Morthos keep his concentration upon the bugbears as he listens to Odenkirk's opinion and Tatya's take on the matter. Stepping up to speak to the bugbears, "Do you speak Common?"
Aedorn comes along at Morthos' side, but keeps his silence for now, trying not to do anything that might provoke their ire.
The lead bugbear comes up to Morthos, giving a sniff in the air as he does. "What's that little hummie, want to know if I understand you. I think I only need to understand that you messed up, coming here. I think I might just decide to open you up and see what you taste like. What do you think about that?"
Tatya moves up quickly, although staying behind the men. "I believe my friend only wished to explain how we have come with gifts and tribute to Sakkarot Fire-Axe and his mighty followers, yes?" she asks Morthos pointedly, with a deep curtsey to the bugbears.
With both his wrists itching to unleash the daggers held in his spring-loaded sheaths, Alazandaru hovered nearby, ready to assist at a moment's notice if things went badly. He made sure his body language emphasised his powerful physique as he stood just beside Morthos.
Morthos turns his attention to Tatya then back to the bugbear, "She speaks the truth. We have something that could prove quite useful to Sakkarot that would aid him greatly toward a common enemy. And it is with him in whom we wish speak. Unless you hold the power here, which you most assuredly do not, I expect you to take us to him. I am most positive that Sakkarot would not appreciate you or your cohorts here deciding what is or isn't in the best interests of your clan here. Wouldn't you agree?" He stares at him directly, wondering if this creature has any sense at all.
The lead bugbear turns to look at Alazandaru, a glance to Tatya then back to Morthos. Several other bugbears who had gathered in the distance seem to return to whatever tasks they were performing before. The bugbear holds Morthos gaze for a moment before turning to leave. "Let the Fire-Axe gut these ones. Weak hummies ain't worth my time."
As the bugbears leave, another bugbear makes his way to the dock. Black-furred, this bugbear stands taller than any other you have seen. Adorned in black charred armor and with a flaming axe wielded in one hand, he approaches the group. This can be only one person. Sakkarot Fire-axe.
He raises his axe and points it in the group's direction. "Who sent you?" He demands in unaccented Talirean, the red orbs of his eyes focusing on each in turn.
"Cardinal Thorn has sent us with gifts that will aid you in your war against the Talireans. Would you be willing to listen to what more is involved? If so, I would request for me and my companions a more secure area to go over such details. I think you will find them highly interesting." He ponders that a moment and then clarifies just in case, "The details, that is. I would gather you find none of us particularly interesting." He deadpans.
"Indeed, mighty one," Tatya repeats her obeisance as if she were addressing a civilized prince rather than a furred monster, "my companion speaks the truth. His Eminence offers gifts and succor to cement your already puissant grasp over the tribes of the north and guarantee you military success. He has sent us as emissaries of his goodwill and instruments to set in motion the plans he has devised to aid you."
Alazandaru was visibly impressed by the Bugbear. Whether consciously or not, the beast had garbed itself much like Moloch, the Lord of the Sixth and master of the legions of Hell. The Arch-Devil he had signed his contract in the name of.
Obeisance, or simply a similar tastes in death and destruction?
He wondered to himself. The young killer decided to take a chance that the beast was familiar with his new patron; perhaps even favouring him.Sakkarot Fire-Axe. The Ashen Bull clearly favours you as a mighty harbinger he complimented with sincerity, subtly using one of Moloch's titles and studying the Bugbear for any reaction.
A crowd of bugbears gathered, they appear ready to watch their leader handle the outsiders. This is not the show they are given, but another that visibly stuns several of the large creatures. "Then you are welcome here."
He turns back to the crowd and calls out to the audience gathered.
Turning back to you all, he begins to head towards the crates. "We shall discuss matters in privacy later. But first let us see what Thorn has provided for my army. I doubt it will be as impressive as the Lord of the Sixth's, but we have time to prove that wrong." Moving to the nearest create, Sakkarot rips open the crate, revealing the weaponry within. Finely made axes, he pulls the weapon out and tests it's weight before tossing the weapon to a nearby ally. Where once stood a savage bugbear wielding a crude club now stands a symbol of what is to come to Talingarde. And with his words, cheers begin to wash over the encampment as word spreads of what has come.
"My Lieutenants will see to distributing the weapons. We will have a feast to celebrate this step in our victory, and to give you all a chance to recover from your journey. After we will talk about what comes next. I advise not wandering too far. None will attempt harm while my presence is made known, but sometimes they forget my wrath."
He turns to Odenkirk for a moment, but the man speaks first. "I'll stay with my ship." The caution behind his words are clear, but Sakkarot displays no concern as he turns to lead you deeper into the encampment.
Tatya's breath comes a little more easily when it becomes clear that the bugbear chieftan has accepted them as allies rather than prey. As Sakkarot tosses the axe to his underling, she experiences a frisson of fear despite herself at the vision stepped out of a childhood nightmare -- a dark-furred monster bearing sharpened steel -- but she shakes herself free of the moment of weakness and follows where Sakkarot leads, having less than no interest in wandering off to explore an encampment full of bugbears.
Morthos, completely impassive of it all, leans in toward the others a bit as the large bugbear shows off the weapons. "A mere drop of water can cause even the greatest of ripples." He glances over at Sakkarot then back again to the others. "A storm is coming and victory not far behind." He states confidently as he turns his attention back to the bugbear and his massive army. Soon.
Aedorn smiles wryly as he muses over the twists that have brought him to such a strange place. "I'll take a look around camp. Won't go far." He jumps down from the boat and strides confidently among the bugbears.
As promised, a great feast is held in your honor and of the weapons you have delievered. A brutal and savage affair, bugbears battle with other bugbears, goblins deliver wine in wood or bone cups, food is brought forth, mostly nearly cooked meat though some food from the forest is also made available.
Witnessed earlier, more evidence comes forth. Making your way about the camp, you suddenly become cornered by a trio of the creatures. Their clubs raised, a battle seems imminent, until a fourth comes up and waves one of the axes brought on the boats. You recall the bugbear as the one at the docks who received the first weapon. "No. This one's protected by Fire-Axe. Go get steel." The three give a growl before departing, their hostility replaced by something else.
"Danger here. Fire-axe words protect you, but some need reminder. Go back to feast, Roak not be there next time."
At some point during the feast, Aedorn rejoins the group. The highlight of the feast, a giant boar is brought into the center of the camp. Standing 10' at the shoulder it takes a dozen of the bugbears to handle it's chains. Even then, only the weakness of the wounds it's suffered seems to hold it back. Brought before the Fire-axe, he hefts his namesake high and brings it down, beheading the creature in a might stroke. The beast is spitted roasted in a great open spit.
The feast continues for several hours before finally dying down. Sakkarot retreats to his private chambers, summoning you to speak with him. As you all enter, he dismisses his many guards and minions. "You are traitors to your own kind. You must know that. When Balentyne falls and my horde pours through its shattered gates, we will slaughter the Talireans by the thousands. Yet I see no regret in your eyes. Tell me, how can this be?”
Aedorn smiles at the bugbear. "I wasn't scared of them - but I was heading back anyways." After a moment, he adds, "Thanks."
In response to Sakkarot, Aedorn shrugs and replies, "Most of the people I knew or cared about are dead already, and I've no love for the nobility and class division that exists there. The way I see it, the only way to fix that is to wipe it out entirely and start over."
Tatya's placid facade becomes a little strained by the end of the feast, particularly when the blood splatter from the giant boar's beheading stains her clothing, but she manages to maintain a small smile on her face throughout, if she avoids actually eating the still-bloody meat, and her murmurs to Sakkarot are nothing but complimentary. While the bugbear chieftan might be perceptive enough to realize this is not precisely her concept of an ideal evening, it is unlikely any of his subjects do.
"You are traitors to your own kind. You must know that. When Balentyne falls and my horde pours through its shattered gates, we will slaughter the Talireans by the thousands. Yet I see no regret in your eyes. Tell me, how can this be?”
"I see things differently, mighty one," Tatya responds. "My own kind, as you put it, have already betrayed me, burning my parents for their supposed thought-crimes and attempting to raise me with no knowledge of my rightful heritage, to be one of their obedient sheep, bleating the praises of the so-called king. I cannot claim to take any great pleasure in the slaughter of innocents, but it seems that nothing less will suffice to wake Talingarde from the stupor into which it has been lulled, to see that the peace and prosperity Markadian offers are a lie and a fable." She gestures at the dark red spots drying on her skirts and smirks. "One cannot enjoy roasted meat without things first getting a little bloody, no?"
Morthos looks at the chieftain, at Tatya, then back to the chieftain and nods in agreement. "I could not have spoken truer words. The pathetic king will suffer for his crimes against me. Against us all. He needs to be awoken to his foolishness."
"Heh. Don't worry, I'm not stupid enough to pick a fight with a bunch of guys over twice my size when I'm all alone. If they had tried to fight me I'd have more likely just run away. I can be pretty slippery - they'd have a harder time catching me than you might think. Anyway, I bet my friends are wondering where I am - I'll take your advice and get back to them." He nods at the bugbear and makes his way to the feast.
"You words are bold. But bold words do not make for bold actions. This is not the first time the bugbear have risen to cross the Watch Wall. If there's one thing this line of pathetic kings have done well, it's to make that wall. And even then they built on what came before them, not a creation of their own. But what comes after? When the wall falls, I march into Talingarde. But what of you? What is your place in this affair?"
"We are not generals like you, but footsoldiers," Tatya agrees, with a bit of a grimace. "Our path is not ours to choose, or even to know yet."
"You will decide if I lead to victory or failure. In that way, your actions are as great as my own."
Sakkarot pulls out a crude map of the area and lays it upon a table as wel as a cloth wrapped package. "Tomorrow you must depart this camp. It will never be truly safe for you here. Over the next week, more tribes will rally to my banner. I will promise them blood and give them steel. Then at last I will be ready to march. A week after that – I will be poised to strike. I will move my horde to the valley just north of Balentyne. There we will wait for your signal. Fire this rocket into the air. Within the hour, we will attack. Make sure that the way is ready.
"After we gather, my horde will be idle and start to grow anxious. I can hold them together for another two weeks. After that, I expect desertions and squabbling. Get your work done before then. You have one month to infiltrate and destroy Balentyne."
Sakkarot hands them a single carefully wrapped signal rocket. Suddenly the bugbear warlord gets very serious and stern. He stares straight into the PC’s eyes. "Can you do this? In one month can you break the Watch Wall?"
Morthos looks to Bostarg as he speaks then turns to Fire-Axe when the gnome finishes. "And with that, you can consider it done."
Sakkarot drains a glass of wine as he takes in your words. "Everything I learned as a bugbear says not to trust a weak gnome in this task. Everything I learned as a bugbear also speaks to your dismemberment." He rubs his chest for a moment. "Everything as I learned as an Asmodean says differently. Thorn has faith in you. If you weren't his best, he wouldn't have sent you. Do this and your names will be legend. Now go. Hail Asmodeus!
"Hmmm, an interesting proposal. And worded so I'm not necessarily betting against myself. Then let blood be met with blood." Sakkarot opens a chest near the back of his hut. From within he retrieves a silver skull with ruby colored eyes. As you watch, blood almost seems to be streaming from the eyes though it doesn't pool below. "Found in the north, this is one of the treasure's I've collected. A handy little thing. Do you find this a fair wager on my part?"
"From a bugbear, I would demand blood. From a fellow such as yourself, your word will suffice. Now go, I'll see to it that you are safely brought back to your boat. And remember, in two weeks I'll be in position. In one month, we must strike."
Returning to the boat, you find Odenkirk and his men still standing guard the Frosthammer. A group of bugbears eyes the boat from a distance, though they do nothing more. Odenkirk speaks as you approach, "Look in that one's eyes. He's smart, plotting. Bugbears shouldn't be smart."
Odenkirk pushes the boat off and takes you across the lake, to the southern side and only a few miles from Aldencross, from Balentyne, from your destination.
Aedorn finds himself sitting next to Tatya - near the others but away from captain and crew as they sail in silence. "That Fire-Axe is a natural leader, and the glue holding all those...uh, them together. Never seen anything like it, and I just bet he'll be able to pull it off." He casts a cautious glance at the captain before continuing in a low voice. "What're we going to do with these when we get there?"
"I concur. Once the captain has been dealt with, the rest will be nothing more than an inconvenience."
Odenkirk commands his men as the boat is guided onto land. An area of beach near the treeline is selected, the road only a few 100 feet through the forest and Aldencross a few easy miles away.
Alazandaru responded to Aedorn before joining the quiet conversation with him and Bostarg.
He keeps them in line because he is the strongest and has a clear vision. Even so, his place is far from secure without legitimate authority, without a chain of command. If they throw themselves against Talingarde's walls and they do not fall swiftly, he will find his own axe buried in his flesh before long.
When the conversation turned to matters concerning the ship's captain, Alazandaru seemed conflicted.
It does not sit well with me to simply stab the man in a treacherous manner with little to provoke it... There is little sport in it. Nevertheless, I will do what must be done. Bostarg; do you have a plan in mind?
"I have poisons to make the process less ... distasteful," Tatya whispers, "some to taint projectiles and blades and a few that will work when ingested, although I fear the Captain may be the least likely to succumb to them." She eyes Odenkirk's large frame and remembers his great strength and agility when fighting the tritons. With a smile at Alazandaru, she suggests, "Remember his anger after the tritons attacked us. It would no doubt be a simple matter to provoke him into striking first, perhaps merely by revealing some of of the truth. If we were to tell him that the Cardinal expects his payment back again, he would no doubt fight us to preserve his wealth, although we would forego the element of surprise."
"I concur with Alazandaru as well. I am not for one taking a man's life within his 'sleep', so to speak. But I am not averse to Tatya's idea. If we have the means for such, then we use them. As far as losing the element of surprise, as you say dear Tatya, means little to me." Turning to the gnome, "But I am also interested if you have formulated a plan, Bostarg, as Alazandaru has just inquired. Your less 'direct' way of handling situations is... intriguing, I find."
Very well Bostarg. Sometimes the simplest plans are the most foolproof. Good Tatya, you would have my sincerest gratitudes if you were to turn your poisonous charms to my two daggers. All I have right now is Belladonna- a herb i'm sure you are familiar with.
As the talk turned strictly professional between the expert poisoner and Alazandaru's dabbling, the young rake showed Tatya the ring he had recently acquired; the secret compartment and the turning mechanism which would allow him to subtly poison someone's glass or food. He demonstrated this trick several times to her, using sleight of hand to conceal the imaginary poisoning in the empty cup by filling it with discrete amounts of water.
If you have anything potent that needs be ingested, perhaps we can first poison the man at dinner using this?
"I have three poisons prepared," Tatya replies. "One is similar to your belladonna, though somewhat more potent. It saps the victim's strength and health and can cause temporary paralysis. It can be ingested or inflicted via injury, but if it is ingested, it acts more slowly than belladonna," she cautions. "We would have to be certain the good captain would still be with us half an hour after he has been dosed."
"My other poisons are solely for treating weapons. Blue whinnis saps the victim's health and can cause unconsciousness if the body does not successfully fight off its effects. The other comes from the Darklands and has no ill effects other than inducing unconsciousness, in which state it is a simple matter to finish off its victims with simple violence. It is the weakest of my poisons in reference to a person's ability to resist it, however. Which of these do you wish on your blades?"
Blue Whinnis upon one of my knives, and perhaps on one of Aedorn's arrows or Morthos' blade? Truly, Tatya, I leave it up to you. Perhaps we are over-worried about their ability to put up a decent challenge to us. Use your best judgement.
"It's almost a shame. The captain's skilled at what he does. Still, we'll do what must be done."
"The Blue whinnis is perfect. As soon as we are prepared, let us begin."
Blue Whinnis upon one of my knives, and perhaps on one of Aedorn's arrows or Morthos' blade? Truly, Tatya, I leave it up to you. Perhaps we are over-worried about their ability to put up a decent challenge to us. Use your best judgement.
"It is true we would be foolish to use more resources than are necessary to accomplish the task," Tatya frets. "We don't yet know what our future tasks will be, nor do I know when I will have the opportunity to replenish my store. The same poison on both your blades," she decides for Alazandaru. "If you can strike him twice in quick succession, you will give him a double dose of poison and make it that much more difficult for him to resist it." She will fill his ring with a dose of baneberry poison for Odenkirk's drink and then treat both daggers with blue whinnis.