Greyhawk: Against the Giants: Return to Hochoch

Rebekah, Leyla and Alex go to the south side of the island and setup their tents near the earthworks as directed

Ghorenfore stops for a moment and turns around, looking at Arlie,
"Please address people by their proper title and speak to them with respect. If you can't do that, then don't bother speaking at all. Please show some respect for the people that are here offering you protection with their lives, or you will be asked to leave."
Ghorenfore nods and continues walking to the tent,
"Martin, if you'll follow me, I await a full report from you on what happened!"

Kirak goes to take a sip of the flask but nearly spits it out when Arlie speaks choking and coughing. After Mel's comments he shakes his head handing the flask back to Clara and listening to Ghorenfore's POLITE correction.
"Wow..." the stunned look in his eyes reflected in his voice "...That Dwarf doesn't know when to stop!"

MARILYN and TANYA are stunned by ARLIE's words. MARILYN nods approvingly at GHORENFORE's command and returns to her duties.

TANYA shakes her head, baffled, repeating,
"Not my problem, Not my problem,"
while grinding her teeth.

FENNIGAN stares at ARLIE with an angered and befuddled stare
"And he called me dishonorable!"

He makes a move forward, but KISA stretches out her arm and pushes him back. He looks at her, caught unaware by the strength of a woman so much shorter than him.

KISA stares at ARLIE. Her stare is indifferent and frustrated.
"ARLIE, just shut up!"
The tone in her voice carries the finality of a slamming door.

FORLIN steps toward GHORENFORE and MARTIN.
"Lieutenant GHORENFORE, Sergeant ALEX and I will also have to report on what we have seen in the Oytwood during our month and a half. We have information Lieutenant MARTIN does not have. Should we accompany you now or wait until you call for us?"
FORLIN looks down for a moment in thought and then continues; more concern is in his tone this time.
"Also, please be patient with Lieutenant MARTIN. You have already shown large reserves of patience, so I trust you will be fair."
FORLIN's eyes move from CLARA to ARLIE. His gaze and his tone remind everyone of a disappointed father, regardless of FORLIN's young age.
"I only rquest this because it appears Lieutenant MARTIN has little support from those he has traveled with recently."
He then turns to GHORENFORE with a plead,
"He will need support from someone."

CLARA screws the top back on the KIRAK's flask and hands it back to him.
"I think we need to save this for later. I'm sure, I'm gonna need it."

Ghorenfore nods at Forlin
“He will have every ounce of my support,”
Ghorenfore’s eyes stare off into space for a second as he chooses his next words carefully.
“Forlin, I would appreciate any council you could offer in this matter, if you would accompany us, I would greatly appreciate it."
Ghorenfore turns to face Sergeant Alex.
“Sergeant,” he says with a stern tone.
“The next person that disrespects anyone here, be they military or otherwise, will be escorted back to the side from which they came. Please relay that Order to Mel once she gets back so she’s well aware, and can take the necessary actions if the need arises.”
He looks at Alex and Nods
“Thank you”
Ghorenfore continues on to the Command tent assuming Martin is in tow

Alex pops to attention as he hears the word Sergeant, Listens to the command, says "Aye, Lieutenant" and when Lt. Ghorenfore turns to walk away he turns and goes to wait by the bank for Mels return.

Kirak listens to Ghorenfore's Order and smiles leaning over to Clara he whispers in her ear.

"Of course, Lieutenant GHORENFORE."
FORLIN strolls toward the command tent. He follows behind lieutenant MARTIN and GHORENFORE as they head inside.

Ghorenfore stood on the opposite side of the tent, the events of the past few minutes playing through mind
"Forlin---" Ghorenfore paused "---I hope your entire trip wasn't this much fun and exciting."
Ghorenfore shakes his head his Gaze passing from Forlin to Martin and Back again.
"Well My friends, I'd love to hear what happened?"

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:31:00

FORLIN takes a breath and looks at GHORENFORE.
"Well, Lieutenant, my part of the story begins about one and a half months ago. I arrived from the Yeomanry about two weeks after Hochoch had been retaken by the forces from Gran March. I was accompanied by REBEKAH, who you have met, and QUENTIN, who is no longer with us. The three of us gained a little noteriety when we helped KELLY MORGAN, a noble from Geoff, retrieve a lost heirloom to her family. It was from us that the army discovered that the orcs and ogres that retreated from Hochoch were regrouping in the Oytwood. They were also gaining the aid of bandits loyal to treasure.
"A few days after our assistance with KELLY MORGAN, we were summoned to see Knight Captain MOHAD XENI, Knight of the Watch and supreme commander of the army in Hochoch."

GHORENFORE remembers the sight of Knight Captain MOHAD XENI. He is a foreigner, a dark skinned Baklunish from the northern lands always garbed in a ceremonial gold turben wrapped around his head and neck. His appointment as commander of the Gran March was controversial at best, being a foreigner. Also, a Baklunish nation to the north of the Sheldomar Valley, Ket, had invaded Bissel a few years ago. There were still many knights fighting off the invaders to this day. Rumor has it MOHAD XENI aided the Knights in Bissel, hence he earned the trust of the Watchers and joined their ranks. Still, old habits of suspicion die hard. Regardless of suspicions, XENI led the charge that allowed Gran March to regain Hochoch. In fact, on his trusty steed, XENI slew the hill giant barbarian that led the mob of orcs and giants that held Hochoch. His strategy for a four pronged attack, although costly, led the army to victory.

FORLIN is still speaking
"Knight Captain XENI wanted us to aid a unit going into the Oytwood to set up reconnaissance and attempt to ally with the elves and woodsmen. That very same day, three souls from the Oytwood arrive in Hochoch to look into a possible alliance. ARLIE, FAWN, and a human monk, JUNE, made up this company. We were to join with them as well as two sergeants from Gran March, ALEX and OSKAR. Also, LEYLADIN was a mercenary just hired by the army to assist. She had just arrived a day earlier, looking for work."
"Our mission was to attempt to build a reconnaissance post in the Oytwood, meet with elves and woodsmen for possible cooperation, and to gather any information we could about the giant invasion. ARLIE, FAWN, and JUNE were fresh from an elven town called Lutrell Lake in the Oytwood. We thought that would be a good place to start. A few days after the meeting we crossed into the Oytwood."

To GHORENFORE's recollection, his team was sent out after no word was heard from FORLIN's group. GHORENFORE's team was to build the reconnaissance post and then see if they could find evidence of what happened to FORLIN's group and meet with elves. They were also to spy on giant and orc troop movements. Knight Captain XENI was extremely worried about an attempt to retake Hochoch. The city was not strong enough to repel a concerted attack from more giants and orcs.

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:32:36

FORLIN pauses for a moment letting GHORENFORE take in the information.
"Our travel through the Oytwood would take us over the Olvewater here at this ford. We could not take the main travel road, since ogres and orcs control the trade bridge over the Olvewater."
FORLIN snaps his fingers as a sudden revelation hits him.
"On the way here to the ford the first time, we ran across a group of undead druidic elves. They attacked us south of here. Fharlanghn gave me the strength to turn them away, but I'm not certain if anyone else has had any confrontations with them. We were told by a group of elves that a druid lord used to be in this area, but he has fallen from grace, and is now working with undead. If the fallen druid is still between here and Midwood Fort, he could be a problem. I'm only saying this as a precaution; wild cards in war time are very dangerous.
"Anyway, we reached this ford and crossed. We thought this would be a good place for a reconnaissance fort. I am pleased to see you and Lieutenant MARTIN chose it. We planned to come back, but we needed to get to Lutrell Lake.
"After crossing the Midwood Trade Road, we reached deep into the Oytwood. About a day into the wood we ran across a scene of carnage. A group of elves had been massacred and burned by orcs and ogres. A salvaged commader's journal told us that the elves were tracking a strike force of orcs and ogres that had kidnapped elven children from Lutrell Lake. That was also the first evidence we received that Lutrell Lake had been destroyed. A contigent of orcs attacked the town in the night and burned and slaughtered as much as they could. Why they kidnapped the children was a mystery.
"We followed in hot pusuit of the orcs and ogres. We tracked them down and defeated them, saving the children. After rescuing the children we decided to head to the elven town of Lynlai. Since Lutrell Lake may have been destroyed, we did not want to risk the children. It was about that time we meet Lieutenant Lowlyn and his troops. They were from Lynlai and agreed to escort us to town."

Ghorenfore listened intently attempting to take in all the information. As Forlin paused he chimed in,
“Did you ever find out how or with whom, the Orc’s and Ogres were regrouping with?”
He looked down for a minute side tracked by another thought.
“Did anyone ask Kisa if she knows anything about the undead Drudic Elves?, Not much happens in the woods without the elves knowing about it. I’d wonder if they’d have any extra information.”
He looked up at Forlin again
“Also The children from Lutrell Lake, were the elven villages related in anyway? Lynlai, and Lutrell Lake? I mean if they attacked one is their any reason to think they will or won’t attack the other?”

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:34:48

FORLIN nodded at GHORENFORE's questions
"Well, Lieutenant, generally speaking, the orcs and ogres were regrouping with larger numbers still in the Oytwood after they lost Hochoch. The loss of Hochoch failed to really put a dent in their ability to war with us. Also, with the ogres and orcs holding the Olvewater Bridge to the south, they have a base of operations and steady supply of troops.
"The elven nobles from Lynlai, KISA included, were aware of the fallen druid. Due to the city's distance from the eastern side of the Olvewater, they can do nothing about it. The rumor is that the fallen druid made a deal with some evil power to aid in the destruction of the giants from the Oytwood. Whatever the truth of the matter, the druid did something to offend Nature. I am uncertain if the druid is still among the living or if he is cursed like his elven brethren. We have seen undead in the wood with the symbol of Nerull emblazoned on their foreheads. I do not know if this is a connection. On a side note, putting to rest elven spirits may assist us in gaining the elves' favor; not to mention that it will free up supply lines to this fort.

"Lutrell Lake and Lynlai had been in contact with each other throughout the occupation. There are three elven cities west of us, Lynlai, formerly Lutrell Lake, and the reclusive Oytlove. Lutrell Lake was in the middle of the two. When the orcs hit it, they gained a large strategic victory. The sacking of Lutrell Lake cut of communication between the three cities. Except for the refugees who spilled into Lynlai, there has been no new news coming to Lynlai. They are effectively blind and deaf. I must also note that Oytlove and Lynlai were hit at the same time as Lutrell Lake, but not nearly as boldly. Oytlove and Lynlai both had children abducted, but not with the same tenacity as the orcs and ogres that attacked Lutrell Lake. I believe the orcs understood the strategic importance of wiping out Lutrell Lake. Also, from what I have been told, Lutrell Lake was a strong but vulnerable elven city built in the center of a large lake formed from a sinkhole. Easy to surround and easy to bombard.

"Also we arrived in Lynlai when it was under attacked by three hill giants and two fire giants. We helped Commander FINDELL and a noble elven wizard NANNEN defeat the giants. In fact, we have fought a lot of giants within days of Lynlai. We haven't had many confrontations with giants in other areas of the Oytwood. They may be testing Lynlai's strength. They may be planning an offensive.

"The orcs and bandits that hit Oytlove and Lynlai were stealthy and someone got through their defenses without any elves being the wiser. I'm suspecting insiders, but it would be difficult to see elven traitors helping orcs, but there is a contingent of Geoffite woodsmen in Lynlai, at least. When we arrived in Lynlai we discovered that the elves had had children kidnapped. We decided to help to improve relations, delaying our return here. One remaining scout from the elven scouting party that went after the kidnappers returned and informed the nobles that the orcs were held up in caves to the extreme west of the Oytwood with the aid of over a dozen ogres. This was also the first time we heard of an orc named GIO"--FORLIN trips over the word and makes a quick correction--"ELFSLAYER. Apparently, he was in charge of the orcs and ogres operating in the Oytwood. We headed west a few days after to find ELFSLAYER with a contingent of elven troops, Lieutenant LOWLYN, NANNEN, and Commander FINDELL. FINDELL was slain helping our retreat from a group of giants that attacked us at camp about a week into the journey. A fire giant cleaved him in two."

GHORENFORE has heard the name ELFSLAYER. Sketchy intelligence reports from the Oytwood, on occasion, do reach Hochoch. An orc named ELFSLAYER has been mentioned more than once. He has a brutal, yet brilliant, reputation as an orc commander. Many of the officers in the Gran March army dismiss ELFSLAYER's brilliance. He is, afterall, only an orc.

"Oytlove and Lynlai fared better than Lutrell lake, and it cut off communication between the three. That's some pretty sophisticated tactical thinking for Orcs."
Ghorenfore raises an eyebrow
"Why would you suspect insiders? I understand they got through their defenses without the elves being the wiser, but that's a pretty hard leap to make. I'd hate to think of what that means for everyone period. If its possible there it could happen anywhere."
Ghorenfore pauses thinking a moment
"Is it possible and likely than as well; that the officers in the Gran March army have SERIOUSLY underestimated Elfslayer's ability as a Leader and his brilliance just because he's an Orc?"
After he made the statement he realized he was making the very same mistake The officers in the Gran March Army may have made in thinking of Elfslayer, and severely underestimating his opponent.
I need to seriously readjust the way I see Orcs... he thought to himself

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:38:48

FORLIN took a sip from his waterskin. He was deep in thought staring at the tent flap. He pulled the waterskin from his mouth and wiped his mouth.
"I think the military commanders in Hochoch have indeed underestimated ELFSLAYER. We know nothing about him as an orc. He may not belong to your typical roving band of orc marauders. I think ELFSLAYER should be taken very seriously.
"Also, I suspect insiders simply because the orcs are employing some bandits and other unfortunates within the Oytwood. It would not take much for a group under the employ of orcs to sneak into an elven town disguised as woodsmen and learn about the city's defenses and vulnerabilities. It would seem that ELFSLAYER would prefer these tactics, especially to take an elven city with minimal losses. Of course, from what I understand of the orginal invasion the giants were not typically interested in minimal losses."

GHORENFORE knew that FORLIN was right about his last comment. The stories from refugees in Hochoch certainly confirm that the giants originally ripped through towns in large numbers. Some cities fought hard, but it was simply the numbers of giants and orcs that overthrew most of the cities.

FORLIN continued
"I suspect that insiders may still be in Lynlai. On the way here to the fort with GLASSBLOWER, we ran into an ambush of orcs, ogres, and human sympathizers. They knew where we were headed. They even knew KISA GLASSBLOWER by name. It is unsettling. We defeated ELFSLAYER, but there is still a strong sense of purpose amongst your enemies in the Oytwood. ELFSLAYER may still be commanding his forces through communication from whatever position he has taken deeper into Geoff."

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:39:06

FORLIN snaps his fingers again.
"I am ashamed. I forgot to report Sergeant OSKAR's death. Before we first arrived in Lynlai, when we were escorting the first group of children we rescued, we were ambushed by four opponents. They appeared to be elves and orcs. Although they looked like odd elves and orcs. The elves were too tall to be elves and had longer ears, and the orcs had more pronounced hunchbacks, rounded human-like heads, and lacked tusks. They entangled us in a briar web and made it perfectly clear that we were not welcome in the Oytwood. One of the orc-like beings attacked Sergeant OSKAR with a tattoo that slipped off of her arm."

FORLIN pauses as he takes a long breath. His face is distorted like he is ready to vomit.
"The flesh and bones of his right leg were dissolved while we were entangled helplessly. Some of us got free, but the four foes had us outgunned. They let us go simply for the childrens' sake, I think. But they told us to leave the Oytwood as soon as possible. They also told us that not even the elves of the wood were welcome any longer. We received rumors from the elves in Lynlai that the fey in some areas of the forest appear to have gone mad and are attacking everything near their domiciles. The rumor is that this madness is attached to a druid lord defending the forest in his own way. This could be another thorn in our side when it comes to facing the giants. Investigation to the truth of the matter may be extremely helpful. "

FORLIN overcomes his nausea and looks at GHORENFORE
"I believe that the powerful druid lords of Oytwood will be less than helpful to us. In fact, the fallen druid lord and the one using the fey (if it is true) will only get in our way. Of course, we could look to verify the rumors before jumping to conclusions."

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:39:12

MEL and the soldiers beach the canoes on Fort Olvewater for what they hope is the last time today.

MEL tosses a bundle of longspears onto the ground in front of CLARA, KIRAK, ALEX, and CLARA's BANDITS.
"I have suits of armor, greataxes, and these longspears. They need to be moved to the armory tent in the center of the camp. Any help would be appreciated."

MEL turns to Jacob.
"I need you and three other men to move two of the canoes back to the east side of the fort.

Jacob salutes
"You got it, Sarge."

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:39:36

CLARA orders her men to assist with the moving of the supplies to the armory tent and then to finish setting up the tents for the evening. CLARA's BANDITS get to work immediately, lifting suits of scale mail and walking toward the tent.

Jacob and three other troops lift two of the canoes and head to the east side of the fort, placing the canoes back at their original position.

The other six troops also carry supplies to the armory tent with MEL picking up her bundle of longspears.

CLARA whistles impressively, watching the canoes quickly emptied of supplies. She nods approvingly.
"Very efficient troops you have here, KIRAK."

Alex bends down to grab a suit of armor, then turns to Mel and says, "Sergeant Mel, Lieutenant Ghorenfore told me to pass along the order that The next person that disrespects anyone here, be they military or otherwise, will be escorted back to the side from which they came."

MEL nods at ALEX's words from GHORENFORE. She turns and heads to the armory tent.

Under her breath she grumbles
"Wonderful. The 37th Scout Platoon is now the 1st Wet-nurse Platoon."

Marcus whispers to MEL
"You've been promoted to sergeant nanny, Sarge."

MEL snaps her neck to Marcus
"Stowe it, Soldier!"

Marcus salutes, dropping the greataxe he was carrying.
"Stowed . . . Sarge!"

He picks the greataxe back up and chases after MEL.

ALEX follows MEL to the armory tent carrying the suit of armor he picked up.

[Ghorenfore]
"Right now our top priority is to get Kisa to Hococh as quickly as possible. I have a lot I need to think about from now until tomorrow mourning. And with the way things have gone today I'm hoping we haven't irreparably damaged our relationship with the elves."
Ghorenfore pauses and looks at Martin and shifts his focus (who's been standing there at attention the whole time???)
"As for you, Lieutenant Martin, I'm all ears if you'd like to make a statement on your behalf. I give you my word, I will take it into consideration before making any permanent determinations on your command here."
Ghorenfore raises an eyebrow.

[Kirak]
Kirak looks at Clara, and begins to help the troops and Mel
"Fortunately for me, they are not my troops..."
Kirak suddenly realizes how that must have sounded and quickly adds
"...no offense intended Sargent. I'll just shut up now."
Quickly he continues to help the troops avoiding eye contact.

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:41:30

FORLIN sees his moment to leave from GHORENFORE's tent. He steps toward the tent flap.
"Lieutenants, I leave you to deal with military matters. I am going to meet with Lady GLASSBLOWER and offer her my services."

FORLIN leaves the command tent and heads toward KISA's tent.

*******

MEL gives KIRAK a long hard stare. It's a stare KIRAK can notice without even looking at her. However, MEL has grown accustomed to KIRAK's transgressions. She softens her hard stare and just shakes her head and sighs.
With a half smile, MEL says,
"I agree with you, KIRAK."

CLARA looks at KIRAK. With a smile she says
"How do you walk with that foot in your mouth?"

Not being brave enough to question Mel's responses Kirak Glances at Clara,
"Very carefully, and usually I end up hoping on one foot"

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 13:41:54

With a straight face and a flat tone, CLARA responds to KIRAK
"What a sight that must be, you hoping on one foot. I feel safer already."

******

FORLIN leaves the command tent and heads over to KISA's tents and assists the elves with setting up their tents for the night. KISA and FORLIN are deep in conversation. In moments, LOWLYN and NYDENT are setting up the tents alone, KISA and FORLIN have moved off to the side.

Ever since setting foot in the command tent, MARTIN has been standing as though awaiting further orders.

Hearing GHORENFORE's question, MARTIN looks very confused & loses some of his posture of a soldier under inspection because of it. With uncertainty in his voice, he replies "Sir? Did you want the rest of the intelligence Forlin's party gave to me & the elders of Lynlai or am I to tell you something else, sir?"