Ice Titan's Might, Chapter 1: Rumblings in the Mountain

[Abrahms]

"My name is Puck, soon I expect you'll grow tired of hearing crowds chant it while I pass," he gave a small bow, still holding Tom Snout.

Looking at Austin he smirked, "What's 'Little Red Dragon'? It doesn't sound familiar to me, perhaps a difference of homelands." Shrugging he continued, "Not all humans can cast magic, can they? Seems you're doing yourself a disservice to just assume all tieflings are made of the same cloth." Puck was quiet for a moment as he thought before turning to Austin with a grin, "I don't know why I did it." Waving an hand idly, "Impulse perhaps. It happens. Perhaps you might be pleased to know at the very least there's not anyone hidden nearby, just the same crowds as to be expected in this cold place."

Lifting Tom Snout he bumped the small pigs nose with his own, "Besides -- I didn't read everyone's mind. I couldn't read Tom's, nor your large friend. Interesting, is it not?"

 

[WetHawk]

Austin raised an eyebrow to Puck. "Really, never heard it? Well, that's lucky for you. Most scholars suggest it for when people're trying to read your mind, since it apparently annoys the heck outta most people. Anyways, most humans can't do any magic, while all tieflings can use some sort of magic, so that's a pretty weak comparison. Its more like dragons, and how they come in all types... I wonder why one is so much more common than others? Anyways, that's cool and all, but if ya go digging around in my head again, it'll be the last spell you ever cast. Just a warning." His eyes narrowed briefly before quickly returning to normal. "Anyways, good to hear that no one's creeping around. Also, of course you can't hear a magically animated constructs thoughts. That'd be ridiculous. All that 'Tom' is capable of doing is what his master animated him to do. I can make a stronger, better, cooler one, but I don't really feel like it right now." He shrugged, looking forward once more.

 

[Maetrox]

Busy with some internal research, A.W.E.'s eyes briefly blink green before turning towards Austin. "Sorry for taking so long, I was checking my data on Ostoria. It seems inconclusive, perhaps a thorough scan is in order later. Perhaps the Torayan doesn't like religion, or the shifter's religion in particular. Also the 'Weird lady' has been marked, threat analysis will be done at a later time. The Tiefling seems to have a general understanding of magic, I can't determine the cause of it immediately. Though it has breached your set 'boundaries' by affecting you with a spell, do you require any 'kneecaps' to be 'busted'?" When Austin talks about them herding the cattle, A.W.E. smiles and pats on his chest with his free hand. "Yes. You, me, and the bird. I like the bird."

Chiming in with Austin narrowing his eyes, A.W.E. grabs his right arm and makes an audible clicking sound. Looking at Austin for eventual confirmation, A.W.E. replies. "My actions are determined 'on the spot', though I do run several things through my core to process from time to time."

 

[RadientAni]

If the notion of someone rummaging around in her brain were to cause her issue one couldn’t tell by her already perturbed features. Things kept filed away for later use or perhaps she wasn’t even listening to them anymore. How far was this blasted Jarl anyhow catching up with Mei she sighed at the woman and wrapped her in an arm. As if to say ‘it’s you and me kiddo. She didn’t much mind the large gent with the kid in tow or was it the kid who kept the large gent. Truely did it matter they seemed alright if the kid a bit mouthy.

 

[Kanaxe_Ru]

Mortham Keep:

After a bit of walking and exploration, the group eventually wanders their way over to the northwest corner of town. A ways off from the hustle and bustle of the center market space, the frigid atmosphere brings with it a sense of calm, perhaps leading to a small lull in conversation after the initial bout of shenanigans. Along the way, people make passing glances at the ragtag group -- mostly patrolling guards or civilians wandering around the residential areas -- but no one approaches in any meaningful way.

Approaching the edge of the settlement walls, you catch sight of a large building, looming tall above the other buildings and standing lone within its own set of smaller barriers. Though at first glance it appears to be a noble's private estate, there's telltale signs of refurbishing and retrofitting to serve other purposes -- including a path leading to an underground cellar of some sort.

Nodding at the two guards stationed in front and entering through the grand double doors you're greeted by a makeshift front desk, blocking sight to the rest of the larger interior beyond the foyer and manned by an older human woman in conservative clothing. She looks up from her pile of scattered papers at the mess of strange people in front of her. "Erm... welcome to Mortham Keep, seat of the jarl and center of Tynesvar's governmental affairs. Can I help you with something?"

 

[Zilfer]

Mei-Lynn was a bit surprised when no one else took up the call to voice an opinion about Puck using mind magic, but then again maybe they all just felt like her, and didn't want to deal with it at the moment or knew it could be held to wait for another time. She wondered if anyone else had to fend of the deeper searching that she had felt before she had thrown up her mental barrier. Mei shook those thoughts from her mind as they approached the Jarl's house, and were greeted by the front desk of this place.

"Hello, we are here about a Giant problem we've heard about," said Mei-Lynn looking over to Regalia for a moment before continuing. "Figured you could use some help and we are an able lot."

 

[WetHawk]

Austin looked around from his perch on A.W.E. as they arrived at the manor, taking note of the strange path to the side. Oooh... ominous. Another time, I guess. As they reached the front desk, Austin began to speak at the same time as Mei. "Hey, we're here-" He stopped short and coughed, briefly flushing a little red before recomposing himself and chiming in after. "No problem's too big for the Austin the All-Powerful and the Amazing A.W.E.!" He went through the powerful somatic components of an intensely powerful lightning spell, which without the magic looked like a strange interpretive dance. "Oh. And company."

 

[Kanaxe_Ru]

Mortham Keep:

"Giants? No, giants aren't a problem down here, we're too far south away from their territory," the woman says with a huff, rolling her eyes at Austin's introduction. "Regardless of what Sheriff Markham believes because of some rogue hill giant getting a craving for cow. Besides, this isn't the place to hire private mercenaries for miscellaneous jobs, you'll have to go to--"

She's suddenly interrupted by the crash of the front door slamming open, before a lithe figure weaves through the group with a few bumps. "Excuse me, pardon me, thank you thank you!" Snaking through the gathered crowd is a younger looking guard, a simple shortsword by his side, making his way over to the desk attendant and waving awkwardly. "Hi, Gina. Um. Sorry to butt in when you've got other people to deal with but I really gotta speak with Missus Jarl. Sheriff's orders."

The woman sighs and groans internally, turning her attention to the newcomer. "What is it this time, lad?"

"Um. Well I was just on shift up at the north gate with Tyler and havin' some fun when he told me I ought to be doing my job and keepin' watch, and I told him he oughta be doing the same, and then he huffed at me and left me alone and I got bored and started lookin' out the horizon through the watch tower and..." He fidgets a bit, realizing the audience he was blathering on and on to. "...Anyway, um. I might've caught sight of a buncha giants marchin' this way. With, like, weapons."

"Look son I don't care about your patrol stories..." It takes a moment for the words to register, and she looks back at him dumbfoundedly. "...What?"

 

[Zilfer]

Mei-Lynn looked over to the flustered guard as he started spewing his story. It seemed something urgent was going on but he was going on, and on until at last he arrived at his point. 'Giants? As in... plural?' she thought almost asking it out loud, but she thought better of it knowing that it would just waste more precious time. If there were multiple giants they were probably going to need more than just the guards up on the walls. 'Shanto preserve, even with our help it might not be enough...'

"We're here to help with that particular problem, Gina can you deliver that message to the Jarl for us? I need this man to show us to the wall," Said Mei walking up to the exasperated guard. She figured the guards would question their being there unless they were escorted by someone already known. "It sounds like we don't have much time, whats your name soldier? And what direction are they coming from?"

She reasoned she could make it to the wall before everyone else to give early reinforcement to the wall or at least get an early analyzes with more information. What kinds of weapons, how far out where they, and things like that. The Guard would just slow her down but she needed a direction first.

 

[WetHawk]

Austin's eyes widened excitedly. "Giants? Where! I wanna see em! What type are they? How many?" He quickly thought through everything he knew about giants in his head. "Hmmm... Giants are bad news, but they can't do shit from a distance." He cackled to himself. "This'll be a piece of cake! All we gotta do is sit back and let A.W.E. here handle em! Maybe a few lightning spells for good measure. We'll see. Anyways, lead the way!" He rapped his knuckles on A.W.E. enthusiastically, looking forward to being able to check out a giant's corpse.

 

[Abrahms]

Returning to his own humming, Puck followed along with the group, occasionally adjusting the thicker gear he was wearing for the cold -- some of it still not sitting quite right, but was far better than before when he made a dash through the snow without it. Those whose eyes he met as they traveled he gave a wide grin, a few bows towards people, holding Tom Snout in one hand, "Hello hello! Name's Puck, please keep it in mind, will you?" as the group continued.

Seeing the larger building, his head tilted -- attempting to compare it to those in Garza as he followed. Seeing the woman behind the desk he noticed her glance and gave her a wide grin and bow as he had along the way, curious who of the group would speak up first, amused to find out it was Mei -- yet also Austin at the same time. As the boy tried to give his introduction, Puck smirked, thinking to himself, "Oh, truly I must teach him how to properly announce himself. And what even was going on with his arms ...?"

Feeling a shove as someone else entered, Puck managed to pull his tail aside before it got stepped on, though kept it away from Austin lest he decide another experiment was due. Listening he was interested to note the Lady Jarl -- he still had no idea how the titles here worked -- was the one sought after, not the Lord? Or was Jarl the title anyway? Or was it the last name and no one'd told him? He frowned as he considered, Tom Snout offering a oink of thought himself. His attention however was brought back as he heard the word "giants" and immediately focused on the boy. Maybe he'd get to build his title fairly quickly after all -- then he could head back somewhere warmer!

Unhooking his warhammer the tiefling grinned, "Well then! Here I thought it'd just be patrols and lost cats, yet giants have come to play all on their own! Wonderful~!" He looked up at Austin, "I think you ignore the fact that if thrown hard enough, anything can become a weapon, little mage. In the arena, even the sand can be used against the opponent if you're sly enough -- just because they may not have something immediately ranged, I imagine at their size, a tree or a boulder can do well enough." He tapped Austin on the hip with the warhammer, "You'll learn though, 'Austin the All-Powerful', if you're as confident as you try to look, I'm sure it won't take long."

He thought for a moment as he worked to place Tom Snout in the safety of his bag, "Depending on which way we go to the North Wall, I could try to get my elk Cobweb -- he can help give someone a lift if they need it." Lifting a foot he chuckled, "Size of their feet, I bet they can move pretty fast, while I ... can't." He looked at the woman behind the desk again, "Think you've got your first responders, yeah? Remember our names -- or at the very least mine: Puck. Be sure to send more guards, we're going to need an audience for sure ~"

 

[Kanaxe_Ru]

Mortham Keep:

"What's all this ruckus now?" As conversation starts to rise in the makeshift front foyer a human woman pops out from behind a creaky wooden door, a weathered fur coat tossed quickly around her shoulders. She seems to study the crowd with a careful eye. "It's never this noisy up here."

"Madam Jarl," the young man says, bowing slightly and awkwardly, before looking back to Mei. "Oh, um, my name's Theodore. Just Theo, I mean." He turns back to the newly arrived Jarl and does a small salute. "Sheriff's orders, ma'am. There appears to be an approaching platoon -- or something -- of giants on their way here from the north. We don't know what they're here for but we can see 'em from a few miles away, and they don't look real cheerful."

"Giants? All the way down here?" the woman says, furrowing her brow. "Surely this isn't a declaration of war of some sort...? And why us, of all people? Gods, I don't even know what they would want." She continues to pace around for a few seconds, before actually pulling through the sleeves of her coat and patting her pockets to make sure everything was there. "Gina, tell the guards downstairs that they should secure the cells and make their way up to the gate as soon as possible as reinforcement. If anyone comes to the office, shelter them."

"Alright..." Gina responds with a slight uncertainty, before looking over to Puck raising an eyebrow. "Your, er, elk, you said? That's rather exotic, but if he's a steed of some sort I'm assuming you came in through the southwest or southeast gates. It's not on the way but if you're willing to trek the half mile or so across town it might be feasible." She sighs, looking back to the jarl. "And... stay safe, madam. Gods know we can't lose you as well, so soon."

The jarl lets out a grim chuckle, shaking her head at the older woman. "Don't worry, I'm not going down without a fight. C'mon lad, lead the way. The North gate you said?" The younger Theo nods hurriedly, standing up straight best he can, and starts to make his way out the door while glancing over at anyone who was following. "Yeah if we just cut through the alleyway next to that plaza, we should be up there in no time--"

Tynesvar North Gate:

Making their way over to the north gate (staying with the group or otherwise) there is a hint of tension in the air, guards picking up their pace and civilians making their way into their homes or as far down south as possible. Beneath it all, the faint undertone of rumbling rock and stone, barely perceptible but impossible to ignore.

Theo waves over to the guards on duty -- four in total, in the process of escorting nearby villagers living in homes outside into the walled settlement proper. Along the top of the wall, another two can be seen inside each watchtower adjacent to the gate, with more approaching distantly. "Alright, well... I don't know what they want, but it's better to be safe than sorry I guess," he notes, gulping a bit. The jarl seems to take a few moments to think things over.

Through the open gates, the distant silhouette of giants -- at least ten in total -- can be seen approaching, towering above the unprotected houses. At the front, one of the larger figures strides forwards towards the gate, two large white wolves by her side, as two other giants follow close behind. Beyond that, some of the giants seem to peel off of the formation, straying either east or west to circle around the town.

"Who is in charge of this puny settlement?" The one in front shouts out, her deep voice echoing across the landscape. "Ve are here to claim our birthright, and you pitiful smallfolk have kept it from us for far too long."

 

[Zilfer]

Mei nods to Theo surprised that the Jarl decided to make an appearance outside of a throne room, or hearing hall. Such a breach of protocol would be a bit weird where she came from, but again she chalked it up to foreign customs. Besides she approached of the Jarl wanting to take charge and wanting to meet the challenge. Such boldness was to be envied. As they headed out of the front door she gave Regalia a mischievous grin before running towards a wall and scrambling up the side of it. At the top she gave a short salute to the group.

“I’ll see you there,” said Mei before she disappeared out of sight. She’d continue in as straight of a line as she could jumping from building to the next. Upon arriving near the wall she looked towards the gate and decided she’d rather see what the guards up top where seeing. Looking at the distance to the top of the tower she doubted she could scale it in one go, even with running up the wall a bit. Biting her lip she choose the safer route to jump the wall and then the rest of the way up.

Her first jump went well, as she ducked down to avoid attention. It was a moment before she tried the next half, and she grabbed the side pulling herself up and over onto a pile of boxes which made a small racket as she rolled off them and onto her feet. ‘Opps…’ she thought internally, wondering if any guards had heard that noise or if they were focused on looking outward. She proceeded to the far edge of the watch tower, and saw the large giantess arrive with her dire wolves. She looked right and left as many other giants began to circle the town. "Not good..." she muttered to herself.

She focused on the leader, maybe if they took her out they'd retreat? or at least some form of cohesion? Mei was surprised the Giantess was speaking common, and was half tempted to shout out a reply but she decided that it wouldn't be proper for an outsider to claim to be the leader of the town, especially when she was on the way. Instead Mei took out a dart and a bit of cloth as she prepared to work the shadow arts in case things went bad.

 

[Abrahms]

Seeing the woman join the discussion, Puck was surprised -- though more surprised at the comment of "losing her as well". Perhaps the Mister-Jarl had been killed? And now the Lady-Jarl was in charge? Or Madam Jarl apparently was the proper title.

Hearing Gina respond to his question about the elk, he grinned, "Oh, and here I thought he was exotic in the deserts, but to learn he is here as well! Truly interesting -- something else I must note then for my publicity: an Elk!" He paused for a moment, sending a mental message to Cobweb only to smirk soon after, "I think that will sort itself out in time~"

Following the group he was interested when Mei suddenly decided to climb a wall, but soon returned to getting mental pings from Cobweb -- skidding on the icy cobblestones, sliding into a wall, tripping over strewn baskets of goods in the market -- Puck winced slightly ... hopefully he wasn't going to have to shift Cobweb's form so soon until people forgot about the "rampaging elk", or at least that this threat kept their attention instead.

Nearing the gate, he started to hear a familiar sound of hooves against the stonework, growing louder and louder -- Puck only managed to turn just in time to get slammed into by the large Elk, the pair continuing their momentum a bit further until they were in a piled heap. Puck snickered before sighing, "Ah ... Cobweb. Truly, like a dancer you are, so graceful -- so delicate. Someday I shall have you dance to pay for our dinner." The tiefling began untangling himself from the elk, collecting his spilled weapons, checking on Tom Snout in his pack who happily oinked at seeing him, and climbed up onto his mount, now sitting closer in height to Austin atop A.W.E..

Sitting on the back of the elk in his saddle, the tiefling leaned forward as he listened to the giant's voice ring out, watching the Madam Jarl for her reaction. "Hm," he thought to Cobweb, "She looks about as clueless about whatever they're talking about as we do -- and she's supposed to live here."

Adjusting his necklace as it sat under his armor, Puck spoke to the group around him, "Anyone have an idea what that could be?" Placing a hand on his warhammer he continued, "I'm more than ready to fight a giant -- but my crowd has been evacuated! This also looks more like a retrieval than anything else, yes?"

 

[RadientAni]

Pushed into the hall intent in greeting the clerk only to have clamped her mouth shut as the ever excited Mei spoke before she could. It seemed she wouldn’t have to do too much oh the talking with this group, all of them seemed eager to gain the attention of Gina.

The moments passed swiftly as they were interrupted by Theo and then the emergence of the Jarl herself. Giants at the northern gates the adrenaline warmed her veins. The familiar pressure upon her back she shivered and shifted easing herself once more the weight of her furs a calm.

Within her mind she called to Icebreaker, ‘Is this what you meant, interesting is not quite the word.’ Chuckling out loud she looked over the others Puck and Mei looking eager to greet these visitors. The Jarl has not invited them to aide but she was willing to bet any able body would be appreciated.

Following the Jarl at her pace she kept an eye on Mei as far as she could watching her leap roof tops. Distracted she narrowly leaped out of the way the the stampeding elk as it collided with Puck. Picking up into a jog she reached the wall just ahead of the Jarl in time to see the large looming giant. Her hand set out to the side she prepared to draw her blade, awaiting the Jarl’s decision.

 

[Kanaxe_Ru]

Tynesvar North Gate:

"Oof -- uhm -- okay okay..." Cobweb rustles himself out of Puck's form awkwardly, before shaking himself off with a huff the namesake cobwebs glistening slightly in the winter sun. "Only the best dancer, yes'm," he says proudly, puffing out his chest and almost striking a pose until he noticed Puck trying to climb up. "Clueless ya say? Well I mean," he replies mentally, sniffing the air, "Din't realize jus livin' in a place meant you wasn't clueless."

Despite the noise that Mei-Lynn made during her ascent the guards don't seem to notice, scrambling around to grab longbows off the racks and getting into position for whatever assault was about to come their way. The jarl eventually motions for the guards to close the gates, then makes her way to the top of the same watchtower. She glances curiously at Mei noticing her hiding spot, then shrugs and keeps ascending, making herself as visible as possible to the approaching horde. Pulling out a makeshift acoustic megaphone from her satchel she holds it up and begins to shout out in rusty, yet well-practiced Giant. "Hels, mighty one. I am the Jarl of this town. What brings you to our humble settlement?"

The giantess almost seems impressed at the jarl's announcement, though her expression soon turns to haughtiness and pride. "A jarl, you say? Ha, small-folk like you could never truly be fit for the title of Jarl. But it is good to see that there are some that respect the civilized tongue," she proclaims, taking a few more steps forward and raising her large battleaxe over her shoulder. It's carved with intricate runes all along its black blade and handle. "Van, we are here to reclaim the Ice that Never Melts for the glory of our people. Our seers have divined that you are hiding its keeper within your walls. Surrender Nicomedes Delyan," she shouts, switching back to Common, "Or ve vill take him by force." The other giants raise their weapons and cry out in response.

The jarl seems visibly taken aback by the proclamation. "Delyan? No, that can't be," she mutters, glancing over to a concerned-looking guard by her side. "He's a myth, an urban legend. Just what are they going on about...?"

"Is it not interesting to you?" Though Regalia hasn't heard much of the strange entity, there's almost a hint of excitement in Icebreaker's cold mental voice. "There is power here, and they are seeking it. I wonder what drove them here, and what lengths they will go to claim it?"

 

[Zilfer]

Mei-Lynn listened to the conversation back and forth wondering who Nicomedes Delyan was to which the Jarl seemed to have some sort of recognition of. Mei frowned as it sounded that either the Jarl didn't believe he was in the city, or couldn't believe he was back? She instead focused her will taking the cloth carefully over the dart, and whispered a single word. "Kumori," she said as her own shadow began to slowly flow up her body across her arms and into the dart. As she lost her shadow, a darkness began to pour out and she wrapped it tightly to keep the darkness held within. It wouldn't flow through physical cloth but when she went to throw she could cause quiet a bit of confusion with the little projectile.

She shifted slightly in anticipation. It didn't seem like this was going to end amicably with everyone sitting down with ale, around a campfire. She briefly looked over to the Jarl giving her a nod of understanding. Mei was ready and waiting.

 

[RadientAni]

The exchange was garbled to her a tongue she never understood, it had not been practical to learn, it had been too long since giant’s had been seen in her village. Goblin that was the hunter’s preferred rogue and it had aided her in avoiding enough traps the gabby little beasts never knew when to shut up. As Icebreaker became to speak to her her eyes shifted to her hand where it lay wait in its hidden place. The ability was strange to her but she found it convenient while walking about town. The connection was always there a comfort.

“Well let us find out first hand, I am glad yah understand them, because I cannot.” Readying herself for the weight Regalia slides her foot back into a more sturdy position as the ready as the threat seems eminent. “Icebreaker,” she says out loud the large axe with a tension and pop it appears in her hand. The blade buried within a sheet of ice with runes etched deep within the surface and down the hilt. It almost shined with an icy blue with the glint of the daylight upon it.

The weight of the blade in her hands she hefted it almost lovingly. “Now we wait for for a sign of trouble.” She spoke to the blade with a grin.

 

[Kanaxe_Ru]

Tynesvar North Gate:

The giantess huffs, breaking the moments of silence that followed in the aftermath of the demand. "Have you no answer, puny ones? I can sense it, the fear you hold," she frowls. "It would not be wise to stop us from claiming what we have come for."

The jarl bites her lip, glancing back at the approaching hoard. She tilts her head ever so slightly to whisper towards the young guard standing at her side. "...Prepare the ranged artillery and stand ready. This will not end without a fight." Gripping the speaker oce more as the guard hastily sets off, she hesitantly sets it to her mouth and speaks in Giant once more. "I apologize if there is a misunderstanding, mighty jotun. There is no man named Nicomedes Delyan within these walls, and I know not of what 'ice' you speak of. I swear our innocence, by my honor as the established jarl of this community."

If there was any amusement in the giantess' expression, it was surely gone now. She scowled, brandishing her weapon. "Do not use that term lightly, insect. You have not earned it through might, as it should always be claimed." She takes a thunderous step forward, stomping down for impact. "You dare hide this man of frozen blood within your walls? We know he is here. And even if you have somehow managed to masquerade as some flimsy facsimile, all the better to make an example of you for wasting our time."

"...It is a shame that you lack the olden tongue," Icebreaker notes, and Regalia can almost swear she hears an icy chuckle as the voice seems to contemplate the booming words of the giantfolk. "It is not every day that fate makes itself known so brazenly. Let us make the most of it." The blade brims with energy, preparing itself for battle.

The giantess raises her weapon high, its silhouette nearly blocking out the sun depending on where you stand. "For a new era of Jotunbrud is upon us, where might makes supreme!" The cheers of the other giants resound and echo through the Ganater Mountains, and the ground around the walled city trembles as they charge forward in full force.

 

[Kanaxe_Ru]

Tynesvar:

One of the winter wolves at the giantess' side rushes through the north gate as soldiers struggle to push it closed, rearing up and breathing out an icy barrage of blistering cold in Regalia's direction. A few other guards are caught in the blast unexpectedly, and one even freezes dead on the spot into a human icicle.

Puck's steed Cobweb looks around confused as his master tells him to go charge the scary wolf. "Wait... ya wan me ta hit that?" he says, gulping as much as an elk could gulp. "It was jus... super cold n' stuff?" He tries to make a running start for the wolf, but his nerves get the best of him and he misses by a long shot. The fact that he just saw a giant lightning bolt fly past probably didn't help.

From behind the party a gruff male voice calls out "Fire!" and three crossbow bolts whizz past into the first wolf's side, from a pair of scared guards and one older gentleman whose attire and confident standing paints him as the probable sheriff of the town. They cheer as the wolf begins to cower at the prepared defenders and start loading for another shot.

Seeing its companion get beat down the second wolf attempts to dart through the gate as backup. However the gate was closed just in time between the efforts of Puck and the other guards and it fails to duck under in time and is stuck on the other side, scratching at the gates with a low whine.

Up above on the walls guards are rushing to battle positions, namely the four ballistas that are stationed around for such an incursion. Over the shouting the sheriff's call is heard, and four large ballista bolts shoot towards the approaching giants. Two sink deep into the giantess' torso and thigh just as she approaches the gates proper, combined with a sudden sphere of magical darkness blocking out her vision, causing her to stumble and almost lose her balance. She grips her axe and curses in Giant, preparing for another swing.

Behind her the other two giants took a moment to heft huge boulders out of the surrounding environment and hurl them past their leader towards the wooden gates, causing it to crack and buckle under the impacts. It would probably not last much longer, but it seemed to be holding for the time being.

Around the rest of town, clatter and chaos can be heard as the other giants surrounding town begin to lob boulders into the city proper, hoping to cause a panic of some sort. Many of their strikes are unfortunately successful, turning many of the buildings, most of which are mere wooden structures, into nothing more than rubble strewn across the dirt roads. Unable to flee the surrounded settlement a rush of crowds seek shelter from the incoming attacks -- either fleeing to Mortham Keep, the temple at Flint Row plaza or its adjacent meeting hall, all of which have been opened in time of crisis. In all cases, no matter where they are, people are praying that they make it out alive.

 

[Kanaxe_Ru]

Tynesvar:

Glancing backwards at the pounding behind the gates, the winter wolf that had darted through the gates now realizes that its partner was not there to back it up, and in a fit of self-preservation attempts to flee into the streets and lick its wounds. Fortunately with a few quick reactions, he is brought down quickly. Cobweb stands proudly above the corpse with a harrumph, before backing up to potentially charge forward again. On the other side of the gate the wolf's partner whines in vain, its claws unable to pierce through the gates to help. It perks up as a small figure jumps out of the left tower and starts to run around the leader giant, a length of rope in hand.

The giantess begins to curse and sputter in Giant at the sudden nuisances, a cloud of darkness followed by the sensation of hempen rope tightening around her legs. "You damn insects... !" In her rage-fueled stumbling forward the rope snaps as easily as loose twine, but without any sense of direction she walks into the stone walls, bumping with a loud thud. "Fuck! How dare you use witchcraft on me!" She struggles to catch her bearings, reaching up to grip the top of the gate to push herself up. A lone soldier who barely jumped out of the way in time stares wide-eyed at the huge hand, then shakily pulls out his shortsword and stabs it in. It sticks in the giantess's hand like a tiny splinter, and she growls primally in response.

The other two giants behind her struggle to see past the sphere of darkness, but taking the risk decide to go for another round of blows towards the gates. A pair of boulders do the trick, slamming a hole straight through the right side of the doors causing the hardwood beams holding it closed to collapse with a thundering boom. However, it does not swing wide as they expected -- to the left, in front of their stumbling leader, the door seems to stand firm as if something was holding it back. Confused but not having the time to question it, the two begin to duck under the stone archway and file into the city proper, trying to shrug off the pain through sheer force of will. The one in front is immediately met with another round of crossbow bolts from the various guards scattered across the battlefield, keeping a wary distance from the flying debris and carnage.

Off in the distance, the echoes of chaos at the other gates continue on as rocks and arrows fly through the clear winter air. Despite the apparent trouble their head group was having there almost seemed to be bouts of cheering, like the large looming figures assumed the battle was going in their favor and they need but cheer on from the sidelines. Several were silenced by a well-placed ballista bolt, and laughter began to defer to frustration. The soldiers steel their nerves and simply try to load and aim the ballistas again.

 

[Zilfer]

Mei let her dart fly and it had the intended affect right from the start throwing the battle into chaos. She jumped down knowing that if she allowed them to pour into the city too quickly collateral damage would spread like wildfire. A single target distracting and causing a bit of mayhem though... well that could work like a fatal funnel. Grabbed the rope from her side she quickly allowed the extra Ki she had saved up flow through her as she ran quickly around the giant leader to try and confuse her more. She ended up breaking the ropes. Mei cursed and tried a different tactic throwing a running kick at the back of the ankle before punching in the same spot. She smirked at the giantess stumbled catching herself on the wall before her eyes went wide as a winter wolf grabbed her shoe pulling her feet out from under her.

She struggled away from the creature kicking it in the face to try and make it let go. "I... Just bought... these boots!" she yells before finally getting free. As she is about to jump back up onto her feet she sees darkness above her, and the a foot descends from it. She woke to pain in her chest, face, and bones. She looked to saw the tiefling man retracting a glowing hand. When did he... no time. 'You must learn to react automatically Mei.' She was on her feet throwing out an attack at the wolf hitting it square in the chest before running full force with her elbow into the side of the Giantess and backing up at the opening she had made. Sprinting she moved to gain some distance and turned just in time as the padded foot steps almost reached her. She ducked at the last moment as the winter wolf passed where she had been a moment before. Mei-Lynn grinned with exhilaration hand on the ground and leaning to the side. This was an actual use for her talent, something by which she could test herself.

Three bolts flew past her slamming into the winter wolf and she looked back disappointingly at the guards celebrating near a large crossbow mounting. She gave the winter wolf one last inspection before racing back to the others who already had the Giantess wrestled to the ground and were restraining her. She did her best to help with what she could. After the prisoner was safely secured she wiped sweat from her brow and smiles. "We all did pretty good all things considered. I think I'll just.... wait over there." She says pointing off to a shady part of the street. She sits down watching the proceedings occasionally putting a hand on her stomach and ribs testing their tenderness and where broken bones might be. Mei made a note to thank the tiefling later, apparently she had underestimated the giant's strength. It was enough to match some of the master's back home. 'Though if that wolf hadn't... Focus you need to rechannel your Ki. Take in from your surroundings, not let them see you don't have a shadow.'

 

[WetHawk]

Seeing the giants attempting to storm the castle, Austin cackled gleefully, turning to A.W.E. with a wicked grin. "Release restraint protocol level one. Let's show these jerks who the heck they're messin' with!" He yanked the spellbook from A.W.E.'s chest hatch and flipped through it like a madman until finally he came across his crown jewel of magic. "FULMEN ARCANUM!" He slipped a rod out from a small pocket that had been sewn into the book's leather binding and channeled a powerful electrical blast outwards blasting through the gate, nicking two of the enemies and striking the third dead on. He cackled once again before shouting in gnomish. "I did it, A.W.E.! It works! It really works!"

Austin watched as others prepared for the next wave as the giants hammered on the gate trying to break in, and flipped through his book once more, muttering to himself, "Better safe then dead..." before he found the desired page. "SE SPECULATAM!" Immediately, mirrored doubles of Austin formed around him, all with the same wicked, cocky grin on their face. They swirled around, making it hard to tell which one was which

When the next wave finally came, Austin found himself stuck with a predicament. Not only had the mouthy tiefling's overgrown companion placed itself in the way of the action, but the cool ninja girl was in danger. "Move, you dumb deer! A.W.E., defensive measures on the girl!" He scowled and considered frying the deer before noticing the wolf lurching slightly to the side as it tugged on her boot. "There we go! FULMEN ARCANUM!" As his voice called out once more, a second line of electrifying death arced outwards, this time striking the wolf right in the head and scraping along the giant's side.

Watching as the giantess brought her foot down on Mei, Austin growled angrily. Watching the tiefling magically restore her brought him a small bit of relief, but it did little to quell the anger, especially at seeing her still being literally hounded. He rapped A.W.E. on the side and gestured. "Sniper shot!" He then looked up at the giant's leader. "HEY! YOU! GIANT JERK!" He pointed the glass rod directly at her head. "FULMEN ARCANUM!" A wisp of lightning shot out and quickly dissipated. He scowled. Darn it, darn it, darn it! I used too much magic already! Hearing the tiefling's words, however, gave Austin an idea. He flipped through his spellbook once more, desperately searching for a fairly recent addition, pausing for a moment to note the impressive fireball that one of his companions had caused. Woah... He's teaching me that. He then called out to the tiefling. "Your wish is my command! MAIORA FACIAM!" The tiefling's form rapidly expanded until he was suddenly large enough and strong enough to compete. Austin pointed at the leader. "Grab her, Puck!"

Austin watched with satisfaction as the large tiefling did as he had asked and quickly restrained the giantess. He saw Mei limping off, and for a moment wanted to go check up on her before his anger dragged him towards the giant, gesturing for A.W.E. to follow. Four Austins glared up at her. "Tell us what you're doing here or my friend here'll blow your freakin' head off!"

 

[Abrahms]

Seeing negotiations had apparently fallen through, Puck hopped off Cobweb and ran to the gate, attempting to help lower it, though with his small form and the other guards it was difficult for him to truly get his strength into the motions. Busy with the gate and seeing something had broken through he yelled over his shoulder to Cobweb, "Go say hi to the wolf, Cobweb! Show 'im how we like to -- sweep an audience off their feet!" He grunted as he tried to help lower the gate more and sighed as he heard the slipping sound of hooves on cobblestones. With the gate crashing down and a slight pause in commotion the dark tiefling took a moment to adjust his necklace, buried under his armor and the thick winter gear -- only for there to suddenly be a second Puck, though his expression seemed fixed into a grin, slightly pointed teeth from an infernal heritage visible.

Glancing towards the ballistae, Puck considered using those to attack, but after seeing how slow the guards had been, he felt he could do far more on the ground -- which soon became apparent after the gate was broken through and one of the giants forced his way through. Running up towards the giant with his duplicate by his side, Puck took the chance to strike, both hands on his war hammer as he brought it down -- the first strike giving a sense of being about to miss, but some strange force helped correct it at the last moment. Bringing his arms up again he connected easily, feeling a slight drain of energy as black and gold sparks spread through the air from his blow, the giant toppling to the ground. The clone next to him jumped in the air and clapped silently while the real Puck looked around with his own grin, tail twitching behind him like an eager cat. Shifting back slightly in case the gate was struck more, he mentally commanded Cobweb to hold his position -- not wishing anyone to be out by themselves -- for who would be so foolish as to do that?

That was when he heard Mei from before yelling out on the other side of the gate, he groaned internally but then stiffened as he saw her get stepped on, only to go limp. "Right ... this isn't one of the staged fights ... doesn't mean we should lose one of the actors if I can help it though!" Puck thought to himself, sharing a nod with his clone it happily ran through the giant and gate towards the woman while Puck felt another, stronger, loss of energy as the clone reached down towards Mei, attempting to undo some of the damage. Focusing back on his side of the gate he saw Alder had not fared so well either, but managed to keep standing -- pulling his shield out, Puck ran to the furry-man's side, slamming his warhammer into his shield yelling out: "Hey! Why don'tcha fight someone your own size, eh?"

He held his grin -- a good way to ignore the panic he felt in case one of those giant weapons swung his way -- only to hear the young mage Austin yell out something towards him and the world shifted -- instead of looking up at the giant he found himself much closer in height, everything else a strange scale -- though his duplicate was still small and happily applauding the show, glancing off to the side as Mei moved away from it.

Seeing the giant in front of him fall, and the apparent leader take his place, she swung at him only to meet his shield -- the force of the weapon going into his arm, making it numb slightly. Puck nodded towards Austin, calling out, "See -- I said you'd remember my name!" Dropping his weapons to his side, Puck moved to put the giantess in a stranglehold he'd used many times in the ring but instead of being more for show, this one had strength behind it. Easily wrapping around her, he then shifted to slamming her hand into a wall, forcing her to lose her grip on the giant greataxe and dragged her away from it, attempting to prevent her merely picking it up again. With the fight apparently over, he stood waiting, his duplicate happily hopping back towards him at his original size.

Listening to Austin yell at the woman Puck frowned, "I feel we should leave the talking to the Jarl, right? Maybe not have a mage hyped up on magic be the negotiator?"

 

[RadientAni]

“Let us see what fate has brought us then.” Readying Icebreaker she planned to fend off anything that got through the gate as they were trying to close it. As the wolf barreled it’s way in breathing ice Regalia brought up her blade. Her warm clothes capturing the ice blast absorbing most of the assault. Icebreaker protecting her face deflecting. She could feel the bitter cold deep in biting. A shard scraped her cheek as soon as it had come of was over and it was her turn to show the creature what to fear. Twisting her blade she ran at the beast bring it down onto the wolf. Pulling back Icebreaker now crimson the muscles in her arms surged as she came down with another cleaving strike.. aThe wolf was downed quickly with the townsmen’s aide.

The door was then closed locking out the other attackers for the moment. Regalia took the time to back away from the gates to maybe get a few pot shots while they tried to squeeze through. That was when the first giant got through, but thanks to Puck she needn’t take action. Instead the hole in the gate allowed her to draw forth the pooling energy from Icebreaker the sparking eldrict power coalescing where blade meets hilt. Plucking the energy from that point it crackles in her hand and fizzles out. Concentrating harder she pulls on it again and takes aim the energy jumps in her cage of fingers as she takes aim. Once released it hurtles itself from her hand at the other coming giant blasting into its shoulder.

The next few moments happened too face and yet it seemed as if in slow motion. Taking off to intercept the giant she had just hit she watched as Mei was crushed under foot of the giantess. Puck much closer got to Mei before she could change direction she would have to kiss that man.

But first she calls out angrily. “Yeh fowl shunt yeh will pay fer tat.” With her words crystals of blue icelike shards build up around her arms and torso sapping the strength from the giantess. Watching this in awe her swings at the other giant swing wide with growls in frustration.

Soon the fight is over Alder’s use of fire devistating the remaining enemies. The ballista taking care of the wolf who chased after Mei. Heaving a breath she watched as Austin screamed out another spell and a charging puck doubled in size taking down and restraining the giantess.

“Mei?!” She called out as the battle ended clambering over the dead giants out beyond the wall her blade retiring to its plane. Upon seeing her friend jogging back to help Regalia sighed with relief and turned to help the others finish restraining the giantess. Once finished she noticed the girl walk away slumping off to the side tired. Giving her a moment or two to breath before approaching herself and sitting down beside her. Arm wrapping around the girl with a sigh. “Donnah do tat agin. Ye worried meh. ” Regalia proceeded to squeeze gently.