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the last two ogres are cleanup duty and between the three ladies in the hall and the scorpion they close it out. Vale arrives upstairs and hustles in only to run down the stairs to find the final ogre dead on the floor. Forest likewise circles around along the top and eventually comes down the stairs. An excellent flanking maneuver, albeit slow, but ultimately futile. A check around the keep and the areas outside in the rain reveals no remaining ogres. You have retaken Fort Ranick.
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"I think that went very well." Runt says with a smirk.
"You all get your 'steps' in?"
Runt turns to looting.
Everyone ok? I certainly am out of magical spells at this point.
He nods to the new comer...."I was busy, and you seemed to be attacking the ogres so did not consider you a threat." He pauses, "And thanks for that help. I'm Zherxikas"
The company goes through the keep looting items of value (see treasure tracker for most). In addition to the items carried by the ogres there are some valuable maps in the map room, some good books in the library, and of course the stash of weapons in the armory.
After sweeping through a second time Vale looks to Konrad, "We need to rebuild." Then he turns to Forest, "You have ties to the Black Arrows and we need a new Captain. I'm not speaking for Konrad of course, but I've seen your actions since you rescued me from the half-ogres. In my opinion, you're the best man for the job."
Once the last ogres fall, Kizzy will continue to sing, not to inspire courage, but just as a beacon for the others - the scattered fighters and spellcasters to find their way back together. While Runt loots the ogres, Kizzy can't help but notice Z has returned with another Varisian. She offers a bow with the flourish only a stage performer can give, While there are no more ogres, there do seem to more of "us", she looks at the newcomer. Greetings, I am Kizzy Ilionescu. Who might you be, and more interestingly, how did you wind up here helping us? Then she adds with her usual impish grin as an aside to Z, I assume he is helping and you aren't a hostage or something right?
Once the last ogres fall, Kizzy will continue to sing, not to inspire courage, but just as a beacon for the others - the scattered fighters and spellcasters to find their way back together. While Runt loots the ogres, Kizzy can't help but notice Z has returned with another Varisian. She offers a bow with the flourish only a stage performer can give, While there are no more ogres, there do seem to more of "us", she looks at the newcomer. Greetings, I am Kizzy Ilionescu. Who might you be, and more interestingly, how did you wind up here helping us? Then she adds with her usual impish grin as an aside to Z, I assume he is helping and you aren't a hostage or something right?
"Funny thing that ... here I was, on my way home, got turned about in the rain, and then suddenly there was a beacon!
The young man smiles at what was clearly a jest. He appears to be in his mid-twenties and there is absolutely something naggingly familiar about him, like a regular you'd know from the bar but never met. His dark brown hair, even wet from the downpour, seems to want to cover his eyes, which have an odd glimmer like enchanted amber.
"Truth be told, it wasn't a beacon, I think it was a fireball, and I wasn't actually on my way home, I was asleep, having decided for about the 27th time that I would NOT in fact, go home to Sandpoint just yet." He smiles again.
"Konrad Valdemar, at your service Miss Ilionescu, and no, not a hostage of your colleague, only of my family. My being here has been a punishment, a banishment, and most certainly a lesson; but my grandfather would tell you it is a trade investigation. I am glad that you are here. The attack was sudden and overwhelming; the Black Arrows deserved better than this."
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Runt shrugs knowing that it is a dog eat dog world with as much death in it as life, and rarely fair.
"Unlike Forest here, who I agree would make a fine leader" (though it would probably change him and turn him into an a$$h) , I don't really hate the ogres. They are what they are. Cruel, sure, but no more cruel than many a human I have met. And the world could give a crap about who deserves what. Having said that, I would prefer to be the one standing over one of their bodies that them standing over mine. I'd probably taste better though," she ends with a wry grin. Popping a jawbreaker into her mouth she adds, "Much sweeter, and who doesn't like sweets?"
She offers a jawbreaker to Konrad with a raised eyebrow as if asking if he would like one. She has a mighty big bag full of them.
Runt is a small person. Very small. She has dwarfism.
She is about 3' tall, overly muscular, and has a pleasant face though her hair is a mess. Wearing a helmet and camping for days does something really scary to a perm.
Runt shrugs knowing that it is a dog eat dog world with as much death in it as life, and rarely fair.
"Unlike Forest here, who I agree would make a fine leader" (though it would probably change him and turn him into an a$$h) , I don't really hate the ogres. They are what they are. Cruel, sure, but no more cruel than many a human I have met. And the world could give a crap about who deserves what. Having said that, I would prefer to be the one standing over one of their bodies that them standing over mine. I'd probably taste better though," she ends with a wry grin. Popping a jawbreaker into her mouth she adds, "Much sweeter, and who doesn't like sweets?"
She offers a jawbreaker to Konrad with a raised eyebrow as if asking if he would like one. She has a mighty big bag full of them.
Runt is a small person. Very small. She has dwarfism.
She is about 3' tall, overly muscular, and has a pleasant face though her hair is a mess. Wearing a helmet and camping for days does something really scary to a perm.
"You know, it isn't that I'm looking for my grandfather to expire ... but if you were to tell him that the one thing Sandpoint needed more than any other missing business is a confectionary, that might just drop him where he stood."
Without a gesture being gestured or an incantation being incanted, the jawbreaker rises from Runt's outstretch hand and flies to the waiting lips of the Varisian.
"Probably couldn't have sold me on carry sweets into battle 20 minutes ago either, but after a month in the forest, I need to be honest, this is almost like being back in civilization. Thank you!"
When presented with the hallway full of dead ogres, Forest scowls at Runt, who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, not that she could see him what with the helm and all. Looking around over the scene of slaughter before him, he sighs long and slow before lifting his visor. They had done it, a grand battle in the heart of the enemy keep that would no doubt be spoken of long after the warriors who fought it have passed. "Huh. Well met, Konrad. You have good timing." Forest greets the newcomer. There isn't much to see of Forest beyond his plate armor and large shield, but he carries an exceptional adamantine longsword. "You, uhh, look... familiar..."
He's not sure how he feels about Vale's recommendation. Flattered? His father would probably be proud. A few months ago the idea of commanding a ranger fort would have excited him but now... While he cannot claim to understand it, he is involved in something far larger than ogres coming down from their mountains, what with these Sihedron's and the evil snake ladies trying to do something sinister. The attack on Fort Rannick is obviously related and this is clearly the next step in their investigation into the Sihedron, but Forest cannot be tied indefinitely to the rangers, not now.
Forest grumbles and claps Vale on the shoulder with a gauntleted hand. "We might be sticking around for a while while we try and figure out where these things came from and wait for at least some reinforcements - maybe from Magnimar - so the keep isn't left empty, but I don't think I'll be staying here in the long term. These snake ladies, the Sihedron runes, we've seen them before, as far away as Magnimar. There's more to this than normal mindless violence from ogres. I can't say I have any clue what that is - I think any of the others here could explain it better than me - but I mean to see this through, whatever 'this' is. And besides." He gives Vale a warm smile and squeezes his shoulder. "I don't think I'm any more qualified than the ranger that's standing before me now."
Runt takes a seat during the discussion and makes a refreshing meal of nuts and berries. But only a handful, a girl has to watch her figure, particularly one who is making a living swinging a blade and wearing armor. Then she sets to with cleaning stuff. Ogre blood is NAASTT, not to mention ...
I better check for lice. I did loot the bodies.
Runt engages is a thorough grooming. Taking her helmet off she asks "Anyone see any lice?"
Will probably spend some time scouring the fortress looking for clues and anything magical of nature that may have been msised.
The group scours the keep and finds no other magic besides the weapons and few other minor items the ogres had. In the map room you find a map detailing several of the smugglers’ tunnels beneath Riddleport (worth 50 gp to a smuggler), another detailing the first few poisonous levels of Viperwall (worth 400 gp to an interested party), and another of the hidden paths of Lurkwood’s interior (worth 700 gp to explorers set on investigating the mist-shrouded woods). The library has important documents about the Black Arrows, atlases, and bestiaries of the hook mountains. (study in the library gives +2 history, nature, and geography checks for the Hook Mountain area)
The group scours the keep and finds no other magic besides the weapons and few other minor items the ogres had. In the map room you find a map detailing several of the smugglers’ tunnels beneath Riddleport (worth 50 gp to a smuggler), another detailing the first few poisonous levels of Viperwall (worth 400 gp to an interested party), and another of the hidden paths of Lurkwood’s interior (worth 700 gp to explorers set on investigating the mist-shrouded woods). The library has important documents about the Black Arrows, atlases, and bestiaries of the hook mountains. (study in the library gives +2 history, nature, and geography checks for the Hook Mountain area)
Worth 50gp to a "merchant" also: Konrad will gladly part with 5pp to take the map of Riddleport if that is okay with everyone :)
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"You, uhh, look... familiar..."
"As much as I enjoy refurbishing this fort, we should probably let folks back in the town know that it's been recaptured and troops are needed to garrison it. I don't think we'll be staying here long-term," says Isabella. "If for no other reason than I need a pouch full of diamond dust to work the prayers that will restore Kizzy's damaged spiritual essence. I'd prefer to get on that sooner rather than later, even if that means just the two of us hoofing it back to Magnimar to purchase some diamond dust from a jeweler there."
"Well, if you'll stay long enough to help me fix the gates, I'll stay here and begin the cleanup. As you say there are other things afoot that set this invasion of ogres in motion, Lucrecia being one of the unknown's in the equation. And, if Forest isn't going to take the title of Captain and if Konrad does not want it then Captain I shall have to be. That means my duty is here burying my brothers and rebuilding." Vale says to the group.
"This rain is unseasonal, too. It should be snowing. I'm worried about this flooding the lowlands."
Runt shrugs. "I think we need to get our own restored before we go looking for more trouble, or even wait for trouble to get to us. I'd put that on tippy top of our list."
Runt shrugs. "I think we need to get our own restored before we go looking for more trouble, or even wait for trouble to get to us. I'd put that on tippy top of our list."
"So then a supply run while some of us help Captain Vale lay his brothers & sisters to rest seems to be in order. I can send a dispatch to my family is Magnimar as well; I've been out of touch as long as the Fort."
Kizzy listens to the group, I am not well versed in religion, or soldiering for that matter, but ever story of heroes, and every noble death of a charact upon the stage is honored with ceremony and song. I can't do the ceremony, she looks to Isabella and Runt but you can. And you can speak of their lives, their sacrifice, and their loss, Kizzy looks to Forest and Vale and Konrad. And I can offer song.
She looks back to Isabella, I appreciate that you will help repair my soul, but I ask that we do not leave until these souls have been honored...please....
Now Runt scratches her head. Her hair is transformed into a flattened down bowl to a flattened down bowl with a tuft of wildly erratic strands.
"Well, that changes things. If you are willing to hold off on the restoration, Kizzy, we could finish up here... You sure? All of you, she turns to the other members of the party, who all have reasons to visit a city and do some trading."
"I will do the right thing before the convenient thing."
Isabella glances around the ruins of the fort.
"But whatever repairs we make here, the fort will not stand unless new rangers are posted, a new garrison recruited. That is likely the captain's task."
So, the group stays on to help Vale remove the ogres, gather the rangers, and make repairs. The ogres are dragged into the woods outside the walls with plans to burn them when the rains stop. The things are so large and difficult to move that it takes all of a full day to move them.
With the rangers gathered the team finds it a sodden mess to try and dig and the rain is too much for a fire so Vale, after speaking with Konrad and Forest, opts to open the sepulcher in the cave. Bones are kept together but moved so that more than one skeleton occupies a space until enough spaces are cleared for the newly departed. Isabella gives a parting prayer as Kizzy draws everyone into a song of loss, memory, and rebuilding.
The repairs are expedient at best. There is a workshop but the ogres destroyed much of it just because. However, thanks to the general destruction of beds and tables there is plenty of scrap wood for makeshift repairs. It takes two days to get the gates blocked with one gate side that swings during which the rain shifts between downpour and constant wind driven light rain.
Forest cannot help but think entombment in a sepulchre is a more official place of rest than most rangers will find themselves. "Thank you Kizzy, Isa. Most rangers don't expect more than a shallow grave in the woods. Here, their families will have a chance to collect them when things calm down."
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"I'm hesitant to leave the fort undefended while we travel back to Ilsurian. But..." He glances at the pallid bard. "Maybe two or three of us could ride hard back to Ilsurian." The storm, if it is unnatural, sounds like something that would be caused by a gathering of a great amount of magic, but then again, Forest does not know much about magic. "And those of us who stay here could investigate the storm and the surrounding region."
"Z. Can that bird of yours carry letters? May be the fastest way to get word to Magnimar. Vale, are there any ranger outposts around the shores of the lake? Or anyone else nearby you can think of that might be sympathetic to our situtation?"
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Forest wanders around the former commanders room, stepping over the detritus and wreckage, pondering what he should write to Magnimar and Ilsurian. His father or mother would be better at this kind of thing. Forest was always more of a hammer.
To the Office of the Lord-Mayor
I hope this letter finds you well. We arrived at Fort Rannick on and found the fort overrun by ogres from Kreegwood and Hook Mountain. We found only a single surviving Black Arrow, Vale, but he was away from the fort when it was taken and does not have much detail to add. We have reclaimed the fort from two-dozen or so ogres.
We also found another Lamia, like the one we fought on the clock tower. She had one of those Sihedron Runes as well, just like the clock tower. I believe she was directing the ogres, though I do not know for what purpose.
The defenses of the fortress are shattered, but our cleric and wizard are doing what they can to make repairs. We need soldiers, weapons, masons, carpenters, and supplies. These ogres were more organized than usual, and Fort Rannick may be the only thing stopping more ogres coming down from the plateau and swarming over Varisia. A stronger garrison than the fortress has traditionally carried is required. The ogres were not only here at the fort; they have been growing bold and we ran into multiple groups of them on our way here.
The fort is saved and the lamia's machinations are stopped for now, but I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of this... cult. We will try to hold the fort for reinforcements, but my party cannot stay here forever. I mean to see this Siehdron mystery through. We will also be sending to Ilsurian for reinforcements, but Rannick needs professionally trained and supplied soldiers
- Acting Commander of Fort Rannick and the Order of the Black Arrows
Forest Hunter
P.S.
The weather is strange...
He melts down a candle until he has enough wax and seals the letter with a strip of the fort's banner inside, as well as the letter the lord sent with them and writes a similar letter for the council in Ilsurian.
Finally finished, he calls Kizzy up. "Would you mind looking these over, Kizzy? I never was one for the pen..." The ranger mumbles, gesturing to the two letters on the desk. He paces back and forth, hands clasped behind his back, contemplating the best move forward.
Looks as if ponders the question Forrest asks and speaks with the raven.
Kizzy nods agreement when requested to look over Forest's letters, It would be my honor, she reads over both several times.
I could make them more flowery, as though delivered from a great actor upon the stage... but flowery words are not those of warriors. These are the words of a solder, and more importantly, a leader. This is perfect, Commander. She says with a respectful nod.
Nods over to Forrest. Seal the note to survive the weather and I'll attach it to the Kree's leg, he has agreed to make the journey. Works with Forrest to describe to the bird what landmark and person to seek out.
"Thanks, Kizzy." Forest says, giving the bard what he hopes is an appreciative smile. He walks over to a window and looks out over the bailey. He'd taken the commanders magic boots - ostensibly sent by the fey lady - for himself, and they were incredibly comfortable, almost as if by magic. "I don't know if I told you, but I'm only here because Daviren Hosk in Sandpoint sent us a letter saying he had a horse for us. Said he owed it to my father." He gestures out at the destroyed courtyard, scorched clods of dirt and broken stone from Zherxikas' spells scattered about, and chuckles. "This isn't where I expected the Swallowtail Festival to take me."
The macabre horrors of the ogres had little effect on the ranger aside from enraging him. Maybe his anger protects him from fully acknowledging the destruction the monsters sew. Maybe he's just numb. Regardless, he's hale and hearty, recieving not so much as a scratch since the ogre brute demolished him and Kizzy and Isa put him back together. Kizzy, on the other hand, looks terrible. "What about you? This what you expected to be doing a few weeks ago? How are you doing, by the way? You look about as pale as that ghost we tangled with in the caves."
==========
"What are you two planning?" Forest asks Konrad and Vale. "Z's bird is heading to Magnimar with a letter that will, with any luck, bring some aid. I hate to leave the fort undefended, but leaving it underdefended is just as bad. We need to get to Ilsurian for reinforcements and Isa says we need to get some things for Kizzy there. Leaving for Ilsurian is probably a better bad idea than trying to split our forces and leave some here. Besides. We already took the fort back once." He says with a smirk.
"I think you are correct, but the truth is, I should aslo go to Ilsurian; while my family will hear the news of Fort Rannick when it arrives in Magnimar, I should send them a note also."
Konrad smiles at the group
"Hard to say if my decision is opportunism or simply pragmatism, but that note will include my intention to accompany Sandpoint's friends and neighbors, the liberating force of the Fort, as they look to solve the threat to the area."
Konrad then looks a touch pensive, "So the real questions become what's after Ilsurian ... and will Zherxikas' familiar bring word from Magnimar."
"I'm aware of the dangers but as you said yourself, we've freed the fort. If we leave it then it could be raided by anyone or anything. As it is, the main threat is likely neutralized. With working gates I intend to stay and keep an eye on things. I'll probably go back to Turtleback Ferry with you though. I'll need supplies and will probably ask some of the town folk to come back with me. Besides, Master Konrad was new to us just before the attack and being a mage I'm not sure being a Black Arrow will provide what he was seeking." Vale responds to Forest. Then looking over at Konrad, "You of course are welcome to return but I just feel your destiny may lie elsewhere."
Kizzy moves beside Forest, looking out over the fort, she wraps an arm around his and rests her head on his shoulder.
I was on my way to Lord Foxglove thinking I could become a famous singer and actress. And yes, I feel like my spirit is tired, like your body after a fight, but all on the inside...
As the others discuss the return to Ilsurian, Kizzy listens. AS Vale finishes address Konrad she speaks, looking at Vale then Konrad.
I appreciate your sacrifices and what it means for us to go leave here for me. You have my thanks and promise, as long as I sing of heroes, the Black Arrows of Fort Rannick will be remembered. Konrad, I can only tell you that I found this group by accident, but joining them has created friends, even a family, I never knew would be so meaningful. If you are seeking something this group is an excellent place to find it.
"As you might imagine, I too was busy during the Festival, but don't think that absolutely everyone didn't notice all of you that day. I needed to focus on my family and our employees, but you all focused on saving Sandpoint. All this group seems to do is save Varisians. There are far worse things to do with one's time, and I know this because I've done them, well, most of them. I would be proud to travel with you."
Runt is a bit quiet. All this talking about emotions and friends and stuff makes her feel warm yet uncomfortable, and she has this odd choking feeling in her throat all at the same time. She doesn't trust herself to say anything.
Kizzy waits for Runt to get close then pulls her in close so she has Forest on one side and Runt pulled near to her on the other.
Isabella looks out at the drizzling rain and rolls the ring on a leather thong around her neck in between her fingers.
"I lost my family years ago. Now I just... find ways to cope."
Yes, if folks take her ooc suggestion to rent a boat or raft and sail on down the river. Let's make it =IC.
"I suggest we hire a fast boat at Turtleback Ferry to go to Ilsurian. With the loot we easily have enough."
Kizzy looks to Isabella In my language we have a word "amalinetia" it means the family we choose. You and the others are my amalinetia. she says with a smile.
Now, off to Turtleback and a boat to Ilsurian to get my spirit healed! she adds with a grand twirl and the usual exuberance more commonly displayed by the singer,
The team gets a good night's rest and heads out in the morning. By the road it is a good day of brisk walking on a nice day. With the rain pouring down it is drudgery trying to keep a good pace in the muddy ruts of the Skull River road. An hour or more after sunset you finally drag yourselves into Turtleback Ferry.
You move to the Turtle's Parlor (inn) knowing the tavern only has a few beds and they are likely to be full. Master al'Vere, the innkeeper, is more than happy to lend out some rooms and order a bath upon your request.
Despite her desire to sing of Fort Rannick, the march took a lot out of her so she heads directly for a bath and bed.
Runt is OK. Her feet are a little sore, but she manages. She will take first watch, even if the others decide there is no need for a watch. The whole family thing has her quite contemplative and she needs time to think in private.
Since the group gets a good night's sleep before leaving Fort Rannick and they know that they'll be hustling to Turtleback Ferry the next day, Isabella strikes up a jaunty but staccato tune on the way. Something about the tune keeps feet up and spirits high during the lengthy slog through the mud.
By the time the group reaches the Turtle's Parlor, Isabella is well and truly done with keeping on the magical tune. Though the spell bolsters her to keep singing as long as she focuses on it, eight hours of walking concentration still isn't easy.
She gratefully accepts a mug of a local warm beverage to soothe her throat and nurses that for a while before she, too, decides that she'd best have a bath and a chance to clean her garments.
She heads for the baths just as Kizzy is getting out. Stifling a yawn, she says, "Kizzy, I'm a little worried about all this rain. It's going to come down the mountain and straight through the valley here. You or anyone know how to pilot a boat, just in case?"
I grew up with wagons and horses, it was always the halflings that took to the waters, at least in Korvosa. I can barely swim, so I hope we find a good captain to take us to the city!Kizzy replies to Isabella with a grin.