Loki moves atop the wagon, leaving his unwavering skeletal minion to guard him. "I will take the watch at the darkest part of night."
With that the necromancer descents into the depths of slumber.
The watch order is quickly decided, and as the other's all get settle down for the night, you are given the lullbies of an ogre talking to a troll, trying to get more information without trying to break any bones. The troll doesn't give out any new information, and the rest of first watch goes by uneventfully. However in the middle of the everyone's sleep cycle and the watch order, blood chilling screams can be heard, coming from outside the cave.
Everyone is bolted awake, and somehow slipping past the watches you can see the blind goblins writhing in pain as one by one they are melted into the teleportation circle that is far away from the cave. The circle itself starts to shimmer then everyone hears a violent humming sound rise from the circle itself.
The circle starts to grow brighter and brighter, until looking at the circle is akin to staring into a molten pit of lava from 30 ft away. Then, the circle itself explodes into a blast of magic, the shock wave throws everyone up into the air, then slams them onto the ground. Thankfully the snow cushions everyone's fall so no real damage is sustained. A few bruises, from being falling from 15 ft away and landing onto the ground.
Every spell caster in the group knows that this should never have happened, in fact all theories say that the only way something like this could happen is due to the magic of the circle imploding. No one know's how the blind goblins had manged to slip away, they were easy to see all through out the night, in fact the only time that no one could remember seeing them is when they went to sleep next to the fire.
As everyone picks themselves up from the snow that they were buried in, and as their vision clears, everyone can see in the air where the circle was at in a large sized ogre, who is ethereal looking. The ogre has no hair and while naked, has no gender and the lower half of the ogre's body appears to be serpentine shaped, floating above the ghost, are a total of 14 tomes. The tomes themselves are also ethereal, and each one of them appear to have a words scrawled across the covers. Loki and Kur'Plugh's eyes widen, as they recognized the ogre that had taken a portion of the dark elves chest. A mocking, yet crazed laughter can be heard from the ghost, then it and the tomes fade away.
Zaruksis startles awake at the screams and dashes outside. He watches in bafflement as the slaves dissolve into the magic circle, then he's lifted off his feet by a wave of magical force. When he picks himself up, he sees something crazy. Possibly a hallucination caused by the blow to his head from the shock wave, or maybe the ale that he drank earlier that night had been spiked with a drug of some kind. "What in the name of Cazic-Thule just happened??"
Loki was on watch when the soothing screams had caressed his ear holes. Sprinting out of the cave, not taking the time to rouse the others, the independent-minded Teir'dal seeks out the source of the disturbance.
How the f$~# the blind goblins had snuck out past his night-keen eyes, or the eternal vigilance of his skeletal minion was beyond his understanding.
At least they had been put out of their misery and their lifeforces had come to some use as they were absorbed into the circle.
Loki backs away from the magics gone awry, and throws out a hand to stop others from getting closer. It was not an explosion that he initially feared, as much as the circle demanding to absorb more souls in to fuel its activities.
He had not backed far enough away, and the necromancer finds himself tumbling back ass over tea kettle into the snow, wondering once again what the f+$% was going on.
Loki moves back to his feet, distributing the pain from a smashed elbow along the rest of the limb, his eyes hungrily drawing in information about what was the matter at hand. A nest of clinging snow is impatiently flicked from the dark elf's cowl, for nothing could steal his attention now, their very lives might depend on it.
Prepared to face the goblin "mistress", a spell on his fingertips and lips, the one called Loki is stunned to see a familiar face once again. He hisses out a whisper, "Sazs."
Waiting for anything else to transpire he stares down at the destroyed circle, "Harvest's Sorrow awaits. The circle magic is long gone, and there is no reason to wait for the 'mistress' now since this means of transportation has apparently been destroyed."
Spellcraft:
Blinking at the destruction, Cakkarak rises up from his crouch. Rushing outside, he had been stunned by the sight of the ghostly ogre. And then the circle had exploded with a shockwave that flung him away as if he was a piece of parchment. As he was tossed into the air, the monk had managed to shift his limbs just enough to help control his fall.
The iksar had skid when he landed, clawed foot catching a snow buried rock that sets him tumbling. He lay buried under the snow, trying to gather his wits and figure out what had just transpired. Hearing the others, Cakkarak sits up, snow falling off his clothing and blackish-green scales.
"Well, that takes care of the blinded goblins, I suppose. Fewer mouths to consume rations," the monk says. He stalks around the circle, looking at the destroyed field within it. The iksar looks over at Loki when he mentions Harvest's Sorrow. He nods to the dark elf.
"That seems to be our best choice. The morning light shall see us heading that way," the monk glances at the ruined circle once more. "I believe that it is now my turn for watch." Cakkarak says calmly. It was as if the circle had not just been the source of goblin absorption, ogre ghosts and explosion. While the monk does appear to be the calm center in a raging storm, his eyes are a bit wider. Explosions and being flung by it's shockwave tend to rattle a being.
Kur'Plugh gives an oath at the sight of the magic circle imploding, and the fact that the blind goblins had somehow slipped past the dark elf. Seeing the spirit of Sazs and the fact that the others could see that spirit as well, was extremely worrisome. Only Shaman's could see spirit's, oh sure, druid's could see the nature ones, that was one of the reasons why their magic was so potent. Druid's talked to nature, their Mana came from the world itself and the elemental facet of nature herself. Shamans talked to the spirits and gained power with there training and with the aid of lesser spirits.
That Sazs could still influence this world, and have this much power of a spell and the Mana of another caster, from a completely different field of magic was chilling. How Sazs wrote those tomes to enhance the powers and give another creature some minor abilities outside of their training was profound.
Loki: The only way that the teleportation circle could fail would be the person that had crafted the spell, had written some of the runes incorrectly. That would only make the spell itself fail and if they had really messed up kill themselves. This was something completely alien to your training, although you did see a lot of hints of Necromancy in how the goblins were dissolved. Perhaps the goblin mistress was a hybrid caster, or even a dual classed being. Of course just as you work that theory, you have a flash of insight. Perhaps the goblin had read a few tomes herself, and some how manged to bring Sazs back, albeit only in spirit form.
Kur'Plugh looks at you, and you can see the same thought process in the ogre's eyes. That thought was thrilling and at the same time, could mean that the this mistress was also seeking the same thing that the rest of the party was meant that a race could be on.
Harvest's Sorrow would await you in the morn, and when you get back to the cave, it looks like not much had changed. The horses were awake, but little fear was evident in their eyes, in fact it seemed like the horses were glad that the group had made it back to them.
Everyone knows that in the next ten days, that there would be much discussion, and the trip itself seemed to be going well, no creatures attacked the party. All though that could be because a large group was traveling, and the fact that there were two Iksar, and Ogre, A Dark Elf, and a human were traveling together. It is up to the party, do they let the troll travel with them? Let him go free? Or hasten his end of the mortal coil? And what of the goblin, was there going to be much use of a slave in the hamlet of Harvest's Sorrow? Would the Outpost that was two days before the town going to let you travel with the goblin.
The guards might ask if they can have the goblin, and hold a trial for it's crimes. While it might be nice to kill all the guards, the main goal was to get off this island, not spend the rest of your days on this rock. It would do the party no good to kill everything in the city and question the corpses. While the party was adept in using a long boat for short traveling, a ship on the other hand might be too difficult for a group of Neophytes, to correctly steer it.
Cakkarak ponders the ghostly arrival of this "Sazs." This was the ogre whom had penned the strange tombs. The monk wonders if it's appearance had any thing to do with Loki having read one of the books, and Kur'Plugh himself. Lacking enough information to draw any real conclusions, Cakkarak has little choice but to wait and see what unfolds. It was strangle exciting.
"While everyone is still awake, we might as well discuss what we will do with Jeek," Cakkarak points to the goblin, "and the troll. How useful are they to us?" the monk asks calmly as if they were discussing market prices, not lives. "If the troll is of the mercenary mindset, we could always use the extra muscle. And the goblin seems enamored with Loki, so that doesn't present much of a problem." The Iksar pauses for a few moments, organizing his thoughts.
"Keeping them in our company is somewhat based on Harvest's Sorrow. Assuming that this village doesn't have any issue with the lot of us that is," Cakkarak looks around at the mixed group of survivors. "After all, we do represent the more nefarious races. Well, not Pieter, but I am will to bet he will raise enough eyebrows traveling in our company." The monk nods at the human shadowknight.
Loki shares his thoughts out of earshot of the slaves.
Sajeck remained, but the necromancer was unsure of the status of the two goblins that were tasked with the care of the horses. Add in an intelligent troll, bound about the neck and hands, they should be able to handle the mundane tasks of travel without the group being forced to undertake much of the labour themselves. While slaves were useful, the rationale for bringing the four was because there was no advantage in cold-blooded murder, and it would be a tactical error to leave them behind. Who knew if the "mistress" could return via other means, and the last thing they needed was a fellow conspirator to fill her in on what transpired during her departure.
The first task at hand was to gather up all supplies, and to destroy all evidence that they were ever there. That included dragging Gunk far from the camp, so the animals could tear him apart.
If they were successful then the "mistress" would have no idea who came there, or why. Winter's fury would obliterate their tracks outside the cave, as they had worked to get rid of evidence within, leaving her to deduce that her slaves had simply run away in her absence.
That was even if she could return in the next couple days as she planned. If she was searching for what they were searching for then they would likely meet her in short order anyway. Such an interaction would be volatile, but also potentially productive if they could work together.
Loki busies himself chatting with each of the slaves, working to prove that he had their best interests at heart, so he could draw information from them. Food and drink would be provided, a spot next to the fire offered, and their freedom guaranteed once the group had secured their passage free from this island.
Diplomacy:
They could live or die this very second if they chose. It mattered not to the Teir'dal.
Piter is truly impressed with the power of that magic. He spends several minutes reliving the event so he can soak up every detail of it that he observed.
"Regarding the prisoners, we should bring them along until the are no longer needed. Then their fates can be decided.
So, tomorrow we leave, covering our tracks here. I'll be happy to get out of these caves."
The next day Piter helps to pack everything up, putting it into the wagon.
Checking bindings to make sure every thing was secure in the wagon-sled, Cakkarak looks over at the goblins and troll. If the situation worked out, it would mean less time he had to waste on more lessor labors. Time better spent honing his body and mind into a more pure weapon. While the labors had their own purpose, it was still time better focused else were.
It seemed somewhat waste to slay them. While it was true they would cut into their food resources, the trolls and goblins where a useful resource in their own right. A look around at the others seemed to confirm his own thoughts. He briefly wonders just how anger the magic wielding goblin would be to find this cave stripped bare. Hopefully it would make her furious. Angry foes tend to leave large opening in their guard. his was willing to bet it was a similar theory with magic as well.
8 days drift by without incident, permitting the group to travel along the heading that Loki's unerring feelings guide. Another tome awaited, and it reeled him towards it with bait far too tasty to ignore.
Through subtle machinations the Teir'dal wormed his way into their slave's confidences. A kindness here and there, nothing untoward, was offered. Though those acts were powerful it was the look in his eyes that was the most powerful: that look spoke of eventual freedom should the slaves comply with the group's very reasonable requests.
Loki remained silent otherwise, enjoying the silences as they provided his agile mind with time to process all that had transpired as of late. Shattering the reverie, that sought to still his tongue further, the necromancer draws the group aside.
"We were to be delivered to the gladiatorial pits within Kunark." The same madness sparks quicksilver across the Loki's cyan orbs. "I would win free of this barren scrap of rock and see those behind our enslavement punished."
Taking into consideration his earlier insane proclamation to fell one of the gods it might not be odd to imagine that he now plans to raze all of a continent.
The slaves were broken long before you came along, indifference for the most part was their mindset. The goblin slaves tell you everything about there daily routine, as for information they merely say that at times when the Mistress had too many slaves she would pit some of them against each other, like she had done with the trolls.
Freedom was a long remembered dream, and the slaves due work harder to please the new master. Sajeck seems to be unobtrusive, always around to help out the other two goblins, and what ever his master needed. The troll who name is Zunk, is watched closely by Kur'Plugh, only once did Zunk try to test his binding's and after a love tap from Kur'Plugh's club falls into line.
Kur'Plugh cocks his head slightly to the side, as if listing to a voice whispering something to him, gives a slight frown at the dark elf's words.
Piter had heard of nomads and others riding horses 'bareback', or without a saddle. At a few points during their trip, during rest times, he unharnesses one of the horses from the wagon and practices such riding techniques. His skill on the saddle is strong, but without one he struggles a bit. The attempts help him understand the challenges implicit in riding this way.
Spending time with each other, the group gets to know each other a little better. Piter turns out to be easy to get along with, and quite likable. The group had seen his anger and willingness to kill goblins, but they know that most humans treat goblins and trolls as enemies, and are much more willing to kill them than they are humans. Only time and experiences would reveal whether Piter was willing to do the same to his own kind, or not. If asked, Piter always gives a diplomatic answer.
No doubt, when they reach a human settlement the humans will feel most comfortable talking to him.
"What story can we use in settlements on the way? I mean, in case they have a problem with slavery. Perhaps before entering anywhere, a few of us should go and find out. Others could stay with the slaves hidden outside, until it is clear that it's safe. Alternatively, we could just make up a story about how these guys attacked us and we captured them, and we're bringing them to Harvest's Sorrow. Of course, we'll free them, outside of town, once we're there and have secured our passage. We just need a story, and we all have to stick with it."
Bluff regarding freeing the slaves:
Cakkarak muses over Pieter's question, looking over the goblins and the bound troll.
"Why don't you tell them that the troll and the goblins are our hirelings? It has the ring of truth to it. After all, in a sense we did rescue them from the goblin magic user, so our payment is there services," Cakkarak says after some consideration. "I think that might have it covered. You might have more explaining to do the the rest of us, depending on the place we are heading into," the monk says. "What are your ideas for a cover story? Spinning tales is not something I am particularly skilled at." He thinks for a few moments. "Our somewhat bloodstained clothing might work against us, but it is far, far too cold to go with out it."
Walking over to where the bond troll sits, Cakkarar looks at Zunk, his cold green eyes appraising the troll. He glances over at Loki, thinking about what he says.
"I think our energies are better spent on collecting these books. And I don't think it's a random chance that the ghost appear either," the monk says, scratching the base of one of his horns. "Striking down those who run the slave organization does nothing useful. It will simply replaced, probably in less then a few months time. To much coin is at play for it be destroyed."
Cakkarak turns his gaze back to the troll.
"I need some to spar with and you are it," the monk bends down and begins untying the ropes. "I wouldn't bother trying to run or kill any of us. If one of us doesn't kill you, the necromancers magic will rot from the inside out." Cakkarak informs Zunk as if calmly discussing the weather. "Work with us, you get to not be tied up, and more importantly, you get to live. Or, you get to die, the choice is yours."
Zunk gives a grunt, rubbing his head from the last love tap the Kur'Plugh had given him, and agrees to be the monk's sparring partner. Then start's to strech his limbs out, after having the it's blood flow restricted, he needs a few minutes.
Loki cared not for wiping out slavers or even slavery. If anything he was supportive of slavery. This was different though, for these slavers had restricted HIS freedom, and that was something he could not abide. Once the tomes were collected he would simply set out for Kunark, and burn those behind his capture down, with or without the others.
Loki spends his time in study, especially paying attention to the Sazs' rantings.
Day 8
After traveling and watching Cakkarak 'spar' with the troll the group makes it to the outpost, which is just two towers that are 20 ft tall, with a wooden gate and sharpened logs as a wall. The towers themselves are made from wood, and it looks like there is a squad of guards. It is hard to tell from your current position of two miles away. Now would be the time to discuss freeing your slaves and seeing about hiring on your new 'man servant' 'Jeck and your guard Zunk.
As the days go by, Zaruksis keeps one eye on Zunk at almost all times. "It should be easy enough for us to say that we were slaves too, which is the truth, and so we liberated them, which is a half-truth -- true in the sense of 'liberating' property from its owner. But it wouldn't work with them in chains. I'm not worried about the goblins; I doubt they would survive long without us, and I expect they know it. But I'm not sure I trust the troll."
Loki stops the moment that the first glimpse of civilization, or what passes for civilization on this backwater rock, and calls the others to his side.
"I would free them."
Helping himself to some water, Cakkarak turns and looks at the dark elf, water dripping from his scaled jaw. Head cocked to the right, the iksar monk considers it for a few moments, looking over the surviving goblins and Zunk the troll.
"Agreed. And Zunk will make excellent hired muscle as well, if he is up for it," Cakkarak's cold green eyes glance at the troll. "Few things make foes pause like fighting the people with the troll on their side." The monk almost cracks a grin. 'Plus, foes tend to target the larger enemies first,' the monk thinks to himself. "We will have to figure out some type of payment, I suppose," Cakkarak thinks for a few more moments.
Looking around at the others, Cakkarak nods.
"Alright, so we free them, and whom ever stays on as hirelings sticks around, and the rest who don't leave," Cakkarak says. 'Leave the mortal coil, so that they can't warn the goblin witch,' the monk thinks calmly looking back over the various goblins and the troll.
Loki glances at the others, satisfied that the monk understands his words. Zunk would be free to make his own choice, providing a modicum of trust should he choose to join them, rather than being cajoled into serving them.
The two goblins were institutionalized, and would likely become Sajeck's slaves.
Stopping in mid-thought the necromancer glances up and slightly to the right, wondering if he had heard the iksar correctly, or perhaps praying for guidance. "We stand nearly a tenday away from the cave, having moved to this place utilizing horse flesh, and under cover of winter's fury. Even if the goblins march directly back at the cave, and don't get eaten en route, or get lost trying to find it, we will have over a week before the potential meeting...that is if the 'mistress' can even return to this island after her circle was destroyed."
Taking the measure of the other's reactions he says, "What possible advantage advantage is there to stilling their hearts at this time? Beyond slaking bloodlust by killing those unable to defend themselves."
One never knew when even the weakest might be of unexpected use later on.
Figuring that the volatile group he travels with would not understand the sway of such words he adds, "We want the 'mistress' to catch up to us if lost, for she might have a piece to this puzzle that we do not yet have. Should time be given, for us to solve the dilemma on our own, and we fail, we need only wait for her to come running and extract that juicy tidbit. These slaves afford us that opportunity."
Pointing back the way they came he adds, "Would all of you see benefit in moving the wagon and horses back a mile or two, setting up a camp without a campfire, and observing this outpost to collect information? That way we might discern some information crucial to our success."
Loki focuses in on the emanations of the closest tome they sought and ponders the idea that the goblin might be both wizard and necromancer, but the tome he touched did not offer him shamanistic powers.
"So you want the caster to catch up with us, assuming she can teleport back that is," the iksar scratches at a loose scale under his chin. "Because she might have one of the tombs, or might know the resting place of others?" Cakkarak ask the necromancer. The monk thinks for a few moments, looking over the frozen land.
"Do you think the goblin witch has another piece of that map that had been found?" the monk asks, thinking of the map that showed the surrounding islands.
Cakkarak looks back the way they came. He blinks a few times.
"Alright, let's turn the wagon around then," says the iksar. While he completely understood the wisdom in gathering some more basic information about Harvest's Sorrow, the words "no campfire," almost stopped him. Looking over at Zunk he raises an eyeridge.
"What do you know about this settlement, Harvest's Sorrow, Zunk," the iksar asks of the unbound troll.
"I know not if we will find the tomes on our own, or will require her intercession, but I would leave all options open, unless there is great gain to do otherwise."
Loki draws his cowl down tighter about his head, to better ward off the cold, "She is but one means of escaping this desolate rock, we might need her."
The necromancer nods to the goblins and Zunk, there was a likely traitor in their midst who would play an unwitting errand boy for the group.
Zaruksis reluctantly nods assent at Loki's proposal. "Sure, we can make camp. I'll even set up the tent. But I might as well stay there, since humans never like me much, and I'm no good at sneaking around."
"I plan not to skulk like a common thief. We can observe them from a vantage point far enough away that we will not have to worry about a casual glance from Harvest's Sorrow."
Loki turns on his heel and walks back over to the slaves. "You are free. Leave us and live your lives as you see fit." The necromancer relies on his previous interactions in the hopes that his words convey the truth of the situation.
"Zunk, should you wish to join us, you are welcome to your share of the spoils."
"No, it makes sense. Rather then walking up the gate and get stuck with a few dozen bolts or arrows," Cakkarak nods in agreement. The monk helps turn to turn the wagon around and the move back up the way they came a mile or so.
As they get off the main trail a little bit, Cakkarak watches the dark elf for a few moments as Loki talks to the slaves. Well, released slaves, freed to do whatever former goblins slaves do. The monk actually finds somewhat curious to see what they decide to do. He helps Zaruksis set up a fireless campsite.
Cakkarak wasn't sure about given the goblin witch a chance to find them. That was a larger risk then he was used to taking. However, if anything in the recent weeks, the iksar was certainly learning to be more adaptable in his way of thinking. Of course, there was always the chance that she wouldn't be able to teleport back from where ever, and his concern was unwarrented.
'I doubt we could be that lucky,' the monk thinks briefly, looking around at their surroundings.
"Well, if we're not actually going in, then I suppose I could go along," Zaruksis replies to the plan's clarification. "Who then shall guard our spoils? Kur'Plugh?" Not much would be dumb enough to attack an ogre, and the shaman had strange powers as well.
The goblin slaves bow and take off into the forest west, far away from the direction of the cave and from the group. Zunk looks at the rest of you and says " Yeahhhh I think I'll try my luck away from you and her, I'm sure there is another tribe if not, it still will be better to be away from all of you and her. As for the hamlet, not too much, I know that the merchants travel to the town every now and then. It seems too be a port city at best, merchants have a hard time approaching the island due to the rocks. Those the wash ashore, try to make it on foot and horseback. Usually 2 out of 10 merchants don't make it."
The troll limps off, knowing that it will have blood in it's urine from the 'sparring' that the monk put the troll through. While it was all non lethal damage it still left a lasting impression that the troll wanted nothing to do with anyone, probably ever again.
Kur'Plugh chuckles " Sure no problem, we can look after everything, it's not like we have much else at the moment to do" The ogre says with an ethereal pitch in his voice. " I'm sure you are correct in that we have been noticed. Things will get better for the next few days, luck will blow us a ship named Reavers Folly ." Kur'Plugh stops and shakes his head, as if clearing it from a hard blow.
" I'm sorry weren't we just in a cave..." Kur'Plugh trails off, slightly puzzled as too the blank part of his memory, and the fact that this was the first time that this had happened to him. He rubs his aching head, as the last thing he had remembered after the teleport circle exploding, was falling asleep.
Loki watches each of the slaves depart from their new makeshift encampment. Once each has made good their departure he sets his tireless skeletal minion to guard the area of their supplies and then moves close enough to observe the outpost.
Mulling over what Zunk had told them before he and the slaves departed, Cakkarak goes through the motions of checking on the horses. They did not seem overly comfortable with the iksar's presence. The monk took care so he didn't get kicked by one of the massive horses.
The strange sound of Kur'Plugh's voice draws the monk from his thoughts. Cakkarak looks over at the strange ogre, confusion etched upon his scaled muzzle. The iksar slowly blinks his green eyes several times after stops talking and shakes his head. 'Reaver's Folly,' Cakkarak thinks, noting the name the shaman had spoken.
When Kur'Plugh looks around, the monks can see the ogre is puzzled as to where they were, even before he says that they were just in a cave.
"We left the cave 8 days ago, don't you remember?" Cakkarak says. The monk's cold reptilian eyes narrowing slightly. The ogre had been talking to them the whole journey. "What is the last thing you remember?" the monks tone is curious.
Zaruksis looks at Kur'Plugh in exasperation, and then moves off after Loki, muttering something about shamans all being so dramatic.
Far be it for Loki to judge the mental faculties of any other creature, but the shaman was acting batshit crazy. His own divine aspirations were deemed by those he came across as placing him deep into the realm of the deranged lunatics. Of course that is what they would say right up until he ascended to his palace among the planes and wielded the power of the gods.
Humans were tricky. Every other race had a natural predilection towards order or chaos, but the featherless bipeds were as capricious as the weather. They would have to watch Piter close, for he could betray them at any moment.
Once set in a position of observation the necromancer finds a tree to skulk behind. Seeing that others were joining him he asks, "If it came to attack, what would be your means of taking the outpost?"
It was not his intent to launch an offensive, but such information might prove to be useful otherwise. Martial training was normative among the others, and he was interested to see their tactical accumen come to the fore.
Fire would be his weapon of choice, but he had been trained to wield elemental forces to kill from afar.
"It seems like the Loa, wanted to walk around in flesh for a few days. She must have wanted that as payment for the Mana that I had been throwing around. She left me with another gift, divination magics, as we now know of a ship that can take us away from this rock." Kur'Plugh rumbles, walking over to the other's he hear's Loki's words and says " Fire would be too obvious, now if we were to find a way to get in peacefully, then over throw the outpost from the inside, in one fell blow, that would work out better." The ogre says in response to the dark elf's question.
" Or if we were able to ensnare some of the guards under magic, controlling them, then killing the higher ranks of guards, taking the outpost then would be simple."
Loki impassively watches the ogre walk up to the forward position, leaving their supplies undefended, and Zaruksis' request to set a rear guard ignored. So much for talking to the others in private about Kur'plugh's strange behaviours as of late.
"Excuse me Kur'plugh, 'better than' what exactly? I offered no alternative for attack."
The necromancer's head cocks to the side. In a group forged from obfuscation the one who could truly see must have his eyes gouged out.
Zaruksis is surprised to see Kur'Plugh join them; he'd thought that the shaman was just being dramatic, but the ogre appeared to have actually forgotten what he said before about looking after everything. So, "we" statements are by the Loa, and may not be remembered later. Hmmm.
The shadow knight turns to Loki. "Well. To answer briefly, I would wait until after their lunchtime, then quietly pick off everyone outside the walls, one by one. Make a wall of branches with a hole for shooting out, and then use a rope to lift it to a branch with a vantage to the inside of the gates. When they finally figure out that no one that leaves is coming back, shoot anyone that tries to guard the gates -- while actually undermining the wall on the opposite side. When everyone is afraid to leave their homes, then break in and slay them one building at a time, while the rest cower in false safety."
Zaruksis's jaws gape in a reptilian smile, and he gives a surprisingly warm chuckle for such a cold-blooded humanoid. "But as pleasant as that is to imagine, I must go guard our supplies. I did not fight so hard for them to then just give them away to any passing fools, or our own erstwhile slaves."
Piter had been quiet, and he now realizes why. He had been away from fellow humans for some time, and he missed their company. Seeing the settlement had brought up his natural human desire to be with others like him. Silly sentiments, he thinks.
The ogre speaks, and Piter is skeptical of his sanity. He seemed to believe what he was saying, but Piter decides to wait and see before trusting in some divine magic he knows nothing about.
At Loki's question, Piter thinks it is an interesting thought - so far from civilization, one could fairly raze a village such as this and risk few or no repercussions.
Talking to Loki's question Piter replies, "It would depend on the circumstance, of course. First I would enter and learn as much as I could about the place - I may try to do that anyways - and then I might try to talk them into surrendering even before an arrow is fired. At very least, with knowledge of their layout and numbers, a plan of attack could be hatched if necessary. But I agree with Zaruksis in that assault from a distance is high on the priority list, for if it can be done right, much can be achieved without casualties on our side."
" Sorry, I did not think that you wanted me to guard the supplies right at that moment. I will go and do that task, after we had traveled this far I would hate for us to lose them. Zaruksis, stay here and talk about possible plans of attack, Loki, as for my suggestion of fire, some of the ogres in the village talked about burning human outpost's. I merely might that taking over the outpost, if we had magic to control the minds of others would be better then burning the outpost." Kur'Plugh says, giving a slight bow of his head."
"I'll talk to the spirit's and broker a deal so they don't go for a full ride on my flesh." Kur'Plugh looks angry, more at himself then the others. Turning around Kur'Plugh goes back towards the wagon with the supplies, moving quickly to help prevent the Iksar from wasting his time guarding the wagon.
Knowing that the Iksar would have a better mindset for possible plans attack, and the ogre was pissed that the Loa had taken him over without demanding a payment for other deeds, but that would mean a better concession, and less payment that the Loa would be able to demand
Perhaps the spirits were feeling restless from Sazs, showing up and a few of them wanted Kur'Plugh to ensure that Sazs was stopped no matter what. Kur'Plugh gave a growl, at the thought of Sazs, somehow able to bind more spirits, while being dead.
The goblin, 'Jeck waited by the wagon, his hands nowhere near any supplies, the goblin seems to be helping with the horses. Kur'Plugh looks at the monk then says " I remember falling asleep that night, after the circle was destroyed and, then in a dream having a conversation with another spirit, then nothing, until just now."
Piter's every movement was being watched. If there was any doubt of his loyalty to this temporary alliance he would know of it before the human shadowknight was able to meet face-to-face with his kin.
Sense Motive:
Loki's cyan orbs track the departing form of the ogre. Waiting for Zaruksis to return, his words are barely stronger than a whisper, "Sazs appeared, then disappeared, and now a spirit is taking control of Kur'plugh's flesh without his leave. According to our shaman, Sazs used the souls of other shaman and this permitted them to gain access to hidden uses for their spell energies. Here he we have Kur'plugh gaining access to strange divination magics that he does not understand, and cannot control as a hidden use for his mana."
The necromancer leaves the thoughts to dangle in the minds of his companions, wondering if they will come to the same conclusion as he: Sazs walked with them.
"I suggest we double up the watch so our ogre is never alone with our sleeping forms."
Musing on the ideas that had been presented he grudgingly agrees that Piter would be the best one for reconnaissance, since it hinged on extending trust, something he was not comfortable with. Picking apart their forces from the shadows was a solid idea as well.
"If I might be so bold as to suggest, a diversion of fire will move their resources away from our egress point, and we do have a volume of liquor at our disposal. Once inside it would be beneficial to secure some hostages. 'Human shields' I think the term is. Women are usually best, for children are too small to be much more than a squirming buckler."
"I would be willing to bet that the ogre would have killed us by now if he was being controlled by Sazs," the monk says calmly. "He certainly didn't lack the chance to snuff us all out in the last eight nights." Cakkarak thinks for a few minutes, eyes moving over the the distant Harvest's Sorrow. "We should probably just ask him what happened. And get a more detailed explanation from Kur'Plugh. He did seem rather confused as to where we are."
"Alright, since we have no idea if we are going to be greeted with words or arrows, it sounded like everyone has a plan of attack that they are going to use," Cakkarak says. The monk was used to fighting by himself, or for himself, tactics were not among Cakkarak's strongest skills. He tended more towards adaptation in battle, flowing like water. What happens, happens.
"What if Sazs is using those who read his books to rebuild himself. I am lacking when it comes to magical knowledge, but it took your flesh and blood," Cakkarak says to Loki after a few more minutes of silence from the monk. "Do you feel anything different about yourself?" he asks, looking over the dark elf.
Revery is surprised at Loki's suggestion to attack the place. Still, he must have a reason.
"Why attack the town? To what end? Should we not first determine how accepting they might be of our group? Our purpose is to secure passage, unless you have another?"
The necromancer speaks to Piter's comment, paying especially close interest to the human's stance on the slaughter of others like him, "I spoke only of our course of action 'if it came to attack', not that it was my default position to launch an offensive. I am sure you see the wisdom in having a contingency in place and not need it, rather than being in a dire situation knowing not what the others might do."
Loki considers the monk's words, "I know not Sazs motivations. Perhaps he needs us to collect the tomes for him, and other through flesh puppets can he achieve his ends." The Teir'dal shrugs his shoulders. He was undoubtedly brilliant, but in terms of things that had no basis in anything he had ever heard of, he was as ignorant as the average serf. "We should ask him if he is being possessed by a spiritual ogre from hundreds of years ago?" A single eyebrow spikes towards his hairline. "Would we be able to trust his answer should Sazs be in him? Would that not reveal the only possible advantage we might have?"
The Teir'dal had only posited a possible explanation and suggested a double watch be put in place.
Loki shrugs, for he felt no different than he had before.
"Ah, then I misunderstood. I thought you had switched to real plans. No matter, then, I think using hostages is a useful tactic. Women hostages are fine, and they can be ... interesting to hold onto.
So, how about if I go there now, to read the pulse of the townsfolk, if they have one, and learn something about the town? Any objections? Assuming they have seen us all together, I shall do my best to put you in a good light. 'They are misunderstood by many, and are concerned that if they show up in town they will receive a less-than-welcome reception.' Which is true, really. 'They are harmless, really, and are relieved to be in a relatively safe area after having travelied through the dangerous wilderness.'"
Piter looks at the others to see if they have anything to suggest.
"Ah, I see I am deaf," Cakkarak says with a nod to the others. "I missed the beginning part of what was said." The monk looks over to Pieter after he tells them his plan. "Sounds good. And believable most importantly," the monk says after thinking over what Pieter would tell them about the group of non humans.
The monk moves over to Loki, nodding to the dark elf.
"Keeping a double watch on while we sleep is a good idea. I will admit I am uncomfortable with the thought of Kur'Plugh being controlled by Sazs," the monk says quietly. "I wonder if that is how ogre shamans work. Much different then my own peoples shamans," Cakkarak says with a shake of his head. "But, that might have something to do with the Faceless," Cakkarak muses outloud.
"I would still like to question him. Not so directly as "Are you being controlled by the ghost of Sazs," or anything like that," the monk almost cracks a grin. "More general information, like how he deals with the spirit world in general. Perhaps, asking him if it's possible that the ghost could control him. Any thoughts?"
" I would not risk so valuable a resource as you without first having a cursory glance at those we are dealing with. Once we have gathered enough intelligence as a group, say until the fall of night, I feel very confident that your reconnaissance will be crucial to our success."
Loki speaks honeyed words, but what he does not say is that he does not wish to extend trust unless absolutely backed into a corner, and all other options have been explored."
Bluff:
"I am in full agreement that further information can only help us, in terms of Kur'plugh. Perhaps there is a mundane answer to all of this, and it is only paranoia that guides me."
Zaruksis looks at Loki oddly, then wheezes with suppressed laughter. "It's perfectly 'normal' for shamans to be all 'spirits this' and 'spirits that'. But I'm not sure I'd call it 'mundane'." He sobers quickly. "But I think I know what you mean. So. Let's get this town scouted, so we can get on with things."
"Well, if we are scouting, the lot of us should probably get out of sight. Since those on the tower have the advantage of height. I doubt they could make out race at this distance, but I would be shocked if our loitering has not been noticed," Cakkarak motions towards Harvest's Sorrow with his scaly chin.
"I'm not sure about other races cities, but ours shut the gates when nightfall covers the sky," the iksar muses aloud. "If Pieter was to go in and scout around, day light might be better. I don't think your race does much after the sun sets," Cakkarak says nodding to Pieter. "But my knowledge of human activities is lacking to say the least."
Cakkarak thinks for a few moments.
"If what Zunk said was correct, and not to mention whom was being cooked at their fire, I am willing to bet that the occupants of the village are most likely human," the monk pauses for a few seconds. "And if it is a port town, as far as the troll figured, we might have a better chance to see what is coming and going closer to the waters edge, looking towards the town. If it's that close to the ocean, they can only have walls on so many sides."
"Or, we spread out and circle the town at a reasonable distance to get a better gauge of what's inside," Cakkarak offers. "Because, honestly, I am to damn cold to stand around and wait for something to wander by. If no one else fills up to it, I will scout around. I might not be as stealthy as Loki, but I have a fair amount of training in the arts of not being seen or heard."
Loki had purposefully stopped far enough away to not be glimpsed by casual observation, and found a position behind a tree as well.
"Hmm, they do work in the light of the sun? How strange." The necromancer was from an underground world where they slept through the upworld's day, so the idea of a flipped schedule was confusing. His vision was an advantage at night, which is perhaps why the humans do things differently.
It was amazing the race did so well, and must be solely connected to the fact that they breeded like braindead bunnies.
"I see wisdom on your words. Piter you had best go now and take advantage of the light. Zaruksis and Cakkarak, if you could observe the outpost from the waters. I will join forces with Kur'plugh, and observe Harvest's Sorrow from the land. Would meeting back here with the midday sun be acceptable to all?"
There were too many that wished to move off on their own to hold all the cards to one's vest, and as such it made sense to let them all go. If betrayal was on anyone's mind, then the fractured nature of the group's location would be beneficial to gleaning the truth of the traitor's words before they were all incarcerated or killed.
"Beyond learning of their troop complement, movements, weaknesses in the defences, I am especially interested if there are races other than human in there."
Loki blocks out every other distracting element and focuses in on the emanations of the closest tome.
Piter smiles, and stands up. He looks to the town and considers his next actions. He works best when he just relaxes, and mingles among the people.
"At night, humans set to work on the arduous task of attempting to produce more humans. That, and drinking to forget their troubles. Yes, Loki, we can't see in darkness, as our eyes require light. But that also means daytime, with its heat and light, is the best time for us to work and get things done. Some humans, children especially, are afraid of the night; they fear things they can't see, and assume there are nasty trolls and goblins there, even if there are none within leagues.
I will go there, and likely spend the night. If they are receptive to me I will find out as much as possible about the town, its people, and its defenses."
Piter stands up, and if there are no other suggestions for him, he walks to the town, trying to recall what he knows about stories told in small fishing and trading ports on remote islands.
Knowledge/folklore:
He also observes the town's defenses as he approaches.
Knowledge/warcraft:
Piter: You do remember some tales about port towns, some port cities are lawless, which wouldn't be too bad, but then the party might have to fight off a whole town of cut throats, most of them have laws that are enforced. Depending on who tried to fund the trip over to an new place, the town would emulate the city/fiefdom/kingdom.
While the city itself is still two days away from the party, the outpost itself, appears to be pretty well defended. The guards keeping watch have armor that is more functional then just for show, the watchtower appears to have a quad in all four corners. The quad has 2 archers, 1 brute or warrior, and a spell caster of some kind. 12 guards in total make the rounds on the walkways, patrolling the ramparts and the land.
You see smoke rising from the middle of the outpost, it looks like it could be a cook fire, it looks like the outpost has made itself as self sufficient as possible.
Piter this outpost seems to have been seasoned, by the island itself, or before they came to this rock. Playing it diplomatically might be the groups best option at the moment, as you start your approach, you can't help but feel like you are being watched. Pushing the feeling away you make it about halfway to the outpost before you must make a spot and listen check.