Goggh is civilized! And not cruel, or warlike. So easy to differ. Goggh hopes. But Goggh is definitely a big target!
He laughed, but a very friendly laugh. In truth, no matter how many baths he'd take, he'd still stink. Plus, his monk vestments were very much garbage-like.
"Yes, I do fear that a giant might squash me with one swing of his club. We may fare better with some proper weapons and magic scrolls. If you have any of these available we could make good use of them for sure."
Remaining mostly quiet due to her nervousness over being seperated from her companion Snow simply remained in Goggh's shadow and listened to the others converse with the Thain "Have you tried talking to them?" Snow piped up as the Thain suggested that they might be best served aiding the Dwarves against the Giant army in order to recieve aid in the search for father, but her time with Goodwin had taught her that sometimes people just needed to be given the chance to be good, so many of her siblings were perfect evidence of this, Goggh among them especially!
"I think maybe it could be a good idea for us to help, especially if you can help us find Father, but does there have to be fighting? Wouldent it be better if your people and the giants worked together in stead of killing each other? Father's work showed us that if you give people no matter what they are, a chance to be good, they can take it. Ogres are not usually very pleasant but Goggh is very nice so maybe the giants could change too." Snow suggested hopeful for an outcome that did not NEED bloodshed, the sort of outcome she believe Goodwin would have sought after.
The Thain looks at Snow as if perhaps she was insane. "Such intentions are good, but your case is rare and exceptional. These giants were raised to be cruel, they live in a cruel society. No gesture of friendship will stay their desire to see everyone one of us dead and our halls looted. That much I can tell you. There is no diplomacy with these fell creatures." He nearly spits and sputters as his fiery retort issues forth. Unfortunately the Thain seems adamant about fighting, sadly. It is likely he is correct however in the giant's attitudes.
"If you do wish to aid us, we can give equipment, those details are being handled by our Head Marshal Hawke. We can arrange for you to join the planning meeting later."
"My fellows, Surely we cannot stand by while our hosts withstand a siege. It's practically good manners. And Snow, remember your history. Dwarves and giants have been fighting for ages. It's kind of what they do (No offence Thain). Besides, the rest of our clan has deemed it a worthy cause. It gets us one step closer to our goal as well. I, for one am willing to aid in the defense of these fine folks. What say you all?"
Snow frowns slightly and shrinks back further behind the cover provided by one of Gogghs legs feeling even more uncomfortable without Aurora around under the fiery vitreol of the Thain not quite used to such an aggresive response to her suggestions "I suppose if there is no other way..." Snow chirps back from the safety of Goggh peeking back out briefly to look upon Vamik briefly considering suggesting something before biting her tongue deciding it best to wait until they are no longer with the Thain "I will go if everyone else does I suppose"
"I will lend my aid, but we should try to stay in contact with the other groups so that we can continue to find our master."
Goggh gently and friendly taps Snow in the head. He then speaks.
Goggh will help. As friend Ghoran said, though, Goggh would like to know and stay in touch with the other groups. Goggh misses master. Mission can be put sideways temporarily for a greater cause, but never forgotten.
The paladin of Irori makes a gesture of respect, touching his holy symbol.
Had said very little the whole trip, she did not enter the lake when they got to it bit kept in her land form. Once language was started she again said little but worked to learn the new common.
Once they where called to the hall with out magic she went slowly in merform.
"If you have taken in others of out group and they offer to aid you then I for one will aid as well. If you had more Mar-kind, you would have fortifications all around. Water is death to air breathers no matter the size."
"Good, our mutual support will go far in building a stronger relationship. With that, we must continue our planning here. Escorts will take you to the planning meeting later with Head Marshal Hawke. There you can request equipment and he will assist in finding a role for you in the missions required for success of the safety of this location."
"Any final questions?"
The Thain appears tired, but is reasonable spirits.
"Well then, I guess not. Head Marshal Hawke will see to your next needs and assist you in getting out of your undergarments into real equipment."
The guards escort you from the room and back to your quarters for a few hours, until later in the day when once again a knock opens the door and a new escort comes to take you to the planning meeting with Head Marshal Hawke.
In the room you see the Head Marshal, a few other marshals a lot of maps and papers and quite a few of your brothers and sisters from the other separated groups.
The various groups file in and chit chat and greet each other. Marshal Hawke seems like a lean no nonsense sort of person. He has the sort of dark eyes that see much and can take stock of a person in a glance.
He starts out in your Common Tongue, probably aided by a Tongues spell.
"OK, not everyone is here yet, but that is to be expected. Let's get this rolling and I can dole out duties if we get any other recruits from your people. Here is what is happening. A fire giant named Rambanchus, self stylized as a king of some sort, has been mighy successful in raising an army of monsters to come and sack this fort. This fort, as you know is a bastion of power in this wilderness and is fairly impregnable against your run of the mill ragtag band of orcs or what have you. A lot of trade and resources come down the river, past the dam and on to the towns and cities of the kingdom. The economy of this is at stake. Clearly if a major army appeared, it would be met with an equal army sent by the king. However we are not at war with anyone, and you don't often see that level of organization among the tribes of the various humanoid races."
"This is something a little different, not an army, but not just a raiding force bent on stealing a few cows. Due to the unique nature and powers of the creatures the enemies have assembled, we need to unique response. The Thain has already determined to not ask for aid from the King, feeling as though it is not needed, wishing to deal with it himself. Dwarven pride and all that."
"Anyhow, we know that Rambanchus has divided his forces into smaller groups, able to move faster. They are also not crossing that great of an area. They don't need supply trains and a giants can carry a lot of food for the few weeks it would take to come here and wreak havoc. We know that there are plenty of orcs, goblinoids, ogres, trolls, ettins and cyclops among the forces. Apparently Rambanchus has been quite successful in emptying the hills and mountains of these creatures and forming them into some sort of band with the promise of war, food, and riches. They are stemming from the mountains to the north. These rugged areas are harsh and many of the ranges are covered in the black ice, but beneath the ice lie hundreds of miles of tunnels and open areas. The ranges are volcanic in origin and large portions of the ice have melted leaving, huge caverns that could hold entire towns. A griffon rider cannot see any of this from the sky. We don't even have maps of what lies under the ice. Some of these bands have come to the surface and we are seeing them moving."
"Your role is to pick a group of these creatures and strike at them. Whether through full assault or through sowing fear, doubt, dissent, or creating chaos to cause these groups to break apart or fail, I don't care. We need people willing to take these risks. My riders are already spread thing, and this is not the kind of things they do. The dwarves are slow moving and would just as soon meet these forces head on in battle to the last one standing. That won't always work. If you can manage it great, otherwise get in, and get out. While we have these individual groups weakened, slowed or eliminated, we can focus on the leadership, which will be much much more difficult. We know little so far, but with some magical scrying and divination we have discovered he is no slouch. To prove this, our scrying was blocked shortly after our first attempts. Rambanchus has skilled arcane and or divine magic aiding him as well. "
"None the less, with some luck most of them won't even make it here, and will give up without a cohesive force or leader."
"I have identified on these maps where these sub-groups are moving from. As mentioned most are some combination of humanoids, giant types and the like. They have recently added aerial support, manticores, wyverns, and they have hell hound scouts as well as other minions. Expect to encounter other creatures in their service a well, many that we have not seen yet. Our plan is simple. For those of you going, pick a spot on the map to travel to, strike at the group and do as much damage as you can for as long as you can. If you have to fall back or return here, do so. We would rather have the information learned from a failed assault than have you throw your lives away."
"We can provide equipment for this from our stores, but we don't have gear for large sizes, like ogres or minotaurs, or other exotic weapons or special materials premade. Some of this can be fashioned, but clearly you can't make a suit of ogre sized armor over night. Keep your requests logical. The Thain has authorized roughly 100 gold per person in supplies. This includes healing potions. He has authorized that you may keep any spoils, but you must report it because we need to know the level of wealth, weaponry, armor, and magic that these enemies have. If they are raiding ancient ruins, lairs and tombs, we wish to see the items to record from what era and culture they come from."
"You probably have a lot of questions. I can take a few. Keep them brief, but clearly I wish to answer them if they are important."
Goggh tries to assimilate the maximum information possible. Finally, when the man finishes, he speaks.
Goggh understands small men keep no large suits of armor or the likely. Goggh is fine with it! Goggh asks for no gear of this sort, and thanks for the good thinking.
The Paladin greets him, then follows.
Potions of health could help Goggh, probably. Whatever men can spare.
He exchanges looks with the rest of his companions before speaking again.
Goggh thinks we could try to deal with the groups of orcs, goblinoids and ogres. Goggh is an ogre, after all. Maybe enemy will get confused. Maybe Goggh can deal with the other ogres with your help.
"We can obtain a few potions. You may want food and survival gear as well as cold weather gear if you are venturing into the mountains. Or...would your group rather stay behind and defend closer to the fort? We have roles for all."
"As long as I stand I can fight. No weapons required. I would prefer 100 gold in potion making supplies. I have a knack for the trade, and I like to think of myself as more than just a dangerous weapon (formidable though my claws may be). Yes, potion making supplies are ideal. I could also use alchemy supplies of you can spare them."
"I dont think I need much.. probably just some new clothes, I suppose armor coulden't hurt. Oh and a saddle for Aurora! I did not have a chance to grab her saddle" Snow says looking slightly downcast at the last part "If we are not going to stay near the fort the survival gear would probably be a good idea, I do not do so well in the cold so I would like something warm to wear. We probably wont need a whole lot of food, a lot of us are good at hunting and gathering.. ooh maybe some pots I could cook better with some real cooking equipment" Snow says her mind beginning to trail off of properly 'useful' equipment and veering into things she would like.
She had been studding maps and any other information she could get.
Now she spoke.
"I suggest skirmishers head out and slow the army. If we can get around them or hit them from the side it will give you time and slow them. They will have to set forces after us and that will weaken them. Hit and run, make them think they could be attacked at any time. Then trap the land, you have time, again this will slow them down. As for kit, some better clothing, winter gear, two daggers and a Large crossbow will help. What are your scouts telling you of there make up."
Goggh shakes his head agreeing with Hawke.
Head Marshal is right. Food and gear for the cold weather would definitely help too! - the Ogres keeps moving his head - And Goggh says we should move to the mountains and tries to catch some of their groups distracted. Scouting and ambushing.
"From the shadows we will strike. The enemy will look this way and that, but we will be long gone by then."
"Each of the giants' units seem to be lead by a fire giant commander with a bunch of other lesser creatures like ogres, trolls, ettins and a smattering of humanoids. They may have hell hound or worg scouts or manticore or wyvern aerial support. The mix of monsters pulled together in this alliance indicates someone of strong will, dedicated and organized to pull this off. "
"I can get the group one week's worth of food, cold weather clothing, and we can probably adapt a griffon saddle for you Snow for your bird. Please submit detailed lists of anything else you require, such as bags, packs, climbing gear, camping supplies etc to the marshals here."
As the group notes the items they need, the marshals record and jot down what you will require. Head Marshal Hawke asks "Do you have any final questions? We will get you your gear by tomorrow morning and you will head out on a mission."
The Ogre Paladin greets Hawke.
Thanks, Head Marshal. Goggh doesn't have more questions.
He's unusually thoughtful at the moment, even for his peaceful-balanced monk standards; to anyone who knows him, he's worried about meeting other Ogres in the mission - it's tough for him to see what he could have been if it wasn't by the Wizard.
The group is escorted back to their quarters for the evening to settle in. You discuss among yourselves the upcoming battles and decide to figure out any strategies needed.
In the morning the supplies will be delivered.
Day 6 - Morning
The morning arrive, although it is hard to tell within the fort as your quarters have no windows. Quercus will start to feel poorly soon if he does not get sunlight.
They deliver your supplies with a knock on the door. A marshal with several dwarves rolling carts with crates that look part dolley and part cart, and open them up unloading the requested materials. There is a form to sign for the materials. Who will sign it?
"Ooh! Our things are here!" Snow says excitedly as she opens the door revealing the dwarf with the cart, she looks back to the rest of the group with the need to sign Snow briefly looks to the other curious if any of them will choose to do so, if not she does so herself signing for the equipment as 'Snow Goodwin' rather than using the name of her Kobold 'family' "I hope the scarf is nice, I wanted something warm and comfortable, I don't like cold very much" Snow says eagerly awaiting her chance to start digging through the equipment for her things.
Goggh gently and genuinely thanks the men leaving the material with a big smile, prompting to sign the tiny papers.
Still in silence, he then proceeds to gather his required equipment and organize it accordingly.
"Well, friends, equipment for all!" Vamik rummages through the items looking for various things. "Finally, proper potion making supplies. And ink, and parchment. I should be able to whip up one potion per day. There's not much here, but enough for two cure light wounds potions at least. Say, my good dwarves, I had requested a donkey or mule. Where shall I pick that up? The stables we passed coming in, or is there another place?" Vamik pulls out a cloak from the equipment that looks like it was made for a dwarf child. It was a bit wide and still dragged on the ground, but it was warm and clean. It would do for now.
"We really could use a map of the area, maybe we should pick one up before we go."
picks up and packs her stuff.
Quercus tries to smile to the group but his face can't quite form a smile. "Well friends let us be off to brave the wilds and fight the good fight."
"Remember, we are doing this to find Goodwin. If there ever comes a time that we get involved with unsavory business, make your concience known. After all we have been taught, it would not do to go around soiling his distinguished name. Until that day. Look lively, and take comfort in performing an act of protection against the hoards of evil."
Vamik takes a few minutes to study the map and look for good ambush sites. (not that he's any good and picking out good ambush sites...)
"Hey Goggh, do you have any extra room in your circus tent for a quiet little ratfolk? I dare say, sleeping near you in the mountains would be almost as good as sleeping next to a roaring fire, on the account of all the heat you put off. I'm not sure a dragon would be much warmer to sleep near."
The group packs up their gear and readies to head out. With a rap on the door, the sentries are alerted and they bring an escort to take you from the fort. Instead of taking you to the exterior massive gates you are led below and into a chamber with a stone dock and a waiting boat. This aquatic chamber must connect directly to the lake. Head Marshal Hawke and some marshals are there waiting for you to see you off. Your excess gear is loaded into the boat and then you. Marshal Hawke wishes you well "Good luck in the mission, return at any time, success or failure or if you need to restock. The safety of the people in this region owe it in part to deeds such as yours." The other marshals nod solemnly and the boat casts off.
Goggh smiles to Vamik.
Of course! There's a lot of space in Goggh's tent. Anyone who fits there is welcome. Plus, it's probably better than multiple tents!
After packing, the Ogre thanks Hawke once again, but don't extend any other inquiries - the odd Paladin just stays waiting for his companions to depart.
"I'm packed and ready"
"Farewell Hawke, we will do our best." Quercus boards the boat, and puts a tree root-foot into the water smiling.
The group boards the boat and it sets off, through a set of massive gates similar to the ones on the surface that you entered via land. A large portcullis and then into the lake. A patrol boat escorts you to the gap between the twin guard towers and after a pause through the defenses there. You land on the dock that you came to when you first arrived. There are far less people here now, most of the refugees having been taken in or moved on downriver further. The marshals here help you from the boat and it returns to the lake.
Back on land and ready to set out the group nods to each other and pulling out your map pick one of the many trails leading in your general direction and start your journey.
The first hours are easy going on the trails and after some time pause for a mid day snack. The further north you go the few the trails become and in time and near the end of the day you are struggling to find any to use. You pause at the end of the day by an abandoned mining 'camp' if you can call it that. Three reasonably maintained shacks here support perhaps what would have been a small team of miners, probably prospectors that pan for gold in nearby streams. They have been abandoned but you see no reason not to use them for the night, unless the group feels more comfortable under the stars. The shacks are snug, and Goggh might feel a bit claustrophobic, but they are dry. The weather during the day was overcast and gloomy but you hope there is no rain coming.
She sets out her things when they get to the old camp.
She makes a small fire using spark.
"I can take second to last watch and use it to prepare spells."
"This old shack will do nicely. One healing potion coming right up!" Vamik finds a nice out of the way corner and spends the rest of the evening brewing a cure light wounds potion.
"I'll take second watch after you Goggh."
Day 7 - Morning
The group awakens from their uneventful night, has breakfast and strikes out into the wilderness again. This time the trails are few and far between but you have a map to follow.
The group presses on hard in the morning refreshed and eager to move. As the day pushes on they get the sense that they are being watched. It starts as a niggling feeling at first, one that could be dismissed as the mind playing with oneself, but then everyone admits to feeling it. The group pauses and circles up a bit and looks out into the wilds scanning the bushes and rocky outcroppings. Clearly whoever may be watching is not interested in being seen.
Even more alert, the group discusses a possible strategy, if needed.
Goggh walks in a sort of an average pace. He's way more thoughtful than his normal, even a little distracted.
We should try to see one of the groups we need to intercept... And then maybe hide. Should we try to send a scout slightly in front?
Dos not seem bothered by the cold
Walks in her land form.
Vamik sniffs at the wind using his scent ability. Even though he has scent, he mostly uses it to test purity of chemical reagents, and whether any unwanted guests have come to visit him in his lab. Being out in the wild, the smells are strange and foreboding.
Vamik walks close to Goggh, but due to his small size, struggles to keep up.
Vamik, you catch a vague hint of brimstone (sulphur) on the wind now and again. This is something you are very familiar with in the lab. You know that in the natural world this is usually only in areas of volcanic activity or hot springs etc.
I will travel up front with Goggh, I have a high AC and can tank well.
"We should be wary of attack if something is watching us. You all feel it right? I didn't think we would have to worry about enemies so close to the fort yet."
"Don't worry about me. I have my mutagen tucked away right here." Vamik pats a pocket of his pack. "And my bombs are all ready do go right here." Inside his cloak, a string of small vials are tied in with leather cord. "And then of course there's this:" Suddenly a sound like a wildcat eminates behind a nearby rock. "Scary cat noises among other magical tricks. They'll never know what hit them!" Vamik pauses and sniffs the air, "Hey, Do you smell that? Smells like brimstone to me. Makes a very useful acid. We should stop to collect some if we stumble upon a good source. Snow, have your eyes in the sky spotted anything strange lately?"
"Good morning everyone" Snow says taking a few moments to help Aurora with her preening before venturing over to where the others are consulting the map taking hopping a few times in order to catch a better look at the map while the others try to plot a good route. "This looks like a good route!" Snow says once she feels she has gotten a good enough look reaching up to run a scaley finger along the route she believes to be best. "I hope that angry man from before is wrong, I hope we can solve these problems without having to resort to violence... I think father would like that better"
20 if Snow gets a +2 from the Map or Compass
Goggh greets Snow, and silently nods his head agreeing with the lizardfolk. Internally, however, he fears his peaceful ways might be coming to an end, and struggles to keep his composure. He doesn't want to be a savage Ogre, like the ones attacking the dwarves.
Hm. - he grunts, keeping the pace. He will walk as slow as the slowest person in the party; the Paladin wants to keep the group together.