Zuni stood and watched the exchange with a curious interest.  Krojun Eats-What-He-Kills sounded familiar, probably a name that she had overheard.  Or it could just be a ridiculous sounding name.

Whatever the case, the guy looked the rough and tumble warrior, with as many scars as she had tattoos.  Of course he had tattoos as well so by sheer weight of numbers, he had her beat.  Obviously his food fought back, she thought wryly.

"I've heard the name Krojun Eats-What-He-Kills before."  She said thoughtfully.  "but I can't quite place it.  Maybe it was in a bards song somewhere.  Should we know of your deeds, Krojun?"

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 22):

HA! Krojun opens his mouth wide and issues a short, crisp laugh that sounds like a quarterstaff snapping.  You prob'bly heard a' me among your caravaneers and merchants.  You see, we issue a 'road tax' on you ohe who come wanderin' through our lands.  It works out well.  You lot like to trespass and we lot like to collect tolls.  's a beautiful expression o' what you lot call 'free market economicons'  You can't tell if he meant to mess that last part up or not.

Behind him, the yurt flap opens and Thousand Bones walks in.  Do you have business with my guests Krojun?

HA!  Any hope you had of Krojun's laugh growing cuter the more you heard it flies up the smoke hole.  Jus' greetin' brother  You can't help notice the way he drawls out the word 'brother'.  It seems he detests your host as well.

He shrugs and spins on his heel, smirking as he passes Thousand Bones.  Do be sure to invite 'em to the evenin' gathering.  I can' wait to show 'em some hospitality.

Thousand Bones sighs as Krojun makes his grand exit.

Chandanar nods his head.  I like him. He seems fun

Thousand Bones spreads his hands.  My apologies.  Krojun is a fearsome warrior and a leader to his people.  But he is of the Sklar-Quah.  The Sun Tribe.  And they are not the friendliest of people.

In reply to The Dealer (msg # 23):

Let's move things along

Your march across the Cinderlands has left your poor feet feeling like Selvin and Zac have been dancing on them.  You all lay down and enjoy the odd moment of peace.  If you've learned nothing else these past few months, it's to enjoy peace when you can. It seems to be all to fleeting.

A woman comes to get you in a few hours.  As you exit the yurt, you can see the sun has begun to set.  The horizon is in the early stages of crimson that will fade to purple as the sun finally drops away into the coming night.

The Shoanti have gathered into a circle near the edge of the chasm.  It seems to be a communal meal, as people take large ladles full of stew from two big iron cauldrons.

All eyes turn your way, and conversation drops, as you approach.  Your guide helps you serve yourself bowls of a savory smelling stew before she scuttles off, apparently afraid you'll do something unsavory if she lingers.

Thousand Bones comes striding across the gathering with a large, well built, and older man beside him.  The tall man is obviously someone of importance.  The bones he wears seem to be more polished and carved more beautifully.  His gait is one of an experienced warrior.  And the rest of the tribe give him bows and a wide berth.  Soon he in standing in front of you.

This is our chief.  One Life

One Life nods to each of you in turn.  Welcome.  I bid you safe passage in our lands.  That is so long as your steps are soft ones.  And you do not trouble our dead.  As you have seen, we care for the dead of the Shoanti.  Regardless of tribe.  Regardless of standing.  Regardless of whether they were a mighty warrior or just a fool and coward.  We watch over their sleep.  And we are not friend to those who disturb it.  I think we have an understanding.

Now.  Thousand Bones has spoken to me.  What you've described is troublesome.  But sadly, we carry little history from the Shoanti's lives in the green valleys of the south.  The keepers of that information are the Sklar-Quah.

Thousand Bones sighs.  That would be Krojun's people.  As you may have gathered, they aren't on good terms with your parts of the world.

One Life nods.  I am at a bit of a loss on how to tell you to proceed.  But...Krojun is angry.  But he is not unapproachable.  If he respects a man or a woman, he is usually forthcoming with them.  If one of you can gain his respect, he may be willing to say how you can access those records.

Thousand Bones coughs and then holds aloft a leather strap that's been tied into a circle.  Do you know the game of Tundre?  It is relatively straight forward.  Two men face each other,  A strap like this is wound around the outside of their heads, so they are bound together by one strap.  Then, each man must take a step back. This continues until one of them is no longer able to handle the pain.  He holds out the leather strap.  He is drinking with his men on the far side of the camp.  If one of you goes and challenges him, you might be able to a game

Izzick sipped at the soup they'd been served. Their options weren't exactly exhilarating and he didn't need to look over to the Krojun to know the big man would be all too happy to participate in the tug of war...something that Izzick would be more than happy to avoid. "Tundre," he repeated looking amongst them. "Perhaps Belgar? Somehow I don't think Zac will be considered legal after all. And I'm saying it now that my noggin 's the one thing I really need to protect. So I'm already out."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Wed 03 May 2017.

Zuni had initially been hesitant to try the stew but that did not last long.  It was food after all and she had spent enough time scrounging for food in Korvosa that any suspicions were overruled by the desire to eat.  It wasn't that bad of a stew, quite tasty.

"...is everyone here tall and muscular..." Zuni muttered to herself as she looked One Life up and down.  The folk of this tribe, well the men mostly, were starting to make her feel small, like she had lost a foot or two in height.

The game sounded intriguing.  It seemed simple enough but there was probably some trick to it that the Shanty had spent years mastering, and would put Zuni and her companions at a disadvantage.  Or maybe not.

"Are you sure that you're going to pass, Izzick?" Zuni asked.  "You're certainly taller than I am.  I would take up their challenge but I have a feeling that the game would not be playing to my strengths."

She turned her attention back to One Life.  "Could you tell us more about this game?  Is there a particular technique that is used when playing it?"

Belgar groans loudly...  Tundre is it?  He appraises the scene and contemplates the moment.  These men, large and fierce they may be, are just men after all.  Size can be advantageous at times, disadvantages at others, but its not likely these men have faced one of my stature before.  We may be more equal in footing than first glance may indicate.  I'll have a round.  He says as he rolls his shoulders and pops his neck.  Belgar sets his shield to the ground and begins to remove his breastplate.  He's not the barrel shaped dwarf most people expect to see, but his pale body is well defined.  He removes his cotton shirt and his pale skin is flushed red over his shoulders and around his neck where a shiny new amulet hangs.  Belgar snatches the leather strap from Thousand Bones and walks directly toward Sklar-Quah leader.

In reply to Belgar Ironclad (msg # 27):

One Life turns to Zuni . The only thing I can think of is that the contestants are on all fours. The game mimics two wolves pulling on the same piece of meat, trying to pull it from each other

Krojun smirks as Belgar approaches. But his smirk turns into a fierce grin when he sees the strap in the plucky dwarfs hand. My wharf pale dwarf! What have we here? Wantin' some humiliation to go with your dinner?

Belgar, we will handle as three strength tests. Give me three rolls d20+Str bonus. My rills are 12, 8, and 17

Selvin opened his mouth but Belgar was already stomping off to challenge. The half-elf's eyebrows rose upward and then he shrugged. "He likely would see me as cheating if I played the game with my symbiote on." He looked at Zuni and grinned.

Then he walked closer to watch the match.

One way or another.  He chuckes with enthusiasm as he tosses the strap to Krojun.

Strength check 4, 9, and 21
This message was last edited by the player at 03:46, Thu 04 May 2017.

In reply to Belgar Ironclad (msg # 30):

Krojun smirks and pulls the strap over his head. Belgar, you mirror him using the other end. You both pull the strap behind your ears so the rough leather runs around the back of your skull. You crouch on all fours, facing one another. And then you begin to pul away from one another.

The strap digs in harder than you expected Belgar. It feels like it cuts through the skin. But you are a dwarf. And don't they say you are a thick headed people?

You pull back yourself, obviously harder tha Krojun was expecting. His smirk changes to a determined grin as he pulls against you. Finally...

Hold. You don't want to lop off a head now One Life puts a hand on the cord and you both relax. Krojun slips the strap off his head and laughs, slapping you on the shoulder Belgar .

I have to give you your due Hairy Face. For an oheke, you are tough as baked earth.

One Life smiles. High praise coming from you Sklar-Quah. Might he have earned an award?

Krojun cocks an eyebrow. Oh? And what kind of reward would he be seeking?

Information. Sfories from the old records. About a temple in the valleys of the south. And a dragon skull.

Krojun stands, swatting dust off his knees. Tch. Figures. They take our land and now they want to take our history.

He looks at you all and then shrugs. The records are not mine to give access to. I am a hunter. I hunt. I don't memorize old tales. And I will tell you this. My tribe isn't going to give the old tales to outsiders. They won't even share them with other Shoanti.

What if we join your tribe? Chandanar blinks as you all stare at him. What?

Krojun cackles, slapping his palms against his belly. Oh yes. I'll just teach you all the secret handshake and grant you your Shoanti names. I name you One-With-Dumbass-Ideas he says to Chandanar. He then looks less amused. You are outsiders. You would have to die and be reborn to join the Sklar-Quah. That is how it is

He turns and walks away.

One Life sighs. Well. It was worth a try

What do you mean? He just gave us the answer You all look at Thousand Bones. If you died and were reborn, the Sklar-Quah could not reject your request to join them. I even think Krojun couldn't object.

One Life waves a hand. Don't be a fool. How- He stops and his eyes go wide. Wait. You mean the Devourer?

Thousand Bones nods. One Life rubs his chin. That...wait. No. How could they prove it?

A Truth Teller would have to see it. If they take a Truth Teller and pass through the Devourer-

Uhm. 'Scuse me. Sorry to interrupt. Chandanar raises a hand. Could One-Who-Doesn't-Know-What-You're-Talking-About here get a translation of what you are talking about here please?
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:45, Thu 04 May 2017.

Thousand Bones nods. There is an old tale shared by all the tribes. Once, a man was accused of killing his brother. His chief declared the man's name tainted and banished him from the tribe. The man went and faced the Devourer. He let the Devourer swallow him and then cut his way out of the monster's belly. He returned to his tribe and proclaimed he had died and been reborn. The chief agreed he had and gave him a new name. Well. That's the short version.

The Sklar-Quah will not accept you. They will not give you the information you seek and that is because you are outsiders.

You need to die and be reborn. Not literally. Figuratively. If you can perform the act of survivng being swallowed by the Devourer, the tribes would have to accept you as having died and reborn. Even the Sklar-Quah would have accept it.

The problem is they won't believe you. So you need a Truth Teller. One who all the tribes acknowledge as an honest man. As you can imagine, there aren't many of those.

There is one among the Moon Clan

Thousand Bones nods. Yes. That is so. So you need to travel to find the Moon Clan, convince their Truth Teller to accompany you to the Eatten Plain, face the Devourer and survive him swallowing you, and then you can go to the Sklar-Quah and join them. Simple really

We'll pause here for questions and reactions

"Wait...Wait..."  Zuni raised a hand as she tried to make sense of the crazy idea that the Shanty were proposing.  "You want us to find this devourer...and let it eat us?!  Then we're supposed to cut our way out of the creatures belly?!  All to prove ourselves to Krojun and his ilk?  I think that I like the secret handshake idea better."

She paused for a moment, half expecting Thousand Bones and One Life to suddenly break into laughter.  They couldn't be serious.  This had to be some strange prank thatchy were playing on the outsiders.

"We're not...I mean...Are we really considering this?"  Zuni looked from her companions and back to the Shoanti.  "Have any failed this test?"

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 33):

One Life coughs.  Thousand Bones spreads his hands wide.  Is it really a matter of what others have done Lady Song-of-Runes?  No. It is about what you are capable of and can accomplish.

One Life sighs.  You have to understand.  The Sklar-Quah are...not as welcoming of outsiders as we are.  Honestly, if he had not come bearing the body of a fallen warrior and this were not our place, Krojun would have been even more hostile on meeting you then he was. I have no doubt that if you went to them for the information, that the tribe would attack you.  You have to be accepted by them.  And since you are not Shoanti, that won't happen.  Honestly.  I can't think of any other way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:59, Fri 05 May 2017.

Belgar rubs the back of his head with an ornery grin on his face.  It took him a bit to get the hang of the game, but he had that guy dead to rights when the match was stopped.  He begins to dawn his armor once again while he wracks his brain over this devourer.



20:54, Today: Belgar Ironclad rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Nature.

20:53, Today: Belgar Ironclad rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Geography.

20:53, Today: Belgar Ironclad rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Dungeoneering .

In reply to Belgar Ironclad (msg # 35):

"Could you tell us something about this devourer? What is it? How big is it?" Izzick tried to come up with a more specific question that might answer, "What color is it?" He really didn't want them to be walking into the mouth of a dragon.

Throwing Knowledge Arcana in but doubting it will help given my roll
13:02, Today: Izzick rolled 14 using 1d20+8.  Knowledge Arcana.

In reply to Izzick (msg # 36):

Actually Izzy, you asked the right question

Thousand Bones nods.  It is a large beast.  Larger than that hill there.  He points to a hill in the distance which is pretty big, even from this distance.  Without arms or legs or eyes or snout. It's mouth is as wide as the sun on the horizon.  It's maw is a ring of sharp teeth, which can grind earth or bone or some say even sky.  It is the color of the sky at sunset.  A deeper purple than the cloth of a king.


Belgar,  you've heard stories of monsters like that.  Worms of incredible size that are a match even for young dragons.  The purple color cinches it.  A purple worm.  The Devourer is a purple worm

Selvin was looking at the two Shoanti as if they were crazy. He looked at Zuni in agreement. Then he heard the answers to Izzick's questions and his face looked even more shocked. "You...we have...I..." He paused as he couldn't seem to focus on one thought long enough to get it fully formed and out. Finally after a moment of silent struggling he exploded out with a breath, "You want us t'get eaten by a GIANT WORM just t'get some information?!?!? AUGH!"

He threw up his hands and turned away. "THIS COUNTRY IS ALL CRAZY!!!"

"...giant worm....big as a hill...maw of sharp teeth...grind earth...stone and bone."  Zuni raised a hand to her face and closed her eyes as she thought about this path that was being presented to them.  It was crazy, absolutely crazy, but it was being presented as the only option that they had.

Maybe they could fake it somehow.  Just roll around in some mud and guts and then say that they passed the test.  Could that work?

She looked to her companions.  Selvins outburst surprised her and it showed for a long moment.  He was probably just saying what they were all thinking.  "Anyone know anything about giant worms?"

OOC:
What knowledge skill would be appropriate for Giant Worm?

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 39):

Sorry for the delay. Had a trip from Sunday to this afternoon sprung on me.

Zuni, Dungeoneering or Nature would work I believe

Thousand Bones remains calm. Crazy or not, it is the way I can see. As outsiders you must be reborn to be accepted. And to be accepted into the Sklar-Quah, you would need to follow their mythologies and rituals. Of course...no one's ever actually tried to join the Sklar-Quah before. So...yeah. It would be a precedent.

But consider oen thing more: you would not just be gaining information. But allies as well. If things are as bad as you say with the Queen, a clan of sturdy warriors is not a bad thing to have access to. And if the Sklar-Quah speak for you, I can add my voice and try to gain you support for other clans. Or do you think an army is a bad thing to have in your situation.

One thing is crucial though. You must find a truthteller who will witness the rite. Without one acknowledged as a truthteller supporting your tale, it may as well not be attempted.

Selvin kicked at the ground lightly as Thousand Bones spoke up. The more the old man spoke, the more Selvin seemed to calm down. He took a moment to collect himself once more and turned back to the shaman.

He gave a small bow. "My apologies. My comments, an' my anger, aren't directed at you. The...situation back in the city, what I an' the others've been dealing with for what seems like forever now..." He gave a sigh and seemed to deflate even further. "It's...taken a toll on me. An' it seems like every time we turn around there's something more an' even worse we gotta deal with."

He shook his head. "But that is no excuse for getting angry at allies." He looked at his comrades. "I'm in. Let's go find a truthteller."

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 41):

I didn't take it as anger.  And believe me.  I saw enough in Korvosa to understand at least some of your distress.

He looks at the rest of you.  If there were another way to do this thing, I would speak it.  But sadly, what we are talking about has just never been done to my knowledge.  No outsider has ever tried to gain access to the histories of the Sklar-Quah or joined a clan.

If you want to go down this trail, your best bet is to head north and west towards the lands the Moon Clan roam.  I know they have a truthteller among them.  You will have to cross the whole of the Cinderlands.  But we can make sure you are outfitted for such a journey. Though it may seem illogical, travel when the sun is not as high.  We can spare a couple of yurts which are made to make things inside as cool as possible.  I can teach you some greetings to give in case you come across other clans.  But I can't guarantee they will be friendly.  However, no Shoanti worth the name will attack someone who shows good manners.

The Moon Clan is more nomadic.  But they move from set camp to set camp.  At this time of year, they will most likely head towards a ruin called Dreamer's Temple.  I will mark it on your map.  I know from their customs that if you can find a way to do them a service without them asking you to do one, you will win their favor without trying.

Please.  Stay with us tonight.  Whatever you decide, you can rest in peace this one night at least.

<Orange>Any questions?  Let me know.  If not, we'll move on tomorrow.  Thanks</Brown>

Zuni listened to what Thousand Bones had to say and, in spite of her better judgement and sense of self preservation, it did seem like there was no other choice.  there was something else that the Shanty had said that caught her attention.

"No outsider, eh?" Zuni said, a smile slowly spreading across her lips. If she was going to get eaten by a giant worm, then it might as well be in pursuit of something worthy of a bards song or three.  "Then we shall be the first and your people will have a new story to tell around the night fires.."

"Now then, what else can you tell us about the Moon Clan?  Are they as...friendly as Krojun?"

OOC:
Knowledge Dungeoneering -> 7 (It's a big worm....)

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 43):

Well Zuni, you are also pretty sure it's not red or mauve.

And everyone, before you read what's below, please keep in mind that this particular book of the AP is very much into fetch quests...

One Life scratches his chin as he considers the beautiful sword maiden's question.  They are...different.  The Lyrune-Quah...Moon Clan that is...are more...ethereal?

Spiritual? Thousand Bones offers.

Tripped out desert nomads?  Chandanar offers.

One Life points at him and says, Yes.  That one.  Don't get me wrong.  They are warriors.  But they...sort of...well.  They're goofy. I can't say we and the Lyrune-Quah have ever gotten along.  But they are very devoted to their ideals.  Which reminds me.  As Thousand Bones said, they consider someone doing something unbidden to be the hallmark of saintliness.  So if you approach them having done their clan some kind of good turn, you'll probably have an easier time of things.

I do know there is a ruin.  It's on the way to their Dreamer's Temple.  It was a sight of pilgrimage for their people.  Their last high priestess went there and disappeared.  She is probably dead.  But they never found her body.  So they've never been able to bring her to rest.  If you could find something...even one of her items...there, and return it to the Lyrune-Quah, they would probably welcome you as friends.

Chandanar cocks an eyebrow.  So.  The plan is:  cross the desert.  Search a ruin for some sign that a priestess died there.  Take whatever it is we find to her people.  Schmooze them into loaning us their truthteller.  Take the truthteller and find a purple worm.  Get swallowed by the worm and cut our way out, making sure the truthteller sees all that.  And then head over to the Sklar-Quah and ask to see their records.  Did I miss anything?

One Life shrugs.  Well.  I'm sure it won't be that easy.

Selvin listened as One Life and Thousand Bones spoke at length once again. He frowned slightly, not in anger or anything, but in concentration, taking in as much detail as he could. He feared later all the things said would be very important.

He stifled any reaction to the suggestion of doing a favor for the tribe before meeting them. It was a necessary evil it seemed, so there was little choice. It was a little frustrating to have bounce all over the place just to get some information, but the ultimate goal was worth it, he hoped.

He grinned and chuckled at One Life, "It never is. But that's okay. If things were easy, then I'd be bored an' Zuni wouldn't like hangin' 'round me near as much!" He winked at her and the let out a small laugh.

He turned serious. "Alright. So Temple on the way an' see what we can find, leave tomorrow mornin'. Got it."

Zuni smiled softly in response to Selvins wink.  "True.  I sure had a long and dull life ahead of me before I met you lot."  she chuckled.  "Our path seems pretty clear now.  Since we're heading into the desert tomorrow, and will eventually feed ourselves to a giant worm, I'm thinking to kick back and enjoy the rest of this day.  What do your people do for fun, One Life?"