"I am well enough Sir Ovirid. I took a minor wound in the affair; Sir Kornelius is badly off though." He turns to aid Kornelius, wishing he knew more of the healing arts. Something about tightening bandages? Then as the three orcs shout and approach, he turns to face them, readying shield and sword.
"What, NOW they attack? What did you say to them Sir Ovirid?"
"Ah offered them a truce. They're fer wantin' me t' leave the dead be -- Ah'm fer thinkin' they want any spoils o' war fer themselves -- 'n they might be fer needin' the bodies t' save face, considerin' they stood aside while their fellows fought 'n died. If'n we stand aside, Ah suspect we'll all get along jes' fine. But keep yer pig-sticker in hand, just in case."
In Orcish:
"Lads, let's be fer keepin' the bodies between us and these last three, eh?" With that, Ovirid retrieves his pick and helps Larjen move over to the knights, standing there ready for another fight.
"Sir Manfred, that was fer bein' the finest fightin' I've been fer seein' in a while. I'm honored t' fight beside ye."
The orcs move in with teeth bared.*
Their bared teeth is not particularly threatening. It's a smile.
When they get close to the bodies they use daggers to slice off belts and fingers with amazing speed. They strip all coin purses, weapons, good belts, and one ringed finger off of each one. They throw two ringed fingers at your feet and then exit slowly backing up. "You share shelter. We not kill you now," says one. He holds his two fists at the same height in front of him showing them to be the same size, a gesture that indicates two things are equivalent.
"Done," he says and exits.
The orcs move in with teeth bared.*
When they get close to the bodies they use daggers to slice off belts and fingers with amazing speed. They strip all coin purses, weapons, good belts, and one ringed finger off of each one. They throw two ringed fingers at your feet and then exit slowly backing up. "You share shelter. We not kill you now," says one. He holds his two fists at the same height in front of him showing them to be the same size, a gesture that indicates two things are equivalent.
"Done," he says and exits.
Watching them leave, Ovirid explains, "Them barin' teeth like 'at 's actually a good sign. It's what would be fer passin' fer a smile to an orc." He stoops to collect the fingers that were tossed over, removes the rings, and tosses the fingers back over to the bodies. He examines the jewelry for a time, Appraise 1d20+8=18 not including any racial bonus before continuing. "Seems as they were fer payin' us back fer lettin' 'em into our shelter by stayin' out of the fight. 'at last gesture," the dwarf demonstrates with his fists, "means the debt is fer bein' paid in full, Ah'm believin'."
The orcs move in with teeth bared.*
When they get close to the bodies they use daggers to slice off belts and fingers with amazing speed. They strip all coin purses, weapons, good belts, and one ringed finger off of each one. They throw two ringed fingers at your feet and then exit slowly backing up. "You share shelter. We not kill you now," says one. He holds his two fists at the same height in front of him showing them to be the same size, a gesture that indicates two things are equivalent.
"Done," he says and exits.
Watching them leave, Ovirid explains, "Them barin' teeth like 'at 's actually a good sign. It's what would be fer passin' fer a smile to an orc." He stoops to collect the fingers that were tossed over, removes the rings, and tosses the fingers back over to the bodies. He examines the jewelry for a time, Appraise 1d20+8=18 not including any racial bonus before continuing. "Seems as they were fer payin' us back fer lettin' 'em into our shelter by stayin' out of the fight. 'at last gesture," the dwarf demonstrates with his fists, "means the debt is fer bein' paid in full, Ah'm believin'."
The identical rings are too well made to be of orcish design. They are silver with a crest of wings.
The orcs head west past the warmachine and into the mindspins.
The warmachine seems to combine a ram with ladders. Nearest you can tell the design wasn't sure whether he wanted to scale a wall or knock it down.
Sir Manfred sheathes his sword again.
"Well done Sir Ovirid! You would have done well at my father's court. We should see to the injured first however; I don't suppose you know anything of the healing arts?"
Sir Manfred sheathes his sword again.
"Well done Sir Ovirid! You would have done well at my father's court. We should see to the injured first however; I don't suppose you know anything of the healing arts?"
"'at's kind o' ye t' say, Sir Manfred, but Ah've n' place amongst royalty. As fer healin', Ah'm afraid Ah've only got me common sense t' rely on. Ah might be able t' keep someone from bleedin' t' death."
"Ah'm thinkin' we need t' be fer disablin' yon machine 'n lettin' th' Keep know that somethin' be up. That's th' only walls 'round 'ere Ah can think they'd be wantin' t' bash down or climb over. What say ye?"
"Well then; unless there is anyone else to send, and as I know nothing of such machines, I can ride to inform Lord Kerrigan. Perhaps I can find a wand of healing while I am about it. What do you think?"
"Well then; unless there is anyone else to send, and as I know nothing of such machines, I can ride to inform Lord Kerrigan. Perhaps I can find a wand of healing while I am about it. What do you think?"
"'r ye able t' use such a wand? I've no such skill. I was fer thinkin' we might work t'gether t' wreck th' machine and return t' th' Keep as a group so these two can be tended t'. I'm fer figurin' if they're awake yet, they can make th' trip. Maybe that's th' dwarf in me, though."
"Together then? Very well. We had best be about it then, the bodies will attract scavengers of all types fairly soon."
"Together then? Very well. We had best be about it then, the bodies will attract scavengers of all types fairly soon."
"Good point. Ah dinnae want them spoilin' 'r good campin' spot. If'n ye'll drag the bodies off over there," indicating a shallow depression outside the clearing proper, "Ah'll see about breakin' their machine. Kornelius, would ye be s'kind as t' watch fer 'r friends t' return?"
Ovirid trundles over to the war machine, getting out his tools as he moves, trusting to the young knight-in-training to make sure nothing sneaks up on him. Where possible, he sabotages the machine subtly, hoping to provide a nasty surprise to any that might use it later.
Disable Device checks 1d20+11=15, 1d20+11=19, 1d20+11=26, 1d20+11=29
Sir Manfred nods and proceeds to drag the bodies off as appropriate. After that he readies the mounts for travelling, packing what needs to come with them and arranging the injured as comfortable as possible.
As Ovirid attempts to make the machine less reliable but retain the semblance of being in working order, Larjen packs up camp. Kornelius is afraid of moving and says he wants to rest a while before you return to the Keep. Larjen promises him that they will ride slowly and protect him. Larjen's riding dog 'Ogre' comes out of whereever he must have been hiding during the fight. Bad dog.
"To the Keep!" Sir Manfred shouts as they move out. Just this once, he will forgo the blowing of the horn.
The ride to the keep takes a lot longer this time. You travel slowly, not wanting to jostle Kornelius any more than necessary. He passes out a few times but with proper care he is sitting upright on his horse when you enter the keep. The entry attracts more attention than you would have liked, considering your mission was supposed to be discreet. Rumors will be spread before you reach the inner bailey.
As you wind your way past the stables and around the second largest building in the keep, the Merchant's Guild, you see Falcon Warchild chatting with Yin in the street.
Ovirid walked over to the pair.
"Miss Yintarah, ye're always a pleasure for these dwarven eyes. Ah 'ope yer well?"
He says to Falcon, "Lad, might 'n ol' friend be able t' find a minute with yer illustrious father, 'r is the man t' busy to raise a pint fer old times' sake?" Referring back to the injured lad, "Aye, we were fer gettin' caught in a sandstorm - 'at's a curse o' th' gods if'n I ever seen one - and got bushwhacked as we come out'n 'r shelter. The lad 'ere needs some attention. Truth be told, we all do, but we were fer 'oldin' off a larger force 'n livin' t' tell the tale. Me dwarven fathers 'd be proud of all three of these lads, t' tell ye the truth."
Yin smiles warmly at the dwarf "It's good to see you again too Ovirid" She replies in greeting before looking past him as he addresses Falcon. Her eyes landing on Manfred a slightly playful grin splits her face and she bounds over and hugs the knight.
Ovirid walked over to the pair.
"Miss Yintarah, ye're always a pleasure for these dwarven eyes. Ah 'ope yer well?"
He says to Falcon, "Lad, might 'n ol' friend be able t' find a minute with yer illustrious father, 'r is the man t' busy to raise a pint fer old times' sake?" Referring back to the injured lad, "Aye, we were fer gettin' caught in a sandstorm - 'at's a curse o' th' gods if'n I ever seen one - and got bushwhacked as we come out'n 'r shelter. The lad 'ere needs some attention. Truth be told, we all do, but we were fer 'oldin' off a larger force 'n livin' t' tell the tale. Me dwarven fathers 'd be proud of all three of these lads, t' tell ye the truth."
Ovirid's comment about a drink draws a number of surprised glances. Falcon looks embarrassed and says, "Captain Ovirid, my father will meet you now, I'm sure. ... But, he hasn't 'raised a pint' though in over 25 years."
From the background, you might catch the words 'Falcon River' if you listen to the murmuring.
Falcon gestures to the inner bailey and says, "Let's go now."
To one of the gawkers he says, "Ask at the temple for Teacher Sonsang."
Sir Manfred replies; "It is good to see you as well Yin. We have missed your fire these last days. How is it with you?"
Yin hugs Manfred a little more tightly before releasing him with a grin "You know me Manny, I always find things to keep myself entertained and busy. It's good to see you again though!"
Ovirid's comment about a drink draws a number of surprised glances. Falcon looks embarrassed and says, "Captain Ovirid, my father will meet you now, I'm sure. ... But, he hasn't 'raised a pint' though in over 25 years."Ovirid walked over to the pair.
"Miss Yintarah, ye're always a pleasure for these dwarven eyes. Ah 'ope yer well?"
He says to Falcon, "Lad, might 'n ol' friend be able t' find a minute with yer illustrious father, 'r is the man t' busy to raise a pint fer old times' sake?" Referring back to the injured lad, "Aye, we were fer gettin' caught in a sandstorm - 'at's a curse o' th' gods if'n I ever seen one - and got bushwhacked as we come out'n 'r shelter. The lad 'ere needs some attention. Truth be told, we all do, but we were fer 'oldin' off a larger force 'n livin' t' tell the tale. Me dwarven fathers 'd be proud of all three of these lads, t' tell ye the truth."
The dwarf chuckles, trying to recover, "Aye, means there's more fer me!"
He looks around to see if the others are following Falcon. "Lass, ye know yer more than welcome t' join us. Kornelius, lad, let me 'elp ye down from yer steed. There's fer bein' a 'ealer on 'is way shortly."
Kornelius accepts Ovirid's aid and gets down from his horse. One of the young men training with Falcon in the arts of unarmed combat comes and takes the horse from you with a nod to Falcon. Another walks quickly ahead of you and gets the guards to open the gates to the inner keep where Kerrigan's home, the military stables, and the handful of functionaries that keep the keep running reside.
Falcon looks very curiously at you but says little, "It looks like you have news. Hold on. Too many ears."
Kornelius accepts Ovirid's aid and gets down from his horse. One of the young men training with Falcon in the arts of unarmed combat comes and takes the horse from you with a nod to Falcon. Another walks quickly ahead of you and gets the guards to open the gates to the inner keep where Kerrigan's home, the military stables, and the handful of functionaries that keep the keep running reside.
Falcon looks very curiously at you but says little, "It looks like you have news. Hold on. Too many ears."
Quietly, "Aye, lad, m' thoughts exactly. We be 'ere t' see a friend, 's all."
Talking to Kornelius, "'ere, lad. We'll be fer gettin' ye t' a spot t' rest shortly." In the meantime, he's keeping a hand around the boy's waist and supports him as he walks.
You pass through a dusty courtyard in which sits the enormous wagon that 'King Klyndak' brought from Janderhoff. Off to one side, a dozen guards are being drilled in fighting techniques that make better use of the shield. A few others stop grooming their mounts long enough to stare at the wounded Kornelius ... or at Yin. It's hard to tell which.
The door to Kerrigan's house is opened quickly for you and you are welcomed to a room you've been in before -- comfortable but not opulant, this is where Kerrigan greets his guests. The room is the same as before except for a chipped stone bowl of unfamiliar origin that sits on a low table.
Falcon calls out to his father and Kerrigan appears quickly.
"So soon? I thought you were to stay there a while?" he remarks upon seeing you.
You pass through a dusty courtyard in which sits the enormous wagon that 'King Klyndak' brought from Janderhoff. Off to one side, a dozen guards are being drilled in fighting techniques that make better use of the shield. A few others stop grooming their mounts long enough to stare at the wounded Kornelius ... or at Yin. It's hard to tell which.
The door to Kerrigan's house is opened quickly for you and you are welcomed to a room you've been in before -- comfortable but not opulant, this is where Kerrigan greets his guests. The room is the same as before except for a chipped stone bowl of unfamiliar origin that sits on a low table.
Falcon calls out to his father and Kerrigan appears quickly.
"So soon? I thought you were to stay there a while?" he remarks upon seeing you.
"Aye, we were fer aimin' t' do just that, but there was a gang o' orcs that attacked our campsite, resultin' in the injuries y' see 'ere. They were fer pushin' a war machine o' some kind - it looked like it was fer bashin' in walls 'r mounting ladders t' climb over. This keep is th' only place Ah could think they'd be 'eadin'. The crew is dead or scattered 'n Ah did m' best t' sabotage the machine, but Ah was fer thinkin' y' needed t' know somethin' was about. Ah'm fer thinkin' they weren't th' only band o' savages 'eaded this way."
You pass through a dusty courtyard in which sits the enormous wagon that 'King Klyndak' brought from Janderhoff. Off to one side, a dozen guards are being drilled in fighting techniques that make better use of the shield. A few others stop grooming their mounts long enough to stare at the wounded Kornelius ... or at Yin. It's hard to tell which.
The door to Kerrigan's house is opened quickly for you and you are welcomed to a room you've been in before -- comfortable but not opulant, this is where Kerrigan greets his guests. The room is the same as before except for a chipped stone bowl of unfamiliar origin that sits on a low table.
Falcon calls out to his father and Kerrigan appears quickly.
"So soon? I thought you were to stay there a while?" he remarks upon seeing you.
"Aye, we were fer aimin' t' do just that, but there was a gang o' orcs that attacked our campsite, resultin' in the injuries y' see 'ere. They were fer pushin' a war machine o' some kind - it looked like it was fer bashin' in walls 'r mounting ladders t' climb over. This keep is th' only place Ah could think they'd be 'eadin'. The crew is dead or scattered 'n Ah did m' best t' sabotage the machine, but Ah was fer thinkin' y' needed t' know somethin' was about. Ah'm fer thinkin' they weren't th' only band o' savages 'eaded this way."
Kerrigan digests the words and says nothing for a long time. "Which direction did they come from? How many were there? What indication do you have that they weren't the only band?"
Kerrigan digests the words and says nothing for a long time. "Which direction did they come from? How many were there? What indication do you have that they weren't the only band?"
Ovirid relates the location of their campsite and the direction from which the war machine came.
He continues, "Th' crew fer th' contraption was eight orcs. Five fought 'n died, three chose t' parlay. Th' condition we 'r in, only a fool 'd start 'nother fight 'n we accepted th' truce. They stripped coin 'n gear off'n th' dead 'n run back where th' machine come from, but they tossed us these first." With that, Ovirid shows the two orcs' rings to Kerrigan. "We dinna see 'nother orc, but Ah'm seein' anythin' that looks like organization in an orc tribe 's a bad thing. Ah 'ope Ah'm wrong 'n nothin' comes of it. But Ah'm not gonna sit on the mountain 'n wait until it be too late t' be fer lettin' ye know, either. Ah'm not likin' that those rings dinna look like th' work of no orc, neither."
Kerrigan takes one of the rings and hands it to Yin. "I'm thinking this is combat gear not jewelery. Elven make. Yintarah?"
Yin takes the rings with a bright smile, looking at them with a small gleam in her eye, like a child with a new toy. Turning them over between her fingers she purses her lips a little as she thinks deeply on them.
Yin stares at the rings with the feathered wings for crests and detects an aura of transmutation magic. She could probably guess what they do. Continuing to concentrate for a bit longer, however, reveals to her that these are rings of 'featherfall'. They are most certainly not of orcish make but Yin will have to take Kerrigan's word that they are elvish.
The chipped stone bowl on the table also gives off a magical aura. A closer examination reveals it gives off an aura of divination magic.
"Rings of featherfall" She replies certainly as she places the rings on the table, her eyes giving an occasional curious dart in the direction of the shipped stone bowl, a small frown wrinkling her forehead.
Kerrigan seems impressed by the rings and stares at them a bit before speaking.
"Bands of well-armed orcs, crossing in from the Mindspins with siege weapons. This little keep barely merits such attention. There's something more to this," he says. "I'm at a loss. Opinions?"
He scans the room when he says this and includes his son in his gaze. You get the sense that he is unashamed to ask for your ideas and confident enough to make his own decisions after hearing them.
Kerrigan seems impressed by the rings and stares at them a bit before speaking.
"Bands of well-armed orcs, crossing in from the Mindspins with siege weapons. This little keep barely merits such attention. There's something more to this," he says. "I'm at a loss. Opinions?"
He scans the room when he says this and includes his son in his gaze. You get the sense that he is unashamed to ask for your ideas and confident enough to make his own decisions after hearing them.
"Well, Ah'm relatively new t' th' area. What else be 'ere that 'd require a ram t' open 'er up? 'r ye sure yer Keep is such a small prize? Per'aps someone within deals wit' th' orcs 'n wants t' be Lord."
"Well, Ah'm relatively new t' th' area. What else be 'ere that 'd require a ram t' open 'er up? 'r ye sure yer Keep is such a small prize? Per'aps someone within deals wit' th' orcs 'n wants t' be Lord."Kerrigan seems impressed by the rings and stares at them a bit before speaking.
"Bands of well-armed orcs, crossing in from the Mindspins with siege weapons. This little keep barely merits such attention. There's something more to this," he says. "I'm at a loss. Opinions?"
He scans the room when he says this and includes his son in his gaze. You get the sense that he is unashamed to ask for your ideas and confident enough to make his own decisions after hearing them.
Kerrigan glances at Falcon with a raised eyebrow and then shoots a withering glance to Darby, his manservant. "Common wisdom about the keep has it that I was mad to buy this keep once Korvosa had no more military use for it. This is the only standing fortification for miles around. I'm sure they were planning an attack here and I will be prepared should they come. Now, what would you like to do next?"
Kerrigan glances at Falcon with a raised eyebrow and then shoots a withering glance to Darby, his manservant. "Common wisdom about the keep has it that I was mad to buy this keep once Korvosa had no more military use for it. This is the only standing fortification for miles around. I'm sure they were planning an attack here and I will be prepared should they come. Now, what would you like to do next?"
Kerrigan glances at Falcon with a raised eyebrow and then shoots a withering glance to Darby, his manservant. "Common wisdom about the keep has it that I was mad to buy this keep once Korvosa had no more military use for it. This is the only standing fortification for miles around. I'm sure they were planning an attack here and I will be prepared should they come. Now, what would you like to do next?"
Kerrigan glances at Falcon with a raised eyebrow and then shoots a withering glance to Darby, his manservant. "Common wisdom about the keep has it that I was mad to buy this keep once Korvosa had no more military use for it. This is the only standing fortification for miles around. I'm sure they were planning an attack here and I will be prepared should they come. Now, what would you like to do next?"
Sir Manfred would take his orders from Lord Kerrigan, but personally he would lean towards 1 and/or 2.
Yin gives a small smile as she contemplates the options for what to do next. "Well I'd love to see Klyndak and the others again, if only for a brief visit, to see if they know anything and are willing to help keep an eye out for things" She finally declares with a tiny shrug "but I'm happy to help in any way really"
"Given the circumstances, I think we need to warn our friends in the spires about this orcish activity either for their own protection or ours," says Kerrigan. "I would be indebted to you if you would travel to the spires and inform King Klyndak of what you told me. Suggest to Lord Orlan that this might be a good time to demonstrate to me that respecting his cousins claim to that territory is to my advantage as we discussed."
"Given the circumstances, I think we need to warn our friends in the spires about this orcish activity either for their own protection or ours," says Kerrigan. "I would be indebted to you if you would travel to the spires and inform King Klyndak of what you told me. Suggest to Lord Orlan that this might be a good time to demonstrate to me that respecting his cousins claim to that territory is to my advantage as we discussed."
Ovirid's eyes twinkle with pleasure as he says, "Wit' pleasure, yer Lordship. First, Ah'm fer thinkin' Ah might look int' a different weapon. Manfred, wouldya be fer havin' a suggestin' for one who's set in 'is ways?"
"Darby, can you get the cloaks?" asks Kerrigan to his manservant.
"Of course, ... sir."
Darby returns a moment later with the three cinderwolf pelts that Kornelius gave to Yin when she returned to the Keep. "From what I understand," says Darby dryly raising an eyebrow at Yin, "these may come in handy."
"A token of my appreciation for your discretion in these matters," says Kerrigan.
"A token of my appreciation for your discretion in these matters," says Kerrigan.
Ovirid's jaw drops at the gift. "Ah'd 'ave it no other way. 'at's a generous gift." He scratches under his beard as he eyes the cloak he's been handed. "Yer honor, Ah've known a lot o' men in m' day, some o' 'em good, some not. It's 'n 'onor t' 'elp. Be sure Ah'm comin' back back t' 'elp wit' this other matter. Heh, wit' discretion."
Kerrigan lends those without horses some of his. He gives you a letter to carry to King Klyndak and a few additional supplies he thinks you might need.
The river has all but dried up. The banks are wide and even have some vegetation growing in some parts. Yin and Manfred find it quite unlike the raging river that almost killed Orlan earlier this spring.