"You mean besides Fort Rannick? Not really no."
Scoffing at the idea as Dasher soared overhead, Zadderk says plainly; "Well, then 'is is gonna be a wee bit more annoyin' than we thought!" he exclaims. He gave a casual glance to Dasher in the sky in the far off distance. Looking back, he grimaced. "Can't help but wonder when the thing's gonna happen, can ye? Shoulda'least told'em to get to igher ground, aye?" he asks, obviously concerned as they walk.
"That damn has been there for thousands of years bringing it down wont be easy even for ogres. Still it's likely they will eventually succeed. If possible we should scout out the damn and see how much progress they have made."
"Seems like a reasonable idea to me. If we speak to the mayor this evening we can be off right after breakfast."
Rolling his eyes, Zadderk offered a grim bit to the conversation. "If'n the ogres could take Rannick in a night, I dinnae wanna think about what kinda' evil 'as their 'and in'is..." he pointed out. "Ogres're stupid, and I should know, aye? Killed more'n I care ta' mention. Sumthin' smarter is in'ese works. Believe you me..."
Lucan says, "I agree that it appears that something is behind these ogres. But we have to deal with the threat that we have before us. There are ogres at the dam. Hopefully, they won't break it tonight; if so, then we're too late, and we will die with the rest of the town. But if it really has stood that long, then it should be quite an undertaking for them to take it down. At first light tomorrow, when we're rested and restored, we will make our way to the dam to scout the situation. Hopefully there, also, we will be able to figure out who, other than that horrendous 'mother' beast, is behind these ogres. We should try to keep at least one alive to see if we can get it to spill any information."
"No reason we shouldn't...follow me." says Jakardos
Jakardos leads the way to the mayors office.
When the people at the entrance recognize Jakardos (He is second in command of the Black Arrows) they let you in quickly.
You are ushered into a meeting room were the mayor comes to meet you.
"Finally! News from the Black Arrows it's been weeks!" says the mayor
"You haven't heard from any Black Arrow in so long? It's worst than I suspected." says Jakardos he then tells the mayor what he knows about the attack on the fort and the situation at the damn.
The mayor is quite worried about the whole thing.
"How much time do we have? Do we call for help from Magnimar or should we evacuate?" he says.
Lucan says, "I believe we are the help from Magnimar.... Tomorrow morning, first thing, we plan to scout the place, and see if we can deal with whatever the ogres, and whoever is behind them, have planned there."
Looking at everyone, Zadderk offers another surprising amount of insight to the situation. "What if they got the means to break the dam, but're just waitin for sumtin?" he asks, looking at the mayor. "If'n the dam broke, how long would it take the water ta' get 'ere. We killed a magical ogrekin tub of fat earlier, but she wadn't as stupid's we thought, right? Magic folk can talk from big distances. If'n we get folks to start movin, the water might come out anyway, aye? S'tricky sit'ation..." he claims.
Looking towards the door, he points something else out. "Dasher's up in tha' air at the moment, but e's gonna look for any water rushin at us and beat it 'ere I hope." he says. Looking to Karla, he disagrees. "Rannick's already fallen. Arrows are dead and gone by now. Jakardos and's men're all that's left o' that, I imagine, save for a few scattered about... We'd do better ta' prevent these folks from dyin'.
He huffs. "Well. I can nay' be sure. Doesn't make sense, aye? If'n the Ogres took Rannick, then what be tha' point'n floodin the place?" he asks.
"The fort would be safe if the damn is broken it's on higher ground than the damn and overlooks it. Had they tried to approach the damn without taking the fort first we would have seen them for sure. says Jakardos thinking about it.
"Well, that presents its own dilemma. The dam breaking is the most urgent threat to the town of Turtleback Ferry. However, the ogres at Fort Rannick are likely to spot us trying to get past it to the dam. If we're spotted, we'll likely face enemies ahead and behind at the same time. Evey day the ogres are the fort are probably killing and devouring more of the original defenders. If only there were a way to be certain the dam breaking wasn't imminent! There are magicks that allow such a thing, a lesser spell called clairvoyance, but we would have to be relatively close to it, say 500 yards. Scrying is an option for some but a) I don't know the magic - Karla, Andras? Do you? - and b) as I understand the powers, it only works on creatures, so again we'd have to know who's at the dam. Perhaps if Zadderk could view the dam through Dasher's eyes?
In either case, I assume we will have to leave in the morning ready for both possibilities: getting into the fort and driving the attackers off the dam. Jakardos, I can understand if you are reluctant to share such information but this is a critical situation. Is there a way into the fort other than through the main gate or a full-on assault?"
A small rabbit with the upper torso and head of a girl, but then with rabbit ears off of the top of hear head, appears next to Lucan.
"Why be seen at all?" she asks.
Lucan says, "My familiar Lily has a point," Lucan says. "Do we have enough magic that we could pass by invisible? It will depend on how wide of a view the fort has. If it's the whole approach, we're in trouble. If it's a relative small choke point, then it's possible we could sneak past invisible. I can cast a spell to make myself invisible, and can cast it up to four times a day. Lord Zohan, are you familiar with this spell, or do you have anything more powerful? The invisibility will only last seven minutes, however, or until you attack something. So, that won't let us go very far invisible."
"I have something similar that would affect me and everyone within 10 feet in all directions around me. If we move all of us close together on horseback, it should just cover everyone and the creatures, but it, too, will only last a quarter of an hour . And it won't dampen the sound of hooves. But we've hardly given the good mayor a chance to get a word in edgewise. What say you, my lord? Could you have the good citizens of Turtleback Ferry on alert for emergency evacuation in the coming days? Have you any means of assisting us in the town's survival?"
Zohan's spells would be sufficient to get us to the damn. If your good at traveling unseen we could even make it without the aid of spells by going trough the forest and scaling a cliff. says Jakardos
With winter almost upon us going to Magimar on foot would be dangerous but possible. It would take a day or so for everyone to prepare...an hour or so I ask that they leave all behind except what each can carry. The best way to go would be by ship but the two ships in the harbor can only hold about a third of the village at best. responds the mayor.
The mayor gets to work getting the city prepared and a watch is set to keep an eye on the damn and you go to the Inn with Jakardos were some rooms meals and bathes are prepared free of charge.
Once refreshed you meet with jarkardos and his two compagnions, who introduce themselves as Kaven windstrike and Vale Temros. Even Shalelu is present tought she spends the whole time giving Jakardos an angry glare.
Jakardos takes out a Map of the area
He tells you about the fort an it's weaknesses.
He mentions a long abandoned secret tunnel hidden behind a waterfall that leads into the fort. It hasn't been used in decades so he's not sure what state it's in but it should still be usable.
There is also a sluice gate that is used to release sewage into the creek it's a little close to the southern gate but if you can make it there you could make it into the fort.
"Getting past the fort to get to the damn can be done using invisibility or stealth but any combat at the damn will likely bring reinforcements from the fort down on us. I would like to check out the situation at the fort on the way, there could be other prisoners there." says Jakardos
Lord Zohan reviews the maps Jakardos draws with interest. "This dam you mention, sir - Skull's Crossing - is it recent or ancient? I seem to recall mention of a rather old construction this close to the Storval Plains.
"It's been around for as long as anyone can remember" says Jakardos
Having Nothing much more to say you get some rest for the night. You wake up early the next day relieved that you haven't been washed away. Outside you hear the sound of rain and looking out the window you see its pouring and that the sun hides behind some dark clouds.
The innkeeper has prepared breakfast.
Lord Zohan's valet, Withers, comes down to fetch his master some breakfast. The elf is at least a hundred years younger than his master, his face sporting fewer lines, his back still straight as a board. The elf collects two plates of produce and baked goods, shying away from meat and dairy products. If anyone asks, he mentions that "Master Zohanski, ahem, Lord Zohan is preparing his spells at the moment and will be down before you finish breaking your fast."
"I stand corrected" thinks Withers, who has not even started back up the stairs just yet.
You finish your preprartions and head out into the rain.
"This is good the rain will cover our appoach and make it harder to spot us." remarks Jakardos
"Yes." says Lord Zohan, with a look on his face that says he could not agree less, "This is fortuitous, indeed."
Feh. Rain'll not do anytin' too bad ta' weapons. If'n that were tha' case, I'd be replacin' me crossbow monthly. Regardless, this weather... The rain seems unnatural, aye? Too fortunate. Also, I cannae' get Dasher ta' fly properly innit. Gimme a moment ta' look at this." he points out gruffly as he walks.
Weather Description: Storm
Temperature: High 41°F(5°C) / Low 28°F(-2°C)
Wind Speed: 2 mph (3 kph)
Precipitation: Thunderstorms and rain all day
As the group readies to leave a tall, muscular and beautiful woman with silver hair approaches.
Given a quick guess, she appears to be taller and less muscular than Karla.
She is wearing regular clothes and a breast plate, you also notice that she has a blind fold on.
"Are you the group heading to Skull Crossing?"
In a calm and lovely voice
"Good, I got here in time.
The mayor hired me to give a hand to your task."
Ayla's blind fold hides her eyes, but she smiles as she adds.
"And patience is a virtue, my dear.
It's wise to respect folks you just met, since you don't know how strong they could be.
Even a Cleric of Gorum can misjudge their opponent"
Following quickly on Ayla's heels comes a man of average height and build, with dark hair and piercing green eyes which seem to take in everything in a glance. Bowing formally, he says "Greetings. My name is Delian Alcare, and I was also retained by the community leader to help deal with the situation at the Dam. I will offer what aid I can."
"Any help is welcome I say" says Jakardos to the newcomers.
At Zadderk's pronouncement, Lord Zohan looks at the skies for signs of malevolent influence. He imagines wicked forces at play powerful enough to control the weather. "How would you spot if the weather was unnatural, Za-?" The arrival of the newcomers, takes him by surprise somewhat. "What's this? Two locals come to aid us in our chore? Greetings to you. I am Lord Zohan. On behalf of my grou-, allies here, welcome, Master Alcare, Mistress...? You'll be wanting to fetch your horses rather quickly, as we're about to set off. That is, unless you have any information that should give us pause." he finishes with one eyebrow cocked.
"I guess I should introduce myself,
I'm Ayla Noya Valerius.
And it'll be a pleasure to work with you Mr Zohan."
"Thank you. 'LORD Zohan' will do... or simply, 'milord'."
"I am one who prefers not to use a person's titles unless,
I see the title is true by actions and or deeds."
Ayla smiles at Karla and replies
"I hope we can get along, Miss ...."
Withers appears to be rather put out by Valerius's words and scoffs. "Hmm! I would have thought the fact that my master has lived longer than most of our kind ever see, or want to see, would have been enough to earn him the respect. Or do those wrappings over your eyes mean you're actually blind? I see you found us easily enough."
"Withers." Lord Zohan silences his trusted manservant with a word. "Please recall our lessons. Emotions must not be given free rein in social interactions. The humans live to provoke each other and the rest of us. And her people have been fierce raiders for generations nearly beyond count. Well, the elves can count them, of course, but... no matter. Are you a skald, daughter of Valeri?"
The newcomers see a venerable, salt-and-pepper-maned noble elf less than elegantly astride his steed. He wears a floor-length taupe-colored robe with gold trim and multiple ties that cinch at the waist and the mid-riff, along with the other, visible accoutrement of his trade, a bandolier holding his many spell components. A walking staff is slid neatly into straps attached to the saddle. Accompanying him are middle-aged elf in fine livery on his own horse and a rather bored-looking mule bearing most of their travel goods.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Zohan, Master Withers. I look forward to stopping our enemies from destroying a 10,000 year old structure."
With that, Delian will climb his horse and move to take his place somewhere in the middle of the group.
Ayla replies to Withers's question
in a calm and diplomatic voice
"I shall answer your question, Mr Withers.
I wear the blind fold, so I don't blind myself.
As my eyes are very sensitive to the light.
And as I said actions and deed determine if you've earned your title, not age, not surname, nothing. But actions and deeds."
Ayla replies to Zohan's question
in a calm and diplomatic voice
"I am not a Skald, I am a pit fighter.
And I earned my titles and nick names at the Serpent's Run in Magnimar."