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Respar remains quiet, watching and listening to the exchange. Upon Eya referring to "our mutual master" he does his best not to react. He scans the bugbears around the table to gauge their reactions, including the chief.
Grumblejack nods dumbly at Eya's first comment. Her second though causes him to look at her with surprise. "You don't wan' me around?"
---
Sakkarot chuckles at Jesla's comment, "You would be surprised at how many are foolish enough to come back from a mission bearing nothing."
He looks at Eya as she delivers her whispered message and gives a tiny nod. Aloud, he says, "This is a good day. Many banners have already flocked to the cause, with this, we will bring in more. I will give them steel and promise them blood."
He says something in goblinoid to the others in the room, they give a cheer, and two of them stand to depart the tent. He waves at the Knot, and says, "You four, come this way."
He leads you to a small side chamber of the tent, which apparently serves as something akin to an office. "You were tasked with softening the fort for us correct? When you are ready for us to attack, go about two miles west of the fort. On the southern shore of the lake, is a sheltered cove. A large fire built there should be visible at night to my forward scouts from across the lake, but not the fort's defenders. Upon seeing such a signal, we will spend the next day preparing, and then attack two hours before the next dawn. If you need to send more complex information, you'll need to figure out some other method."
"It will take me approximately three weeks to unite the tribes. Once that is accomplished however, I cannot keep this host sitting still for long. Either we move to attack something, or I will start to see my army falling apart as its units seek more exciting things. Another three weeks perhaps before things begin to fall apart. So, that is your time frame. Six weeks. The longer you wait after that the more you risk harming the plan."
"You had best be certain you can do this, this host can kill, but it is not capable of an extended siege. The cardinal is placing a great deal of trust in you. Too much I would say. I hope I am wrong on that point."
Respar speaks up. "I have been thinking about something that might help us with both of our problems, meaning the attack AND the ship. Chief, do you have any among your host that can handle a ship? We have a lead or two to investigate that might allow us to find a secret way to allow some of your troops inside, but the easiest thing might be, rather than trying to breach a wall or gate, but a smaller gate...does the fort have its own docks? Or do they simply use the docks at Aldencross? Can you describe the town and fort in as much detail as possible?"
Sakkarot says dryly, "Oddly enough, I've never been close enough to either place to tell you much of anything you would not be better off observing for yourself. I can tell you the only dock involved is a small pier, mostly for the town's fishing boats. It doesn't lead to anything sensitive."
"I do have a few people I think can be trusted to not sink a ship within moments of casting off, and I can load that ship up with a fair sized elite strike force if I guess correctly as to where you're going with this."
Respar nods in satisfaction. "Excellent. We can work out more of a code for the fires. For instance, if we set two fires, that means use the boat. If we set only one, look to the east side, or some variation there. But I am clearly getting ahead of myself. We need to unload your supplies, then get rid of the crew." He looks to Eya. "I know you have thought about offering them up as slaves, but they not only know us to some degree, but whomever our boss used to communicate with Odenkirk. We can't take a chance, however remote, on someone getting away or getting word back to our enemy. And as much as I would hate to lose an asset as valuable as that boat, if in the end it needs to sink, so be it."
Sakkarot shrugs, "I have only slight use for their labor anyways, plenty of hands available. I figured they would be of more use to me as meat. Us bugbears don't tend to like the taste of man flesh, but enough of my host do that they will be a welcome addition to tonight's feast."
Eya's makes a pained face as she replies to the ogre, "No Grumblejack, it's quite the opposite. I want you around for a long time." She reaches out and grabs one of his enormous hands with both of hers, "I love having you around so, so much, big guy. More than you know even. It's just that...the next part of this mission will be very dangerous for you. We will be living among humans for a while and I'm afraid my magic isn't strong enough to keep you hidden and safe. At least with this tribe, you will be relatively accepted for a time and we can be reunited after the fighting is done. Still, what do you want to do Grumblejack? Does this make you uncomfortable? If you do not mind staying here for me for a time, then I only ask one thing of you. Survive, Grumblejack. Your number one task is to make sure that you stay alive. Do not pick a fight against too many humans at the same time without help and do not be afraid to flee if things look bad. Hopefully this new armor will help to keep you safe. I swear, if something happens to you, I will burn every single...."
Eya stops there as her eyes flare with arcane power at the thought. She calms down then asks, "So what do you say, big guy?"
---
Eya nods as Sakkarot explains the timeline of the assault, "We have a few potential leads on ways to cripple the Keep's defenses. However, we do need to spend more time investigating any other potential holes we can create. Six weeks is good to know however, and we will keep that in mind." She pauses for a moment, then continues, "Speaking of the Cardinal however, Sakkarot, why are you doing this, if you don't mind me asking? Working with us and the Cardinal I mean. You are the only one who knows of these dealings among your army. Why?"
Kiven has stayed quiet but as Respar contradicts Eya and tries to retract the group's offer to this large, dangerous stranger he folds his arms, shakes his head, and looks at Eya to say "I really don't like him." "He may be more of a liability than an asset. Perhaps we add him to the offer to our new ally Sakkarot, here?"
Jesla listens thoughtfully to the conversation with the chieftain. " Trust us in this. We will have a way in for you and your warriors. These soft Mitrians will never know what hit them. Their blood will flow like a river soon. i look forward to that day. " Jesla grits her teeth in anger as she remembers her imprisonment
Grumblejack frowns, "I guess I cin stay here. These guys look like fun anyhow." He looks after the ogre woman, who is fiddling with the thick length of bone piercing her nose, "Yeah, I think that'l be okay."
---
In the side chamber, Sakkarot raises an eyebrow and simply looks at Eya for several moments before answering, "I am a devoted servant of Asmodeus, and more importantly, I want more out of life than to be chief of a pack of barbarians. Even if we conquered Tallingarde without the Cardinal's assistance and I declared myself king of this whole island, I would just be a chief of a particularly big pack of barbarians."
"And that is why no others know the full plan, because savages is all they know or aspire to be. Even the few here that are also servants of our father below are only told the things they want to hear. I know my kind well. The vast majority of bugbears are strong in physical might, but weak in near everything else, making them tools to be used for a purpose, and nothing more. Do you have any idea how rare it is to have a meaningful conversation around here?"
"In any event, you four are more than welcome to stay for tonight's festivities. I will assign some guards to ensure you are left in peace, I know you can take care of yourselves, but without an escort, chances are you'd be challenged right and left." He smirks, "Oh, and don't worry, there will be plenty of food that didn't walk on two legs in life."
"I'll assign some of my people to start unloading the gear you brought us. Just lead them to it. Oh, and we'll go ahead and take those crewmen off of your hands on your way back to the ship. Unless you wanted to discuss that matter some more?" He says this last with another smirk.
"I'm going to miss you, Grumblejack," she says with great effort as she hugs the ogre. She smiles as best as she can then says, "Tonight we will celebrate our success on this mission and you will get to eat some fresh human. Once this assault is over, I will come and find you."
---
At that last bit, Eya just rubs her temples while wearing a weary expression. Gritting her teeth in frustration, she replies, "You have my apologies for the confusion. We're still a relatively new team and our communication...well, it could still use some work. At any rate, I do appreciate the hospitality, thank you. If possible, I would ask of you one last thing. The ogre we arrived with, his name is Grumblejack. Is it alright if he stays here for the time being while we complete our part of the mission? Due to the nature of this next mission, infiltration and reconnaissance and living among humans, it would be prohibitively difficult to keep him from drawing unwanted attention. Still, he is useful and he can assist you with your assault. He is quite strong and has his own high-quality weapons and armor. He's special and is more intelligent than a typical ogre."
Eya is ready to go back to the ship whenever the others are.
Respar says to Sakkarot, "That should work well enough. We will begin leading them back to the ship so we can all unload, and you just have you host attack them. Please just make sure it is only them. Not us. When the fight starts, we can help make sure none get away."
When Sakkarot speaks of wanting more out of life, that his people are savages, that he can barely find anyone to have an intelligent conversation with, and that at least these savages have their uses Kiven's expression changes drastically and he forgets all about this odd Respar guy momentarily. He (weakly) punches down on whatever table or desk is nearby and points at Sakkarot with the other arm extended. "YES! This one gets it! FINALLY! Someone thinking about the big picture, and with more foresight than most!" He pauses and then continues "you and I should talk more this evening, my new friend. We have much in common and should be able to help one another even beyond the schemes of our mutual friend. Will you have a drink with me later, mighty one? I don't suppose the wine is plentiful here?"
Pending further discussion with Sakkarot, Kiven says to Eya before they leave the private area "perhaps a brief word with our dear Captain while he still breaths?" He grins evilly.
Jesla has a frown visible as she hears Kiven fawning on the chieftain. She shakes her head and remains silent. Kiven strikes her as extremely untrustworthy. She studies him disdainfully.
As they leave beneath her stoic mask she is in turmoil. She looks over at Respar. " Respar, we should have a few drinks if we stay for the feast tonight. I know i can drink you under the table. Ill drink a dozen or so before we begin to give you a chance " She wonders how he will react to her opinion.
Eya rolls her eyes a little, but can't help smirking a bit as she sees Kiven so enamored with their new bugbear ally. When he mentions speaking to the captain, she looks at him quizzically, "Do you have something special in mind? Other than his disposal I mean."
"Special, no. I just think he should know that we are not betraying him. He asked for this when he betrayed us." Kiven seems to be taking pleasure in the thought.
Respar looks genuinely surprised as Jesla's offer. He then smiles and says, "You want to compete with me in a drinking contest? No, I concede before we begin. But feel free to drink as much as you like, once the crew has been, er, properly compensated. And I will join you. But I fear that your opinion of my stamina compared to yours is more than correct. But I will try to keep pace as long as possible."
As the meeting wraps up, you can hear a yowling outside, as if from some monstrous cat with a sore throat. On exiting the side room, you see Grumblejack and the ogre woman he was infatuated with facing off against each other. Grumblejack has a javelin poking out of his shoulder. He draws it out, snaps it in his hands, and hurls himself at her. The two crush a couple of chairs as they fall together, wrestling for dominance furiously. At one point Karlotta gets a knife out and tries to eviscerate Grumblejack, but he takes it off her and flings it to the side.
This goes on for a couple minutes before Grumblejack finally manages to pin Karlotta down long enough give her one long, slow lick across her neck. She hurls him off of her and scrambles away, pausing just long enough to turn and give him what seems to be a nod of approval before running off and disappearing amongst the tents. Grumblejack stands and laughs, even dancing a little jig as he watches her go. He looks at the party and says with a grin, "What a woman!"
"Hmph, I thought for sure I'd have to apologize for her killing your pet there. None of her courtiers have bested her before." Sakkarot says from behind the group. "Regardless, onto other business." He whistles for attention and barks out a few words in goblinoid. Odenkirk and his men, who had been standing in a wary huddle while waiting for you to return, suddenly find themselves surrounded by dozens of bugbears and hobgoblins. They cause a few wounds defending themselves, but stand no chance as they are rapidly seized and stripped of their gear. "Now then, which of these pink monkeys is Odenkirk? I believe you wanted to have words with him. Oh, and also, I hope you don't mind if they live a little longer. I have a few recruits that could use a bit of blooding. They'll be dead by nightfall, don't worry."
The captain is struggling within the grip of those that hold him, hurling insults in the parties direction. "Traitors! You'll burn in the nine hells for this!"
Respar remains quiet, watching and listening to the exchange. Upon Eya referring to "our mutual master" he does his best not to react. He scans the bugbears around the table to gauge their reactions, including the chief.
Sense Motive 20
Grumblejack nods dumbly at Eya's first comment. Her second though causes him to look at her with surprise. "You don't wan' me around?"
---
Sakkarot chuckles at Jesla's comment, "You would be surprised at how many are foolish enough to come back from a mission bearing nothing."
He looks at Eya as she delivers her whispered message and gives a tiny nod. Aloud, he says, "This is a good day. Many banners have already flocked to the cause, with this, we will bring in more. I will give them steel and promise them blood."
He says something in goblinoid to the others in the room, they give a cheer, and two of them stand to depart the tent. He waves at the Knot, and says, "You four, come this way."
He leads you to a small side chamber of the tent, which apparently serves as something akin to an office. "You were tasked with softening the fort for us correct? When you are ready for us to attack, go about two miles west of the fort. On the southern shore of the lake, is a sheltered cove. A large fire built there should be visible at night to my forward scouts from across the lake, but not the fort's defenders. Upon seeing such a signal, we will spend the next day preparing, and then attack two hours before the next dawn. If you need to send more complex information, you'll need to figure out some other method."
"It will take me approximately three weeks to unite the tribes. Once that is accomplished however, I cannot keep this host sitting still for long. Either we move to attack something, or I will start to see my army falling apart as its units seek more exciting things. Another three weeks perhaps before things begin to fall apart. So, that is your time frame. Six weeks. The longer you wait after that the more you risk harming the plan."
"You had best be certain you can do this, this host can kill, but it is not capable of an extended siege. The cardinal is placing a great deal of trust in you. Too much I would say. I hope I am wrong on that point."
Respar speaks up. "I have been thinking about something that might help us with both of our problems, meaning the attack AND the ship. Chief, do you have any among your host that can handle a ship? We have a lead or two to investigate that might allow us to find a secret way to allow some of your troops inside, but the easiest thing might be, rather than trying to breach a wall or gate, but a smaller gate...does the fort have its own docks? Or do they simply use the docks at Aldencross? Can you describe the town and fort in as much detail as possible?"
Sakkarot says dryly, "Oddly enough, I've never been close enough to either place to tell you much of anything you would not be better off observing for yourself. I can tell you the only dock involved is a small pier, mostly for the town's fishing boats. It doesn't lead to anything sensitive."
"I do have a few people I think can be trusted to not sink a ship within moments of casting off, and I can load that ship up with a fair sized elite strike force if I guess correctly as to where you're going with this."
Respar nods in satisfaction. "Excellent. We can work out more of a code for the fires. For instance, if we set two fires, that means use the boat. If we set only one, look to the east side, or some variation there. But I am clearly getting ahead of myself. We need to unload your supplies, then get rid of the crew." He looks to Eya. "I know you have thought about offering them up as slaves, but they not only know us to some degree, but whomever our boss used to communicate with Odenkirk. We can't take a chance, however remote, on someone getting away or getting word back to our enemy. And as much as I would hate to lose an asset as valuable as that boat, if in the end it needs to sink, so be it."
Sakkarot shrugs, "I have only slight use for their labor anyways, plenty of hands available. I figured they would be of more use to me as meat. Us bugbears don't tend to like the taste of man flesh, but enough of my host do that they will be a welcome addition to tonight's feast."
Eya's makes a pained face as she replies to the ogre, "No Grumblejack, it's quite the opposite. I want you around for a long time." She reaches out and grabs one of his enormous hands with both of hers, "I love having you around so, so much, big guy. More than you know even. It's just that...the next part of this mission will be very dangerous for you. We will be living among humans for a while and I'm afraid my magic isn't strong enough to keep you hidden and safe. At least with this tribe, you will be relatively accepted for a time and we can be reunited after the fighting is done. Still, what do you want to do Grumblejack? Does this make you uncomfortable? If you do not mind staying here for me for a time, then I only ask one thing of you. Survive, Grumblejack. Your number one task is to make sure that you stay alive. Do not pick a fight against too many humans at the same time without help and do not be afraid to flee if things look bad. Hopefully this new armor will help to keep you safe. I swear, if something happens to you, I will burn every single...."
Eya stops there as her eyes flare with arcane power at the thought. She calms down then asks, "So what do you say, big guy?"
---
Eya nods as Sakkarot explains the timeline of the assault, "We have a few potential leads on ways to cripple the Keep's defenses. However, we do need to spend more time investigating any other potential holes we can create. Six weeks is good to know however, and we will keep that in mind." She pauses for a moment, then continues, "Speaking of the Cardinal however, Sakkarot, why are you doing this, if you don't mind me asking? Working with us and the Cardinal I mean. You are the only one who knows of these dealings among your army. Why?"
Kiven has stayed quiet but as Respar contradicts Eya and tries to retract the group's offer to this large, dangerous stranger he folds his arms, shakes his head, and looks at Eya to say "I really don't like him." "He may be more of a liability than an asset. Perhaps we add him to the offer to our new ally Sakkarot, here?"
Jesla listens thoughtfully to the conversation with the chieftain. " Trust us in this. We will have a way in for you and your warriors. These soft Mitrians will never know what hit them. Their blood will flow like a river soon. i look forward to that day. " Jesla grits her teeth in anger as she remembers her imprisonment
Grumblejack frowns, "I guess I cin stay here. These guys look like fun anyhow." He looks after the ogre woman, who is fiddling with the thick length of bone piercing her nose, "Yeah, I think that'l be okay."
---
In the side chamber, Sakkarot raises an eyebrow and simply looks at Eya for several moments before answering, "I am a devoted servant of Asmodeus, and more importantly, I want more out of life than to be chief of a pack of barbarians. Even if we conquered Tallingarde without the Cardinal's assistance and I declared myself king of this whole island, I would just be a chief of a particularly big pack of barbarians."
"And that is why no others know the full plan, because savages is all they know or aspire to be. Even the few here that are also servants of our father below are only told the things they want to hear. I know my kind well. The vast majority of bugbears are strong in physical might, but weak in near everything else, making them tools to be used for a purpose, and nothing more. Do you have any idea how rare it is to have a meaningful conversation around here?"
"In any event, you four are more than welcome to stay for tonight's festivities. I will assign some guards to ensure you are left in peace, I know you can take care of yourselves, but without an escort, chances are you'd be challenged right and left." He smirks, "Oh, and don't worry, there will be plenty of food that didn't walk on two legs in life."
"I'll assign some of my people to start unloading the gear you brought us. Just lead them to it. Oh, and we'll go ahead and take those crewmen off of your hands on your way back to the ship. Unless you wanted to discuss that matter some more?" He says this last with another smirk.
"I'm going to miss you, Grumblejack," she says with great effort as she hugs the ogre. She smiles as best as she can then says, "Tonight we will celebrate our success on this mission and you will get to eat some fresh human. Once this assault is over, I will come and find you."
---
At that last bit, Eya just rubs her temples while wearing a weary expression. Gritting her teeth in frustration, she replies, "You have my apologies for the confusion. We're still a relatively new team and our communication...well, it could still use some work. At any rate, I do appreciate the hospitality, thank you. If possible, I would ask of you one last thing. The ogre we arrived with, his name is Grumblejack. Is it alright if he stays here for the time being while we complete our part of the mission? Due to the nature of this next mission, infiltration and reconnaissance and living among humans, it would be prohibitively difficult to keep him from drawing unwanted attention. Still, he is useful and he can assist you with your assault. He is quite strong and has his own high-quality weapons and armor. He's special and is more intelligent than a typical ogre."
Eya is ready to go back to the ship whenever the others are.
"I was wondering what you planned to do with that one. Yeah, I'll have him report to Karlotta's unit. She heads up the giantkin in this host."
Respar says to Sakkarot, "That should work well enough. We will begin leading them back to the ship so we can all unload, and you just have you host attack them. Please just make sure it is only them. Not us. When the fight starts, we can help make sure none get away."
When Sakkarot speaks of wanting more out of life, that his people are savages, that he can barely find anyone to have an intelligent conversation with, and that at least these savages have their uses Kiven's expression changes drastically and he forgets all about this odd Respar guy momentarily. He (weakly) punches down on whatever table or desk is nearby and points at Sakkarot with the other arm extended. "YES! This one gets it! FINALLY! Someone thinking about the big picture, and with more foresight than most!" He pauses and then continues "you and I should talk more this evening, my new friend. We have much in common and should be able to help one another even beyond the schemes of our mutual friend. Will you have a drink with me later, mighty one? I don't suppose the wine is plentiful here?"
Pending further discussion with Sakkarot, Kiven says to Eya before they leave the private area "perhaps a brief word with our dear Captain while he still breaths?" He grins evilly.
Jesla has a frown visible as she hears Kiven fawning on the chieftain. She shakes her head and remains silent. Kiven strikes her as extremely untrustworthy. She studies him disdainfully.
As they leave beneath her stoic mask she is in turmoil. She looks over at Respar. " Respar, we should have a few drinks if we stay for the feast tonight. I know i can drink you under the table. Ill drink a dozen or so before we begin to give you a chance " She wonders how he will react to her opinion.
Eya rolls her eyes a little, but can't help smirking a bit as she sees Kiven so enamored with their new bugbear ally. When he mentions speaking to the captain, she looks at him quizzically, "Do you have something special in mind? Other than his disposal I mean."
She seems interested in his response.
"Special, no. I just think he should know that we are not betraying him. He asked for this when he betrayed us." Kiven seems to be taking pleasure in the thought.
Respar looks genuinely surprised as Jesla's offer. He then smiles and says, "You want to compete with me in a drinking contest? No, I concede before we begin. But feel free to drink as much as you like, once the crew has been, er, properly compensated. And I will join you. But I fear that your opinion of my stamina compared to yours is more than correct. But I will try to keep pace as long as possible."
As the meeting wraps up, you can hear a yowling outside, as if from some monstrous cat with a sore throat. On exiting the side room, you see Grumblejack and the ogre woman he was infatuated with facing off against each other. Grumblejack has a javelin poking out of his shoulder. He draws it out, snaps it in his hands, and hurls himself at her. The two crush a couple of chairs as they fall together, wrestling for dominance furiously. At one point Karlotta gets a knife out and tries to eviscerate Grumblejack, but he takes it off her and flings it to the side.
This goes on for a couple minutes before Grumblejack finally manages to pin Karlotta down long enough give her one long, slow lick across her neck. She hurls him off of her and scrambles away, pausing just long enough to turn and give him what seems to be a nod of approval before running off and disappearing amongst the tents. Grumblejack stands and laughs, even dancing a little jig as he watches her go. He looks at the party and says with a grin, "What a woman!"
"Hmph, I thought for sure I'd have to apologize for her killing your pet there. None of her courtiers have bested her before." Sakkarot says from behind the group. "Regardless, onto other business." He whistles for attention and barks out a few words in goblinoid. Odenkirk and his men, who had been standing in a wary huddle while waiting for you to return, suddenly find themselves surrounded by dozens of bugbears and hobgoblins. They cause a few wounds defending themselves, but stand no chance as they are rapidly seized and stripped of their gear. "Now then, which of these pink monkeys is Odenkirk? I believe you wanted to have words with him. Oh, and also, I hope you don't mind if they live a little longer. I have a few recruits that could use a bit of blooding. They'll be dead by nightfall, don't worry."
The captain is struggling within the grip of those that hold him, hurling insults in the parties direction. "Traitors! You'll burn in the nine hells for this!"
Respar replies to Sakkarot, "By all means, so long as you do it in an arena. We need to see it happen."