[h3][color=gold]Acamen Hopsfield[/color][/h3]
The heroes assembled speedily, and there was some discussion of what was occurring.  The Dark Prince had an inkling that something had been off, but he could not read the minds of his wolves.  Malaena explained the situation promptly, seeming to have some degree of understanding for Hopsfield's dilemma.  Both the ranger and the doctor were totally uncaring about the south however, and seemed perfectly content to damn his homeland if it meant completing the mission a few hours faster.

Suddenly, the ground began to tremble.  The other heroes easily stood through the shocks, and after Acamen recovered his balance the mage noticed there was a giant snacking on a deer in the middle of the caravan.  Hopsfield couldn't avoid freezing in fear before the mighty beast - the instinct of prey ran through his heart, and terror filled his bones.  Acamen had seen worse, but this was truly terrifying sight to behold.  

The Golden Lances stood ready to charge and take down the monster.  The Exemplar began to think through spells that could cripple a fifty foot tall tower.  These were men that would fight for their lives.  But no combat commenced, as the creature made no motion to attack the heroes.  

The rest of the party was either completely insane or had become so accustomed to the ridiculous they began jesting at the situation.  The Alchemist construed a rude comment regarding his mother.  The dwarf stumbled in, probably drunk, and spat out a bad joke.  Volkimir immediately began to think of ways to exploit the situation one way or another.  While they initially through the Exemplar off, their reactions somehow made the scholar calmer after a few moments.

[color=gold]"Well ... um ... That's not a bad idea at all Prince Volkimir.  However, I don't think a lure is required."[/color]  In his studies, Acamen had learned that trolls were normally rather peaceful creatures that did have enough intelligence to be bargained with.  Rather than trying to lure the troll somehow, they could simply ask it.  The Exemplar looked up towards the giant, and made sure to raise his volume so that he could be heard.  [color=gold]"Hello great one!  Our party wishes to go through another, we were wondering if you would be willing to walk in front of us as we head through them?  I can promise you a free deer later!"[/color]

With some additional thought, he realized that Volkimir's idea had another merit.  If the barbarians still felt inspired to attack, the party had a few more display options before resorting to violence.  The death knights were unsettling, a phoenix's flames were scorching, many would cower in the presence of holy magic, and he had heard rumors about Sarel's ability to turn into a giant as well.