Greyhawk: Against the Giants: Return to Hochoch

Ghorenfore is surprised by Lowlyn's sudden show of force. His face reflects the sudden surprise but is quickly replaced by a calm demeanor.
"Lowlyn, I'm not wholly convinced yet that the fort will be any safer than with us. Truth be told, I'm expecting the orcs to return with reinforcements. IF that happens the fort may be compromised easily and she'll be no safer there than with us."
Ghorenfore pauses looking at Lowlyn
"I feel The decision on where Lady Glassblower goes should fall to her and her alone, I am neither her master, nor her keeper. I am sworn to protect her like you, but I will not deprive her of her right to choose her own destiny."
Ghorenfore turns to Lady Glassblower
"The only control I do have is weather or not I can protect her, and if my life is needed to that end, it will be served in such a way."

LOWLYN and GLASSBLOWER continue their battle without any heed or acknowledgement of GHORENFORE's words.

GLASSBLOWER
"So, you would have me stay at the fort while you go out to risk life and limb to take on NERRAUNE?"

LOWLYN nods and leans toward. He is taller then GLASSBLOWER.
"Yes, this part of the mission does not concern you."

GLASSBLOWER balks at that . Her eyes narrows and gleam.
"Excuse me, Lieutenant, every part my mission concerns me."

LOWLYN leans in closer. The two titans are now nose to nose.
"Your mission must be postponed due to these unforseen circumstances. There is a personal matter between you and NERRAUNE. And I will not let that enter in a strategy of dealing with NERRAUNE."

GLASSBLOWER
"I can keep it in check."

LOWLYN
"No, you cannot. NERRAUNE knows you, Lady GLASSBLOWER. He knows about your position in Lynlai, since your father left. He will go to great lengths to get a hold of you, should he recognize you. And I do not believe the long walks in the Oytwood you and NERRAUNE took decades ago really matters now. Who knows what he would do if he captured you."

GLASSBLOWER's eyes narrow and the tone of her speech falls low.
"If you think I would that sack of shit capture me, LOWLYN, you do not know me very well."

LOWLYN
"There is what you say and a million possibilities as to what he can do. Besides, neither of us have the luxury of only thinking about what we personally wish to do. You have made that clear to everyone. You are too important to Lynlai and the liberation of the Oytwood to be risked on a possible fool's errand."

GLASSBLOWER's facial expression is similar to an angry wolf's. Her predatory nose sniffs the air as if smelling blood. Her eyes vibrate with rage as she stares down LOWLYN, LOWLYN matches her eyes. His demeanor is less angry, but bolstered with purpose. However, GLASSBLOWER remains silent.

LOWLYN continues,
"Also, while you are at the fort, perhaps we may get lucky and be able to find and enlist some the roving elven bands for aid. It can help bolster the fort and allegiances. I have faith in what NYDENT can learn, but you already have the gifts of diplomacy. Your mission is to help forge and alliance between the elves and the humans of the Sheldomar Valley."

GLASSBLOWER loses the rage in her eyes. To GHORENFORE, her eyes almost appear to lose some of their vibrance. She stands straight and takes a deep breath. With a stomp of her right foot and a cross of her arms beneath her chest, GLASSBLOWER says,
"Fine. But I am not pleased with this."

LOWLYN smiles and straightens his posture.
"I didn't think you would be."
His tone is not sarcasm, but genuine affection.

Ghorenfore quirks an eyebrow and watches the two carefully.
"So were good to go then?"
he asks after patiently waiting the two out.
"We'll pack up and head back to the fort?"

GHORENFORE's GROUP
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 07:13:36

GLASSBLOWER reels to face GHORENFORE. Some remnants of her anger and displeasure still remain.
"Yes, let's get moving."

She heads off to break down her tent.

LOWLYN looks at GHORENFORE.
"She'll come around. She hates losing a fight of words with a soldier."

FENNIGAN meets LOWLYN and GHORENFORE.
"Well, if we are prepared to get moving, then we have some new equipment to pass out. I have a few ideas about what some of these items do, but a few will require some investigation. Anyway, here is the division:

Magical mighty composite longbow goes to GLASSBLOWER,
Green cloak goes to LOWLYN,
Crystal lenses goes to MARTIN,
I'll keep the magical pouch. I think it has something to do with summoning, but it's not powerful.
We have two black feathers that I am uncertain about. I will identify one of them at the fort.
I'm keeping the scrolls until I get better look at them,
and ALEX should take the gold ring; it has some sort protection properties. The rest of the magical equipment should be taken to the fort as supplies, except the two necromantic potions. Also, the remaining three emeralds could stay in the fort's storage. Their monetary value, I suspect, will be quite high."

FORLIN also approaches.
"GHORENFORE, HLIN will assist me in building a crude sled to bring FAWN along to the fort. We can bury her there. We could lay the remaining magical items with her to make them easier to travel. Also, should I send to MARILYN, announcing our arrival and our loses? Perhaps she can send a squad to meet us halfway."

GHORENFORE's GROUP
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 07:14:36

FORLIN slaps his own head.
"Nevermind, lieutenant forget I asked. I send to MARILYN in a moment. But first . . . "

FORLIN spends the next few rounds casting a few healing spells. He casts one spell on ALEX, MARTIN, and HLIN, respectively.

#1 ALEX's healing
#2 MARTIN's healing
#3 HLIN's healing

The member 'Aloddaharm' has done the following action : Dices roll

#1 'd8' : 3, 4, 1

--------------------------------

#2 'd8' : 1, 8

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#3 'd8' : 4, 6

GHORENFORE's GROUP
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 07:15:00

ALEX heals 16 hit points

MARTIN heals 17 hit points

HLIN heals 18 hit points

FORLIN then begins chanting again, chanting through a copper wire. Then he says,
"MARILYN, we are returning to the fort. We were ambushed by undead and lost FAWN. Please send a squad to meet us halfway."

FORLIN waits patiently for a few seconds and his jerked to attention when he gets a response.
"Lieutenant, MARILYN acknowledges the order. She will assemble a squad to meet us along the way."

ALEX looks to FORLIN

"Than you for the healing. I am feeling much better now and able to move out when everyone is ready."

"Thank you FORLIN for the aid and let's do this I hate losing a member of any party that I travel with, even if we win the battle but it's not easy times now, I know this war but I just....." HLIN says as she starts helping FORLIN with the travels ahead. As a tear runs down her face for the lost of FAWN. Then HLIN is chant a prayer of her GODS "May you find peace in the afterlife FAWN." HLIN says

Ghorenfore nods at FORLIN, before responding to HLIN.
"Thank you FORLIN, I know how you feel HLIN."
Ghorenfore takes a moment looking at HLIN
"I know how you feel."
His eyes turn to FAWN's body
"Lets get her on a sled and get going. MARTIN, ALEX, and HLIN will take point in front of the sled. LOWLYN, you and FORLIN will travel in the middle with LADY GLASSBLOWER, while FENNIGAN and I bring up the rear."

GHORENFORE's GROUP
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 08:00:00

The team finishes breaking down the tents and camp around 0800. FAWN's "sled" is made from a crude collection of tree branches forming the skeleten. It is tied together with string remaining from FAWN's tent and the tent's canvas. FAWN is draped in a winter blanket. Remaining magical spoils were laid underneath FAWN.

The party makes an exhausted march back to Fort Olvewater.

******

FORT OLVEWATER
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 07:45:00

The first thing everyone notices this morning is the biting chill in the air. Even as the sunlight touches the shores of the Olvewater, icy froth is seen along the shores of the river. An icy froth is also visible along the areas of the island fort near the water. Heavy coats, mittens, scarves, and cowls are the uniform of the day. The ground is frozen with frost from the evenings sudden cold snap.

LEYLADIN is preparing for her watch that starts within the next fifteen minutes. CLARA is as well. Both ladies are soon met by two of the FORT TROOPS to see MARILYN immediately.

KIRAK is awakened by Marcus who requests that the sargeant speak to MARILYN immediately. News has come from the expeditionary force headed to Hochoch. And the message has come early in the day.

OOC where is MARILYN

DM: MARILYN is near her tent, but that detail wasn't really necessary.

Kirak rises to his feet and whipes the sleep from his eyes. Realizing he had gotten very good at sleeping 'Light' and being prepared for almost anything, even in a semi-unconscious state.
"Thank You MARCUS,..."
Kirak wastes no time, making sure he is at least somewhat presentable.
Thoughts muse through his head on how he's never been much for Military, but are imediately dismissed as he remembers the reasons for all of this.
By Cuthbert you'd better be safe old freind, or I WILL kick your ass.
Kirak then heads off to see MARILYN.

FORT OLVEWATER
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 07:46:30

KIRAK and LEYLADIN find MARILYN marching from her tent to the east side of the fort. Troops have already prepared the canoes to take people across the chilly river. CLARA and her troops are already there. CLARA's men are loading the canoes with supplies.

MARILYN sees KIRAK and LEYLADIN approach and she moves to meet them. PA'CHEEN and TA'HEED are also coming to meet MARILYN.

MARILYN nods at KIRAK and LEYLADIN.
"KIRAK, LEYLADIN, I received a sending from FORLIN informing me that the team is returning to the fort. They were ambushed and lost FAWN in the ensuing fight. They must be fairly battered to be returning. In any case, the two of you along with CLARA, her men, Lee, and Richard will move out to meet GHORENFORE and escort them back here. There is little time to waste, so you have 5 minutes to prepare your gear and move out."

TA'HEED steps forward.
"Sword Maiden, PA'CHEEN and I will accompany your troops to the rendezvous as well. We would like the opportunity to stretch our legs."

PA'CHEEN adds, with a gleam in his lupine eyes,
"And to fight something!"

MARILYN smiles at TA'HEED
"Your assistance is welcomed."

MARILYN looks at LEYLADIN and KIRAK.
"Collect the gear you need and move out. You should be able to be back here by the end of the day, so pack light."

LEYLADIN Says

"Understood"

Kirak Nods
"I understand Lieutenant,"
Kirak moves out, and goes to collect his things, all the while thinking about Ghorenfore. Images trace through his mind on a battle with Giants or Humaniods. Which only serves to quicken Kirak's pace.
He must have been hard pressed to return so soon, It must have been bad.
Kirak shakes his head, it doesn't even take him but 2 minutes, not needing to carry very much at all. Kirak heads for the Canoes after collecting his stuff and waits for the others. While waiting he meditates and says a few quiet prayers to Cuthbert for his freinds safety.

FORT OLVEWATER
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 07:55:00

KIRAK's team is assembed and are ferried across the river to the eastern shore of the Olvewater. The soldiers drop everyone off and head back to the fort.

CLARA picks up the trail immediately and moves into the forest. Her troops follow right in behind her. Lee follows behind them, KIRAK next, LEYLADIN, Richard, and, lastly, the Lupinals. Both TA'HEED and PA'CHEEN have changed their forms back to the Baklunish glamers they used when they first arrived at the fort.

As they disappear from the shoreline, PA'CHEEN says,
"I hope we get some action out here."

OYTWOOD GROUP
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 12:00:00

By midday, both parties meet each other in the Oytwood.

KIRAK's team meets a battered and weary party, dragging a sled with FAWN's dead body wrapped in a winter blanket. A few of the members have a limp in their step.

GHORENFORE's team meets fresh comrades from the fort. They also meet two new humans that must be the allies MARILYN had talked about to GHORENFORE. Their appearance is simple and unassuming, except for PA'CHEEN's choice of dressing in clashing colors. To GHORENFORE that reminds him more of Suel dress than Baklunish. The two new humans, TA'HEED and PA'CHEEN, do not appear to be the great allies he heard about.

HLIN looks at the new allies says "Hi my name is HLIN." with look of thinking on her mind Man the allies don't look very great but looks can be deceiving

Ghorenfore looks over the reinforcements / back up as he approaches, keeping a skeptical outlook.
funny they don't look like Greart allies?
Ghorenfore shrugs it off, thinking there are more important issues at hand.

Kirak see's Ghorenfore and his crew and frown.
"You guy's ok?"

Ghorenfore nods
"As Good as can be expected."

Kirak then turns arounds and looks at Pa'cheen and Ta'heed
"Ghorenfore this is Pa'cheen, and Ta'heed,"
He then points out each person individually for Pa'cheen, and Ta'heed.
"This is the Lady Glassblower, Lowlyn. Forlin, Martin, Alex, Fennigan, and Hlin."

OYTWOOD GROUP
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 12:00:30

PA'CHEEN eyes HLIN and the others.
"You bashers look like you got the sodding crap kicked out o' ya! What happened? Did you get trampled by a herd of nightmares?"

TA'HEED's head bows, looking at the dirt and leaf litter of the Oytwood forest floor. He lets out an exasperated sigh.
"If time is of the essence, we should be moving. Should anyone need any extra healing"--TA'HEED voice grows irritated as his head slowly lifts and turns to PA'CHEEN--"PA'CHEEN will be pleased to assist. You will have to pardon, PA'CHEEN; he is very young."

PA'CHEEN's forehead creases and his eyes narrow at TA'HEED. TA'HEED ignores him.

Ghorenfore Nods,
"Nothing that dramatic, but He's right; We'll be ok till we get back to the fort, lets just get moving for now." Ghorenfore plays off like he actually knew what in the hell a Nightmare actually was, and kept moving with a smile and a grin.

Kirak walks up to Ghorenfore as Ghorenfore begins to walk forward.
"You ok Boss?"

Ghorenfore Looks at Kirak thinking it was good to see his old freind.
"I will be old freind, I will be."

OYTWOOD GROUP
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 12:07:48

The party is on the return to Fort Olvewater. The party is moving single file through the forest, staying on a deer path. While on the path the team in the back, comprised of CLARA, LEYLADIN, PA'CHEEN and HLIN, catch a series of glimmers in the sunlight piercing through the forest's light canopy. The glimmers were momentary and reminded each one of the sun reflecting off of metal. The glimmers originated near a pond to the SOUTHEAST of the party's current position.

OYTWOOD GROUP
Sunday, Sunsebb 2nd, 586 CY
Time: 12:07:48

CLARA's ears perk up when the for of them spot the shimmering of metal in the sunrays.
"What is that awful sound, sounds like suction."

PA'CHEEN points to the south.
"TA'HEED, something just came out of the pond to SOUTHEAST. It's big and appears to have a corpse floating in it."

TA'HEED
"Is it heading this way?"

Time: 12:07:54

PA'CHEEN shouts back
"Now how in the Nine Hells would I now that. The damn thing has no form."

The thing moves toward HLIN slowly. It moves 40 FEET to catch up with the HLIN in the rear of the party. It's still 20 FEET from the dwarf. FENNIGAN, CLARA's TROOPS, CLARA, LEYLADIN, PA'CHEEN, and HLIN can all make at the form is some great detail. The thing must be transparent, but it is massive. As it moved toward the party PA'CHEEN and HLIN watched as small trees were uprooted by its approach. Some of the saplings were crushed others were engulfed and now float in the transparent mass. Large trees were shook as the mass flowed around them from all sides. The corpse appears to be just that, a wet decaying corpse holding a longsword as if preparing for an attack. It's stuck in the center of the mass. The shimmers of metal probably also came from the large collection of silver and gold pieces suspended in the viscous mass. All in all, the size of ground it covers and the height it toppled young trees gives the impression that the mass could trap a Fire Giant within it.

PA'CHEEN's voice is now tinged with heavy sarcasm.
"Yeah, it's headed this way."

CALL FOR INITIATIVE: GHORENFORE, I need that faithful roll.

HLIN says "I think it is time for battle!" as she goes defense