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Sable once again takes command of the men at arms to get this place into shape, "Hycan did a great job in that fight and even better job making sure we could get through that gate, too bad he did not make it. The Stag Lord, curse him, had a heck of a shot and took the hobgoblin down. Kobolds I want you to collect anything you can find and make a makeshift gate. Doam and Kreig, you will be doing the heavy lifting for the kobolds. Ernost I want you to go collect all the horses and bring them up here, Hundor you go help him. Oscar good job please continue to tend to the wounded and make sure there is no loss of life for no good reason. Koldur and Jevar please be making rounds and stick to the gate in case other bandits arrive, also start rolling the bodies off the path up after looting them. I will be tending to the captives with our new friend Rognar."
She takes measured breathes as she relays what she learned, "I took a bit more time to make sure I know what this item does. Nothing for ill intent, I believe. This striking helmet is crafted to resemble the skull of a mighty stag. Although made from bone, the antlers and helm are as strong as metal. When worn, the helm greatly enhances eyesight and hearing, granting a +2 competence bonus on Perception checks. In addition, once per day the helm may be called upon to enhance any ranged attack made by the wearer to make an insightful shot. Activating this ability is a free action, and once activated, your next ranged attack against a target within 30 feet is made as if that target were flat-footed against you—this allows a rogue to gain the benefit of sneak attack with this shot. If you don’t make a ranged attack within 1 round of activating this power, the insight fades and is wasted for that day. A worshiper of Erastil who wears this helm may utilize the insightful shot ability up to 3 times per day."
Rognar was not the only divine prisoner locked within the Stag Lord's, a young man barely over the age of twenty was chained inside wearing dirty vestments dedicated to Old Deadeye. Once unchained though, a clear smile coming to his face as he looked up at his saviors.
"I knew Erastil wouldn't let this be the end. Thank you for saving us." Rising up to his full height of six feet, he brushed himself off and happily reclaimed the tools of his trade; a shimmering morningstar that seemed to catch the rays of sunlight and glow with a dull radiance, a long spear intricately carved with designs of wheat and rolling hills up along the shaft till it reached a perfectly crafted point, a well-worn but lovingly cared for dagger, and a beautifully crafted composite bow etched with the symbol of Erastil upon it. It would barely bend for anyone with only a slight advantage of strength and the power could be heard as he pulled the string back.
As a cleric of Erastil, not all modern accoutrements were abandoned. His chainmail was crafted expertly, obviously made with Dwarven care and skill before being blessed with protection magic. The shield that he picked up was made from solid oak, carved to perfection with Elven hands. It beared the golden symbol of Erastil upon it; the drawn bow in the shape of a stag's horns. Other items were picked up and assembled as the party talked among themselves.
As he reached outside though, he would let out a loud whistle and wait for a few minutes it would seem. As time passed, an hurt look began to spread across his face until a trotting noise could be heard emerging from the dense forest nearby. A massive elk would emerge with straps and bags upon its back, fearlessly approaching them all. Without hesitation, the cleric would rush down to the beast and put his arms around it tightly.
"Caydren! I feared the worst! You've grown since I last seen you!" It was almost like one could see the same excitement in the animal, who bugled cheerfully. "We should speak to the others, see what is happening, shouldn't we?" He would say to the elk, turning and motioning for the bull to follow him.
Cullus would approach the largest assembly of important individuals, having been guided to speak to them by the kobolds who were busy with their task. It was a strange sight to see but one could not be picky about their saviors. It seemed Rognar was already busy making acquaintances among them.
"Hail, travellers..." Cullus would call out in warm greeting, Caydren right behind him "...I thank you again for rescuing me and the others. My name is Cullus Vulso, Cleric of Erastil. I had arrived here weeks ago after being betrayed by some of the men you have captured in there." The bandits had found the cleric looking for help and when they spotted the gear he was keeping upon himself, decided to lure him into a trap. It was ridiculously easy to do. "Are you all here to reclaim the Stolen Lands for Brevoy? Are you in need of compatriots?" The assorted group was a strange and foreign lot, certainly, but that did not mean that they had to be all bad, right?
"Hail and well met." Koldur calls up as he prepares to go to the gate, a part of him hoping there'll be more bandits so that he can start carving them up.
"More companions are good. I assume you and that deer of yours are looking for companions? Look for the sliver haired pointy ear bossy elf. Currently he's acting as leader. We had another dwarf here somewhere, perhaps you two could check the wounds on everyone?" he waves as he continues making his way towards the gate.
"Ah yes, Rognar. He is a good sorts, that one. Got locked up with me. I'll look for the elf then, thank you." Cullus murmured, looking back at Caydren and giving an apologetic look to the elk. The beast snorted softly before Rognar approached, bringing another warm smile to Cullus's face.
"It is good to see you Rognar. I was worried that perhaps the battle had claimed you." With an offered hand, he'd greet the Dwarven cleric firmly before gesturing to his animal companion beside him. "Caydren has done well for one so young, never too far away it seems. Let us talk as we visit the wounded."
Cullus would walk among the wounded, looking for those he could save and those who were too far gone. Solemn rites of passing were read above those who had shuffled off their mortal coil. For the time, he did his best to stay out of the way of those who were working hard.
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Sable continues to direct as needed, it seems with just the first few words he issued everyone was busy working. He then went to meet the other cleric, "It is too bad you were lured into that trap, but that is behind you now. I am sure we would welcome another cleric to the ranks. We are exploring the Stolen Lands for Brevoy, we do not have a charter for reclaimation, just exploration and for the Stag Lord's head. We were also working on disbanding any banditry in the area."
As your group secures the fort it seems like a good place to rest at least for a while. The next question is do you send word back to the outpost, Brevoy, and who to send. The next day is spent cleaning the fort, making sure it is more secure, finding any possible other entrances and just resting.
The undead on the other three sides of the fort do not come from their graves unless something living comes too near. Animals already steer clear of the place and this might be another question of if you should destroy the undead too?
"I know these lands probably better than anyone else. Do you want me to make my way to the outpost, then again I don't know Brevoy that much." He offers with not much thought as he realizes what he is offering after saying the words.
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"Well it would seem that Koldur or myself are the best choices, knowing who to speak with in Brevoy. Taking the Stag Helm likely would sate their questioning and the dire tale of the battle. Also either of us would know what kind of equipment would be good and what prices would be nominal. Though Koldur it seems like you will be taking over leadership while I am gone." He talks through the problems ahead and it seems he has found the messenger, himself; unless someone has other logic he is not seeing.
"Aye this be a good place to start with but I don't like those undead. They're a danger to everyone, I'd suggest we clear those out before little Moonshine arrives. Don't want their grabby dirty muddy paws latching on to her gown." Koldur muses. He stretches out some tight muscles.
"I
'm sure Oscar and the rest could be persuaded to help out."
"You have the better of me in overland travel." Koldur admits.
"We need those supplies and of course holding onto these fort makes it easier for us to explore out and perhaps attract more settlers in here." He turns to the rest of you as he fiddles with his empty pipe.
"Your thoughts gentlemen?"
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Rognar says to the group:
Cullus and I can channel positive energy to harm the undead from distance repeatedly day after day until they go down as they cannot heal with out some negative energy source or a necromancer. We will simply blast them down and prepare spells which can do the same from distance. No one need be injured or killed doing this clearing.
"I...cannot channel energy like you Rognar. My faith has provided in different manners. I am resolute in the face of others and cannot be beaten down so easily." Hefting his morningstar upon his shoulder, he nods. "I can fight though as well as the last man, as can Caydren. I am in touch with the domain of the birds above us, as well as the growth among us. I'll give you my shield and weapon and fight alongside whoever will help cleanse such wickedness from these lands."
"It does seem our new comrades fit right in with us don't they?" Saying it to no one in particular and smiling at Cullus.
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Before Sable heads off he gives a few more orders, "Make sure that the fort is secure before doing anything else and then you can start exploring the area around and even back to the kobolds, especially if they want to head back to their people." He salutes the group, gives the Elven sign for friendship, mounts up and heads down the switchbacks from the gate. If you watch from past the gate or one of the towers you can see him clear it quickly and head North.
Another day is used cleaning the fort and the kobolds do find two secret tunnels that converge before exiting out the North East side of the rock below the fort. Rations are a bit low even after pilfering the rations and food that was in the fort from the bandits... not much. Most of the blood is cleaned up, the fort surely has seen better days with it feeling like a crumbling corpse compared the the Dwarven outpost to the North.
About noon a rider emerges from the forest and heads towards the fort. It gets to the switchbacks and slowly ascends. It bears a black flag. Similar to ones on the carriages.
"I spot me a female rider armed to the teeth. Both rider and horse definitely look like they mean business. Could be the Carriage's owner." Koldur mutters.
Earlier in the morning
"Those kobolds do know their stuff. Secret tunnels and other things. Too bad the previous owner is poor in management."
With a loud roar, Koldur begins to arrange their manpower.
"Arghh.. Too much things and too little time but we'll manage. We need hunters and the rest of us do repairs. Who''s up for which duty? Also bring in those carriages and search them!"
Cullus will bow his head lightly towards Ernost, speaking softly as he does. "I merely wish to do what I can. Within the Stag Lord's prison, I was left waiting to do Erastil's good work. Now that I am free, I must make up for the time."
Cullus was helping guide the others in menial labor, Crayden helping lift rubble with roughly pulled together pulleys, when he caught sight of the rider making their way back up the hill.
"Do you know this rider, Koldur?" Cullus asks, eyes watching through the trees as they approach.
"Heck if I know by Brawny arm of Gorum." Koldur replies.
"Think she'll give trouble?" he asks in return to Callus, his weapons loose in his hands already.
"Well, I've yet to see a moment when someone clad in black armor comes bearing good new." Cullus would move with the two dwarves to the front of the gate, ready to welcome the visitor to the newly taken fortress. With violence, if necessary.
Jevar pops up after having been working alongside the Kobolds for the better part of the time.
He shakes his head "Aye, she is quite intimidating in design. I'll gladly go hunting if you wish. However, I'd reckon we send someone out to visit with this lass before she makes the front door and demands anything of us. You know, to be hospitable." he said smiling.
He looked weird wearing that awkward Helm on his head.
With little direction the rest of the men at arms continue with their own tasks. As the four of you meet the rider before the gate.
Now up close you can tell the rider is female from the feminine figure of the black form fitting leather. Weapons are attached to the horse and rider en mass with a black flag bearing from her back. She wears a strange black crown/mask that covers the top of her head only revealing her mouth. "Greetings to the new owners of Fort Stag, first may I inquire to the state of my men at arms? Those that bore the same standard as I."
Cullus waited behind the others as this woman in dark approached. Just before she got up and off of her horse, he'd whisper a prayer to Erastil to keep them safe.
He would stay quiet and look to his rescuers, it seemed that they were more familiar with who this strange and dangerous woman was?
Jevar looks at the others and shrugs "If they have the same fashion sense as yourself there are a few of your men still around. They saw the shift in battle and were smart enough to lay down their arms. I believe we ain't in aims of holding no prisoners but, I do have to admit I have a bit of curiosity as to why you threw in with the horned gentleman that...well was an ass and died for it." he said smiling.
"Ha! We throw in our lot with that bandit, that so called 'Stag Lord'." She says with mock in her voice at first.
Then with a sinister smile she adds, "No, we had sent an emissary to 'negotiate' with the necromancer and her bandit cronies."
With admiration she continues, "apparently you had numbers on your side or strength, nonetheless the fort is yours, I would appreciate my men, and I am sure we can come to a proper reward for each man or even an audience with my mistress?"
"It seems that you are mistaken, when we came upon the fort your men and those in this fort were already battling due to some broken down negotiation....." he of course leaves out the part where each side thought the other broke their word because of their own attack.
"Also may we know exactly who we are speaking too and of this mistress you speak of."
Cullus had remained quiet this whole time, eyes watching them all carefully as this woman approached. She didn't seem to be a member of the entourage that had rescued them and as the conversation continued, it was revealed that she was in fact a member or leader of the individuals that had helped capture him. His eyes narrowed somewhat as he looked her over. "Indeed, who are you and who is this mistress you speak of?"
”I am Drada and I serve the Veiled Mistress.” she says rather proudly.
Jevar nodded in recognition now. "Ah, I've heard of your prowess. Though, I'm sad that you stopped leading mercenaries. Has the Black Flag treated you well?" he asked with some curiosity.
He looked to the others "Well, the black armor and all. Perhaps it was purely the combat itself that caused the two ideas not to click together that they would likely be a part of that faction."
Koldur raises his eyes at the reveal that she's apparently a well known fighter and leader.
The group she belongs too has an interesting name.
Black Flag.
With 5 more than the DC you also know: Drada is one of the three commanders of the Veiled Mistress. She is also known to never have lost a duel. She is a warrior through and through and participates in celebrations with her men.
”Why thank you, I still lead a good portion of my mercenaries just under a new banner.The Veiled Mistress has treated me well beyond my high hopes. Who do I have the honor of speaking to and what are your forseeable plans, considering taking the fort and all.” She speaks more casually but stays on her horse looking down upon you.
Her mouth turns into a wicked grin before asking, ”What would it cost me to collect a bandit or more besides my own men?”
Hear smiled politely and bowed his head "Forgive me, it seems I lost my manner as well as my sight in the deep. Jevar T'soryn, and as for what were are planning to do? I suppose thast would be to carve some civility into the Stolen Lands." he offered.
His ear twitched and his eye caught the sight of the man hurrying off after seeing the woman clad in armor. "Apologies, i did not know you were a Paladin or an Arbiter of your Veiled Mistress. We have dispensed justice in this hold already, though if you have warrant to show us a good reason you should be taking someone in for greater crimes, I am sure we would be glad to hear it."
Koldur examines the way she is dressed, the carry in her stance and most of all her tone as she speaks.
It's plain to see for him that before them isn't just a warrior but a commander. A confident one seeing that she's speaking to all of them without breaking a sweat shows that she's confident in her skills to handle all of them if the need is there.
In his weakened state, he may not be able to hold his own against her. Something about her rubs him wrong and with this in mind, he looks out for the one whose moral compass is guided by a higher hand.
Where is Oscar. Can this woman be trusted? he thinks.
”Glad to meet you Jevar and Rognar. You are welcome to try others have tried, I hope you have a strong backer. Crason who just passed had poisoned and killed one of my best men. The Vieled Mistress is wonderful in her majestic glory. A force of law in these lawless lands. She is merciful allowing many to serve rather than meet the executioners axe. I am sure you would be well received in her court especially with your course to carve out some civility.”
Jevar looks at the others knowingly and gestures with his head towards the Fort. "Come, I don't see any reason for lack of civility. We can talk inside and you can retrieve your men. I'm sure we can rally up some kind of meal for you for you trouble coming all this way? After all, I doubt that wall could keep you out if the stories are true of your prowess?" he said smiling.
He turned his back on her at this point to lead the way, letting his guard down. It wasn't that he trusted her completely, more that he knew he stood little chance if she got serious.
He attempted with his best efforts to recount the tales of his time amongst the elves in service to Erastil for her, at least as an attempt to entertain her. He spoke of his last friend who helped guide him along the path and his final days.
Koldur waits to see what the rest do.
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Rognar will wait for her to pass and then slide in behind the group following along and listening to Jevar's tale. He will say after that is all done Perhaps we can question this man Crason about poisoning and killing a man and see if we can get a confession out of him. If you would let us speak to your men individually before we release them to your custody we could also question them as to the validity of Crason's actions and then seek justice if such a thing was true.
Sable continues.
Cullus jumps off the side of the switchbacks and goes to work on the zombies.
She nods at the invitation. Taking a swift dismount she lands gracefully besides her horse and leads it into the fort. "I would actually prefer no meal, do as you wish but I would prefer to be on my way rather than tarrying here."
Jevar nodded to her "Aye, alright then. Just let it be known Jevar is not one to skip on the hospitality. A shame, I'd have loved to hear some stories of your early days." he said smiling perhaps too cheerfully for someone that just killed a bunch of men and survived a vicious battle.
She seems a bit more at ease considering Jevar's words and positively responds with, "I will make sure to have more time when I come back this way. You can tell me about your early days too."
She comes in and sits with Jevar, Rognar, and Koldur to discuss as needed. She quickly gets down to business, "So what reward do you suggest for each man, perhaps 5 gp? I would gladly secure your safety should you want an audience with my mistress in the future as a favor. Then Crason."
Surprise in his voice as he exclaims, "Warlord Drada?! Koldur... um... is there anything I can assist with?"