Greyhawk: Against the Giants: Return to Hochoch

BATTLEFIELD
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 14:58:42

When the ogres had fallen in the battle that took place nearly two hours ago, the remaining orcs had already begun to retreat. In an act of desperation and fanaticism, HIMO and HLIN chased down the orcs. The result was a long chase along the Olvewater's west bank that eventually led nowhere. The orcs, knowing they were being pursued, split off in different directions making tracks much more difficult to follow. It is unknown how long it took until HIMO and HLIN realized they were alone; the rest of the team had not followed. Since they followed the Olvewater north pursuing the orcs they turned and headed south along its banks to return to the place where their team had bested the ogres.

Unfortunately, HIMO and HLIN arrive at the battlefield to find it deserted. All that remains are ogre bodies and orc bodies covered in leaves and other detritus.

HIMO says "I think we are alone with the dead orcs Hiln."
HILN says "I think your right Himo but lets look around here to see if they left any clue that they may be back."
So HIMO and HILN start looking for clues to see any of the team is coming back to the site of the battle and after some time has pass they start to put up a tent and wait for the team to start looking for them. HIMO and HLIN also started to tell war stories about their clan and tribe, awhile they wait for the team to come back.

BATTLEFIELD
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 14:59:42

HIMO and HLIN can find no clues as to where their compatriots went. The only thing that is certain is that they probably didn't just disappear. They do remember that Lady GLASSBLOWER was to be escorted to Hochoch, which is east of the Oytwood.

Perhaps the team will remember that HIMO and HLIN were forgotten. Perhaps they will be back.

END SCENE

NEXT SCENE: FORT OLVEWATER

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 15:00:18

Master Sergeant MEL is following behind FORLIN as the cleric is headed to the canoes again. FORLIN just explained that HIMO and HLIN were left behind on the west side of the Oytwood. They attempted to chase down the withdrawing orcs. No one else in the party imagined HIMO and HLIN would have chased the orcs for this long. FORLIN wants to take a canoe to attempt to find his comrades.

MEL is trying to keep up with him. She is exasperated.
"What do you mean you need one of my boats?"

FORLIN looks ahead, not at MEL as he replies
"We have two comrades we have foolishly forgotten about. I need to borrow a canoe and go back to the west bank. Hopefully, I will not be gone long."

MEL continues
"But I cannot let you go alone, if I let you leave in the first place."

FORLIN stops in mid-stride. He looks at MEL, his blue eyes penetrate through her hard, authoritarian gaze.
"I am going across to the west bank, even if I am not welcomed back. I have comrades on the other side of the river who may need help. At the very least they need to know we did not intentionally abandon them. I will not leave comrades behind, if I can help it!"

MEL's nature becomes subdued at the idea of lost comrades.
"I understand that you want to find them, I truly do. However, how can you be certain that you can find them?"

FORLIN shrugs
"I cannot. I do know that the orcs had a good headstart, so I doubt the armor-plated dwarf could keep up with them. My hope is that they will follow the Olvewater back here. I just need a canoe."

MEL shakes her head
"But the orcs could still be out there. How do you know that the orcs didn't already ambush your comrades somewhere?"

FORLIN replies
"Once again, I do not whether they are alive or not. I just need a canoe."

Lady GLASSBLOWER and LOWLYN walk up to FORLIN and MEL.

GLASSBLOWER says,
"HIMO is a wild elf from the Oytwood and HLIN is a dwarf from the lower Crystalmists. If they are still alive, they will be valuable contacts and allies for Hochoch and the Oytwood. I admit they are a little . . . bizarre--"

LOWLYN quips
"--And crazy"

GLASSBLOWER smiles as she concedes LOWLYN's point
"But they are loyal to the cause. At the present, that makes them invaluable. Besides, Lieutenant LOWLYN will go with FORLIN. He is an excellent tracker. He will help FORLIN find our comrades."

LOWLYN nods in agreement.

MEL lets out an exasperated sigh
"Okay, take the damn canoe."

FORLIN and LOWLYN head to the canoe. Once they arrive, they FORLIN gets into the front and LOWLYN pushes the canoe into the water. LOWLYN hops into the canoe and the boat heads back to the west bank of the Olvewater.

MEL calls out to them
"Just be careful with the canoe, it's military equipment!"

END SCENE

NEXT SCENE: BATTLEFIELD

Battlefield
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 15:02:18

HIMO and HLIN are still in the process of erecting their tent and building their campsite when they hear a familiar voice.

FORLIN
"HIMO, HLIN, so you are not dead. I apologize for leaving you; events got a little out of hand. Good to see that you eventually came back."

HIMO and HLIN see FORLIN and LOWLYN standing 40 FEET from them. The must have come from the Olvewater's banks.

LOWLYN quips with a smile
"So how long were you chasing the orcs?"

HIMO and HLIN run to FORLIN in unison "FORLIN and LOWLYN you came back and we chased them for about 10 or 20 minutes." As HIMO and HLIN walking to the canoe HLIN says "I cant ride in that canoe. It may tip over and we all drown in the water." HIMO asks HLIN "Are you fearfull of the water ?" HLIN nods to HIMO. HIMO says "FORLIN we have a problem HILN is fearfull of the water and I know we need to get back the soon the better any other back?

BATTLEFIELD
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 15:02:48

LOWLYN laughs quietly and says
"HLIN, you will challenge any giant in these woods, but you are frightened of only three feet of water."

FORLIN looks at HIMO and HLIN.
"There is no other way to get to the fort. Unless you walk across the Olvewater. The water is only about three feet deep, but it is cold. Your clothes will be ruined for awhile. I doubt the canoe will tip, HLIN. It is sturdy and well balanced. Just get in the middle of the canoe and do not move. You should be fine, I promise."

FORLIN moves toward the canoe and climbs back into the front, awaiting HLIN.

HIMO climbs into the canoe and tells HLIN "See thats not hard is it HLIN." As HLIN tries to climb into the canoe she is shanking in her armor she tells LOWLYN "It's easier to kill any gaint than water." HLIN holds onto HIMO and FORLIN for dear life as the canoe starts to leave the shore of the battlefield. HIMO asks "LOWLYN is ok for me to call Lynai home for now unitl I find my tribe and maybe with the my tribe can help Lynai against the gaints?"

OLVEWATER WEST BANK
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 15:03:42

LOWLYN hops into the rear of the canoe as it flows out on top of the Olvewater.
"HLIN, release your hold a little on FORLIN. I need him to paddle while I steer. HIMO, I see no reason why you shouldn't call Lynlai home. You will be welcome by me, Lady GLASSBLOWER, and NANEN, at least. I'm sure GURELL would not mind your presence either."

HIMO is suddenly reminded of GURELL, the massive gray render that befriended the elves, namely the wizard NANNEN.

LOWLYN continues
"Of course, for the forseeable future, Fort Olvewater may be your home. As long as we can hold it from the giants."

The canoe heads across the Olvewater to the fort.

END SCENE

NEXT SCENE: FORT OLVEWATER

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 15:05:42

The canoe arrives back at Fort Olvewater. MEL and GLASSBLOWER are awaiting the arrival of the canoe. Two soldiers help FORLIN get the canoe on shore. HLIN and HIMO are able to disembark from the canoe.

MEL steps forward to size up the two new warriors.
"I am Master Sargeant MELISSA LANSE, and I run the day-to-day activities of Fort Olvewater. While you are here you are under military command. The higher ground is not open for sightseeing, it is only used for watches and occasional drilling. If you could erect your tents and leave your supplies on the south side of the island with those three."

MEL points in the direction of ALEX and LEYLADIN, two comrades HIMO lost track of sometime ago in the Oytwood. REBEKAH must be nearby as well.

FORLIN looks at MEL.
"Thank you, Sargeant. I apologize again for any problems I may have caused."

MEL smiles and attempts to remain professional
"Forget about it. Just do not do it again."

Lady GLASSBLOWER greets HIMO and HLIN
"A pleasure to see you both again. I hope you be willing to assist in the plan that we are building. The fort is commanded by Lieutenant GHORENFORE, a paladin of Pelor, and leader in the army out of Hochoch. Our allies are growing. Tonight, we will have a meeting to plan our next series of moves."

FENNIGAN steps out from the tent to view the commotion. FENNIGAN is on the north side of the island at the command tent. He sees GHORENFORE still nearby.
"Well, it's just one big happy reunion . . . again."

Rebekah not realizing anything had happened continues talking with Kirak. "Well Quinten died a few weeks back while we we trtying to rescue some elves that were under attack by some giants. We lost him and a monk friend of ours and unfortunately we also lost the elves we were trying to save. Quinten however went out the way he always wanted to. He died fighting."

ARLIE looks at FAWN. "Any idea what spell she cast?"

FAWN glances at him. "A few, but all that matters is if it's one that will keep us stuck in here."

ARLIE replies "There's a quick way to find out..."

They go to the end of the tent & each try to push a flap open.

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 15:06:24

Both ARLIE and FAWN open the tent flap with ease. Whatever spell was cast, it seems it was not meant to bar the way out.

[GHORENFORE]
Ghorenfore is on his way to MARILYN'S tent when he notices the new comers. His gut reaction being to question Mel about what is going on, is instantly pulled back as it is clear she has the situation already well in hand. He pauses for a moment and makes the decision to continue on to Marilyn's tent.
I'll come and see whats going on later, Mel's clearly already go it under control.
Ghorenfore stops outside MARILYN'S tent, pausing for a moment.
*clears throat*
"He... Hello?"
"Its Marilyn Right?"

[KIRAK]
Kirak frown's
"I'm sorry to hear that. It must have been tough loosing a friend like that."
Kirak looks at Rebekah
"I know how you feel though, we have all lost many people we know out here, sometimes to often."
Kirak's normally hardened expression turns to a blank stare for a moment as if lost in thought. Lasting only a second he immediately readjusts himself and continues to speak, changing the subject quickly
"The elves were under attack you say?"

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 15:07:00

MARILYN is in her tent thumbing a large tomb, possibly a holy text. She looks up at GHORENFORE's quiet entrance. She smiles and looks back down to the pages she was reading.
"Yes, Lieutenant, it is me. We have been traveling together since Hochoch. I would hope you have remembered my name."

She looks back up from her studies.
"What can I help you with, Lieutenant?"

Ghorenfore looks down at her bewildered, but quickly dismissing it.
"I have relieved Martin of Command and Kisa has requested I accompany her back to Hococh."
He shifts his weight to his other leg and looks at her
"I was hoping I could leave you in Command, in my place while I'm gone. It would only be temporary until I return. I just need to leave someone in charge I can trust."

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 15:07:12

MARILYN sets the tome aside and stands. She bows to GHORENFORE and says
"I am honored to hold the fort in your absence. Those who stay with me shall be a light in the darkness."
She turns away, in thought.
"On the other hand, who will be staying here with me? The orcs that retreated today will no doubt find support to retake this fort. I will need more support than MEL and the troops to fight off possible giants."

Ghorenfore nods
"The same thought has already occurred to me as well."
He turn away for a second contemplating several thoughts
"We'll be holding a strategy meeting later when we discuss possible ideas I have a few I'd like to voice, and perhaps others may offer insight for which I have not yet considered."
Ghorenfore looks back at Marilyn
"Also, I'll be conscripting Kirak later as well, he doesn't know it yet, but he'll be offering his services to Mel as her Sargent. Its a talk I have not had with him yet, and one I'm not particularly looking forward to."
Ghorenfore smiles to himself knowing Kirak will not like the idea one bit.
"He wont like it, but he'll agree to it because I asked I him."

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 18:00:00

It is now more than an hour after sunset. The two moons are mere slivers in the sky, barely shining through the thin overcast clouds. The wind has picked up slightly and the temperature never dropped after sunset. An occasional call from a raptor breaks the silence of the Oytwood.

EVERYONE except for MARTIN, the FORT TROOPs, and CLARA's BANDITs are assembled in the center of the camp.

Lady GLASSBLOWER stands and clears her throat.
"Well, we have made it halfway to Hochoch and from what I understand we are a little more than five days from Gran March controlled territory. Unfortunately, we all cannot go. Fort Olvewater is too precious of a communication and rallying point for both Gran March soldiers and elves, if the alliance is finalized between Lynlai and the Gran March army. The orcs that withdrew from battle this afternoon will inform their superiors about this fort. The giants will not allow this fort to exist unless we fight for it. Therefore we have choices to make, some of you will escort me to Hochoch, the others must stay here and hold the fort for our return. Lieutenant GHORENFORE has agreed to escort me to Hochoch. FENNIGAN, FORLIN, and Lieutenant LOWLYN will be accompanying me to Hochoch as well. As I see it, that leaves us with three open spots for volunteers. The rest of you will stay here and hold the fort.
"Also, this entire operation is now under the command of Lieutenant GHORENFORE. Everyone will treat him and his command staff as superiors. There will be no questions regarding this; it's my choice."

Lady GLASSBLOWER looks to GHORENFORE
"So I leave the rest to you, Lieutenant. Anyone who has suggestions or questions should direct them to Lieutenant GHORENFORE."

Lady GLASSBLOWER sits down next to LOWLYN and NYDENT.

Rebekah looks to Alex and says, "You should go. They will be needing your muscle. Leyla and I will stay here, the fort will need all the ranged troops we can get."

Alex just looks up and says. "Aye"

Leyla smiles, "Agreed, and my spyglass may come in handy here."

HIMO and HLIN look at each other then HIMO says "I am staying because human city is too big for me." HLIN says "I will go with LADY GLASSBLOWER to Hochoch and get supplies for HIMO and I." HIMO looks at HLIN and says "Thank you HLIN for going for me and LADY GLASSBLOWER I have something to ask you after the meeting."

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 18:01:36

Lady GLASSBLOWER smiles at HIMO and suddenly feels very embarrased. She stands up to look at GHORENFORE and MEL.
"I must apologize, I forgot to introduce our two comrades. This is HIMO and HLIN they came with us, but we lost them after the fight with the ogres. They were pursuing the retreating orcs. And we--"
GLASSBLOWER lowers her head in shame
--"forgot about them until FORLIN remembered earlier this afternoon. That was our shame."

GHORENFORE sees an elf and a dwarf. Both of them appear to be warriors of some sort. And both are armed to the teeth. HLIN, the dwarf, is a stocky woman wearing beautiful full plate. HIMO the elf is wearing lighter chainmail, also well made.

GLASSBLOWER continues
"HIMO is an elf from the only known wild elf clan in the Oytwood. Those of us who are native think they came from the Dim Forest a long time ago. At the moment, HIMO's tribe is in hiding somewhere. They would make great allies; if we could find them. Most wild elves are distrustful, at best, to outsiders.
"HLIN is a dwarf from one of the clans from the lower Crystalmists. She hooked up with gnome reconnaissance groups in the Stark Mounds. One of those groups arrived in Lynlai a day before we were preparing to leave for Hochoch. The gnomes would be good allies as well. The dwarven clans are apparently in 'aggressive negotiations' with one another as to which clan will lead in an allegiance against the giants."

GHORENFORE remembers a quip from the nobles back in Hochoch when the idea was proposed to ally with the gnomes and halflings from the Stark Mounds. The nobles were opposed to it on the grounds that the gnomes and halflings were not warriors. "The little people should stay buried underground and not hurt themselves" was a common quote. The remaining nobles from Geoff originally proposed the idea and it was quickly shot down. The dwarves of the Crystalmists was a hopeful idea, but no one had succeeded in getting to the mountains just yet, not with the giant-filled Oytwood and Stark Mounds in the way.

HIMO and HLIN both in unison waves their hands to Lieutenant GHORENFORE and says to Lady GLASSBLOWER "We are ok and we should stayed with the group." Both hanging their heads down. HIMO then pipes up "Once I find my tribe I will make sure the tribe will help out with our common enemies." HLIN says "I will make sure that I get word back to my clan so they can get out and fight with the rest of us in this time of war."

Ghorenfore stands,
"Welcome HIMO and HLIN!"
He proceeds to gaze around, checking everyone for a second before proceeding.
"First off, I will be accompanying Lady Glassblower back to Hococh, as a result I have decided to leave MARILYN in charge while I'm gone. If it comes from her, its as good as coming from me, so there's no mistake on it, when she gives in order."
Ghorenfore looks at MARILYN
"Lieutenant MARILYN, You have my full confidence."
Ghorenfore looks over at Brother NYDENT
"Brother NYDENT will also be staying as well, and working closely under Lieutenant MARILYN. I expect his orders to be followed without question as well."
He nods his head slightly
"Thank you Brother NYDENT, you also have my full trust as well."
Ghorenfore pauses for a moment and then continues.
"It goes without saying that the Orc's and their reinforcements will return, as a result, we need to be prepared."
Ghorenfore turns to LADY GLASSBLOWER.
"Lady Glassblower, Is there any chance we could get a few reinforcements from the elves if we asked?"

FORT OLVEWATER
Freeday, Ready'reat 28th, 586 CY
Time: 18:03:42

Lady GLASSBLOWER shakes her head.
"When the giants invaded the Oytwood, they went straight for Preston, our largest city. When the leaders of Preston called for a retreat, most of the elves scattered into small bands all over the Oytwood. Lynlai and Luttrell Lake were the only two cities that opened their doors to refugees. Oytlove closed up tight, and I know nothing about Nulai on the other side of the Oyt River. Each small elven band is autonomous; they follow their own leader and are beholden to no one. If we can convince a band or two to join us that is your best chance of getting reinforcements. But you have to find the bands, and they do not want to be found. Someone could send word to Lynlai, but reinforcements would take at least a week to get here. Not to mention, it could take a week to send a messenger to Lynlai, if the messenger even makes it. Also, troops in Lynlai were preparing to head to the remains of Luttrell Lake to assess the damage and see what they can rebuild. I do not how much could be sent our way."

*****
When Lady GLASSBLOWER says,
"When the leaders of Preston called for a retreat, most of the elves scattered--"
KIRAK, who is seated next to CLARA, hears a seething whisper come from her lips.
"Cowards."
*****

MARILYN speaks up
"Lieutenant GHORENFORE, we may have have to rely on reinforcements coming from Hochoch after you arrive in the city."

FENNIGAN nods
"I agree, but that may be difficult as well. Most of the troops and conscripts were still preoccupied with rebuilding the city when we left. We may be able to convince the nobles to send more troops our way. Then again Knight Commander Shannah Idol may be able to assist us with troops from Midwood Fort. We could ask her when we get there."

FORLIN looks at Lady GLASSBLOWER
"I could cast a sending to NANNEN in Lynlai to see if he can assist us with any troops. That would cut down the risk of sending a messenger. I was hoping that we could use sendings to have some communication between this fort and our group headed to Hochoch. That way we could check in on each other. I can cast it at least once in a day."

MARILYN nods
"As can I, but it will limit other abilities. And a sending will not help you get to us, or we to you, should either group run into serious trouble."

FORLIN looks into the campfire in the center of the meeting.
"No, it won't. At least, not yet."