What if that creature is a giant dire griffon? It at the Dark Pally's horse (back then) and Ilera saw it as an unnatural thing that was disrupting the natural food chain so it had to go?
Let us also not forget that 2 or 3 more can round out the party as a whole. They may or may not stick around, be replaced, become cohorts, or, if treated poorly, become enemies.
LARSON: Half-elf Conjuration Wizard. Taken prisoner as a teenager after his group got separated and hunted by a manticore. He survived. They didn't. Eventually adopted by the Shaman of a nomadic tribe. Loves the savage way of life and believes working against the natural order of things is the path to ultimate destruction.
ZAKIDA GORGONHORN: Half-orc mark of shame for her father. Resents orcs and their patriarchal caste system. Loves killing things. Those too weak to survive die. Has been criticized by tribal leaders for never truly understanding the Longshaft way, and would become that which has twisted her heart.
SLICK: Born a barbarian. Imprisoned for theft. Raped as a teenager by her elven captors. Escaped. Never again. That which doesn't kill her makes her stronger. She desires the approval of her peers and an end to constant intertribal warfare. Lonely. No man will have her since she is impure and damaged. Also a noteworthy historian that believes she is destined for a higher purpose.
OLAFF ODED: Beer. Butts. Blood. Not necessarily in that order. Jovial, mostly. Violent whenever possible. He loves to sing. He's just terrible at it. Prefers the company of men, preferably the fat, squishy, sweaty ones. Has been nicknamed "Man Rape" by others in the war band. Somewhat surprisingly, is also a capable rider and blacksmith.
DA'KASS'DA: Ashlundi Ninja and follower of Vyphobosya. Rumored to be one of Julietta's Murder of Crows. Socially awkward and occasionally forgets that she is not in the Ashlands anymore. Seeks a master to complete her training. Is also fascinated by stories of the Old Kingdoms before the Longshaft Tribes split apart.
EDIT: I apologize about the image size. It doesn't seem to be too bad if you use the r.rpol.net version of the site.
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:46, Wed 09 Feb 2022.