Once Romon is on his way Naria casts greater Invisability on two of the others before ducking for cover. (Greater invisability lasts 8 rounds just so everyone knows)
Esteriande starts casting as Romon departs.
Ali flows to Gnome and hides with the others. She casts two spells to help strengthen her two four-leg brothers, and then prepares anpther spell and waits. The moment Romon`s first fireball goes off she casts Entangle on the largest group of Ogres she can find then flows to DireWolf form and rushes to the attack.
The sound of the fiery explosion is still resounding when Inika mounts the battlements of the central tower. He hold the severed head of the great ogre high above his head as a pair of black tattered wings sprout from his back His voice resounds from his high perch as be bellows:
Intimidate
Not quite loud enough, should have waited a moment longer to let the sound of the explosion to fade. And I just stood on a tower and pronounced myself to be a god. Inikai waits for the orges to react.
The Barracks goes up like a torch and 5 or 6 badly burnt ogres are all that escape it's ruin.Surprisingly the Stone tower collapses like a stack of playing cards and 3 battered and bruised ogres are all that survive it's fall.
The remaining ogres surge towards the tower but quail in the face of the fire and the display of their Father-chief's head.They break and run for the most part.Only a few dumber or braver individuals remaining to fight. A futile gesture as you are able to cut them down with relative ease.
Shalelu and the remaining black arrows are able to slay another dozen or so of the stragglers and the once proud Kreeg Clan is reduced to less than 20 members fleeing for their lives through the forests.
Level up people.
As a last gesture, Esteriande climbs to the top of the Keep and casts light lance, setting it off as a shimmering silvery beacon visible for many miles around.
Then it's all back to organising the clean-up: ogre bodies to be piled onto the burning ruins of the barracks, Black Arrow remains (such as we can find) to be interred with honour in their crypt. Esteriande will start by clearing and searching the room with the ogre sorceress in, we didn't actually get to search it properly...I suppose we had better call in Romon just in case.
Inikai exhales heavily as the ogres take flight. For several tense moments he holds the head aloft, all the while expecting an arrow to bury itself in his chest. It worked. I can't believe that it worked he mentally repeats. Then he dismisses the wings and they fade from existence. He places the severed head on the edge of the wall and readies himself to send it over with a kick. But he remembers Marak's injunction against defiling remains of the dead and he leaves it there instead.
The only real Challenge you face on your house clearance is the surprising presence of a Spectre in the tunnels..You deal with the Evil Spirit quickly and efficiently
Rannick is yours..though you will have to do Something about those shocker lizards eventually.
List off what you find coming soon.
Romon watches the ogres break and flee with a sense of surprise. That was it? He had been looking forward to tossing fireballs at them while invisible. He wraps the remaining three beads carefully in a piece of cloth and stashes them in his pocket. These will come in handy some day.
***
When he meets up with the Black Arrows, Romon will ask them whether they used the gear he loaned them. He'll ask them to return any unused items.
***
Ah, clean up. Romon will help search the ogress witch's room very very thoroughly.
Perception 37 v traps, 33 on stuff.
"Just like that..." says to himself, his voice trailing off as he watches the enemy retreat. For several long moments he waits to see if they will regroup and counterattack. Once he is satisfied that the savages have been routed, Inikai makes his way down to meet the others.
Jobs in order of priority - if no-one else takes charge, Esteriande will take it on herself to organise people (although politely):
1) Finish searching the Fort. Look for any signs of the reasons for the ogre attack - the presence of the Lamias is a little too much of a coincidence.
2) Get our allies and mounts into the Fort, and secure the broken gate.
3) Write two letters to Magnimar, one to the Mayor informing him of what has occurred and requesting assistance in adequately re-manning the fort. The other to the Temple essentially stating the same. Esteriande will either dispatch one of our allies to send them from Turtleback Ferry, or take them herself (Greyfog is fast!).
4) Pile ogre bodies onto pyre.
5) Inter fallen Black Arrows with all prayers and rites.
6) Start clean-up and repair of the Fort.
|
Marak will oversee whatever rites and observances the fallen Black Arrows require, taking comfort in the rotes and formula of funerary customs (consulting survivors as to what specific faith they would like to be dedicated towards), and also makes sure that the ogres remains, including the severed head of their chieftan, are burned and blessed with at least a modicum of respect, to attempt to forestall any angry spirits returning as vengeful wraiths or similar undead.
He will also offer healing to the remaining Black Arrows as well, assuming any still bear injuries from their previous encounters, or gained some in the final skirmishes with the routed ogres.
If any of the NPCs gives him lip about the ogre's head or similar 'trophies,' he'll inform them that ogre *specters* would be a thousand times worse than just ogres and there is no victory to be had in disrespecting the dead and possibly making an enemy that can kill you with a touch, and whom you cannot attack in return.
He'll also help to identify any swag that Romon secures, in his methodical searches for such things, casting detect magic whenever the rogue brings him a new shiny, although anything that is obviously property of the Black Arrows, and not ogre loot, he'll point out as such, trusting to Romon to repatriate it appropriately.
"You savvy why I was pissed with you at the serpent sluts? If you'd just kept mouselike and let me edge a word in, I'da had all their secrets with a little chat. Breasts laid bare and hearts on the sleeve. We'd know all their game. She wouldn't be able to help herself. Putty in my hand. "
He spreads his arms magnamimously.
"Women just can't help themselves with me. Even Ali wanted a piece of this."
Full stop. Oh. Hand covers mouth.
Esteriande will keep busy, but will make time for Romon as soon as it is clear he wishes to speak.
"And as to Alli...she and I must talk some time soon, I think. Do not worry, I understand zat if she did so, it was innocent - she 'as a pure 'eart and would do nozzing to 'urt a friend," she grins affectionately.
Returning to work, she will back up Marak's stance of disposing of their enemies' remains' and assist in whatever she can. The only major priority is getting word of what has happened away to the city before bad weather closes all roads and waterways. One work she will insist on helping Marak with is cleansing the chapel. At a later point, if Father Maelin Shreed can be persuaded to visit the chapel can be re-consecrated to all three deities worshipped here - Erastil, Nethys, and Shellyn - if we are likely to be staying.
Naria not being suitable for the heavy lifting decides to see what has survived paperwork wise
During your search and clean up ypou find...
3 Garnets 120gp each
+1 Mithral shortsword
9 +2 shocking burst arrows
A large supply of Mundane weaponry..basically 20-30 of every weapon in the Core book lists(except crossbows)
You also manage to salvage another 3 suits of Large +1 hide and 4 +1 ogrehooks.
"I am sorry, I am not so good at subterfuge," she replies. "I saw you placing yourself in danger and zeir suspicions rise, I could not risk to lose you. I am sorry I doubted your skill in your element. Next time, give me a signal and I will remain silent and let you speak," Esteriande assures him. "Just do not get so involved zat I cannot reach your side if you need me, promise me," she adds with concern in her voice.
Romon sighs before smiling back. He'd been expecting an argument. "That's a promise that's easy to keep."
"And as to Alli...she and I must talk some time soon, I think. Do not worry, I understand zat if she did so, it was innocent - she 'as a pure 'eart and would do nozzing to 'urt a friend," she grins affectionately.
Romon sags a little, but comes back brightly, "I know some marks would pay extra for innocent and pure of heart." He shuffles toward the door. "I've got to check some things out."
Feeling the need to talk, Romon thinks first of Inikai, but as he searches for the binder he decides he wouldn't want at least one of Inikai's spirits privy to the conversation that would unfold. Which prompts the thought. I wonder if the poor guy will ever have a woman. How could you do anything with the voices in your head telling you to try this and that and the other simultaneously and the loudest one screaming that you're doing it all wrong and physically disappointing? It'd be like trying to make it the middle of the bazaar of Sails. He grins at a memory. Well maybe not quite like that.
But he feels that he's got to talk to someone. The half-elf considers his options. For obvious reasons, Ali is definitely out. Muchorak is not the man to appreciate the sensitivities of delicate social interaction. Marak? Ha! I'm not sure Marak knows there's a difference between men and women. The Black Arrows are out; can't show them any weakness. Naria? It's got to be Naria.
"Naria, you're a woman, right? I mean, you would know how women think?" Not the best opening, but the rogue may be a little too self concerned right now to be his most charming. He unburdens himself to Naria, and the gist of the problem is that Ali made a pass at him, and Esteriande found out, and she's not violently jealous. So does she really love Romon?"
Wellard, did the Arrows use the tanglefoot bag and thunderstone and are they going to give them back?
** spoiler omitted **
Feeling the need to talk, Romon thinks first of Inikai, but as he searches for the binder he decides he wouldn't want at least one of Inikai's spirits privy to the conversation that would unfold. Which prompts the thought. I wonder if the poor guy will ever have a woman. How could you do anything with the voices in your head telling you to try this and that and the other simultaneously and the loudest one screaming that you're doing it all wrong and physically disappointing? It'd be like trying to make it the middle of the bazaar of Sails. He grins at a memory. Well maybe not quite like that.
But he feels that he's got to talk to someone. The half-elf considers his options. For obvious reasons, Ali is definitely out. Muchorak is not the man to appreciate the sensitivities of delicate social interaction. Marak? Ha! I'm not sure Marak knows there's a difference between men and women. The Black Arrows...
Naria's conversation with Romon
"Hmmm it could simply be she dosent consider what Ali did to be...how should I put it Genuine? Keep in mind Ali is a nice person and all but when it comes to interacting with us 'two legs' as she would put it she is very inexperianced....almost child like really" She pauses to see if Romon is following
"Simply put Esteriande isent upset because she dosent believe Ali has made a real pass at you rather she see's it more as Ali just not grasping the norms of humanoid interaction."
While the others search and repair the fort, and make plans for the future, DireAliWolf and Lunas spend whatever time is necessary to hunt down and kill every single last WolfKiller. There is no, or at least very little, maliciousness in this. For them it is merely pragmatic, for these are enemies, and they know that even one wolfkiller left alive can prove a great threat to their fellow four-legs.
They are happy to take Little and Big Bear along, should either of them wish to join the Hunt. They do not return until every last ogre is dead, or they cannot find anymore.
Once back at the fort, if the situation is clearly explained to her, Ali will volunteer to fly to Maginar and deliver the messages. If she does so, she remains in the terrible city not one second longer than necessary. Only staying long enough for return messages to be scribed should the mayor or high priestess wish to do so.
Both items were used in the pursuit off the Ogres
The wolf killers ..those who survive are long gone by the time you could get on their trail. Ali knows enough to realise that to pursue them to their lair without the support of her pack would result in useless sacrifice.
Suddenly Inikai is reminded of the letter from the snake-women. "Might as well read it" he says as he opens it. "I expect that they are far away now."
Esteriande will appropriate the arrows if no-one objects. She will gladly accept Alli's offer to fly the letters to Magnimar...but will want a word first...
Esteriande talks without rancour, more interesting in explaining a misunderstanding than becoming protective. If Alli asks she will probably go on at great length about Shellyn's teachings on love and marriage, about the differences between a casual and a serious relationship, the correct environment for raising children and so on and so forth.
...and bid her bon voyage.
Then it's back to work inventorying everything and cleaning up.
Glad the battle is over and victory is theirs. Muchorak looks over Ursus, the blood splattering his fur, then at Wolfspirit and her companion. "Perhaps a swim would do us some good?" The ranger smiles at the thought and turns to his other companions, "In the morning then?" And he moves out of the fort into the woods searching for a suitable place, grove perhaps, to rest and bath...
Naria listens to what Romon has to say before responding "So youre worried becuase Esteriande did not blow her top even though you told her Ali made a pass at you." She sits pondering for a few minutes
"Hmmm it could simply be she dosent consider what Ali did to be...how should I put it Genuine? Keep in mind Ali is a nice person and all but when it comes to interacting with us 'two legs' as she would put it she is very inexperianced....almost child like really" She pauses to see if Romon is following
"Simply put Esteriande isent upset because she dosent believe Ali has made a real pass at you rather she see's it more as Ali just not grasping the norms of humanoid interaction."
Romon nods and thinks for all of half a second. "I see what you're saying. Esteriande thinks that just cause Ali's got toys in the attic, she just a doll. Can't she see our little werewolf's got shape. I mean, if I was a gnome and single I'd be biting Lunas to get between the two of them." He waves his hands. "But we're getting off the point. If she really loved me, wouldn't that over-ride all that int'lectualizing? If one of the Arrows made a play for her, he might wake up with a knife in his throat.... "
"Do you think she's playing me?"
Heres what you got in total
From the Chief
+1Human Bane Ogrehook
+1 Large Hide Armour
Belt of Giant Strength+2
2 potions Cure Serious wounds
From the Sorceress
Potion of Cure Seriuos Wounds
Wand of Acid Arrow 43 charges
Amulet of natural Armour +1
Headband of Alluring Charisma +2
Ring of Protection +1
From the Ogre Guards
6 suits of +1 Hide Armour
7 +1 Ogre hooks
From other sources
+1 Mithral Short Sword
9 +2 Shocking Burst Arrows
3 garnets 120gp each
A map detailing several of the smugglers tunnels under Riddleport worth perhaps 75gp to Sherrif Hemlock
A Map detailing several of the upper levels of the Infamous Viperwall Dungeon worth 600 gold to an interested party
A map of the Lurkwood showing many hidden routes..worth 1000 gp to a group intent on exploring the area.
** spoiler omitted **
Conversation
"I see. The gods twisting how people behave again. Kind of like Norgorber and the Skinsaw Man -- but nicer. Thanks, Naria," Romon says. "I feel much better now."
Bluff
****
Consumed by the idea that the Black Arrows must have had something more, something better than what they'd already found, Romon spends a day searching the castle for hideyholes aqnd watching the Arrows to see where they go and what they do.
He also amasses a collection of assorted weaponry. He spends the subsequent days carrying weapons out to Muchorak's grove and chivvying the Shoanti into practice bouts with them.
The ramaining Arrows are in something of a state of shock..they do little and Romon quickly realises what you seeis what you get.
The letter from the Lamia is in fact a list of names..it is headed
THOSE WHO HAVE AGREED TO LEND THEIR GREED TO THE MASTER'S NEED
Amongst the names on the list is that of Kaven Windstrike..his name circled in red.
on top of that
[channel Ed Stark] WINTER IS COMING[/channel Ed Stark]
The clouds on the mountain tops loom grey and dark and a steady rain begins to fall..
Esteriande
"THOSE WHO HAVE AGREED TO LEND THEIR GREED TO THE MASTER'S NEED" Inikai repeats aloud. "Beyond being doggerel poetry, it sounds like a list of collaborators. Wasn't Windstrike one of the men in that barn outside the Graul house? It looks as if he is a traitor to the Black Arrows. If he is still among their ranks we should put the question to him."
"Indeed," Esteriande's reply is grim. "Let us confirm any suspicions zat we may 'ave before we reveal zis. We will interview ze ozzer Black Arrows first, find out if 'e acted suspiciously or caused any events zat may not 'ave otherwise done."
The Arrows don't bite on the thieves cant but are happy to spar with You and give tips on bow use.
As for the armour proficiencies..well most of the Arrows armour was destroyed in the attack.You might be able to find a chain shirt that fits but the heavier armours just are not available here.
Once Esteriande knows the contents of the letter, she will talk to each of the arrows in turn at length, finding out what happened to the three of them and what effect it has. She will draw out as much detail as she can. She will do this on a casual basis, seeking to build up a picture of what happened. Her excuse is that she wishes to ensure the fort is not taken the same way again.
Diplomacy:
Reactions of the Arrows
First off you can assume they are all suffering from PTSD still trying to come to terms with the fact that almost everyone they know is dead...and worse..Ogre chow.
They are dealing with it in different ways
Jakardos spends his time trying to reconnect with Shalelu which gives him a grasp on his past that seems to have a calming influence.he claims his years are finally catching up with him but cannot give you any real details of the attack as the Graul prisoners were a patrol sent out before the attack occured
Vale lost two younger brothers in the attack and all that seems to be holding him together is the thought of vengeance on the Kreegs..he spends hours making sure his weapons and armour are in tip top condition.
Kaven seems to have withdrawn into himself..he spends most off his time on the walls gazing up towards the Mountains..You find him quite unwilling to talk at all.
When the members of the group are beyond Kaven's hearing Inikai volunteers a suggestion. "I can call on a vestige that should give me the power to peer into Kaven's mind and know if he speaks the truth. It would be best to engage him in conversation, to whatever extent possible, while I observe from some other position." After a moment of hesitation in which he averts his gaze from you, Inikai continues "There is another...spirit...that I can call on. He can force honest answers to direct questions. It is not by means of any pain or discomfort inflicted, it is simply a compulsion to answer truthfully."
"I would need a little time to prepare for it. Naria, if you are interested, you are welcome to observe as I call the vestiges forth. I don't know if either would talk to you, but there is always a chance."
Esteriande will try to get from them what they did do that day, but will not press too hard. She will offer sympathy and counselling to them all, give them a chance to air their thoughts and feelings.
To Inikai:
"I am reluctant to force anything on them, but I zink we do need to know answers from Kaven. We cannot afford a traitor in our midst, but it may not be zat."
"Sure I'll watch." Naria rather eager to see the visages binding in action again and already writing up a list of questions.