Upon hearing "rangers", Lajara addresses Cireo, Do any rangers still live? What happened? She points her sword to the dead, to clarify she wants to know what happened to them.
"We are not Rangers - we are travelers and refugees from Phaendar who have been surviving in the woods since the hobgoblins came. With winter coming, we thought to reclaim this fort from the fey creatures so that we might have sturdier shelter than the caves we are currently occupying."
Elyas focuses on helping the halfling with some healing while the others ask the questions.
:: Neth 1 - Early Morning - Fort Ristin::
"You are here to prepare..... for winter?" Cireo's voice is tinged with confusion his voice pleading a bit."What time of year is it?"
Shaking his head Cireo focuses on your questions, "Let's start with what happened. At or near the harvest festival, the Ironfang legion attacked Fort Ristin. Ranger's were coming in with horror stories of what happened at the outlying towns and we were preparing to defend the fort and begin scouting. The Ironfang Legion attacked us before we could get fully prepared... our scouts saw nothing. It was like they came from no where. Trolls, some forest animals and hobgoblins stormed the fort, but we held them off for a day, with plenty of food. We figured we would wait for relief from Fort Nunder....."
Cereo's eyes cloud up and his face tightens with concentration, "On the second day they attacked again. At first we held them back, but then their dragon swooped down from the sky, spewing acid and ripped the wall apart...... Between the shock and the gap in the wall we were stormed. The Legion took those of use that were injured but alive, bandaged us up and held us here."
"Some time later the hobgoblins were in a panic, and judging by Linder having tormented me for the last few weeks, Halk and his korred's stormed the place. After that our treatment became worse, the food more sparse, and some hobgoblins were thrown in here too, though they were taken by some redcaps."
"I know that some rangers escaped the initial assault. Once the dragon attacked those of us here formed a rear guard to stall the attackers while the others escaped, though I am not sure how many still live. There are also many others still to come in, so there are probably rangers out in hiding, at Fort Nunder, or our other fort. I would bet Fort Nunder to be their current point of resistance. We keep a secret stash of weapons there and it is not as deep in the forest."
"As the commanding officer at Fort Ristin, by dint of being the last survivor here, I grant you full use of the Fort should you liberate it until such a time as the Chernasardo Ranger's can safely relocate your refugee's to a more hospitable location." Cereo says with a weak grin, though he has begun to look much better under Elyas ministrations.
Elyas frowns as the ranger explains the situation
"A dragon.... that's not good. we have not seen any sign of a dragon yet, but it is good to know that there is one out there. we are in no shape to fight one yet, we need to make sure we don't draw enough attention to be worth throwing a dragon at us just yet.
Thank you for the information. you are welcome to join us, we could always use another ally, especially one who knows the area. We will do our best to find the rest of your rangers as we work towards taking this region back
Lajara scowls at Elyas, I told you there was a dragon when we met.
What color was it? she asks of Cireo, having not directly seen it herself.
As she waits for Ciero's reply, she begins examining the boxes and crates, looking for food, as she is still half starved and hoping that they have food stuffs, being below the kitchen.
We officially have a den, to rest in and gather our pack, then we will hunt down the Ironfang, preying on those separated from the herd. Time to grow strong. Time for me to stop hiding and fight back.
We still have the redcaps to deal with. All of them need killed. Lajara adds as she rummages through the crates and barrels.
:: Neth 1 - Early Morning - Fort Ristin::
Looking through the create, Lajara realizes this must have been their main food store. There's enough food down here to feed all the refugees for at least a month.
Looking to Elyas, "I will happily join you, though until I eat and rest for a few days I'm likely to do more harm than good. I can help guide you to Fort Nunder, but that discussion can wait until a less pressing time." Cereo says. Looking to Lajara, "It was a black dragon. Fearsome and not something we were prepared for here. Hobgoblins, we can deal with. Their troll mercenaries, fine. For the dragon we would have needed the weapons kept at Fort Nunder."
Despite the care from Elyas, Cereo looks haggard and worn. "Are there others you could leave me with while you go on to fight Halk? I would come, but would only be in the way."
A months rations for the refugees here, I guess... Lajara grabs some food, filling a pouch and stuffing her mouth. She passes food to Ciero as soon as he mentions needing to eat. No, we have few allies, but the stable is safe. Hide in the loft, I did and am still here. She tries to smile at the halfling, hoping to lift his spirits. Some found her smiles, unnerving.
"We can escort you back to the loft in the stable - there are other refugees from Phaendar there, as well, who came with us to help take the fort. The cold iron horse shoe above the stable doors serves as sufficient defense against the fey creatures."
"Let us prepare for the fight against Halk. we'll get this man back to the loft and then make ready. How is everyone doing? Any injuries still need attention?
Elyas checks over everyone, then is ready to move on. the faster we can deal with this threat the better, then on to the other fort.
:: Neth 1 - Early Morning - Fort Ristin::
You help Cereo out of the basement through the main level out into the courtyard. As you come through the main door, Lirosa and Lorne rush over. Everyone else looks warily about the courtuard.
Lorne goes straight to Cereo and begins treating him "How badly are you hurt, son!"
Lirosa addresses the rest of you, "Two satyrs came out earlier, we weren't sure what to do but figured it'd be be best to wait. Does that mean its over, you've cleared everyone out?"
"Not everything. Halk remains in charge up top. The satyrs had no wish to fight, so we let them leave. Better to avoid wasting resources on a needless battle. We will deal with him next."
As this discussion takes place Charles wraps some scraps of fabric around his various cuts and scrapes. He is distracted until he hears the word dragon which causes a shudder to pass though him. Going to have to be might fast if we have to deal with that. Geting close to a would be unhealthy.
"Will their presence be a problem? If it must be done I would understad."
Elyas shakes his head
No I don't think they will be a problem. there are more than enough of us to deal with them, and they did not look for a fight. We should not kill when it is not absolutely needed, especially when we are seeking allies.
:: Neth 1 - Early Morning - Fort Ristin::
Lirosa nods at the responses, "Good, we let the satyrs go and I am glad we don't have to fight them if we don't need to. We've also spoken with Yorc a couple times and he can't seem to find the plant creature near the gate. We are going to examine the area some more and hopefully get the gate open soon."
As the group gets set to go again, you review your options for how to go up a level in the fort.
- There's an open doorway in the destroyed NE tower on an upper level.
- There's a set of stairs in the dining hall
- There's a set of stairs in the SE tower
- There's a hallway leading from the dining hall to the NE tower
"Let us return to the dining hall and ascend the stairs up. We shall perhaps find Halk there."
right behind you Elyas responds. he readies his weapon and will cast Magic Weapon on his sword before they go up the stairs.
"Happy to lead the way up though if anyone is carrying a potion or some such this still hurts quite a bit."
It is clear he took some damage in the last few fights and is not in top form.
"Regardless he still heads to the stairs and will take point blade at the ready."
Lajara, move to behind Charles. I have no healing, so let me to go first. I have not yet taken an enemy's blade.
If Charles allows, she will move up as quietly as she can.
Otherwise, she will follow Charles up the stairs.
:: Neth 1 - Early Morning - Fort Ristin::
You head back into the fort and up the stairs. Reaching the top you hear voices and can see through a crack in the door.
A dozen bunk beds have been rearranged in this room. The straw mattresses have all been stacked to make a ludicrously high bed, and the metal bed frames have been pounded into uneven shapes and stacked to the north to create a dais surmounted by a metal throne. Scattered empty bottles, casks, and cups litter the surrounding area. Four squat stone blocks, each about two feet square, stand around the room, sealed to the floor. A korred sits on the throne, with a few others scattered about the room. Two spriggans perform in the center.
Looking back at the korred on the throne, you realize that this must be Halk. Even drunk, Halk has an ruthless cunning about him in how he holds himself. This is a being you would not want to cross lightly or at all if you could help it, especially not while his allies are nearby.
"Shrink! Now run around! Now grow!" Halk drunkenly yells at two spriggans.
The spriggans do as they are bid, one returning to their regular small size, and one returning to their regular large size at the end of it.
The large spriggan, "Halk, we have been here with you for days, might we have permission now to join the revel?"
Halk frowns for a moment, his words slurring a bit, "I say ya can jooiin us when I am pleased! Its na enough! My friends here" Halk gestures at the other korreds, "Say there's trouble about! Go deal with it and ye can join!"
The spriggans look uncertain then the large one nods, "Okay, we will go take a look outside for this trouble, but we're going to rest a bit first." The spriggans walk to the eastern wall of the throne room and sit, taking a moment to eat.
Halk grumbles and looks like he wants to press the issue, but ends up shrugging ang downing a bottle of liquer.
Lajara also sneaks out to the corner of the hall and looks down it. Outside the throne room it looks like there's no one around, but you can hear the ring of a hammer on metal coming from the far end of the corridor.
Lajara puts a finger to her lips and waves them past the room; once around the corner she whispers her plan.
Let us see if we can get to the balcony. Let us slip down the corridor like serpents, silent and ready and continue our hunt.
She will continue unless anyone objects.
Carthas whips pulls out an extract and hands it to Charles. "Here, this should help."
Carthas nods in agreement with Lajara.
earlier:
Oh, I'm sorry my friend, I didn't see how badly you were injured. here, let me help.
he recalls a healing spell and casts it on Charles
Elyas goes along with Lajara's suggestion, knowing they will have a better chance with the aid they have been offered.
Laraja continues down the hallway slipping like a snake, a silent predator ready to strike the unwary.
"Thank you Carthas. This helps. Sorry to be a bother."
Between that spell and the potions is back in good fighting shape. He lets Lajara take the lead and follows her down the hallway away from what would have been a fight in a cramped space. He keeps his eyes open as they move for any other threats.
:: Neth 1 - Early Morning - Fort Ristin::
Getting to the hallway, you can see movement in the room to the south where the ringing is coming from as a shape bustles around. The doors to the north going to the throne room are firmly shut and silence comes from the stairs heading upward.
Lajara points up towards the stairs, then over to the shape, and then waves her hand side to side with palm up, asking the group which way they want to go; she also points to herself and points up, indicating her preference.
Carthas nods and points up as well.
Elyas follows, trying to go quietly
Lajara will continue up, unless someone (friend) or something (foe) stops her.
:: Neth 1 - Morning - Fort Ristin::
The group climbs up the stairs, coming to a room with a large table in it and other doors leading off to the sides. On the western wall the wind blows in through the open doors to the balcony.
Moving forward slowly, the group gets to the balcony and signal to Dearga to fly over. You see her quickly cast her spell and she arrives in a couple moments.
"So is it time to deal with Halk?" Dearga asks.
"It is. He's in his throne room downstairs."
Lajara stays silent, happy to let the others deal with Dearga. The time for battle draws near and she readies herself for the fight.
:: Neth 1 - Morning - Fort Ristin::
"Well then, lead the way!" Dearga says, gesturing to the stairs.
Lajara and Charles head down first, Carthas and Elyas following behind with Dearga flying at the rear. When you reach the bottom of the stairs, Lajara can see in the 'throne room' and it looks like the spriggans have left, and there only Halk and three or four other korreds. Across the hall from the throne room you can still hear the sound of a hammer working repeatedly.
Lajara holds a hand aloft, with a flick the raises one finger; flick two fingers, flick, three fingers and with a wave she grasps the hilt of her curveblade and moves into the room around a stone block to strike at a korred. A feral snarl escapes her lips as she swings.
Carthas moved into the doorway, then quickly mixed a concoction together and threw a bomb at the center-most of the lesser korreds. It exploded in a gooey, sticky mess, expanding all over the other two.
Elyas will fire off a spell, blasting an area with holy light. unfortunately it is only large enough to hit Halk and will not reach anyone else.
Assuming Halk is evil, he will also take damage
:: Neth 1 - Morning - Fort Ristin::
Lajara rushes in a strikes a korred in the back with a strong blow, though its not as effective as against a regular human.
Carthas and Elyas fill the room with magic. Carthas manages to entangle one of the korred's with his bomb, while Elyas blinds and damages Halk.
Charles moves forward and slashes at the same korred Lajara hit. His blow lands, less effective than normal, but nearly kills the creature.
Dearga flies forward between Charles and Lajara, screaming "Halk! Your time has come! This fort will be mine!" She strikes the same korred Charles and Lajara have, cleaving its head from its shoulders.
The korred entangled by Carthas bomb steps back, trying to get the glue off of him.
Elyas starts moving towards Halk. he doesn't get very close, but casts another spell, creating a spiritual weapon behind the korred leader that swings at him
Lajara shifts diagonally and lunges at the Korred overtop the stone, another feral snarl escaping her lips.
Seeing the creature did not fall Charles follow up with a swing from a defensive stance.
:: Neth 1 - Morning - Fort Ristin::
Elyas summons a weapon and begins to assault Halk, landing a blow on him.
The nearest korred's hair writhes forward around Charles. The hair wraps around Charles arms and slaps at his face, entangling him. With its hair holding him in place, the korred pulls out a club and strikes at Charles with a solid blow, aided by the hair.
Charles and Lajara follow up quickly, both landing serious blows on the korred and bloodying it.
Halk roars in anger before beginning to sign in a gravelly voice. The korreds in the room laugh and grin, their movements looking stronger and their bodies healthier.
Carthas mixes up and throws another bomb at one of the korreds, this one exploding with a boom, the explosion deftly avoiding Charles.
:: Neth 1 - Morning - Fort Ristin::
Carthas hurls a bomb at the foremost korred, and it shatters on the creatures chest slaying it in a gout of flame.
Flying Dearga darts over and attacks the last of Halk's minions that are in the throne room and hits him as the korred fumbles to defend himself while entangled in Carthas' bomb.
The entangled korred struggles but swings at Dearga with his club. The hit lands solidly but Dearga just howls in laughter and doesn't seem affected.
You suddenly hear the hammering stop behind you, and the door bursts open. "Yav gatta stap tha noise! Gert outta hear!" An enraged looking korred bulls his way through the doorway and over to Carthas, swinging a giant wrench at him. The korred is covered in knotted muscles and seems envigored like the others were upon hearing Halk's singing. The wrench comes down on Carthas' shoulder from behind, everyone can hear a sickening crunch.
Lajara growls and moves to stand beside Carthas, taking a swing at the korred smith.
"Ouch ya bastart. I am getting a little sick of taking this beating."
Charles whips around and lets lose two strikes with his blade.
Carthas stepped away from the korred and puts together another bomb, throwing it at him.
:: Neth 1 - Morning - Fort Ristin::
Stuck between rushing Halk on his own or turning to defend the rear, Elyas moves to help protect the group from Halk while they deal with the new threat from behind.
Everyone else turns in concert and rains pain down upon the newcomer to the fight. Carthas' bomb and both Charles' and Lajara's strikes are devastating. The korred looks beathen up but still has some life left in him.
"Disturb Bristle Billie will ye!" the new comer scream through the pain, "I'll teach ya!"
The korred steps back then points and chants. Charles, Carthas, and Lajara feel their limbs become lethargic, their energy sapped. Elyas feels the spell wash over him and does not succumb.
Halk continues to chant, while Dearga attacks the other korred, landing another blow. The korred does retaliate but misses, seemingly put off by how much nothing his last blow did.
Dearga looks over at you, seeming enraged "I did not come here to kill Halk alone!"
Halk laughs and replies during a break in his chant, "No Dearga! You came here to die along with these weaklings!"
the spectral sword continues to hit the Korred leader.
Elyas feels that the team has things more of less handled with the newcomer and moves to help their recent ally deal with Halk.
Lajara lunges at the fleeing Korred. She hears Dearga's shout and smiles, hoping Halk finishes her before they have to deal with her.
She already took note that Dearga told Halk she wants the fort, and is only waiting for the inevitable conflict.
lunge (+5' reach -2AC) vital strike with power attack/furious focus