was some cross breeding with dragons.
In a few minutes, the doors open and a noble female Cloud Giant comes out. Wearing a tiara, nice robes
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Lady:</B> Welcome, we have new guests and you've come to join us?
<B>Farotshu:</B> Yes. We were summoned to see the Jarl and we understand that something big is going on.
<B>Lady:</B> No, I'm his daughter. You may call be Tiera. Please come in.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The guards make way and she motions for the party to come in. Inside the manor is a huge welcome hall. There is plenty of seating--as if this happens often.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Tiera:</B> So perhaps I can answer some questions for you. What can I help you with?
<B>Corriol:</B> Well, can you tell use more about what you're doing here in the Brass City?
<B>Tiera:</B> Well, to begin with, this wonderful city is outfitting with a large body of beings with purposes.
<B>Corriol:</B> Yes, I could certainly see your operation as we came in. But it wasn't obvious what purpose it all serves.
<B>Tiera:</B> Let me explain a bit. As you may recall, my father rules this city. Some time ago, the Jarl arrived and explained how all giantkind can regain their place as masters of the planes. We can bring about Ragnarok.
 That's only going to be true for those who help. We've sent out word far and wide, and of course with us in charge.
<B>Corriol:</B> And towards what end?
<B>Tiera:</B> For the giants, it's the glorious beginning of the new world. The small people see it as the end of their world, but it is paradise for us.
 The key of course, is to bring the Jotun to Bifrost and then the prophecy fulfills itself. And we know that Heimdall cannot stop them. And of course we have to defeat any mortal opposition. And in the end, we will join the Jotun in ruling the planes.
<B>Corriol:</B> And how can we help?
<B>Tiera:</B> Your skills. We need to get the giants to fight each other. Oh yes, the Mechanus army. Mechanus was quite willing to assist us when we explained things. And once we establish our dominion, we will have them as our side to enforce Law.
 Now, of course, there's quite a bit of opposition, but we can handle this easily.
<B>Corriol:</B> Who opposes us?
	 
<B>Tiera:</B> Oh, there's all sorts. The Imperium is going to not consider our ultimate goal to align with theirs. Other issues, there are adventurers from the small folk. The dwarves, in particular, have to be rubbed out. The potential for destruction there is . Our divinations indicates that the greatest threat to our plans come from the dwarves.
<B>Corriol:</B> What of the lich king?
<B>Tiera:</B> Oh, that's coincidental. They have no bearing on our plans. However, it's a useful tool for motivating Mechanus. Once we complete our task, they will help.
<B>Corriol:</B> From what I understood, that's what their purpose is.
<B>Tiera:</B> In particular, the leaders of our group from Mechanus is very interested in destroying this being. I personally don't really care. It makes a great difference to the Inevitables. Several inevitables have tried and failed. We've agreed to assist them if they assist us in their goal of bringing peace around the planes.
<B>Corriol:</B> Our skills?
<B>Tiera:</B> Yes, we have quite a bit of work that requires doing. We're still looking for Bifrost. Without that, our ability to reach Muspellheim is limited.
<B>Corriol:</B> I've always wanted to meet a Jotun.
<B>Tiera:</B> Well, who doesn't. But we all have our prayers.
<B>Tiera:</B> The beauty of this is that the Jotun have been guiding us all this way? I do mean the here and now, we speak to the Jotun daily.
<B>Corriol:</B> I see. (Ponders a bit)
<B>Tiera:</B> So, have you brought your dwellings with you?
<B>Corriol:</B> Actually, no.
<B>Tiera:</B> Well, you'll need to bring them here. That would be the first order of business.
<B>Tiera:</B> It's so tiring to move one's hoard. We just need everyone here--that's the main thing. Now, how long will this take?
<B>Corriol:</B> A few days.
<B>Tiera:</B> I wouldn't worry about secrecy. The small ones are too busy. Tell your friends, this is a very important mission. We're going to change the worlds. We're going to change all the worlds.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The party introduces themselves (or at least using "aliases").
Kramer: Ramos <BR>Roga: (Translation) <BR>Galadia: Dalgar <BR>Farotshu: Johan <BR>Galzos: Farq <BR>Kraukan: Tuin <BR>Corriol: Cory
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Tiera:</B> And be careful. Be back here as swiftly as possible. Things are in motion and we will need your help.
<B>Tiera:</B> Anything else I can help you with for today?
<B>Corriol:</B> No, we should get on our way back home.
<B>Tiera:</B> We'll see you here in a few weeks then. If you return and you find that we have moved on, then
<B>Corriol:</B> I have some information in my library. Is there someone I can talk to about this?
<B>Tiera:</B> If you have solid information, I think it's best not to bring your dwelling, but to bring that information straight to Jarl. If we have that information, we would strike out today--the transportation is in place.
I haven't personally been involved with the search for Bifrost. I handle recruiting, information, and enforcement. How soon could we do that?
<B>Tiera:</B> Let me give you a writ to get you past the sentries. It's up to the Jarl if he can see you today.
<B>Corriol:</B> Thank you.
<B>Tiera:</B> Very pleasant to meet you.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
Galzos sends a message to the Maelstrom clan. "City of Brass in search of Bifrost. Mechanus in League. They attack when find Bifrost." The respons is "If imminent, act without us. May take too long."
The group discusses Bifrost. It's not likely to have a fixed location on the Prime Material Plane.
As the group approaches the thundercloud, a huge blue dragon with a cloud giant rider (armored head to toe) flies out from the cloud and shouts: "None may approach the citadel. Down with you."
The group goes down to the entrance. As the group makes their way up, they can see down the stairs. Occasionally, there are places to see out to the city of Brass and there is artwork. There is room inside for dragons to fly around inside the Citadel. Both stone giants at the gates appear to have some of the same tattoos, mainly associated with the cultures of the distant south. The party gains some escorts along the way--some kind of invisible creatures from the lower planes, but not the Abyss. These creatures are generally of General-level rank.
At the top, the stairs go up to a floor. There is a misty staircase from the citadel up to the thundercloud. At the top is a group of three noble Cloud Giants. One of them steps forward.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Cloud Giant:</B> Welcome. We were told to expect you. We hope to gain much from your knowledge.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group goes up through the clouds. The invisible entities continue to follow the party. At the peak of the cloud, the path opens up into sunshine. At the top of the staircase, a voice speaks: "Await the coming of the Jarl."
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Roga:</B> (Names a mountain range in the north)
<B>Jarl:</B> We have allies in that area. We have not found it there.
<B>Jarl:</B> Do you have any other information?
<B>Corriol:</B> As you well know, there are magical ways of scrying on those seeing the bridge. (Reaches in his shirt, pulls out the mirror and activates it)
<B>Jarl:</B> I see nothing
<B>Corriol:</B> I have no idea why the magic is not working.
<B>Jarl:</B> View it, but generate an illusion of it.
<B>Corriol:</B> I will have to do so tomorrow.
<B>Jarl:</B> Very well, return when you have useful information.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
The group goes outside the city. It sounds like the spell was a Projected Image. After much discussion, the group decides to fly to the city and reveal the identity of the Jarl.
<H2> Combat </H2>
<B>Round 1:</B> The party is attacked by air elementals. Attacked by Pit Fiends with Meteor Swarm.<BR />Corriol rolls a Will save (19+36=55). Corriol makes several more saves. He activates the Mirror of Opposition and four more giants appear from the mirror. They attack immediately. The largest opposition appears to have used a Time Stop and a Harm in conjunction.<BR />Galzos flies closer and does a Chain Lightning (62/24) to the Jarl.<BR />Corriol looks at the body of the new leader. His features no longer look Norse. He instead looks Greek, with a noble cast, and he appears to be glowing a bit. He does appear to be a Titan of Greek descent.<BR />"You fools, you follow a Titan, not a true leader of giants!" he exclaims.<BR />Corriol waits. The rest of the group continues to fly towards the invisible cloud city. Farotshu leaps 325 feet and flies closer, letting loose a Chain Lightning.<BR />Two more appear. Bolcus and a Cloud Giant (who appears to be in charge) appear. They have a brief conversation with the nearby Cloud Giant clerics. Bolcus casts a Cone of Cold, removing the last opposition. The Cloud Giant lady casts a Globe of Invulnerability.
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<B>Bolcus:</B> Unless you want war between our people, you will go now!
<B>Corriol:</B> We seek naught war with the giants. We only seek to reveal the Titan.
<B>Bolcus:</B> Giants may freely associate, but we will no longer follow this imposter. You are in no position to dictate politics.
<B>Corriol:</B> I agree, but our goal is prevent the lesser evil clans from ascending to Ysgard.
<B>Bolcus:</B> In that you will fail. We will spare you because you are of giantkind, if you leave. Those who are true giants will not oppose us.
<B>Corriol:</B> We will leave if you let us take the body.
<B>Bolcus:</B> He has our treasure. We will recover those items and then you make take the body.
<B>Corriol:</B> Agreed.
</BLOCKQUOTE>
It appears that the dragons are associated with the Cloud Giants.
Final News: During the course of the fight, Bolcus is alive and second in command The other thing is that the Jarl is clearly not a giant. He appears to be masquerading as a giant.
<H2> Foes Fought </H2>
Lots of giants