Along the Border Watch

[OGRE MAGE]

It takes Montego a few moments to free the thought of Emerall bathing from his simple mind, but he eventually shakes the splendid vision.

"So what is our overall plan here? Will we be staying in this place for very long? And where will we be headed off to next? Up the road, I imagine? What can you tell me of the places we have yet to reach. Some facts might aid us in our search for items as we wander the encampment."

Concerned about the close proximity to Molag, the ranger wonders if that is where the flaming arrow attacks have originated from. He asks around about defenses and if any of the men have tried to sneak over to get an idea of the strength of the opposition across the waterway.

[hedgeknight]

"So what is our overall plan here? Will we be staying in this place for very long? And where will we be headed off to next? Up the road, I imagine? What can you tell me of the places we have yet to reach. Some facts might aid us in our search for items as we wander the encampment."

"I was about to ask you pretty much the same things."
This comes from a man dressed in well-used armor and who carries a pewter mug in one hand. He is walking toward the wagons and those trading with the merchants step aside with a bow of their heads before going back to their business. Jasmalus seems to be walking along with him...or perhaps they were both coming to the wagons.


"But where are my manners? I am Captain Mikinus. Welcome to Fort Belvor and thank you for bringing the supplies. Perhaps you will let me buy your supper tonight?"
He steps around the wagons, his gaze taking in Montego, Cassius, Muldgarr and Adelphocles. In lower tones, he offers the following.
"Orcs seem to have some kind of plan to keep us pinned here, and they do a fine job of it. They're also not along - we've seen more and more human bandit raids., probably from the former Bandit Kingdoms. It's strange, too, that we've seen so many orcs - this area used to be attacked by mostly hobgoblins, so I suppose that means Iuz is moving his troops. They tell us the war is over, but it sure doesn't seem that way from here."

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego bows respectfully to the captain. “Aye sir, I certainly would let you buy us a meal. But I should warn you that I can eat a lot.”

Scratching his stubble strewn chin, the ranger furrows his brow at the news about the orcs.

“Perhaps there is something a small splinter group like ourselves could do to aid you in some way, sir. Provided that we will be here for a while. Have you been able to search the surrounding countryside recently? Any rumors about this being tossed around?”

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr nods to Captain Minkus...and introduces himself as Muldgarr, of the Sylvan elves.Yes, dinner would be most appreciated. We did interrogate an Orc, he said they were ordered to stop a 3 wagon caravan and search for documents. Unfortunately for him, he knew nothing more than that...do you have any idea what documents orcs would be interested in?

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocles

The centaur listens to the man as he speaks and nods at Montego's suggestion. Aye, where the mouse may be caught the ants often pass unnoticed. I would like to speak with any scouts you have had out. Perhaps we could consult with them and see what they could tell us. Or even find one or two among them that would act as a guide in these lands and offer their knowledge.

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Glad to let others take the lead, he avoids drawing attention to himself when Captain Mikinus arrives. Cassius' eyes are on Jasmalus, but he mutters to his companions. "Weren't we supposed to take the wagons to Willip?" He surveys the fort with dismay. "Though I do see the merit in trying to help these folk."

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, the citadel of Greatwall, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Sunday 9, Evening, sprinkling rain @ Fort Belvor: Supper Time!

"But where are my manners? I am Captain Mikinus. Welcome to Fort Belvor and thank you for bringing the supplies. Perhaps you will let me buy your supper tonight?"
Montego, Muldgarr, Adelphocles, & Cassius (as well as Sai, whom they snag on the way), readily agree and Captain Mikinus leads them to the mess hall where several guards of the fort and some refugees are already eating. Several greet Mikinus by name or by his title and return to their meals. There is a general air of tension in the room, as one would expect from being so close to the capital, Molag, from where Iuz still rules.
When Adelphocles enters the mess hall, with the ceiling just a few inches above his head, everyone in the room stops eating and talking and just stares. Mikinus chuckles and looks back at Adelphocles. "I doubt many of these folk have ever seen a centaur before, my friend."

Captain Mikinus finds a table for your group and almost as soon as you sit down, a man in an apron brings a large tray laden with bowls of steaming soup, black bread, and a small crock of butter. Two young lads behind him hold trays of drinks, beer mostly, but also a pitcher of water. The soup is a thick mixture of potatoes, carrots, and venison. It's a bit salty, but hearty and filling. While you eat and talk, Mikinus tries his best to answer your questions.

“Perhaps there is something a small splinter group like ourselves could do to aid you in some way, sir. Provided that we will be here for a while. Have you been able to search the surrounding countryside recently? Any rumors about this being tossed around?” Montego asks.
"Well my friend, I believe I overheard Malin say he was planning to leave at first light if possible. Something about already being behind. And we send out small groups of men occasionally to check upriver and downriver. Most of the tactics of the Orcs is hit and run, guerilla-type warfare. It's as if they are testing us, looking for a weakness.

Muldgarr pipes in, "We did interrogate an Orc, he said they were ordered to stop a 3 wagon caravan and search for documents. Unfortunately for him, he knew nothing more than that...do you have any idea what documents orcs would be interested in?"
"I do not. Most Orcs do not read...if they were searching for documents, it was to return those to someone else. Did you get anything else out of the Orc before you...well, I assume you killed the bastard, am I right?" Mikinus grins and sips his beer.

Adelphocles listens and then offers, "Aye, where the mouse may be caught the ants often pass unnoticed. I would like to speak with any scouts you have had out. Perhaps we could consult with them and see what they could tell us. Or even find one or two among them that would act as a guide in these lands and offer their knowledge."
"I'll send two of my scouts to your wagons after supper. They can answer any questions you have. I can't spare them to guide you around. Just stick to the road. What is your destination? Critwall? Some other city on the Nyr Dyv?"

"Weren't we supposed to take the wagons to Willip?" Cassius mutters to his companions.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego eats and drinks, watching the mannerisms of the other soldiers closely.

"Of course you are correct, Cassius. After all the excitement lately, I completely forgot that Willip was to be our final destination."

Nodding at the idea of leaving at first light, the ranger turns back to the Captain.

"Well we wont be of much use to you then, sir. But we would be happy to tell you anything we have learned on the road up till now."

With that, he proceeds to explain all the strange things they have encountered so far, emphasizing the parts about the orc ambush and the strange wolf creature they encountered when they first set out.

[hedgeknight]

Captain Mikinus listens like a veteran commander and even makes a few observations about the Orcs.
"Doesn't sound like a random attack...that was an organized ambush. The only time we've seen such here at the Veng is when the Orcs are led by either Hobgoblins or Humans. Who told you there may be a straggler or two and nothing more? We're still fighting the war here at the Veng! These skirmishes are real! And little by little, they are costing me men and weakening our morale."

And then Montego tells him about the Goblins and Worgs and the strange wolf-like creature.
"What in the hells? How far away did you say that was? Just south of Greatwall?"
Mikinus thinks about this for awhile, and calls for another round of drinks.

As the night wears on and folks file out to their beds, Mikinus says, "You're the type of men..." he pauses and looks up at Adelphocles, "...and warriors we need around here. When you finish your duty, I hope you consider returning here and helping us. Cheers and sleep well."

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocles

He nods and listens, catching up on some of what he didn't know had happened to the group before. Needless to say... there is more than orcs moving around... It appears to me they are the pieces on the gameboard, but we have no idea who the other player is. The good news, is no matter where we go next, that player is going to be pushing his pieces towards us.

Turning to Captain Mikinus Your garrison seems lean here, Captain. Have you been able to send word for reinforcements? There are common people here, children. Surely you need more warriors. Perhaps that should influence where we go next to bring in more help in warriors and supplies.

The orcs. it is clear he has trouble saying the words without feeling like it leaves a horrible taste in his mouth. As per their usual... resort to scorched earth tactics. These people will not survive the winter if we cannot secure a flow of support from somewhere. Captain, where would you direct us to go? For that matter, do you think the people could stay here? I am not proposing that we skip over the matter of infiltrating this threat
directly, but this might be a more immediate need, or maybe we can... he puzzles a moment and looks at Montego What was that I heard you say the other day? Two birds with but a stone?

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

During dinner, Cassius keeps sneaking glances at Malin, Jasmalus, and Emerell. Something isn't sitting right with him. "What documents do we have? We must have been the real target of the ambush, right?" He stirs his soup absentmindedly as he tries to piece things together.

"Malin is the leader, so he could have something. Emerell doesn't look like she has anywhere to stash papers, but Jasmalus has been quiet, almost too quiet. And he immediately disappeared into the fort." Cassius mutters in a voice barely audible to those around him.

As the final round of drinks gets brought around, Cassius is too tired and satisfied to do much about his concerns tonight. He sits and watches the crowd, waiting for the group to disperse to bed.

[OGRE MAGE]

Montego looks like he was just slapped across the face after hearing the revelations of Cassius.

"Of course my friend. That has to be it! They were trying to kill us, and the group in front of us were merely in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"I think we better at least ask the trio about this, in case there is some truth to it. Now I am curious as to what they can have that would be so important that the enemy would attempt to ambush a much stronger force."

Slamming back the last of his mug, the ranger finishes proudly. "Perhaps they didn't realize that we were here to protect them, eh gang?"

Montego also watches the actions of the others, only going off to sleep once he is sure everyone from the caravan is safe and accounted for.

[hedgeknight]

Northern Furyondy, Fort Belvor, 585 CY, the month of Patchwall, Moonday 10, Midnight, light rain: No Rest for the Wicked!

Captain Mikinus listens to Adelphocles' concerns about the fort being understaffed, and about the common folk refugees. "Well, thank you for asking, friend. Forces are spread thin, especially after the war. Furyondy suffered thousands of casualties, and even though I have requested reinforcements...well, let's just say, I'm not even sure those requests made it to high command.
But, we are well-stocked...for now and with winter coming on, I'm hopeful you and your companions," his gaze sweeps the rest of you, "will see this caravan through to Willip, and make sure the road is open for supplies."

And with that, Mikinus excuses himself, bidding you a good night. "Your rooms are small, but the pallets are good. Get some rest for the trip tomorrow."

Any other comments about what Cassius has deduced?

Shortly after all of you have settled in for the night, the beer having kicked in an extra measure of exhaustion, you are asleep (or for the elves, in a meditative state) when you are awakened by a flurry of shouts and the sounds of running guardsmen. As you get up and grab your gear, you hear the sound of a fiery catapult shot soar above the Veng river and crash down in a loud explosion near the base of the fort! The walls shudder from the impact and patches of plaster and dust fall from the ceiling. Hurrying toward the door, you see the fiery shot tumble down into the river, which extinguishes it with a loud, sizzling hiss.

fiery catapult.jpg (43.79 KiB) Viewed 1137 times

You are relieved the shot failed to breach the fort's wall, just as another fiery ball comes hurtling over the river! This one crests the wall and lands inside the fortress courtyard, destroying a small building and setting part of the wall ablaze. Guardsmen race with buckets to extinguish the flames, while others run to man their posts and fortify the stronghold's defenses.
As you run outside to help, you see that the guardsmen are doing a pretty decent job of dousing the flaming balls of shot. But as another one sails over the fort completely to land on the other side...
(Everyone roll a percentage check (d100) and add your Wisdom score to the roll.)

[Bluehorse]

Adelphocles had found the room cramped and felt closed in. He was still puzzled by two legs who laid down when they slept, so he found a good place to stand up and soon the weight of many drinks that night sent him to slumber. When the alarm goes up, he is quick to leave the confines of his room and rush outside to see the chaos as it unfolds.

WIS 13 [1d100+13] = 18+13 = 31

[OGRE MAGE]

Trying to figure out what is happening, Montego awakens and rushes outside with his weapons drawn.

Critical hit [1d100] = 99 + 15 = 114

[Darklin2]

Sai

Jumps out of his rack, Damn I forgot about the rain barrel and Emerall's Bath. OH sorry what was that noise? He then throws on his gear and rushes out to see what is going on. Stopping to check on Emerall as the second fireball passes over head to smash into the building. After seeing the wagons and Emerall are OK.

TO ARMS. SH8T, IN COMING.

He tries to move to the front gate and out onto the road to get clear bow shots.


% Roll [1d100+16] = 47+16 = 63

[Monsieur Rose]

Cassius

Cassius somehow manages to rest with a horse in the room. Not the first time I've slept in a stable.

The sound of running pierces his veil and brings him back to the world. Spotting the fires and the incoming shots, he rushes to gather his things and get to the wall. He tries to spot the source of the attack, and possibly take a shot at the operator.

[1d100] = 87+ 13 = 100

[Hotgoblin]

Muldgarr’s Wisdom =9 total of 79 [1d100] = 70

Muldgarr’s eyes open quickly, hearing the chaos that is ensuing and also remembering Cassius’s words about the documents, was he right? One less orc removed from this world is ok with him, but the fact that they were the targets and their movements should have been at heightened level of security vs secrecy. Seems like the other caravan was doomed to fail, maybe decoys!!!

He hears another explosion, hurrying to get his boots and gear on. He runs down the hallway yelling for the others to get up and heads down to the stable to Nan-tathren, getting her ready for travel and that the other animals are ok.

[hedgeknight]

Hearing the explosions, you awaken quickly and grabbing your gear, you rush outside...

Adelphocles sees folks running to and fro, trying to put out fires as one flaming globe after another comes soaring from the lands of Iuz across the river.
Sai stops to check on Emerall who looks up at him, her eyes wide with fright. He then continues on out in the courtyard to stand beside his centaur companion...amazed at the efficiency of the fort soldiers.

Muldgarr rushes outside and sees Montego and Cassius standing together. Hurrying to them, he squints in the darkness to see what the ranger is pointing at. Another catapult shot sails overhead, briefly illuminating the courtyard. And there, in the shadows, near a corner in the fort wall, stands Captain Mikinus and...Jasmalus! It appears they are having a heated exchange.
But what could they be talking about?

Actions?

[Darklin2]

Sai

Stay under cover you will be fine here, Emerall. Just stay down.

He then moves out to see what is going on.

These boys look like this happens all the time. Let's see if we can shut down that catapult with a little arrow action. Take out their ground troops. I am heading up to the top of the wall. Watch for an assault down here. Hopefully these walls hold.

He runs up the nearest stairs to the top of the wall and looks for a clear bow shot at the catapults.