Session #90: A Clawhold in the Wilderness

[written by Phil, who ran this session ... in early October--thanks, Dad!]

Another bright winter's day illuminates the Dual Cities! Five days past, a rather large host of barbarians had been seen departing the Dual Cities through the Mourners' Gate, heading east along the Pallbearers' Way. The reason for their “expedition” was unclear, but seemed to have been precipitated by a visit from Brula al'Othmani herself, to Durham, of the Ringing Anvil. Shortly after concluding what has been rumored to be a clandestine meeting within the offices of the Ringing Anvil, Durham gathered to him a group of his Wasago Renyu companions (led by Pako), and several of his most trusted barbarians acquaintances. Drinks and discussion were had at Cothon Understar as the group decided on how best to accomplish the task ahead, ostensibly bestowed upon them by the scion of bani al'Othmani. Rumors speak of “espionage”, “Red Cloud”, and a “Fort of Bugs”? And while this group set off in confident fashion, after 5 days there was still no report of their return.

During the morning of the sixth day since their departure, a cry is heard from the Mourners' Gate that Sesel Iqtador al'Saahil is approaching! However, his company seems to be without several of their original companions. Durham is missing, as is Pako. And there is no sign of Avinnia. Surely this host has finally met a foe that they cannot easily match or best – but no! For while this fellowship remains close-lipped for the most part, in time it is learned that the barbarians feel their endeavors were successful. The entire host is indeed hale and hearty, but some are busy and sequestered out of sight. And there is much serious business to discuss with Brula al'Othmani, and perhaps Lord Dalinar. Their countenances are grim, indeed.

Heretofore, the overall mass of Red Cloud's force has been reported and thought to be more of a rag-tag, fragile alliance of blood-crazed, chaotic tribes – living in tents and squalor. However, reports of this hill-fort (its construction quality and defenses), consistent patrols, and a complimentary watch-tower – as well as the discipline and armament of the garrisons, and their method of disrupting river trade – points to perhaps a different story! Is Red Cloud truly just a popular and charismatic nomad of barbaric, ignorant infamy – or is there more to the cat? Who is Red Cloud? Has anyone ever seen or interacted with Red Cloud?!

The players:

Durham, of the Ringing Anvil
Pako, Durham's trusty renyu companion
Wasago Elite (10 renyu individuals)
Sesel, voice of the Survivors, Citizen, Iqtador al'Saahil al'Shamaliy
Raoden, the librarian
Avinnia the slight
Heijo, of the Ink-Stained Hands
Najm, called “the Worm”
Fa Mei, companion of Najm
Lord Althis of Crag Keep

The lucre:

Nothing in the way of outside monetary gain would be noticeable by anyone on the street; however, intelligence was gained and reported to Brula al'Othmani, and a significant reward of dinar has been known to change hands, to whit:

The location of a sizeable, well constructed hillfort has been ascertained
(There were actually 4 tower/mounds – DM mistake)
(One of those tower/mounds – near center of north wall – was always manned with 4 K'zin)
(All other towers were manned by a mix of K'zin and humans)
The banners of Red Cloud and a K'zin engineer, known as Eater of Bugs, fly over this fort
A detailed surface map of the fort has been prepared
As well, a detailed map of the larger area was made, with notes of logistical/strategic/tactical interest

Two well-made sketches were prepared depicting the faces of two K'zin of likely importance
A. Mweep-Boss (a warrior, observed gleaning detailed records/notes and giving orders)
B. Tracker (a scruffy K'zin, perhaps equal in status with Mweep, but adept in some arcane art)

It was estimated that the fortress is garrisoned with the following (at least):
A. 15 K'zin warriors (not including superiors)
B. 30 Human warriors
C. 1 massively huge human (but signs of at least 1 more)

Weapons observed included the following:
A. Each tower/mound has two (2) freely rotating ballistae
B. Most of the K'zin appeared to be unarmed, but were adorned with heavy leather skins
C. The humans appeared to be armed with a variety of swords/hammers/slings
D. The humans were armed in both leathers and chain

It was also surmised how river trade has been recently disrupted, via an ingenious contraption

The learning:

For the map of the fort - 2000 gold dinar (2000 xp)

For the intelligence concerning the garrison – 2000 gold dinar (2000 xp)

For intelligence as to how river trade has been disrupted – 1000 gold dinar (1000 xp)

For the detailed map of the region, with notes – 1000 gold dinar (1000 xp)

For “Wanted Posters” of Mweep and Tracker – 1000 gold dinar (1000 xp)

The cut:

XP =
1167 each player character (Durham, Sesel, Avinnia, Heijo, Najm, Althis)
585 each to Pako, Raoden, and Mei
250 to each of the Wasago Elite

Total cash from rewards =
1000 gold dinar to each character (Durham, Sesel, Avinnia, Heijo, Najm, Althis)
250 gold to Pako, Raoden, and Mei
25 gold to each of the Wasago Elite

((What in the world is Pako going to do with such wealth??!))

((After Avinnia's report, it can be surmised that Fort Eater of Bugs is on high alert – especially considering how the K'Zin called “Mweep” and “Tracker” behaved in her presence.))