What Pako Saw!
Earlier in the year, Durham sent Pako, and a squad of the Wasgo Elite to conduct covert recon of Fort Bugeater and the surrounding area. In general, they were to stay hidden, gather information, and not engage in conflict. They were ordered to concentrate on the following efforts:
Determining patrol timing/sizes/make-up/etc along the trails around the area of the fort.
To set traps along the trails and making some general harassing actions.
Learn what, if any, supplies or materials are being moved into and/or out of the fort.
After several weeks of loitering and sneaking about the surrounding area of Fort Bugeater, Pako returned to the Ringing Anvil and made the following detailed report to Durham (and Durham cried):
Concerning the Watch Tower:
To begin with, the watch tower, which had been destroyed, has been solidly rebuilt and re-garrisoned. Recall that the watch tower has a lower, stone structure (about 10 feet high), and the main watch platform is at an elevation of about 30 feet (and is made of stout timbers). There are three ladders leading between the ground and the lower stone structure to the upper platform. There is a cleared area surrounding the tower, out to about 100 feet. In the cleared area there are three equally spaced, stout poles, about 20 feet tall, containing what appears to be highly combustible material packed in metal baskets clustered about their tops. These poles form a triangle around the tower, and are about equal distant from each other, and equally distant from the tower and the edge of the clearing. Pako noted 2 ballistae present: one on the roof of the lower structure, and one on the upper platform.
At all times, there appears to be at least 12 individuals stationed at the watch tower. There never seems to be more than 3 K'Zin included in that squad, and they tend to act as officers, with one clearly being the “Top-Cat”. There are always 5 individuals performing watch-duty on the upper platform. The garrison is rotated out once every week to 10 days, and as they are rotated out, there is usually a day or two when the tower is “double garrisoned”.
Concerning Patrols and Mapping:
Pako and his team made an extensive map, of good quality, of the trail system that is being patrolled, and their relation to the river, the watch tower and Fort Bugeater. Durham has this map in his possession (I just haven't actually made one). In general, there are 5 paths leading to and from the watch tower area.
There is the little used trail that is situated north – south, from the main road to the watch tower. It is roughly a mile in length (takes a human about half an hour to walk at a normal pace), due to the terrain. This trail, in particular, was never observed to be patrolled. All other trails show signs of constant, continued use.
There is a short trail between the tower and the river (to the west of the tower). Pako estimated it would take a human about 5 to 10 minutes to walk this trail, one way, at a leisurely pace. At random times a group of 3 or 4 garrison troops go down to the river, for various reasons (washing, fishing, obtaining water, etc.). The troopers going to the river are usually gone for a few hours.
There are 2 trails that, at first glance lead off to the northeast and southeast of the tower. These trails basically connect to form an extensive loop, winding along ridges and covering a fair bit of territory around the eastern flank of the tower, and of the fort. Pako estimated it would take a human about 4 hours to walk this loop. There are two other trails that lead off of this loop, that Pako's squad did not explore, one leading off to the northeast (to destinations unknown), and the other leading off toward the west. Because of the western trail's location and direction, Pako “suspects” it leads to Fort Bugeater, approaching it from a northern direction.
There is a final trail that lies in a generally north – south orientation, and this trail leads directly to the confluence of a stream that flows from the northeast to the southwest into the main river. Recall that the river flows north to south in this area. This end of this trail is also at the foot of the rocky cliffs that make up the southeastern facing wall of Fort Bugeater. Basically, the course of the stream here falls along the rocky cliff base that makes up the southeastern wall of the fort.
While scouting, Pako's spies set a number of traps to harass the Bugeater patrols. Upon later examination, most all of the traps had been tripped, but none of them seem to have produced any damage, or caused harm. And oddly, none of them were destroyed or dismantled … they were simply tripped and left alone.
As for patrols, Pako's squad has noted that there always seems to be a squad of at least 12 individuals, of a similar make-up as the watch tower garrison, moving along the trails. The renyu noted that there were usually 3 – 5 K'Zin present in these patrols. The patrols move randomly along the trail system, covering the loop trail, and the trail leading directly between the tower and the fort. The patrols move at a slow pace, and in a quiet, stealthy manner. The men of the patrol generally move along the main path, while the K'Zin tend to range ahead and to the sides as covert point guards, and they are difficult to discern. Several times, Pako's hidden renyu were almost walked over, unsuspected by both renyu and K'Zin! However, Pako's renyu are convinced that they were never spotted. Pako estimates that it takes the patrol about a day to move from the fort to the tower, and it takes another day to cover the loop trail in the eastern sector. While out on the trails, the patrol was never observed to camp out or build a cook fire. They always ended up either at the watch tower, or at Fort Bugeater.
Of special note, the patrol squads, the watch tower, and Fort Bugeater use a system of horn blasts to communicate basic intelligence among themselves. The system is not complicated, but the renyu are convinced that the “code” changes once in a while. Pako feels certain that particular blasts indicate:
“Danger is nearby” or “danger is being investigated”
Another indicates “danger has been engaged” or “Holy crap, we're in serious trouble!”
While a third indicates “all clear”.
There seem to be other combinations of blasts, but Pako could not discern their meanings. However, Pako believes that, even when the code changes, he can tell with high certainty those three codes in particular.
Concerning Fort Bugeater and Supplies:
Pako is concerned. Very concerned.
A fairly detailed map of the Fort and its close surroundings were mapped. Durham has this map in his possession (see below).
Of particular interest the renyu noted the following:
The fort is garrisoned at all times with at least 100 individuals.
All of the garrison at the fort and the watch tower appear to be in good physical condition, well equipped, well trained, and have high morale. These folks, while being commanded by K'Zin, do not exhibit typical K'Zin clannish behavior. Everyone works together in a cooperative manner.
The garrison seems to be comprised of about 60 humans, and at least 40 K'Zin … hardened K'Zin.
Of the K'Zin, there are definitely 3 individuals who command more respect and fear, and they are easily identifiable. (One is certainly “Bugeater”, another has been called “Tracker”, and the third has been identified as “Mweep-Boss”.)
Of the humans there are 2 who are given as much respect as the K'Zin leaders. And one has been observed to “manipulate the arcane” in fiery displays that rival Heijo, Lord Althis, and Bart.
There is particular concern from the renyu due to at least 2 massively HUGE humans. These are thuggish creatures of extraordinary size (perhaps 20 ft tall at the shoulders), having ferocious rage and temperament, and emitting a foul odor (renyu could easily pick up their odor from a fair distance). These unnatural beasts do not tend to accompany patrols, but stay close to the fort. They seem to be aloof to all but the 2 identifiable men and 3 K'Zin commanders. Only 2 of these brutes were noted ... but, are there? ... all men-things look the same to Renyu. They wear armor (leathers of some such), and one wields a massive hammer, while the other a heavy metallic staff (sharply pointed on one end). Their reach is considerable.
The various troops are well outfitted, wearing either chain or leather armor, and carrying shields. Various types of hand weapons were observed: hammers, battle axes, long swords, dirks, K'Zin wt'sai, etc. Also, Pako's renyu observed the garrison members training in firing drills, using slings. They were good.
The fort is basically a triangular affair, situated upon a promontory overlooking the river to the west, an open cleared field to the north, and the forested/scrub stream area to the southeast-ish. The western, river-side cliffs are about 60 feet high (from river level to top of the fort's wall). The southeastern cliff wall is about 40 feet high (from stream level to top of the fort's wall). The northern wall (which has a recessed entrance at it's center) is about 10 feet high. At each of the three major corners there are massive mounds of rock that form “towers”. Upon the flat tops of each tower are 2 ballistae (similar to those of the watch tower), protected behind short, crenelated walls.
In the open field there are two evenly spaced rows of stakes, running east – west. The stakes are about 2 feet tall, and have long wispy material (roughly 2 to 3 feet long) affixed to their tops. This material is seen to flutter about, even with the lightest of breezes. From what the renyu have seen of the men in sling practice, they believe these to be “range” (close and medium), and “windage” indicators.
There is a contraption of 5 separate chains/ropes/logs that run across the river to individual dead-man mounds (which are on the bank opposite the fort). These lines can be raised and lowered in the water to block and interfere with river passage. These lines are manipulated by a block and tackle system, from within the confines of the fort. There is always a patrol-sized group of about 12 troops stationed on the dead-man side of the river, protecting that side of the contraption.
In the open field, north of the northern wall, are 5 unnaturally situated mounds. One central mound, and 4 that are equally spaced, at cardinal points north, west, south, and east of the central mound. The mounds are about 15 feet in diameter, about 5 feet tall at their center, and are covered in scrubby grasses – they do not appear to be recently made, or even disturbed. Oddly, the renyu spies note that these mounds are never approached by anyone from the fort – they are given a wide berth.
Two special occurrences were noted by the renyu, concerning “supplies” being delivered to the fort. The first involved a small caravan of 4 covered wagons, with human merchants/guards, delivering material to the fort. This caravan was fairly well guarded. The renyu thought that the main merchant was familiar and has been seen in Cothon-Gadeed, but he could not be identified. However, Pako and others are certain that if they saw the man again, they would recognize him. The renyu also report that the aroma of freshly butchered meat, and newly forged and oiled metals could be smelled as the caravan passed near their positions. The second occurrence was a “visit” by none other than Red Cloud, a retinue of at least 20 battle-hardened K'Zin warriors … and a human. The renyu observed this group enter the fort with great fanfare and respect, stay briefly over a 2 day period, then depart, heading in an east by southeast direction – in the general direction of Cothon-Gadeed. Red Cloud (or who they took to be Red Cloud) was quite large for a K'Zin, as were most of his retinue. The renyu agreed that if they were to be forced into an encounter with Red Cloud, even by himself, they would (as a group) retreat before him. He was formidable in appearance and stature. Interestingly, the human seemed to be almost an equal (if only slightly subservient) to Red Cloud. The appearance of Red Cloud elicited great joy and excitement from the garrison at the fort, and boosted morale significantly. Eater of Bugs greeted Red Cloud as a younger brother might greet a respected, elder brother – the two appeared to be long-time “friends”, sharing a mutual respect.
Thus ends Pako's report.
A crude map of Fort Bugeater follows.
Key:
Greenish area is lightly wooded, with signs of some cutting of trees.
Orange area is the level cobble/beach on the western shore of the river, where the dead-man mounds are located.
Grey-ish blobs appear to be intensely burned patches of ground.
Heavy, dark arrows indicate direction of river and stream flow.
Red squares indicate massive lean-to structures used by the brutish giants.
Dotted lines across the river indicate the river-travel blocking chains.
Irregular hatch-marked areas are the main walls of Fort Bugeater.
Squares with red hatching are the ballistae mound/towers.
Irregular slashed areas indicate natural cliffs.
Yellow circles indicate the undisturbed “mounds”.
Items within the confines of the fort indicate various buildings or large wall tents.
[written up by Phil, who has been helping with the Red Cloud material]
No comments:
Post a Comment