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YOu depart Bartholomew's place and head Southeast. Ekun's map shows the area where the old abandoned dwarven fortress should be. You encounter the occasional troll patrol, but you disoatch thme as they are usually in groups of two or three and only one of them is a branded troll.
Midmorning of the second day. you arrive at the fortress. It is on a knpll that overlooks the surrounding countryside. You can see smoke rising from the fortress (like normal fireplace fores, not burning buildings).
"Fires" Ekundayo says with some surprise. "There are creatures other then Trolls there, or many of the Branded Trolls! We must proceed with much caution."
"Not only that, but creatures who cook their food and use fire for warmth." Faerin says, studying the smoke rising from the fortress. "We should scout the area before approaching."
Octavia stares at the fortress, taking in the structure and likely points of entry or exit.
"I'll scout the area a bit. be back soon!" Octavia says to the others quietly, as she slinks off to scout ahead, smoothly disappearing into the background.
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@ Octavia: you see a good amount of activity in the area, almost all within the fort, and all trolls and kobolds. The front gates are destroyed, so there is no real barrier to entrance that way. You do see a lonbe troll pposted at the top end of the path that leads to the gates. He is apparently on guard duty. The back of the fort is built into the hillside, so there is no good way to approach from any direction but the front.
Btw, it is unheard of that trolls even tolerate the company of kobolds, much less live with them like this.
Octavia returns, providing a detailed report of her scouting. "?So it definitely looks like some nefarious force manipulating all this. The likelihood of trolls and kobolds working together is practically nil, and the trolls posting a guard at a point where we have no other viable approach speaks of an intelligent leader." she says with concern.
"We would have to try taking the guard out quickly, before he could sound an alarm for them to know we're here, or risk a full frontal assault with who knows how many of them down there." Faerin says, looking to her companions for any suggestions or ideas.
"If we can't take him out quietly, then we will have to do it fast." Anton says.
"I would suggest the use of your most damaging spells first, worry about the acid later, after we have rendered him unconscious."
"Good point. I can probably get close enough unnoticed if I change into a bird And settle on a nearby branch. It means he won't suspect anything until the moment I cast a spell." Faerin replies, considering their options to attack. "If he survives the initial attack then everybody else charges in."
"I can actually help with the initial attack My Lady." Octavia says, somehow managing to slip a playful smirk into the title. "I can turn invisible briefly, not for very long, but long enough to run up close and get off at least one good surprise shot, before he knows I'm there. I'll just have to put it where it counts."
"Well even sneaking up invisibly, I'd likely only get close enough to take one shot. Trolls have scent so it'll know an enemy's close by." Octavia points out.
"It would still be worth trying to take it down quickly and suddenly, but we shouldn't count on not being seen for more than a few seconds."
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”Alright, we strike had and fast. I will still get close in the form of a bird while Octavia approaches with stealth and invisibility if possible. Once I give the signal, and trust me, you’ll know it when you see it, charge in as quickly as possible to finish it.” she says, reaching into her satchel and producing a few earthen vials.
”Anton, once you drink this, you’ll very briefly have the speed of a great hunting cat, which should be more than enough for you to cover the distance in seconds.”
Handing another pair of vials to Ekun she explains, ”This one will grant you the eyes of the falcon, aiding your shots, and the other is for Dog,” she says with a smile, ”Giving his bite a little extra power.”
She hands another vial to Octavia. ”This will do the same as Ekun’s, may your shots fly true.”
”And for you Reg, this will make you as tough and enduring as a bear, able to stand toe to toe to take the fight to these bastards.”
Ekundayo nods sagely at the potions and calls Dog over to him. "As these will last for some time, how long before we should drink them so we can go immediately at your signal?"
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Several of you notice that this troll seems to be a bit odd. First, it appears he has bathed and groomed himself (with inconsistent results).
Faerin, you also see that he appears to be inordinately cheerful. You notice that, while he does pay attention to the road, he makes no effort to conceal himself and more bizzarely, he seems to be having a one sided conversation with the birds in the tree next to him.
"Decidedly odd...for a troll." Faerin remarks quietly as they observe the guard troll's actions. "I'll get closer to see if there's anything else we need to be wary of. When I give a screech, that will be the signal to proceed with the plan, with Octavia going invisible and getting close to take a shot, and everyone else getting ready to charge in."
Waiting for any questions, she nods to her companions, quickly drinking a potion that surrounds her with a field of protective force, as she raises her head to look to the open sky. Taking a deep breath, the Baroness spreads her arms, feathers beginning to sprout along them as her body begins to transform, eyes going golden, features becoming aquiline until a majestic eagle flaps it's powerful wings where she once stood, taking flights and climbing to a higher elevation to fly a few lazy circles around the area before diving as if spotting prey, swooping down to land on a branch in a nearby tree behind the troll.
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As you watch the troll, you become more certain that he seems to be non-threatening. He is actually enjoying his time talking to the little birds and animals near him. And yes, it is decidely odd behavior for a troll. He occasionally glances down the road as if keeping watch, but the more you observe him, the more he seems like a doorman than a guard. As you fly around, he glances up and he actually waves at you.
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Before Faerin takes off to look at the troll, Ekundayo reminds her as she makes her determination of what to do, "My Lady, you are my Baroness and I follow where you lead. My hatred of trolls is vast, but I will do what you will, excepting when we me Kargadd, as he is the one that killed my family, and I will destroy him or be destroyed myself."
Faerin replies with a silent nod, before transforming and taking flight.
Observing the the troll's unusual actions, Faerin considers the likelihood of things going poorly, especially taking into account what Ekun had suffered at the hands of trolls. Weighing this against the possibility of an ongoing war against a rising army of unknown size, affecting their developing nation, she decides to take a chance, hoping to get to the center of this new "kingdom" as quickly as possible to find the best solution.
Flying up in the air, the flies in a circle around the troll, garnering his attention before landing 15ft away from him and assuming her natural form, holding he staff up to signal her companions to wait.
Octavia's eyes widen as their newly appointed Baroness seemingly abandons the plan, resuming her normal form in what she could only assume is an attempt to speak with the odd brute.
The wizardess, pulls back on her bowstring, arrow held at the ready to fire should Faerin's decision prove to be folly. "She must be mad!"
"Mad or Sane, she is our Baroness and we need to follow her lead. However be prepared just in case."
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The troll starts in surprise when Faerin reveals herself, but quickly regains his composure. He grimaces at you, but you realize it is actually an attempt to smile.
"Hail and well met, Borba!" he says (in surprisingly good common) as he raises a hand in greeting
"Welcome to Trobold. That was an amazing trick. Can you also talk to the forest borba? I try, but they run away."
You also realize that the stench of troll is much reduced on him. Your earlieer suspicion is confirmed, he has actually bathed, and recently.
Faerin is genuinely pleasantly surprised at both the troll's relative cleanliness and attitude, though it might complicate things, it indicates some hope that they wouldn't have a warto wipe one side out completely on the horizon.
" Well met! I am Fearin, ruler of Haven, and yes, I can speak with the animals of the forest, and sometimes, even the trees." she says with a smile. " Are there many like yourself in Trobold that care for the forests and the creatures around them?"
Octavia give an involuntary shudder as they listen to the conversation from a distance, the troll's booming voice carrying quite a ways. "Ugh..trolls....even the seemingly less than horrible ones are creepy. The word they use for anyone that isn't a troll...or probably other giant-kin is food!"
"Well you've done well to be...borba...Jazon! I would like to meet with your kings. Perhaps make peace between Trobold and Haven...for everyone's sake." she says solemnly.
"I have some of my advisers with me, I will signal them to join us." she say. making sure to inform the troll before waving her companions to join her, with her staff, a very different signal from the one planned on for their initial attack.
"I am the Baroness of Haven...like a Queen. A ruler like your Kings. They have brought war and harm to my people, we would speak to prevent more death." Faerin says, standing firm as she speaks to the massive troll aware of her companions coming to join her.
Octavia keeps her bow in hand as they approach the troll, coming to stand a few feet behind Faerin, a position that gives her the space to draw her bow or cast a spell without putting herself in danger.
Ekun puts his bow back across his back, and grabs his great axe. He moves up next to Faerin so to protect her if need be.
Sharing a look with her companions, Faerin follows Jazon.
"Fury, fly above us. Let me know if there are more trolls up ahead."
Octavia follows, keeping a sharp eye out for any sign of treachery, and working to memorize the path in, should a rapid exit be needed.
Ekundayo grasps the great axe even tighter and his face becomes impassive and sternly set as he follows Faerin. His obvious hatred of trolls showing, but controlled.
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Jazon brings you to the fortress. The front gates are destroyed (mostly through time) and the walls and interior courtyard are in fairly extensive disrepair. There are a substantial number of kobolds and trolls wandering the area.
At the main doors to the interior of the keep, which are actually in good shape, your group is halted. Jazon explains why he must bring you to King Hargulka. It is apparent that these trolls do not share Jazon's full embrace of the new rules and you can tell that they eye your group hungrily. However, despite this, Jazon eventually browbeats them into letting you pass.
Inside, the first room is a large receiving room. ahead of you is a large statue of Torag. Harrim immediately has a sour look. Standing in front of the statue is a troll in ornate armor. Flanking him are four trolls. He immediately begins shouting and berating Jazon for bringing you here. Ending with a vicious blow that knocks Jazon back. Jazon hurriedly runs off and the armored troll turns to your group.
"So, Jazon brings leader of the borba here? You are not welcome at Trobold! You should not have come. We allow no outsiders here."
Octavia quietly translates as Jazon explains, and the troll king berates him, making sure her companions are fully aware of the trolls' likely intent.