Conversation begins immediately as the newly expanded party tries to outsmart, outwit, and outduel the remaining ogres still lingering within Fort Rannick’s walls. Using the tribal knowledge of ogres to support his ideas, Krask proposes that the party use Jaagrath Kreeg’s head to instill fear into the hearts of the ogres and hopefully drive them out of the area. While the majority of the group stands below near the front gates, Jak and Shalelu plan to rain arrows down onto the parade grounds from the upper tower. Everyone else hunkers down around the head, which Fobias has threateningly mounted on a spear.
Ten minutes pass, which is the signal for Jak and Shalelu to begin their barrage. There is some initial confusion amongst the ogres before a select group is sent to the Fort to investigate. Something is obviously wrong if arrows are being shot from the top of ‘their’ tower. When the four ogres heave the front gates open, they are shocked and surprised to see a ragtag group of small-folk waiting for them. Fyn gives a rousing speech. No wait. That’s not right. The speech is delivered with the apprehension of a child unsure if they should ask for a second helping of cake.
Luckily, the ferocity of the rest of the party, along with the physical head of Jaagrath, is enough to scatter the ogres. They run out of the Fort shouting that ‘Jaagrath is dead’ and word quickly spreads through the rest of the ranks. In a mass, chaotic exodus, the ogres bound off into the stormy night, scattering in every direction. After letting the dust settle, the party carefully ventures out onto the parade grounds to survey the situation. All of the ogres seem to be gone.
Knowing this, the party is still cautious in their approach to verifying that the Fort is secured. First building up on the clearing list is the new bunkhouse. Inside, the barracks are mostly in shambles, but Krask is able to find a floorboard out of place. Underneath, stashed away in secret, are a couple more vials that match the same ones found on members of the Bloodless Labours during the riverside ambush, and the ones found in the attic of the Graul Homestead. Have the Bloodless infiltrated Fort Rannick as well? Where does their reign of influence end?
When the party exists the barracks, a pair of massive ogres steps out from one of the other buildings on the grounds; one appears to be a cook and the other is just a bulbous mass of muscle. The frontline fighters immediately start charging forward to lock these ogres in combat. With ranged support provided from Krask, Shalelu, and Jak, the big three faces of the party – Fobias, Barnaby, and Trace – engage in close-quarters melee. The newcomer, Fyn, hastens the party which allows them to dispatch the ogres without much trouble.
The ogres have barely stopped breathing when another group of four ogres bursts in through the northern gates, covered in blood. One is carrying a long, Medium-sized rapier on his belt when they notice the party standing over the bodies of their brethren. Another battle begins, and this one is over just as quickly as the first.
Are the ogres finally defeated? What will become of the ones who scattered? Has anybody found the screws missing from Fyn’s head?