The ground shudders as three ogres heave out of the smog, each one broad as a cottage door. They drag a ruined forest beast between them and drop it at the tower’s feet like a tribute.
The goblins stop building. Timber creaks in their hands. The Black Book hovers close to Ellowicous the Black, its pages twitching as if it is amused.
The Lead Ogre
Tower lord. We bring meat, and strength. Let us guard your stone.
The Black Book
Three bruisers, hungry and simple. Useful muscle, if you can stomach the smell.
One ogre stamps forward, scarred arms flexing, and bares yellow teeth at the barricade. He is not kneeling anymore. He is measuring the gate.
The Lead Ogre
Say yes, black mage. We break what comes through the trees.
The air hangs thin and bitter around the tower base, waiting for Ellowicous the Black’s answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Accept the ogres’ service
✓ Quest Accepted
Determine the Black Book's approval of your service
“Your service will be accredited. And all who inhabit Gollumbog will know of your Glory when the Dark Tower prevails”
SUCCESS (Good Intimidation, rolled -1)
Ellowicous the Black
Your service is accredited. Let all Gullombog know the Dark Tower prevails.
The lead ogre’s chest swells at the words, and the other two straighten as if a chain has been fastened around all three at once. The goblins look up from the barricade, stunned into silence.
The Lead Ogre
Good. We keep the gate. We take blows first. You take the glory.
Ogre Two
Let them come. We are stronger than the trees.
Ogre Three
Stone and iron, then. Tell us where to stand.
The Black Book
Useful mouths, if they keep their hunger pointed outward.
Ellowicous’s staff gives a faint green pulse against the ash, answering the bargain as the ogres step toward the barricade. For the first time, the tower base feels less like a threshold and more like a court.
Quest Complete
Accept the ogres’ service