Chandanar passes around the canteens he's refilled and lets his spell go.  The small fountain of clean water he materialized gurgles and then begins to dry up.  You take a long, cool drink and recap your canteen, glancing around the landscape as you do.

You are three days out of the Kaer.  Travel across the Cinderlands has been as miserable as you would expect.  But other than a run in with a giant gecko (he was surprisingly delicious), you haven't had any trouble to speak of.  Chandanar has been casting some spells to help with the heat and to keep you in fresh water.  And Belgar has proven to be surprisingly handy in finding decent grub.  You haven't even had to dent into your provisions.

You finish packing the tents you had put up from last night and finish breakfast.  The directions you were given indicated about another day's worth of travel.  If all goes well, you should see these Karrows by late afternoon.

Oddly, you haven't seen a single barbarian since you left the city.  The Shoanti must either not be hunting around these areas or are very good at keeping a distance.  You wish you could be sure of which it is.

The day heats up quickly.  The fine layer of dust which seems to cover you inside and out makes you itchy.  And your horses seem as weary as you are.  So when you come over a ridge and come face to face with a Shoanti, you have to admit to being a bit surprised.

The young man was not there one minute and then just suddenly there.  Even Selvin and Zac's ariel scouting missed him.  He stands in your path with a spear held parallel to the ground,forming a line in mid air he seems to be daring you to cross. Plates of what looks to be bone are strapped to his forearms, shins, and woven into his shirt.  A necklace with what might be two fangs and a lizard claw hangs limply around his neck.  His eyes are as wide a saucers.

He eyes each of you and speaks very slowly.  Ooooookay.  Oooookay now.  Just gonna ask you folks to kinda back up a step or three there.  Yes.  Yeeees.  I think that will do us all jus' fine.  Uh huh.

He blinks at you.  You get the feeling he is just as surprised of you as you might be of him.

A wry smile crosses Belgar's face as surprise turns into appreciation for the tribesman's utilization of his home turf.  He reigns back gently, urging his mount to take a couple steps back as he quickly scans his surroundings for more hidden desertfolk.

06:43, Today: Belgar Ironclad rolled 26 using 1d20+14.  Perception. (30 vs humans and goblinoids)

In reply to Belgar Ironclad (msg # 2):

Belgar, you see no signs of movement or indication there are others.

The young man slowly takes a step back.  So...uhmmm...you guys probably wanna turn around and head back the way you came an' all.  I'd do so real quick if'r I was you.

Selvin frowned at the odd-sounding person blocking their way. He seemed to be trying to get them to turn back like he was speaking to children about a danger. "Why would we turn around? We're headed in the right direction. The Karrows. We're on our way there t'speak with...well, not a friend, more like an associate. Someone I met before an' helped. Thousand Bones."

He stared at the person to see if they recognized the name and what reaction they had to his words.

Izzick took a step back, staying behind the others just enough that he felt his spells wouldn't be caught off guard by a spear between the ribs. Why was this man alone in the middle of, well, no where. "Something wrong with the way we're going?" He stayed on edge, hoping the barbarian didn't have just as many stealthy allies around.

I mean, clearly this fella is some kina sentry.  He's probably thinkin' he might just be in over he's head here, and he'd for sure be right about that.  If we weren't the good guys that is. Belgar chuckles to himself and abruptly cuts it short with an awkward cough.  I uh... Don't think there's any more by the way.

In reply to Belgar Ironclad (msg # 6):

He blinks at you all. And then blinks again when Selvin mentions Thousand Bones. Oh, He says in a nonplussed manner. You all are summa his oheke. Whatever that is suposed to mean. It's not a word any of you are familiar with.


He blinks again at Izzick.  Well...yeah. You a' the type a' folks who go where they aren' supposed ta? See. If you-<Brown>

He stops and looks to his left. Your right. There is a large stone rise which defines the pass wall on that side. From over the top of it, about 150' away and 75' up, a large group of emaciated, pale, naked men come clambering up. They couldn't be more undead if they tried. From the noise it sounds like there are more on the other side of the rise.

<Brown>Tch, your new friend tch's. Well if it's not somethin' it's always som'in else, huh?

Ghouls by the looks of them. At least 12. Maybe more coming. They are acting on init. 12, but there is quite a bit of distance and height between you and them. They do have the high ground, but do not seem to have weapons.

"Friends of yours?" Zuni said to the stranger, hooking her thumb in the direction of the ghouls.  She studied the ghouls for a long moment.  "They're not moving too quickly.  I don't fancy leaving a troop of undead at our backs, especially if we have to come back this way."

She turned back to the stranger.  "Are they what you were warning us about?"

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 8):

He shrugs as he answers Zuni's question. Them's or somethin' the like. This is a place a' tha dead after all. 'S my job ta lay the likes a' them down.

Selvin let out a sigh as they sighted the undead. "always the same, dif'rent day, same crap, we never catch a break." He chuckled and shrugged. He wasn't too concerned. He was kind of getting used to the life of an adventurer being hunted all the time.

He eyeballed the distance. "Well...only long-range area effect spell I got is Glitterdust. An' I s'pose Grease. But for us I got Haste an' I can make myself invisible while we fight." He paused. "Maybe Protection from Evil too?" Having time to strategize and prepare was unusual.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:51, Wed 19 Apr 2017.

It's his job to deal with these undead. Maybe we can use that.

Zuni gestured to her companions as she addressed the stranger.  "We're not novices at this sort of thing.  And looking at you I can tell that you're not a beginner either, so I'm sure that you would be more than capable of dealing with this crowd yourself.  Let's work together to dispatch this group, call it a truce or a prelude to an alliance."

She gave him her most winning smile.  "What do you say?"

OOC:
Diplomacy -> 17

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 11):

Well...if you are oheke to Thousand Bones, I wouldn' mind as such.  But as for these 'uns... he nods towards the ghouls who are starting to scurry down the sides of the pass.  ...you can leave 'em to us.  They's our dead.  We need ta lay them down to their rest.

He flips his spear around and points it at the horde.  He speaks a word that sounds like Scup and a gout of flame issues from the end of the spear.  It travels the distance in a nonce, and explodes in a firey impact you can almost feel from where you're standing.  The fireball destroys most of the ghouls.  The few stragglers retreat back up the hill.

He points down the pass.  If you all are lookin' for Thousand Bones, the camp is a half mile that way, along the ridge.  Jus' make sure you mind your manners.  Kay?

Selvin's jaw dropped and his eyes bugged out as he watched the man fling a fire ball of some sort with barely any effort and destroy most of the undead that were heading towards them and scattering the remaining ones. After a moment, he slowly turned his head to stare at the strange person with a lock of shock.

He recovered and cleared his throat. "Ehm. Yes. Well. Clearly you've got that in hand so we'll leave it t'you, an' besides we got important pressin' business with Thousand Bones an' all." Yeah, totally. He gave a nod. "Thanks."

He turned back to Izzick and widened his eyes, mouthing a "Wow." Then he started heading in the direction indicated, staying on the ground for the moment so as not to alarm anyone...and not getting shot out of the air was high on his to-do list.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 13):

The pass continues as you were told by Mister-I'm-Too-Sexy-For-These-Ghouls.  You start to see more signs of humanity.  Most of those signs involve tombs and decoratively placed skulls and odd glyphs your green skinned Necromancer easily identifies as wards and charms against the undead.  Large portions of this area seem to be made to serve as graves and memorials, albeit of a more primitive design than Korvosa inters it's dead.

You come over a small rise and there are four men on horse back before you.  Like your new friend, these are younger men but have the moves of well trained warriors.  One of them holds up a hand.  Halt.  How do you come to be here?

He listens as you speak about Thousand Bones, and then frowns.  He sighs and you just catch him muttering the words ...his damn oheke... before he tells you to stay put and turns his horse around.

The other three stand watch over you in a stoic kind of silence.  The sun moves across the sky.

After a while, the rider returns.  But he has someone riding behind him.  An old man covered in intricate tattoos and clothing made of various kinds of bones.  Well.  Thousand Bones did strike you as the kind of man who wanted to live up to his name.

The old shaman alights from the horse easily and looks you all over.  His eyes pass quickly over Zuni, Belgar, and Chandanar before he stops on Izzick and Selvin.

He nods to the two of you.  It has been some time Green-of-Death and Glowy-Animal-Man.  You seem a bit out of the usual paths your people travel.  What brings you to the Karrows?

Zuni glanced over at Selvin and Izzick, better known as Glowy-Animal-Man and Green-of-Death.  She was almost ready to chuckle at the silly nicknames but then realized that the Shaman might come up with something equally silly for her.

Speaking of the Shaman, Zuni turned to face him and took a step forward.  "We're looking for you." she said to the Shaman, trying to sound respectful.  "We need some information about the land that Korvosa was built on, and we were told that you could help us with that."

In reply to Zuni Runesong (msg # 15):

The old man cocks a large, hairy eyebrow and nods. The Old Lands? Hmm. I know a little of the history. But honestly not much. Who are you three please? Come. We can get out from under the sun as we talk.

He leads you along the pass and then up an incline. The top levels out to a large plane of stone that overlooks a chasm. Along the rim of the ledge, large yurts are pitched in the stony ground. Small children wearing horee leather pants and small loops of bone around their arms stare at you as you pass. Women c0me rushing out of the yurts to snatch the children up and drag them inside, lest your outsiderness infect them.

Thpusand Bpnes leads you into one yurt and asks you to sit around a brazier lit with a small fire. He nods at an old woman, who eyes you all suspiciously, but pours you cool water from a jug and offers you dried pieces of figs and fresh tomatoes.

Thousand Bones sips at his water. So. Am I to asssume your visit has something to do with the Queen?

Selvin gave a nod of respect to the old shaman when he arrived. His lips twitched at the nickname that Thousand Bones had for him."Indeed it has, an' indeed we are." He then let Zuni speak. She had a way with words and put things fairly succinctly. He let the others introduce themselves, and followed along when they were beckoned out of the sun.

To the shaman's question, Selvin gave a nod to answer. "Yeah. She...found somethin' an' then become kinda not herself." He paused and ordered his thoughts. This wasn't his forte.

"So, the city's on top o'what apparently used to be sacred lands to the Ashlanders, an' there was a temple where the palace now sits. The Queen got in to a section o'the old temple that hadn't been discovered before. A chamber covered in runes, an' in the middle there was a pedestal with what looked like a dragon skull, one that glowed and changed the Queen."

He paused and watched Thousand Bones for his reaction.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 17):

Thousand Bones big, hairy eyebrows go up so high, it almost looks like he's suddenly sprouted hair on his bald head again.  Your story seems to be the last thing he was expecting.

Hmm, he hmmms and pokes at the coals in the brazier with a charred stick.  I am not sure what to say.  The Shoanti were once one people.  And we dwelt in that valley Korvosa now sits upon.  The old tales mention it as a holy place of import.  But my clan came to a dispute with the others very early on.  We split from the others and came to rest here in the Cinderlands before they did.  It is one reason we tend the places of the Shoanti dead.  But much of our shared history was lost to us.  I need to consider-

The flap of the yurt comes up and a man comes in, kneeling beside Thousand Bones and whispering something to him.  Thousand Bones is quiet a moment and then nods.  The fates have a strange way of favoring you my friends.  Stay here for now.  Rest.  This evening we shall gather as a clan and you shall join us.  There are some who have arrived who...well.  You may meet them as well and soon.  But let us talk more this evening.  Please excuse me.  I have a duty I need to attend to.

He gets up and walks out quickly.  A woman comes in after a moment and lays out bed rolls for you as well as sees to offering you more water and a light lunch.

From outside, a loud voice suddenly booms And are these Oheke here now?  The voice is deep and filled with a sort of acidity you would expect from the Queen or a demon lord.

The flap of the yurt opens and a tall, powerfully built warrior strides in as if this were his yurt.  He is Shoanti, but seems different from the others you've met up to now.  First of all, there are no bones on him.  His skin is tattooed and laced with old scars.  He couldn't be more than twenty four but he seems to have the poise of a warrior twice that age.  He puts his hands on his hips and studies you all, cocking his head to one side and smiling a smile so strained it could split his chin open at any moment from the tension.

Well, he says in a playful voice.  Enjoying ourselves Outsiders?

Selvin tensed slightly as he heard the voice outside. It sounded arrogant or haughty or maybe just really angry - perhaps all of the above! He faced the tent's 'door' and waited. He didn't have to wait long. A warrior burst in and looked like was at least the arrogant and haughty part, maybe angry as well. But he also had the bearing of an experienced warrior, which meant they shouldn't underestimate him.

He gave a nod and stood up to face the warrior. "Greetings." He didn't know the proper Shoanti greetings and didn't speak their language. "Yes, Thousand Bones has been pleasant company thus far." He paused. "I am Selvin Larst. May I have the honor of your name?"

Selvin didn't look like he was worried. If things went south, which they usually did for him and his allies, he would react quickly and just had to hope it was quick enough.

In reply to Selvin Larst (msg # 19):

He grunts and studies you all a bit longer in silence, obviously ignoring Selvin's question long enough to be rude.

Krojun.  Krojun Eats-What-He-Kills. he says with a bit of a smirk.  The name rings a bell. Apparently a few merchants back in Kaer Maga had mentioned he was a bit of a bandit.  And what gives you the right to trespass in the lands of our dead?  Not content with taking our land?  Want to build a summer home among our crypts?

Obviously he's not the biggest fan of non-Shoanti

Selvin tilted his head for a moment and his eyes narrowed. The man was deliberately being rude and aggressive. He carefully controlled his temper over this racist jerk. He turned his back on the man, deliberately and visibly, and then crouched down next to Izzick, but turned to where he could see the man and the tent flap.

"Yeah, that's it. You figured out our grand plan." He shook his head and waved a dismissive hand. But he stayed ready. The man seemed ready to take insult and act, so Selvin didn't lower his guard despite looking like he did. "We came t'talk to Thousand Bones, that's all."

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?"