Norion raises an eyebrow, does the man have chains on him, or signs of the same, was this a recently freed prisoner, or new voice.  Regardless, Norion nods to Rath's words and beckons this stranger forward.

Norion's concerns are allayed when he notices the chains affixed to the man, and further behind him, a line of his cohorts hiding, out of view.

The man calls back, "Please, help us get back Windham. That is our home!" The man comes into plain view, as do a few others who are attached to the chain closest to him.

The ogre's captives did not wander too far afield, rather, they hunkered down nearby until the dust settled. Now, it seems, they are looking for help in getting back to their village.

The thought of charging for the job crossed Ben's mind, there was no way that it couldn't, but even he saw the poor wretches as in deed of some pro bono help.

Thus is the life of a hero I guess...

"Aye, come on in, if there are locks on those chains I may be able to get them off."

he reaches into his backpack and pulls out what food and water he has on him, sharing it out.

if there are any women or children in the group he offers then special care.

if the Dread Ogre's wore furs, ben will call out to Rath and Inas. "See if there is enough fur in one place to make quick make-shift blankets for this lot, then we should hit the road. Does anyone need fur bound to their feet for protection?" he asks...

Saliq gave Ben a slightly scandalized look when he suggested the dread ogres might be useful as raw components but he was too refined to discuss the matter. He gratefully accepted Ryiz's praise and returned it: "You were were gallant and skilled Ryiz, a fine performance. I shall long remember it."

Turning to released captives he addressed them in eloquent tones: "I am Saliq Musfara, son of Azbar the Aged of Al Alayai Herat and you have my personal word that you are under our protection and will be returned to your village. We have a druid amongst our number if any of you are ill or wounded."

Rath catches Eagle's eye and gestures toward Ben and Bruno, who are indeed seriously wounded.

Seeing that the prisoners have stuck around, Norion breathes a sigh of relief.  Bringing down the Ogres was soothing to his dwarven soul, but fearing the prisoners lost and vulnerable alone, would have been a hard bit to swallow.  He watches his friends quickly find ways to make them free, fed, comfortable, and a bit of the darkness he has carried for many years drifts away.   So it has been these last months with this group, some day, he'll have to think upon that.

"Ben, once you've freed everyone, let's gather those chains, the metal aloone is worth somethin' ta a blacksmith."  Knowing they are not that far from citylife, Norion shares his water and food supplies with all who need it.

Finding the man who first approached, Norion asks him,  "So, when you arr ready ta talk, or others  ya' know, send them ta' me, ah'd like ta know the attack methods used when ya' where captured, it'll 'elp mah advise towns on defenses and tha' like.  This dark practice must be stopped ya' know..."

The man who called out to the group is name Gerard, a miller from the nearby village of Windham. Gerard the Miller leads out a group of seven fellow denizens of Windham, all chained together. None of them seem particularly interested in the food Ben offers, but they are appreciative of any water, ale, or wine that is offered. Hungry, no. Thirsty, yes.

When queried about how they came to be captured by the ogres, Gerard relays the tale. This group of villagers all lives near his mill, on the outskirts of the village. The ogres attacked in the middle of the night, and were met by a small contingent of militia members who were no match for the overwhelming numbers the ogres brought to bear. The ogres struck fast and left almost as quickly, their aim seemingly to capture slaves and not necessarily sack the town.

These sort of attacks had been very frequent several months ago, but it had been some time since the ogres last struck. The villagers wrongly believed the Dread Ogres had picked up and moved elsewhere: apparently that is not the case at all.

Gerard surveys the carnage around him, "But perhaps the threat has passed now?"

"I doubt it old man, the last one we killed, according the our stout friend Norion," Ben says, nodding towards the dwarf,"said his leader was still out there. It seems likely he's still got more of his dread-fellows, and he'll be pretty pissed when he learns what we did to his little band of soldiers here tonight. Let's hope the tale of a dragon does send them on to less local pastures, I guess."

Ben's response visibly dampens Gerard's spirits. After it settles in the miller adds in, "You should seek out the Lord Mayor when we return to Windham. You fellows are quite powerful indeed, and the Lord Mayor may be willing to retain your services to rid the land of this menace, once and for all."

In reply to DM Storm (msg # 513):

Eagle notices Rath's gesture, and while the conversation continues mumbles prayers to Melora and brings some succour to both Ben and then Bruno (twice).

Healing both for 8 hp each.
23:16, Today: Eagle rolled 6 using 1d8 with rolls of 6.
23:15, Today: Eagle rolled 2 using 1d8 with rolls of 2.
23:15, Today: Eagle rolled 8 using 1d8 with rolls of 8. clw.

"Before we start thinking about that, Grandpa," Rath says to the old man, "let's get you and your folks home. Can't travel at night. Least, not quick or safe."

Rath looks to the looming star-obscurring bulk of the Demonstone. "We carved out a safe zone up there. I say we head back and sleep. I'm dead on my feet."

After completing a final sweep of the area, the party leads the villagers back to the relative safety of Demonstone. The villagers are definitely familiar with the place, at least the name, and all are understandably frightened once they catch wind of where they are being led. This is a place of horror, womb to many foul things that crawl out of the Darkness Below.

After much reassurance, the villagers eventually settle down enough to lie quietly in one of Demonstone's many upper caves, though none truly ever fall asleep for very long.

But, the party does manage to get some sleep.

Morning comes, and with it, travel back to Windham. Though it is only about five miles back to Windham, it is over rough country and it takes the better part of the morning to lead the villagers out of the Forlorn Hills to the Elsir River Valley.

Windham is a small village of perhaps 80 buildings nestled along the Elsir River's east banks, farmland stretching away further to the east. The adventurers are treated to a heroes welcome, for after the night-time Dread Ogre raid, most had assumed their loved ones, friends, and family members who had been captured would never be seen again.

Lord Mayor Kazmerak sees to it that the adventurers food and lodging accommodations are taken care of in a satisfactory manner, insisting that they are afforded the best the town has to offer. Ever the politician, Lord Mayor Kazmerak then not-so-subtly bridges to the inevitable:

"You are all great heroes, and ever will your praises be sung by the folk of Windham, immortalized by the songs of the people," the chords of players in the background underscoring his point, "but, our people are still at need...will you help us put an end to Ulvuzgraf One-horn's reign of terror?"

And, there it is, a call for heroes.

Hopefully the party will spend a few minutes discussing things  among themselves before stepping in.

First priority for Ben in to let the lizard people know their home is safe, and if necessary help them get there.

As to the fight against One-Horn, Ben doesn't see much profit in it, and would argue against it, however he feels their fates are tied together and he will go along should the majority feel the urge, as long as the responsibility to the lizard men is met first.

Eagle agrees with Ben regarding letting the lizard men know about demonstone's availability; one out of completion's sake, but two because he thinks it wise to create a block between the darkness below and the wider world with a community of grateful lizard-men - and with the village of Windham and the lizard-men both in their debt they can maybe broker a co-existence between these two groups as well.

As for the Ogres, Eagle is fairly relaxed either way - he's happy to go along with the majority either way.

"We are tasked with helping a group of lizardmen Lord Mayor Kazmerak. Their home was invaded by manticores which we have slain and driven off." Saliq explains.

The strokes his trim beard thoughtfully. "Does your village have no liege lord you can appeal too, or are you independent?"

While appearing nonchalant, Ben's ears perk up at the question, fully expecting the hear the name 'Lord Myron' come from the Lord Mayor's mouth.

The Lord Mayor nods in understanding of the party's prior commitment, though he appears somewhat disappointed in their seeming refusal to get involved further.

"It is clear you are honorable folk," he replies. "And I certainly understand if your vow to lizardmen would have your efforts directed elsewhere."

Lord Mayor Kazmerak's posture then becomes more stiff, as though put on the defensive by Saliq's inquiry about liege lords. "These lands fall outside the purview of the Stormhavian Lords, aye, we are independent, which is a blessing and curse all the same! Though it certainly be true that there is no shortage of lords who would like to tax my people for their protection."

The Lord Mayor further explains that the villages of Windham, Salt Flats and Newstead form a loose federation in times of needs, but do their best to maintain their independence from Stormhaven's petty nobility and mercantile guilds, all of which who would love nothing more than to bleed the villages dry in taxes. Ben's ears might even perk up when Lord Mayor Kazmerak describes some recent minor squabbles with Lord Myron over hunting and foraging rights in the southern Forlorn Hills.

"If recompense is at issue, rest assured, you will be compensated from my private coffers for your service," Kazmerak adds as final enticement.

Independence in this world can be a dangerous thing, and clear the town is paying the price. He suspect this might be a part of why One-Horn may have settled down where he has.

Ben only hopes the price of freedom is one they consider worth paying.

The name Lord Myron does cause Ben's ears to perk up, and his mental gears to spin. He doesn't yet know what that man is up to, but he is certain that it encompasses the hinterlands and heartlands of No-Good-Istan.

Could Lord Myron somehow be using these ogres to get control over these towns? It seemed a bit far fetched that he had that kind of sway, but the Lord would certainly find value in the hardship here if he could.

As it is, he neither speaks for or against their cause, though he does share the idea of blocking ones ears against the terror-inducing sound of the horns, giving Norion full credit for the idea.

Eagle listens intently, and assuming the chance arises he speaks to the party privately. 'We are in no real debt to the lizardmen - more like they are in debt to us. But I would like them to know that they can now return to their home - if only for the sake of the ibis's I met at the temple.

"I could easily take the form of a bird again, return to ziggurat, and let them know their home is now clear - whether you stay here, or return to Stormhaven I could find you either way. It would then be up to the reptiles if they wish to return to Demonstone - we don't need to accompany them I feel. Then perhaps we could try to help these villagers?'

Saliq hesitated. Though the villagers had his sympathy he was concious most of the party would be looking for a tangible reward. The illusionist turned to Eagle first. "I think that might be a good idea my friend; you go inform the lizardmen they may return home."

Turning back to the mayor he again looked thoughtful. "Do these ogres threaten Salt Flats and Newstead also?"

Saliq's question is met with several hushed responses from those gathered in the Lord Mayor's hall, and Kazmerak himself nods in the affirmative. "Aye," he responds. "No village in these parts is spared against the Dread Ogres' raids. Salt Flats and Newstead have suffered as well."

Lord Mayor Kazmerak continues by explaining that he only counts 5 men as full-time soldiers, but if needed he can call to service an additional 20 militia members in short notice. In addition to these numbers, he personally retains four men-at-arms and a few other land-holders boast similar retinues. In short, Windham is ill-equipped to offer any serious resistance against a foe such as Dread Ogres.

Salt Flats and Newstead boast similar defenses, he reasons.

Saliq hesitated. While his heart went out to the villagers part of him felt that they were foolish in scorning a ruler. Taxes could be unpleasant, but surely that was better than leaving oneself open to attack?

"Lord Mayor Kazmerak, I am sympathetic but it seems to me your best protection in the long run would be to find a willing noble to protect you and Salt Flats and Newstead. Even should we defeat these ogres what is to stop another such threat coming against you? Are all the lords of Stormhaven so bad none would be acceptable as your prince?"

The illusionist who was himself a prince without a principality was looking very thoughtful.

Norion quickly is out of his depth in this conversation.  Surely, money is to made but Saliq is usually so quiet, his sudden verbal...well, ness, leads the dwarf to be quiet. Oddly enough.

Rath is made uncomfortable by the emotional reunions at Windham, and he hangs back on the periphery, close enough to hear Mayor Kazmerak's call for heroes. He turns toward a nearby cluster of villagers. Rath is well aware that he is filthy, unshaven, armored, and bristling with weapons, and, as such, might be as imposing to these people as the ogres themselves, so when he speaks, he speaks quietly. He does not smile, though he doesn't grimace either.

"How do these ogres strike?" Rath asks, scratching his neck. "It's happened more than once, right? Same way, each time? Do they actually come into the village, or are they picking up wanderers? Anything you can tell me might be of use."

----

Later, once the party has made a firm commitment to hunting down this One-Horn, Rath will ask around for hunting bows and a healthy supply of arrows for him and his henchmen.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Sat 23 Aug 2014.

Kazmerak bristles a bit when pressed on the matter of swearing allegiance to one of any number of Stormhaven's petty nobility. That's how it starts. You give away a little bit of your freedom and then next thing you know, the yoke is around the neck.

He holds up his hand to ward off the thought of such an endeavor. "But at what cost? For which noble in that scheming place of swindlers and cutthroats would be preferable, I ask?"

Kazmerak further relates that many have come trying to exercise political or economic control over his village, all through devious means no less. "They would have me serve as little more than a coin-collector, living on a pittance, my people slaves, while they sit in the lap of luxury in their golden towers!"

Clearly, Kazmerak has a mind to remain independent, while he is able.



Kazmerak explains that the attacks always originate from the Shepherd's Ford, wide but shallow crossing of the Elsir River about a half mile south of the village proper. The ogres then confine most of their attacks to the outlying farms, but it is not unknown for them to strike into the heart of the village either.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:43, Sat 23 Aug 2014.