Smith gathers the envoy group together at the town hall. "As the job board said, I would like to set up trade with the Swift Tusk tribe, at Swift Stream Village. From my experiences with orcs, they will ordinarily not accept visitors who come empty handed. I have prepared a chest with a sample of what we have to offer. You are to offer this to their chief, and explain that there is more where that came from, if they wish to trade for it. Then one of you will need to boast of your greatest combat achievements, and fight one of their champions. You don't necessarily have to win, but you should. Be careful what you say, and how you say it. If they believe you are not speaking directly and honestly, they will not trust you. Never belittle an orc's strength, ferocity, or courage, unless you want bloodshed, and accept any challenge they give you, even if you know you can't succeed. They won't think highly of you for failing, but they will think even less of you for backing down from the challenge. If they truly want to do trade, any challenges they make will be reasonable. Finally, if they offer to let you stay the night in the village, accept their hospitality, offer to join their hunters for the evening, and don't let them catch you setting a watch for the night, they will consider that a grave insult!"

He has the chest brought forward. It is a standard sized, durable chest. Including its contents, it weighs 200 pounds. He offers the use of a sled and a team of dogs if one of you can drive it (animal handling or ground vehicle proficiency)

Santio listened quietly, and said nothing.
When Smith spoke of challenges (and presumably they'd be physical in nature ... being Orcs) he wondered who among them would be best to accept these challenges.  But that is something this group could discuss along the route.

He didn't volunteer to driving the offered sled, for he had no idea how to.

Kiara eyed the sled skeptically, though her shrewd expression turned into a wide smile at the team of dogs. Despite her small stature and almost unhealthily looking pale skin, she seemed to fill the space where she stood, her presence far in excess of what it should be.

"We will have no issue with the Swift Tusk Tribe, I know the Orcish tongue well."

An utterly bizarre thing to be the case, considering she looked to have only stepped foot into the wilds yesterday. What, beneath the sight of all the Gods, would this woman have needed to learn Orcish for? She sounded like she'd grown up in a Mage's academy, or some other high born center of scholarly learning, not a frontier town.

"An inventory then."

She turned to her companions, one hand resting on the hilt of the exquisite longsword at her side. It looked to have been carved of ivory, with a strange iridescent sheen, though was otherwise unadorned.

"Who among you is familiar with this sled, or perhaps has some knack with animals?"

She looked to each, her face shockingly white where it peeked out from her fur lined hood.

"More importantly, who among you wishes to face their champion?"
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Fri 22 July 2022.

There was an interesting assortment of folk coming out for the journey to the Swift Tusk tribe. From what the man Smith had discussed it would certainly be interesting for the assortment of folk Nutcracker found himself a part of to handle. He wasn't going to be very useful in the boasting department, but he could at least prove himself through actions - just maybe not fighting the champion? He still preferred ranged combat and the siege just reinforced that.

Looking over the sled caused Nuts to shrug, but the dogs may be something he could deal with due to his time in the wilds; just not very well. Foot travel was always his preferred method. Unless the loopy one or the metal man could do it, the job seemed to be his to take.

Santio bowed at that last statement:  "I offered you my assistance, m'lady.   And if need be, I shall face their champion on our behalf" ... said the little man, with no armour, and nought be a katana and now upon person behind a simple hunting knife.
"The transport??", he said with a non-committal shrug, "I have no experience with, but will attempt its piloting in my turn".

"Canines pulling a sled, what will they think of next .. ", the mechanical man muttered. He made some sketches.
"How does one direct the canines?", made quite clear that he was not accustomed to working with animals.
"Are guns allowed in Orcish combat, inventions? Armor? First blood or to the death?What are the rules of engagement? ".
This message was last edited by the player at 00:34, Sun 24 July 2022.

Smith responds to Guyver's questions, "The dogs are trained to respond to commands. What's a 'gun?' They would probably see your inventions as akin to magic, and they respect magic. Armor is normal, as are weapons. The challenge would be until one combatant is incapacitated or yields. You can still earn their respect if you yield, but only if you've put up a very good fight, but clearly cannot win. The fight usually happens within a circle of orcs, maybe forty feet across, and they won't allow either combatant to leave the circle until its over. Any interference by onlookers, including the circle, is severely punished, as is attacking the circle, or trying to force your opponent out of the circle. Death is, of course, a risk, but intentionally killing a tribe's champion during a diplomatic challenge is a declaration of war. I'd appreciate it if you avoid declaring war. Causing any long-lasting poisons, diseases or curses is, obviously, looked down on. Remember, these would be our allies, and you are fighting one of their defenders."

"We've someone to steer the sled, someone to fight their champion, and someone to sooth any bad blood when we win."

Kiara said.

"Let us be about it then?"

Smith hands Kiara a map. "Take the morning portal to Hexia's, and set out from there. The Swift Stream Village is on this map. Take care that nothing dangerous has moved into that ogre den on the way."

Again, there was no reason for someone who spoke as if she had lived her whole life amongst the nobility in a major metropolis to know her way around a map, yet Kiara did not seem to struggle. She quickly identified the major points of interest, marked their location twice, folded the map, and placed it within its case.

"Excellent. See you all on the marrow then."

Santio took that afternoon and evening to meditate and run through kata.

The next morning, he was ready to travel, and met the other's by the gate.

Kiara was ready as well, a tent purchased, all her earthly possession tied up in a pack at her back.

With the addition of the map and the capability to 'drive' the sled, Nutcracker was turning into a bit of the navigator for this mission. He was, after all, a hunter and tracker. Though there was a delay until they were to depart he had nothing left to handle. His camp moved with him, now, and he held no static residence. Nuts was capable of waiting around until the mission began.

Guyver arrived, shinier than he used to be, and packed for the journey.
He had a strange device holstered to his hip on the right side, made of wood and metal, a tube with a grip and a trigger. On his left side hung a belt and a pouch.
His backpack was lightly packed and he wore the scale armor he'd bargained from Izayah, now integrated into his body.
He spent the time before the journey working on a rifle design.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:11, Wed 03 Aug 2022.

Azucondie danced to her own room for sleep.

You all head through the morning portal to Hexia's shop. Hexia asks you to please cover your tracks until you are at least a day's travel from her village. You set out. Between Santio and Nutcracker, you have no difficulty making good time while moving stealthily. Night begins to fall, as does snow. As you look for a good place to set up camp, a blizzard sets in!

Everyone but Nutcracker, make Stealth checks. Nutcracker, since you're driving make a Survival check instead. Then make an animal handling check and another survival check.

Kiara wasn't an experienced Woodself, by any stretch of the imagination.

Yet her training under her Patron and Master had been long, and she had picked up many skills. She tread softly enough in her boots that she did not fear that she would shame herself among these new companions.

22:35, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 17 using 1d20+5.  Stealth.

Santio travelled with his crew.

His visage concealed by the Boots and the Cloak of Elvenkind that he wore made his movement through the underbrush and woods with ease.
(Santio has movement of 40'; which he can move at full rate, while doing so Stealthfully due to his Ranger class training.   And his Elvenkind stuff increases his obscurity)

He volunteered to move ahead, as the day progressed, acting as a forward scout to both protect the team, and forge the best route forward.


- rolled 11 using 1d20+9.  Dexterity/Stealth.
- rolled 29 using 1d20+9.        ... with Advantage.
If this is a roll to 'cover our tracks', please, will the 'Natural Explorer' Ranger ability has any affect?

Guyver sloshed through the snow with its big boots. Its mind was on unfinished projects.
Here on the edge of the wilderness, bringing back civilization to the wild lands of Rimewood is a goal worth my time.
Perpetuum mobile engines, railroads, armored concrete, rifles .. missiles.
This world is ripe for Renovation.

Guyver rolled 10 using 1d20+2.  stealth.

It took a lot of getting used to moving in the new equipment, and even more getting used to the new animals, but Nutcracker made the best of what he was given. There was some barking back and forth between the driver and the team, but progress was made and tracks were covered.

OOC: 21:09, Today: Nutcracker rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  Survival Check 2.
21:09, Today: Nutcracker rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Animal Handling Check.
21:08, Today: Nutcracker rolled 24 using 1d20+6.  Survival Check 1.

Somewhere in the distance, you all hear a savage battlecry cut through the roaring winds. Nutcracker determines the direction it came from and directs the group around. However, he has great difficulty getting the dogs to return to the path. He eventually finds a suitable place for a camp, though several hours out of the way from the intended path. The blizzard continues to rage, but the outcropping above your camp protects from the worst of it.

Anyone who is sleeping without a tent, please give me a CON save, with advantage if you have winter clothes, a blanket, or proficiency in Survival. If you wish to set up a watch, remember that while a long rest is eight hours, most of you only need to sleep for six. If possible, please divide the night into four watches of 2 hours.

Kiara had a tent large enough for two people, and began setting it up with practiced efficiency. Another curiosity, that someone who spoke like a Courtier had experience camping.

"I can take the first two watches, my people don't require much sleep."

"My people don't need any sleep", Guyver stated matter-of-factly.
He unfurled the blanket he bought and cleared the snow away around a tree.
"So take whatever sleep your people need".

Guyver rolled 14 using 1d20+4.  CON save.

"That is.... an attractive offer."

Kiara had to admit. While she would be fine on four hours rest, four hours spent sitting out in the cold and the dark held little appeal. She might have been an experienced traveler, but that didn't mean she was opposed to comfort.

"I thank you for it, and accept. I am Kiara. You are... Warforged, no? I'm afraid I know very little about your people. You are the first I've ever talked to."

Santio, a generally quiet fellow, waited for a pause in the conversation.

"I'll be back soon.   It'll be nice if there is a fire when I return, to cook my hunt for us"
Then, taking his bow and quiver, he slipped the Cloak of Elvenkind around him, and swiftly, almost effortlessly, disappeared out in the trees and blizzard around them.


- rolled 23 using 1d20+8.  Wisdom/Survival  to hunt some dinner.
' ... you can find food and fresh water for yourself and up to five other people each day, provided that the land offers berries, small game, water, and so forth'.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Wed 10 Aug 2022.

"Are you..."

But the strange man was already gone, stepping off into the dark and the storm.

"A woodsman then?"

She asked the others, clearly impressed and a little unbelieving.

Nutcracker was happy to be done with the sled for the time being. He much preferred traveling by his own two feet, but the situation called for him to adapt. When they had found a spot for camp, there was a brief discussion and quick action to arrange watch and sleeping arrangements. This time around seemed to be much better than his second mission since sleep would not need to be interrupted.

With camp being made, Nutcracker tethered the sled and dogs so there wouldn't be any wandering off in the blizzard or the night. Producing his tent from the nifty bag and setting it up made space for another to make use of the space if they needed bringing the total for housing to four if the elf lady was willing to share.

The non-metal man was quick to be off into the woods, but Nuts had heard the desire for a fire and set to making a pit and starting a blaze.

Santio heads of alone into the blizzard. Within four hours he returns, with a deer and a few handfuls of frozen wild berries. Soon after, the blizzard relents. By this time, everyone but Guyver had fallen asleep (unless they specifically wanted to wait up for Santio. Santio was very tired, himself.)

Santio returned after everyone would have been asleep for 2 hours. If everyone wants to set out as soon as everyone has had enough sleep, he will still be two hours shy of completing a long rest. However, unless he needs healing, or to recharge abilities, that won't matter. Otherwise, if the party delays for 2 hours, Santio can finish his long rest.

Kiara emerged with the dawn light, having already been awake for several hours within her tent. She'd spent the time meticulously cleaning her armor and clothing, her magic pulling dirt and sweat and grim away. It was a slow process, but Guyver's vigilance had allowed her the time. Fresh and bright, she greeted the grey light with a wide smile upon her pale face.

"Let's break our fast, break camp, and push on."

She said to her new companions, her tone eager.

"Assuming we didn't lose Santio to the storm?"

She teased.

Guyver deactivated all non-essential functions, entering resting mode.
He remained vigilant though throughout the night.

Santio had arrived back late:  with the camp having settled for sleep.
Quietly, he buried the deer corpse in the snow, to keep it as fresh as possible ... and he'd done so where Guyver could see any intrusion drawn by its presence.

Santio hadn't bothered Guyver in his 'sleep state', but (having heard what the ... being ... had said about not actually being asleep), he'd nodded to Guyver, by way of acknowledgement, before bedding down himself.

***********'

The next morning, Santio was up and suitably refreshed.  Ready to go.

He showed the others the deer corpse that he'd brought back.   "I don't know how far we have to go.  If its some way, I can carve this up for meat* and supplies.  But if we are close, I suggest we use it as a gift offering at the gates of our destination".
                   * fresh meat always being preferable to travel rations, of course.
As always, Santio seemed to lack some confidence when talking.   It wasn't something he'd spent a lot of time doing, and it was far from the strength he offered this entourage.   Between his small, wiry physique and his soft demeanour and voice, he lacked any force of personality, really.


Also, he said (mostly to Nutcracker), "Would you like me to attempt control of the dogs and sled today?"
He'd be much more comfortable out front, scouting ahead as he had been yesterday, but knew it only fair to take turns at the more undesirable tasks of the journey.

This message was deleted by the player at 23:37, Sat 13 Aug 2022.

OOC: In the future, folks, please wait until I post whether or not your rest was interrupted before posting about waking up. Fortunately, this night was a peaceful one.

Everyone gets enough sleep for their particular needs, though thanks to the blizzard and the problems controlling the dogs, you find that not only have you woken up a few hours later than planned, but after consulting the maps, you are only half a days travel (that is, four hours) closer to your destination. If you experience no further delays, you'll arrive at sunset tonight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:19, Mon 15 Aug 2022.

The next morning, Santio was up and suitably refreshed.  Ready to go.

He showed the others the deer corpse that he'd brought back.   "I suggest we use it as a gift offering at the gates of our destination".
                   * fresh meat always being preferable to travel rations, of course.
As always, Santio seemed to lack some confidence when talking.   It wasn't something he'd spent a lot of time doing, and it was far from the strength he offered this entourage.   Between his small, wiry physique and his soft demeanour and voice, he lacked any force of personality, really.


Also, he said (mostly to Nutcracker), "Would you like me to attempt control of the dogs and sled today?"
He'd be much more comfortable out front, scouting ahead as he had been yesterday, but knew it only fair to take turns at the more undesirable tasks of the journey.

OOC: Opps, I misunderstood the OOC chat above, my mistake.

"That is clever, demonstrate quickly that we know what we are doing out here."

She said to Santio, nodding along.

"We will make... and interesting entrance, that much at least is clear. Disorder is something I can manage."

Where Santio gave the impression perhaps of faltering confidence with his words, she was simply bursting with her. Though, with how mesmerizing her voice was, it was not hard to understand why. "Goldentongue," she had named herself, and it did not seem an idle boast. She spoke as if she could charm the teeth out of mouths of the whole tribe, and in truth, she might very well be able to.

Guyver had reactivated himself and quietly gathered his gear.
It was hard to guess what was going on in his mind from the limited range of facial expression he possessed.

Bloody meat to appease the barbarians seems fitting.

With the dawn came packing up camp and making ready to set out again. Nutcracker accepted Santio's offer to drive the sled today. Apparently he had gotten off to a bad start with the dogs and they resented his barking. Who is to say. He could still manage covering up any trail and other wilderness things as well as trekking on foot. These were areas he was more comfortable.

The group sets out once again. Santio directs the cart past the ogre's den, but not before Nutcracker confirms that it remains uninhabited... for now. As expected, the totems marking Swift Tusk territory come into view just before sunset. Do you press on, or camp outside the territory, to make your approach in the morning?

"I say we get torches up, so we don't look like we're trying to sneak in, and head in. We don't want to be out here without setting a watch, and we don't want to offend them setting one."

Kiara said as the totems first came into view.

"I wish I'd learned the drums, or hadn't left my Yarting at home."

She pantomimed strumming an instrument, a 'Yarting' she had called it?  Evidently it was some sort of lute or mandolin, from the gesture she made.

"Have you a boast prepared, Santio? After I have offered them their gift, you will need to make it."

Santio nodded, when Kiara suggested they move forward, with polite warning, this evening.
He felt that was a sound decision.

Then ... she suggested that he ... boast?
"Um ..." he stuttered, while turning somewhat a shade similar to the snow around them.
She wanted him to ... speak?   To all those unknown, and possible hostile, folk?    Publicly?   Assertively??

Kiara sighed, as she had suspected that this was the case, but there was still compassion in her face and voice.

"When you agreed to face their champion, you agreed to do more than fight."

She said gently.

"When we meet the Swift Tusk tribe, I will speak to them in their own tongue, and offer them the gifts that we have brought. You will then have to boast of your greatest martial accomplishment, so that they know which of us seeks to fight their champion. If I try and speak for you, they will think I am the one challenging them. I can carry my own in a fight, but I'll admit a strong preference to my foes being over there, and not in my face trying to bash my skull in."

She laughed, and the sound was magical.

"So, have you defeated one of the Red Foot's champions, or some fearsome beast, or do we need to come up with a lie?"

Santio looked uncertain, and uncomfortable.
"I, um, fought in the war that took Burning Stag", he ventured, and
"And I hunted this tiger", he said, puling gout a large tiger skull from the sack that he'd been carrying on the side of his backpack, "by myself".   The skull had been cleaned meticulously, and Santio had almost finished painting it with a forest scene which included a white tiger crouched across the top of the skull.
"Does any of that count?", he asked, lacking confidence.

Kiara read his uncertainty, reaching out a gloved hand to place it on top of the skull.

"Did you personally kill any of their Chieftains or Lieutenants? Anyone with a name that the Orcs would know?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:32, Sun 28 Aug 2022.

Santio shrugged, “I didn’t know the names of anyone there.
There are people I fought WITH that I still don’t know the names of”.

A dead end then, as far as she knew. She'd only heard a few stories about the raid. It had been a long shot that Santio had slain someone of renown.

"How did you kill the Snow Cat?"

She asked, hoping for an angle there.

Again, Santio shrugged.  He really wasn't good at this self-propaganda!
"I hunted it through a blizzard, then killed it with one arrow, and one blade thrust through its heart", unsure if this was what the woman was fishing for.

He wasn't sure what to tell her ... other than, he'd offered himself to her for this mission, and would do what was necessary to protect her.  Including fight in any challenge she asked him to.
"Maybe ...", he offered, "Maybe I should just keep my mouth shut, and we all present that I am voiceless while we are here?  You can spin whatever li...tales you like of me?"

She put a comforting hand upon his shoulder. With her other hand she reached over to his quiver, and plucked all but a single arrow out.

"Santio, hear me."

She said, and her voice was poetry in a silent glade, full of smoke and honey.

"You are he who felled the great Snow Cat with a single arrow, and a single thrust of your sword. What need have you for pretty words?"

She leaned in close, helping him understand that he already had the words there, he just needed to learn to fashion them.

"Against any champion they dare send against you, you do not need armor or shield. A single arrow, and a single thrust of your sword is all you will require."

She looked up, fully a head shorter than most others, and met his eyes. He could see that the onyx gemstone was indeed embedded in her forehead somehow, the skin depressed around it. However it had been done, it was been done ages ago, for there was no redness that would suggest it was new.

"Those are you words, speak them to the Orcs when it is time."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Mon 29 Aug 2022.

Santio kinda nodded, but it didn't seem very convincing.
He couldn't help but think that any boast he made would be any more convincing, however.

OOC: Heading to the village!

"Think of it this way."

Kiara said as she clambered up onto the sleigh.

"The best way you can protect all of us, is by making sure they see you as the challenge. You're not trying to cow them, or even beat them into submission. You're quiet? Good, you can be quiet, but speak volumes with your quietness."

She gestured to his mostly empty quiver.

"Sometimes a little says a lot."

Santio took in her words, and looked at the 'mostly empty quiver' that she'd left him.
Was she testing him?

Reluctantly, he part-nodded, part-bowed.
He wasn't sure he could pull this off:   while his confidence in his skills, and among the trees was strong, he was not so in attempting to impress others.
But Santio had promised the woman his aid ... and if this is what she needed from him ...
he would try.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Tue 30 Aug 2022.

"Tell them their champion is not worth the spit you need to utter a boast", Guyver offered:"That should get a fight started pretty quickly without the need for a long speech. How sturdy are you?", he asked Santio, looking him over. He ruffled Santio's hair and offered as a positive note: "You should consider shaving this, it's a combat hazard".
This message was last edited by the player at 11:27, Tue 30 Aug 2022.

A loud commotion is heard through the brush from your left and right. As the noise nears, you see a trio of orcs, each mounted in the saddle on a giant boar. One blocks the road ahead of you, two move behind you, one on each side of the path. The orc in front of you speaks, "I see the banner of Smith's Gambit. You are welcome to visit our village. Have you brought meat for Margul the Ancient?"

^Orcish"I see you, Swift Tusk Tribe!"

Kiara called out in Orcish, the guttural words still miraculously melodious and soothing on her tongue. Her surname might have seemed a little odd at first, but she moved and spoke with a confidence that inspired. It was well deserved.

^Orcish"We pay honor to the Tribe and most especially the Chieftain's strength, skill, and bravery with this gift!"


She patted the chest next to her.

^Orcish"In it, Margul the Ancient will find a taste of what is to be gained from trade with our people."

She opened it wide, stepping away and inviting them to come and see what was inside.  As she did, she glanced to Santio, speaking plainly in common. She could have whispered so that the Orcs could not hear her, but that was not her way. She spoke in the common tongue, but her words crafted in such a way that any Orc who overheard and understood her would find no offense in what she said.

"Remember, Santio, only an honorless fool would ever belittle the warriors of the Swift Tusk Tribe, speak only of your strength and skill. They will show you first hand their own."

Then she turned back to face them all.

^Orcish"Blood calls to blood, and warriors to warriors. Hear now the words of he who hunted within the heart of the storm in the dark of night to bring this bounty."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:09, Sun 11 Sept 2022.

The lead orc interrupts, "All in its time. I will escort you to the village, and you may present your gifts to Margul himself. You can tell the tribe of your strength and skill. Then you can show us." His mouth twisted into what was either a mischievous grin, or an excited one. His tusks and the odd shape of his lips made it difficult to tell. He brought you into the village, past many small mud-and-wattle huts, to a larger wooden hut. He shouts from outside the hut. [Language unknown: "Ntetedwer! Olalekai hi Whiwitlar Allallter cetr urtr reders'ineble. Ar dinet derartpre tharus!" ]
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:02, Sun 11 Sept 2022.

A small, wizened orc comes out from behind the flap of leather that forms the door to his hut. Shorter even than Nutcracker, he leans on a cane. He holds out his free hand, palm up, and waits.
This message was last updated by the player at 07:07, Sun 11 Sept 2022.

Santio followed the group in.
He was unsure about this whole 'public speaking' and 'boasting' thing, but he was psyching himself up to do his best.

Guyver nudged Santio forward as he hissed in his ear:"Give the little fella his deer meat .. champ". He petted Santio on both shoulders and announced: "This ..  this is our guy .. brave hunter .. a real killer .. hmm .. popular with the women .. as a wee babe he killed two snakes with his bare hands .. and hmm .. by age 14 he'd killed a hundred men just for looking at him wrong. Yea. So. Meat. Mmm. Anyway, your turn, Santio. Go get em tiger. Tallyho".

He stepped back. Okay, he thought to himself, let's not do that again.

Guyver rolled 13 using 1d20-1.  deception.

If Kiara was upset by Santio's silence, she didn't let it show.

[Private to group Orcish: "Hail, Chief Margul the Ancient."]

She barked out in Orcish.

[Private to group Orcish:"I am Kiara, named Goldentongue by my patron. We come under the Banner of Smith's Gambit, and bring tribute."]

She opened the chest, revealing the bounty within, including what Santio had captured.

[Private to group Orcish: "A taste of what awaits you, should you and your people begin trade with ours."]

She gestured to Santio.

"Blood calls to blood, and warriors to warriors. Hear now the words of he who hunted within the heart of the storm in the dark of night to bring this bounty."

She repeated in the Common tongue.

Santio took a deep breath, then stepped over and lifted the deer onto his shoulders in the traditional 'firemans carry'.

He turned to look at the wizened little orc, and strode over to an invisible halfway mark, where he stopped, and addressed the little man-creature.
He decided to keep it simply.
    But what followed didn't exactly come out, the way he had rehearsed it in his head.
    -  rolled 0 using 1d20-1  (try to) Impress the Orcs   ... yup, thats a natural '1', modified down

"I am S .. S .. Santio.
It is, um, true that I, ahh, hunted this meat as o..offering of our good willing, um, I mean ... faith, during the snow storm last night.

But that was easy enough," he said, flipping the deer up over his head, so that it landed at the elder's feet, "for ... hmm, umm, a woodsm...hunter such as me, um, I  ... who hunted Te Feu,um,ngul ... the whi... MIGHTY white tiger ... during a snow stor...  much worse blizzard only a week ago.
oh,  yeah, and I, like, um,  killed it with one arrow shot, and one blade" he seemed to stumble then, as though the right word eluded him: but he made an awkward stabbing motion in the air before him.    Even in the cold snow, he was sweating now, "...  STRIKE, yeah strike ... that pierced its heart directly.".

He drew from his sachet the tiger skull:  the one he'd painted so carefully* with a forest setting ... a white tiger crouched (ready to pounce) over top of the skull and down onto the forehead.            * Santio has high Dex, and proficiency with Painting Tools.
"As well as the ummm meat," he called out, to the village as a whole, kind of pointing weakly at the deer,  "I offer its head as ... um, I mean the tigers skull, not the deers, as a gift ... well, the deer's too, I guess ... because its, um, like, part of that body.    Um, anyway, to your leader".  Turning his attention back to the old orc, and (with both shaking hands) reverently offered the painted skull.  He started to bow to one knee: then wasn't sure if that was the right thing to do, he didn't.  He looked around then for Kiara ... a wild, panicked look in his eye.

      {assuming the tiger skull is taken}  he continued on uncomfortably:
"Should any of you, like maybe one at a time?  wish to test me on this ... I, um,  accept your challenge?  in advance?"
Then, he stepped back, to rejoin his retinue, and allow Goldentongue to again take the lead socially.


I typed up the boast ... then modified it after I made the roll, to better emulate the roll.

Kiara watched in ever growing dismay as Santio took her guiding words to heart, proclaiming his boast to the entire village. The Warforged had been a far better choice, in retrospect, but that mistake had already flown beneath them. When he looked to her for reassurance, it hurt her that she had to be cruel to him in this moment, but she saw no other way of salvaging this disaster.

"It is good that you hunt with steel and not boasts, Santio, or we might have all starved rather than feasted this night."

And though her hand did not stray to her blade, she fully expected violence.

There was a hush among the orcs for an uncomfortably long moment after Santio spoke, broken by Kiara's jest. An orc baby began to wail. Finally, Margul began laughing heartily. "The boy must be one amazing hunter, or you're terrible fools for letting him speak for you!" He motioned with his hands, and the crowd of orcs began to, surprisingly gently, push out everyone but Santio, until they formed a circle with only Santio, Margul, and a burly orc who stood next to Margul. He said without malice, "Tell me, Santio: are you skilled with that blade you carry? Better yet, show me!"

He handed the orc next to him his cloak and walking stick, and began to grow larger. The other orc retreated into the crowd as Margul continued his transformation. His skin turned black, his muzzle lengthened, and his hands turned into powerful, clawed hands. White fur covered all but his nose and eyes. Where once stood a tiny old orc, now roared a large polar bear!

Initiative!
17 Margul

"Woops .. ", Guvyer muttered.

Santio watched the little goblin grow ... and grow and grow, ever upwards ... his neck and back slowly craning backwards to look up at the towering, slavering, furry monstrosity before him.

Then,  he seemed to deflate somewhat:  his shoulder sagging and his eyes falling to face the ground.
He sighed, and shook his head slowly at the stupidity of the situation he'd found himself in now:  he should have let the bird man take this task.

But, with a deep breath, he looked up then at the snarling jaws, with a forced smile, and said, "Well, ok then.  Lets do this.
But don't say I didn't warn you".

He stepped back, and looked around at his cage.    The orcs had the two of them (seven, if you counted a polar bear as being six people) hemmed in tight.     Santio would have no space to move, and no chance to use any kind of distance to his advantage:  he was always going to be in arms paw reach of this thing.
The whole 'arena' was thoroughly designed to play to the chief's fighting style, and limit his own to null.
So be it.

He slowly drew the Katana from the sheath across his back, and fell into an appropriate stance.  He held the katana in a two handed manner, unlike so many warriors who used their sword one handed.

And, as soon, as the bear flinched (indicating that combat had begun) he leapt high into the air, attempting to land two tornado-style roundhouse kicks to the bear's head ... then slice at its throat as he descended from those blows.

Even as he landed, he was spinning and moving agily, and using his katana to fend off any attack that came.

---

HP: 39/39 | tempHP: 0 | AC: 19 with Agile Parry |Spd: 40ft. | Ki Points: 3 | Passive Perception: 18 | Advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws |

- rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

~ Flurry of Blows:
Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.

~ Agile Parry:
If you make an unarmed strike as part of the Attack action on your turn and are holding a kensei melee weapon, you gain a +2 bonus to AC until the start of your next turn, while the weapon is in your hand and you aren't in capacitated.


- rolled 11 using 1d20+6.    Unarmed attack.
    - rolled 6 using 1d4+3.   Unarmed damage.
- rolled 19 using 1d20+6.   Unarmed attack.
    - rolled 7 using 1d4+3.   Unarmed damage.
- rolled 21 using 1d20+7.    Katana strike (two handed).
     - rolled 5 using 1d10+4. Katana damage.

Kiara released a breath she had not realized she'd been holding when Santio struck, acknowledging the relief she felt. She 'd worried when he drew the blade, for it was an odd thing. It seemed vastly too thin for how long its edge was, and she'd honestly been afraid he would shatter it with his first blow. Yet the fight had been joined, and he had swiftly drawn first blood.

"Dragon's Fire he's fast."

She remarked to the others, forgetting herself somewhat in the moment. If his sword was strange, the way he fought was even stranger, but his blows at least appeared to be striking true.

Guyver tilted his head a little and narrowed his eyes, studying Santio fighting the beast.
He had fully expected the bear to bite the young man's head off as an opener and then maul what was left, but Santio's opening attack peaked his curiosity.
He folded his arms and said nothing but he paid closer attention now to the fight.

Santio continued his furious assault, slicing and hammering the bear's hamstring with a series of focused strikes. The wound immediately closed, but the bear still winced when putting weight on it.
Margul whirled around slashing wildly with his claws, hitting AC 25 for 11 slashing damage. His bite, however, was stopped by the flat of Santio's blade.

Initiative!
19 Santio
17 Margul

Margul Polar Bear Form has taken 34 damage, but healed an unknown amount. [Private to GM: 18 HP remains.]


This message was last edited by the GM at 01:23, Sat 24 Sept 2022.

Kiara's perfect mask of an expression had been replaced with a slight grin that barely touched her lips, but was clear in her eyes. It hardly mattered how the rest of the fight went, Santio had drawn first blood and dodged the counterattack. Even if the rest of the fight was a one sided drubbing, with the strange man left crushed and bleeding on the snow, they couldn't take that from him.

She leaned ever so slightly forward, eager to see if it was luck or skill that had afforded him that small victory.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Thu 22 Sept 2022.

Santio didn't stop to take stock of his initial foray.
Instead, even as his feet hit the ground again, he was moving ... spinning and weaving and striking with blade and foot, like some scrawny whirling dervish.
His fighting style looked chaotic and fast, blurring ... making him a hard target to hit*.
     * because, hells bells, he really didn't want this hairy monstrosity to hit him with one of those huge paws

As huge as his opponent was, he was able to pirouette down, and between its mighty legs ... slicing at the back of the beast's hamstrings.
Followed by one, maybe two snap kicks to that same location to deaden its leg, and send as much pain up as possible.

---

HP: 39/39 | tempHP: 0 | AC: 19 with Agile Parry | Spd: 40ft. | Ki Points: 2/3 remaining | Passive Perception: 18 | Advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws |

~ Flurry of Blows:
Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.

~ Agile Parry:
If you make an unarmed strike as part of the Attack action on your turn and are holding a kensei melee weapon, you gain a +2 bonus to AC until the start of your next turn, while the weapon is in your hand and you aren't in capacitated.

- rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Katana Strike (two handed).
    - rolled 9 using 1d10+4.  Katana damage.
- rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Unarmed Strike.
     - rolled 5 using 1d4+3.  Unarmed damage.
- rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Unarmed Strike.
     - rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Unarmed damage.

Santio continued his furious assault, slicing and hammering the bear's hamstring with a series of focused strikes. The wound immediately closed, but the bear still winced when putting weight on it.
Margul whirled around slashing wildly with his claws, hitting AC 25 for 11 slashing damage. His bite, however, was stopped by the flat of Santio's blade.

Initiative!
19 Santio
17 Margul

Margul Polar Bear Form has taken 34 damage, but healed an unknown amount. [Private to GM: 18 HP remains.]

Santio cursed under his breath, as the rending claws caught him in the ribs.    But thankfully he was able to redirect those snarling teeth with the flat of his blade.

With blood now flowing down his chest (dammit, the beast-man was freaking regenerating now!), Santio realised that no terms for surrender or adjudication had been set.  Was this a battle to the death !!
If so, he knew he had to finish this fast ... because one or two more blows like that would kill him.

Santio spun low to his left then launched forward, instinctively as he had done last week against the white tiger, with a brutal and precise thrust towards the polar bear's (now) open chest.  And he drove his katana as deep as he could.

The bear reared back in pain, and Santio, with an almighty pull on his still embedded sword, used that backwards-upwards motion to flip himself upwards towards the head again.
The kick that he aimed at the maw went wide (I am assuming), but in a surprise, desperate move, Santio brought him forehead down into the face of the bear as he fell again ... knutting it right between its wide, hairy eyes.

Thankfully, he managed to grasp the handle of his katana as he fell, yanking it free of the bear chest ... and as he landed, he was again moving chaotically, moving the blade in a way to defend himself.

---

HP: 28/39 | tempHP: 0 | AC: 19 with Agile Parry | Spd: 40ft. | Ki Points: 1/3 remaining | Passive Perception: 18 | Advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws |

~ Flurry of Blows:
Immediately after you take the Attack action on your turn, you can spend 1 ki point to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.

~ Agile Parry:
If you make an unarmed strike as part of the Attack action on your turn and are holding a kensei melee weapon, you gain a +2 bonus to AC until the start of your next turn, while the weapon is in your hand and you aren't in capacitated.


- rolled 27 using 1d20+7.  Katana strike.      Critical
     - rolled 11 using 1d10+4.  Katana damage.
     - rolled   7 using 1d10+4.  ... rolled twice for Critical.
- rolled 12 using 1d20+6.  Unarmed strike.
     - rolled 4 using 1d4+3.  Unarmed damage.
-  rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Unarmed strike.
     -  rolled 4 using 1d4+3.  Unarmed damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:07, Tue 27 Sept 2022.

Santio's blade went through Margul's chest. His follow-up kick went wide, as the polar bear reverted back to his much smaller, orcish form. Santio head-butted the orc before he could react, and Margul fell to his hands and knees.

"Well done. You have proven your might. Now, if you don't mind, help an old orc off the ground." He reached a hand up in Santio's direction.

When Santio realised his error ... that he'd attacked the chief during transformation OUT of war form (Santio hoped this meant that the challenge was over) ... he quickly stepped away.
He sheathed his weapon as fast as he could, holding his hands high to indicate his definite lack of intention towards further violence.

When the elderly orc offered his hand, and requested help to stand, Santio nodded ... and in full good faith, stepped forward to aid the elder.

Kiara let out a whoop of pleasure.

"Now that was a worthy fight!"

She shouted, coming forward to join them both. She added nothing further, for she waited to see if the Orcs would offer more challenges or an invitation to their camp first.

Margul chanted as Santio helped him up, and Santio's wounds began to close. Santio regained 10 HP. "Thank you, champion Santio. Khazbor, my walking stick..." The burly orc who had accompanied Margul into the "ring" took Margul's hand in one of his own, then placed the stick into it with the other. "Smith, of Smith's Gambit, has a champion both strong, and merciful. He will make a fine ally. I will hear his terms. Kiara, called Goldentongue, do you speak with the authority of Smith?"

You each get 90xp!
This message was last edited by the player at 07:17, Mon 03 Oct 2022.

Santio was grateful when the elder cast his magics; after all, Santio saw no reason for any such obligation.
As his wounds healed over, and Kiara was n the scene to take over as the public face of Smith’s Gambit, Santio bowed slightly and backed away … hoping to now be forgotten among the background (where he was much more comfortable).

---

HP: 38/39 | tempHP: 0 | AC: 17 with Agile Parry (weapons sheathed)| Spd: 40ft. | Ki Points: 0/3 remaining | Passive Perception: 18 | Advantage on Strength and Dexterity saving throws |

He'd won, and won well, that made everything easier.

"Govenor Erret Smith empowered me with the authority to set up trade between Smith's Gambit and the Swift Tusk Tribe, Chief Margul."

She gestured to the chest they had brought with them.

"We were told to show you what bounty Smith's Gambit could bring if you engaged, and to show respect."

She stood as she'd been taught to stand, feet planted squarely, palms empty and turned slightly out. No resting her hand on the hilt of her sword, or any action that might indicate a challenge.

"With the Red Foot driven from their seat of power, our goal is to keep the peace, and build ties of strength. You were the first we have sought out, as is fitting."

"I'm here to shoot things dead if shit goes sideways". Guyver offered, assuming everyone was forthright explaining why they were here.
Santio, the brawler. Kiara, the communicator. Guyver, the shooter. Guvver certainly wasn't the talker of the group but gosh darn it at least he would give it a go.
He nodded to the orc leader.
"M'Lord". Respectful and to the point.

Guyver mentally noted the irony of being the smartest of the group yet being relegated to being the hired gun. Such is our eternal fate.
He took a step behind Kiara.
She had this.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:00, Thu 06 Oct 2022.

Khazbor led Margul by the hand, to the chest, and Margul leaned very close, picking up each item and holding it very close to his face, before carefully putting it back into the chest. It was clear now, that the ancient orc's eyes didn't work very well anymore. "Very good. My tribe, placed as it is at the stream, has a bounty of food to offer, including meats, berries, and, within limits, grains. Additionally, we have giant boar hides and tusks, vessels of clay, and, barring that, we do have some coin."

OOC: Smith will gladly accept the offered items, esp. the grains.

Santio's ears (proverbially) picked up at the mention of the giant boar.
He'd never hunted giant boar yet.
His mind was already starting to think how that would look like;  what it would take.

Kiara spoke nothing of the Chieftan's near blindness, focusing on the task at hand.

"This is the start of something strong, Governor Smith will be well pleased. May our Tribes prosper from the steps we take this evening."

She remembered well the Governor's instructions, and did not rush things.

"A giant boar? That is an impressive thing to bring down."

"Margul smiled, revealing a complete lack of teeth. Its much easier when you raise them from birth, but yes, it can be quite dangerous." You recall, the scouts that escorted you to the village rode giant boars.

Kiara let out a hearty laugh, and the sound was truly magical, a delight to the senses.

"I suppose that would be so! Is there anything else you would ask of us?"

She wasn't fishing, but they had not yet been extended an invitation.  If something was wrong, she would find it.

"Only that your people do not hunt in the territory marked by our totems, unless, of course, our hunters invite you to join them. Now, the day is still young... you are welcome to spend the day-- and the night-- in the safety of our village, as long as you don't interfere with the day's chores. I'm sure you could entertain the little ones with some tales of adventure. Speak with Gurzha first/" He gestured with his stick in the direction of some orc toddlers, playing noisily. A large female orc watched over them, protectively.

Santio stepped, ever so slightly forward ... not wanting to break the rhythm of the parlay too much ... raising his hand to gain attention.
"Please, I'd umm very much enjoy the opportunity to hunt with your folk, if they will have me along".

He had nothing against entertaining the kids, though.    He'd done so at the previous orc village that he'd visited, prior to the attack on Burning Stag ... and enjoyed playing out his antics for their edification.
But, he saw no reason why he couldn't partake of both.

Kiara wondered if they were about to taste their first rejection. Things had been going well, but she'd had experience with a few of the Southern Tribes, and knew that things were not always as straightforward as they seemed. Of course, that had been under the auspices of her... ahem... patron.

That changed things.

"Thank you, Chief Margul, how will I know Gurzha when I see them?"

When she had her instructions, she went looking.

Margul speaks loud enough for half the tribe to hear. "Right, you've never seen an orc clan-mother. Looks and acts like a cross between an orc and a she-bear-- and proud of it! She and her sisters watch the children. No beast nor foe has ever harmed a child under her watch." The orc watching the children stands, revealing herself to be over seven feet tall, and well-muscled, even for an orc. Long claws extend from each of her fingers, yet she scoops up a toddler attempting to move toward the strangers, with one hand, spins them around, and puts them back facing the other direction unharmed.

"Damned right!" Ghurza replies loudly.

In a scolding voice, she says to the little one. [Language unknown: "Ofof tioonerea pl itwiin olone thwh m? Oveeenest, allousstr, teil Our a th in el Strorelar. Whal lanoat, chwer int un ome verentthe!"]

The chief chuckled. His hearing was still keen, despite his advancing years.

Ah, that explained it. She should have known better.

[Language unknown: "Ameainwas as intai, Ckhecesapr Paekfi, arehe ear ch ionnteome ri maacicol ainanyson tharutshe tedom ouseauure se Anecsa Ivnter. U ut thu tose p mihela are n ingratvir, astwhienthas plhou ainerswas el pr lawe thince'ousine conwerion t onekll unssouwh. Is ithherwit ble thi estbutout, unla ec a inear enc io alsiit la lo llis." ]

She was taking a few liberties here, but she didn't think the Govenor would mind, so long as it worked.

[Language unknown: "Vorvortho ac ssek, ameatiill tiol. U horat ilpa un ndhou n leit we, a oun nc nti ardnteter utpl pre erhite siai setencencugh chre setdaywhe la?"] Ghurza spoke with a tone of light-hearted teasing. Kiara had learned that this was not unusual among orcs. They often used the same tone with each other, and unless it accompanied a challenge, it was not to be answered with violence. However, Kiara sensed that how she responded would have a big impact on how Ghurza, as well as the generations she raises, would view Kiara. She needed to respond strongly, but not defensively, nor offensively (of course, she knew of very few peoples who responded well to being offended on purpose!) Most of all, her answer needed to show that Kiara knew who she was independent of how others defined her.

Please make a Charisma check. No proficiency bonus, but you may apply jack of all trades if you have it.

AHAHAH, oh noooo!

17:59, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 7 using 1d20+4.  CHA + Jack.

Guyver watched Kiara having a talk in what he assumed was the orcish tongue.
He glanced sideways at Santio who didn't appear to have gotten an answer to his request to join the hunt, at least not one Guyver understood, and he shrugged.

Margul notices Santio, and says, "There isn't a hunt today. In fact, thanks to your gift, we'll be feasting quite well for the next few days."

Ghurza scoffs at Kiara. She boomed, loudly enough for the whole tribe to hear, "Hmmph. If Kiara Goldentongue falls in the forest, and no-one is around to hear it, would she even make a sound?" There was raucous laughter from all corners of the camp.

OOC: Until you can overcome this first impression, Ghurza, the other clan mothers, and the youth of the tribe will be indifferent to you. Other members are still friendly.

She'd missed something, some tradition this tribe honored that the other did not.

"It seems words fail me today, Clan-Mother Gurzha. At least our Hunter's skill will fill your bellies, even if my Clan name does not bring you joy."

Inwardly, she was furious at herself for whatever fault she had mistakenly revealed, fuming that she had missteped. Outwardly she maintained a mask of perfect serenity.

Her eyes looked about, searching for the Orc who might rescue her from this humiliation.

OOC: I'm going to use my Courtier Background Feature

Feature: Court Functionary
Your knowledge of how bureaucracies function lets you gain access to the records and inner workings of any noble court or government you encounter. You know who the movers and shakers are, whom to go to for the favors you seek, and what the current intrigues of interest in the group are.

To know who I can go and talk to in order to curry favor with Ghurza and the chief.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:55, Wed 26 Oct 2022.

Santio nodded in acknowledgment, and stepped back.

Guyver wondered if Santio could dodge bullets as easily as some monks were told to dodge arrows. He would have to try some day, just .. "Catch this" and blammo. Nothing lethal, just a leg or something. For science. He looked at Santio and nodded.

PM

[Private to Kiara Goldentongue: Not exactly a noble court, but close enough :) Note that it took some time to gather this information (about four hours.) The people of note in the tribe are: Margul, the Chief; Ghurza, Lekhis, and Nahv, the Clan-mothers; Lorg, the Eagle, a well-respected warrior, Korthaag Halfboar, the leader of the scouts, and Krehl, the village's best cook (and most prolific gossip.) Margul's chief interest is in the well-being of the tribe as a whole. The Clan-mothers' primary interest is in the future of the tribe, esp. the safety of its children. Lorg is getting old, and worries that the younger warriors have gone soft in this time of prosperity for the tribe. He does not want to die before he's sure the safety of the tribe is in good hands. Korthaag is smitten with a hunter from the Fierce Hearts tribe. He thinks she's interested in him, too, but he believes she wouldn't be happy living among orcs (she's human,) and he doesn't want to leave his tribe. Krehl... well, she's pretty happy, and quite friendly, and told you most of this information without much prodding. She'd be grateful if you told her any juicy gossip she doesn't already know, (especially about the people of Smith's Gambit!) but it won't really get you anything more from her.]

We seem to have stalled, somewhat.
Are we in a position now, that this initial meeting/conversation is done; that we can post our general intent/actions for the evening?
(aware that this simply be our intentions, that might be disrailed by GM events)

When there was a moment of respite, Kiara withdrew, gathering her companions about her.

"I've erred."

She said, and her voice was such a delight that it seemed impossible that she could have ever made any sort of mistake. Yet she seemed certain she had.

"Some tradition that I have missed, something different than what the tribes of the Northern Mountains do."

A hint of her origin, a whisper.

"Santio, will you seek out Korthaag Halfboar among their scouts? A leader among them. You do not need to boast, but speak of your hunts of the the Great Cat, discover how far into our lands they would wish to hunt. Trade what secrets you know of the good grounds around Smith's Gambit."

She looked to Guyver, consdiering.

"What are your strengths? Are you a warrior through and through, or have you other talents? I should have asked this before, my apologies. Seek out Lorg, the Eagle. Show him that there is strength in unity, and tell him that war is coming. Tell him of the assault on the Red Foot, the tribes we have united under our banner, and that it is time to crush the Red Foot once and for all."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:22, Wed 02 Nov 2022.

Santio silently nodded at the direction given him by Kiara.

He would be sure to do so, during the evenings feast and festivities.

"I believe you misidentify me as a warrior, madam, I am a scientist first and foremost, investing items with the creative spark so that they are transformed from the ordinary to the sublime. But it just so happens that some of my inventions are more deadly than any this primitive era has witnessed", Guyver replied.
"I will offer Lorg weapons of war for trade provided he fights to vanquish our common foes and bring progress and order in the region. A stable region is beneficial to all .. well all who survive".

"Perhaps in due time we can discuss the assembly of an autolocomotion track, still working on the design but I'm sure in short I will come up with an acceptable transport system", he commented to Margul the ancient:" .. to facilitate trade and tourism. Maybe a forest resort .. with those big strong hands orcs probably make great masseurs ..". Guyver trailed off and went in search of Lorg the eagle.

He kept his brainstorm going. Drum circle. Sport school. Moshpit. Eau d'Orc.

Kiara bowed her head deeply, chuckling in a manner that was clearly self deprecating.

”From the fact that I only understand perhaps three quarters of what you just said, I think it safe to say I underestimated you in many ways. Don’t speak to Lorg. He is old and set in his ways, he will not be impressed by your new technology. The Clan Mothers though? Ghurza, Lekhis, and Nahv? They look to the future. They will want to see what it is you have to offer.”

Her voice hardened.

”I will have to show Lorg that, just because one seek allies and friends, does not mean they are soft.”

With that, she went to find the old hunter.

Perhaps killing Lorg was easier than talking to him, Guyver thought to himself. His replacement might be more inclined to take up the offer for his new weapons. The old must make way to the new.

Then he remembered how old he himself was now, too old for anyone alive to remember him, and kept his thoughts to himself for now.

Ghurza, Lekhis, and Nahv would be his audience then.

"I could speak with both Lorg and Korthaag," Santio suggested.   After all, he was an accomplished Scout and Hunter, himself;  in fact, in Santio's mind, the two skillsets went hand in hand, and were pretty much indivisible.
Kiara was, actually, asking him to speak with the head Scout about this own hunting prowess ... it seemed likely that Korthaag and Lorg worked closely, and it would be likely that Santio would be interacting with both (perhaps at the same time) by the evenings end.

Korthaag Halfboar is easy to find. While the other scouts stable their boars whenever they return to camp, Korthaag's massive mount is by his side at all times. [Secret to group Orcish: In fact, the name "Halfboar" in orcish is meant in much the same way orcs might use "Halfhorse" for centaurs in other lands.] He was currently leaning comfortably against his porcine partner, chatting with the other scouts. They speak more quietly than the other orcs, being so used to spending their time in the borderlands, where foes could be anywhere (astride their boars, the scouts feared no predators. The bloodlines of any beasts foolish enough to attempt to prey on a giant boar died out before even the Void-drinkers could recall.) "Champion! If you're looking for information about our territory, no one knows it better than me. Or perhaps you seek-- how do you say it-- 'like souls?' You have the bearing of one who prefers the freedom of the wilds to the attention and glory of orcs and men."

OOC: Guyver may not need to eat, but I do, I'll get back to him and Kiara after lunch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:27, Wed 11 Jan 2023.

Guyver, Kiara can point you towards Ghurza, the Clan-mother currently watching the children. If you'd prefer to talk to one of the others, you will easily find Lekhis, gossiping with the cook, Khrel, while absentmindedly handing the smaller she-orc anything she asks for. Like Ghurza, Lekhis is tall and muscular, with long sharp claws on her hands. However, she's younger than her "sister," and the other tribespeople don't seem to fear her as much. Nahv, the youngest of the clan-mothers, is asleep, and the orcs don't seem to be joking when they say, in whispered tones, if you wake her up, she will kill you.

Meanwhile, Kiara, you find Lorg, smoking a pipe as he oversees a training match between two burly, but young warriors. [Language unknown: "Hasoulill! Ad entnotwer ei! Ich neatos res Ntiionnce n prhi ce undichnce vertedoun preestugh il!."] One of the warriors strikes the other down as he's distracted by the older warrior's admonition. A nearby youth rushes forward, administering a potion, before helping the fallen orc to his feet. "I'd wager this strip of an elfling has more killer instinct than you, Pragh. What do you say, [Language unknown: nirentitnc] care to show Pragh what it means to not hold back? I give my word as a warrior, no harm will befall you as you recover from your wounds after. If the boy can even wound you!" You remember what Smith had said about challenges: the important thing isn't whether you win, its whether you accept the challenge, and do so without belittling the warrior you fight.

Santio smiled at Korthaag's words.  "You speak the truth, friend"; Santio's eye sought out the trees beyond the village walls, before returning to the Head Scout.
Kinda surprised, and glad, that the orc spoke the common tongue that he himself was used to, Santio continued, "I, um, thought maybe I could spend some time with both you and the hunters, at some point.   Help out with your tasks ... you know, be another set of eyes, another bow.
I'd be my honour to learn more about both your people, and the woodlands you call home.   Learn about the kinds of beasts that lurk out there", he said, gesturing.

Meanwhile, his eyes straying a little, to the Scouts' weapons and gear, seeking to better understand their lifestyle and hunting/combat preferences from what he saw.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Thu 12 Jan 2023.

That.... simplified things immensely.

Her intent had been to speak with Lorg, to use fancy language and speak of soft things, and then manipulate the conversation in such a way that he had cause to issue a challenge. Instead, one of the younglings had issued the challenge the moment she had arrived. She nodded gravely, removing her shield from where it was secured on her back and slinging her arm through it, drawing the ornate blade at her side smoothly and confidently with her sword arm.

[Private to group Orcish: "I will trust the skill of your healers then, Lorg the Eagle."]

She spoke in his mother tongue. The temptation was to shield herself in ice and permit Pragh the first strike, but she felt that would be in error. Too vain, too petty.

[Private to group Orcish: "Know that my people fight with runes of thunder as well as the blade. The magic of the mountains, considering we lack the strength and size of your warriors to wear its iron."]

She nodded at Pragh at that, looking at her own slight sword arm and her own rail thin limbs.

[Private to group Orcish: "Would you like to see it, or shall I leave it for the battlefield and our mutual foes?"]

She asked

20:11, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Initiative

Korthaag replied to Santio, "We leave the hunting to the hunters, friend. My boys and I can't be weighed down with carcasses, we have to keep moving. We patrol the borders, each setting off a different direction, sending smoke to tell Lorg and his boys where we spot problems, then move along. While four patrol, four sleep, and four wait to go out once more. I have time to talk until then, and if you can keep up, you can follow me on my next patrol if you wish. But during patrol, we don't speak. The boars make noise enough, but they fit with the sounds of the wild."

Lorg nodded, "Use what you must. A real foe would hardly ask permission to use magic against our warriors.[Language unknown:  Ioanse! Weetfi ac ndeughpre k et enmo oun whevorons nc ove ma, k A sta pahape ma elbut!]" Pragh is handed another potion, which he drinks, and he picks his greataxe up from the ground and waits for the signal to begin. Lorg shouts, "Now, [Language unknown: ANYEARNOT!]"

Kiara goes first!

Santio smiled.  It was a broad and genuine smile.
"When do we leave, precisely?" he asked.
He'd do his best to keep up ... but was confident that even if he fell behind (and he did expect to be left behind in the case), he could track the rider swiftly enough.
"And how long will we be out?   Just, I'd like to inform my team when to expect me back".
He almost said, 'Please', at the end there, but hunched that such manners might appear 'weak' to these hardened folk, so chose not to in that moment.

"I bring weapons of war", Guyver opened as he sauntered over to Ghurza:"Less cumbersome than bows, arrows and crossbows". He slipped the revolver out of its holster and spun it around:"Makes the sound of thunder and holes in even the toughest armor. Would you like me to demonstrate?".

He thought for a moment, oh yea niceties. "I am Guyver".

The Warrior might very well have been fast, but he could not match the speed of Kiara’s magic.


She rolled her right wrist, fingers dancing through the incantation as it had been taught to her, and golden light erupted in a halo about her. The light condensed into three brightly glowing sigils, each about as large as her head, floating in the air just behind her. Once floated directly over her head, the other two perhaps half a foot lower and over each shoulder. The highest flashed, and as it did a sister sigil flashed briefly at Pragh’s brow, marking him.


Then, as she made a cutting gesture with her hand, the two glyphs at her shoulder’s shimmered and flashed. From each emerged a great dragon of golden light, perhaps no larger than a cat, but lightning swift. Each of these streaked across the open field, smashing into the Orc in an explosion of violence. The first failed to pierce his mail, scattering to sparks harmlessly, but the second smashed into him with teeth rattling force.


With one practiced motion, she drew her sword. Undaunted, unfearing, she charged. As she ran, the glyphs which she had summoned moved with her, bright sigils like flags streaming golden radiance to those who could read them.


[Private to group Draconic: ”In her name!]

Bonus: Use Hexblade’s Curse
Action: Eldritch Blast twice
-Hit on a 19 for 10 force damage
-Miss on a 9
Free Object Interaction Draw my sword
Move: Charge the foe, moving to E03


11:43, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 10 using 1d10+6.  EB 1.
11:43, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 9 using 1d20+6.  EB 2.
11:42, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 19 using 1d20+6.  EB 1.

To Santio, Korthaag said, "We leave in the morning, before dawn, and return at midday, if all goes well. With the Redfoot defeated, things have been quite peaceful, but best not to get overconfident." Korthaag seemed to lack the bravado Orcs were known for, though it would be wrong to claim he lacked confidence in his abilities. Though young for a leader, he seemed wise.

As Guyver approached Ghurza, his appearance caused an uproar amongst the children, some hid behind their caretaker, who stood as he approached, some approached the metal man, curiously. One, very young, simply began crying. As one child, just old enough to speak, reached toward Guyver to touch his shin, Ghurza watched Guyver's reaction carefully.

Kiara's fight will get its own posts.

Kiara curses Pragh, and fires two dragons of light at him. One of them hits. She closes the distance between her and her opponent.
Pragh, off balance from Kiara's furious assault, swings his greataxe hard, but clumsily. He yanks it out of the dirt and prepares for Kiara's next move.

Pragh has taken damage.

Guyver looked down at the orcish child. He had no memory of having interactions with children before and so for the most part they just appeared to be smaller versions of the adults.
He considered for a moment to kick the little one across the field since the orcs appeared to appreciate shows of strength.
He understood hierarchies however and the little ones appeared to be under the protection of the older ones.
He held his hand out, palm up and fingers stretched, to the child to indicate no ill intentions.
"I've got no strings to hold me down", he said, though he doubted the child understood him.

She had vastly more magic to employ, gifts of her Mistress bestowed upon her, but for now she did not draw upon it.

She did not mean to crush the young warrior, and if he were inexperienced that is what the full power of her Art would do. She did not call up more Draconic runes to smite him, did not burn any more sigils into his forehead. Instead, she relied on her own skill with the blade, and what magics she had already summoned to her. The two golden sigils at her shoulders faded, though the gleaming halo of runes remained.

Her shield rose to meet the warrior’s axe, her own sword lashing out to draw blood under his guard.

Action: Hit on a 15 for 13 damage

15:12, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 13 using 1d8+6.  Damage . –
15:11, Today: Kiara Goldentongue rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Longsword. –

Kiara's blade dug deeply into Pragh's gut, and he collapsed. Another orc swiftly administered a potion, and his labored breathing steadied a bit. He sputtered, [Language unknown: "K herithwer thiun utti, Al encicapre!"]

Congratulation, you get 100xp!

Lorg replies, "I underestimated you, [Language unknown: iothllprnd.] I had a feeling you would beat Pragh, but I never thought you would do so without getting so much as a scratch! Pragh, you can rest for the rest of the day. Tomorrow, if you still wish to be a warrior, you meet me here at false dawn."

Pragh replies,[Language unknown:  "Welo, firi."] He says to Kiara, "I have much training to beat you."

"The lad has a fire inside. He just needed some kindling. Thank you. In time, the fire will spread among his peers, and perhaps, someday soon, one of them will be ready to take my place."

You have earned the respect of Lorg and the warriors. Lorg smiles and says, "Now, [Language unknown: theillers,] what can I do for you?"

It was good that she had held herself in reserve, keeping her magic limited to the first Sigil. Had she unleashed the full power of her training, she likely would have killed the young warrior outright.

She would never dare to instruct the him as to what he had done wrong in front of his blademaster, she was not that much a fool. Instead, she busied herself ceremonially cleaning her blade, with all the formality such required. As she did, the glowing halo of golden light that backlit her crown faded. Magic infused everything she did, guiding her sword arm stronger and faster than her otherwise thin muscles would ever have been able to achieve on their own.

[Private to group Orcish: "Though our Hunter fared well, I failed to say anything worthy of Clan-Mother Gurzha's respect."]

She barked, kneeling down and slipping her arm out of her shield's straps to inspect it for damage. She chuckled ruefully when she saw the dent, and setting it down upon the ground placed the flat of her blade against it. Golden light emerged from the curving Elven blade, runes bursting to light as she drew upon the magic that was her birthright, rather than her Mistress' gift.

[Private to group Orcish: "I came to your Chief offering trade and prosperity. I've come to your warriors seeking to prove that such an offer is not a honeyed trap. Prosperity has not made us weak, and if the sword arm of your still unkindled warriors is any indication, it will not make your Clan weak either."]

Slowly, carefully, she began to work the dent out.

Casting Mending (as fluff)

[Language unknown: "Ithoreave ti was tisaan. N evesonman som ted redmening, prti ineal oun Tr vorna hiriol intoutenc ugh saha. Us pl etprnt llver sewi hi oerounson this hiove verovemanect arofma ec Urekorich Eenestenc."] Lorg says. [Language unknown: "Etieai ncestaame en is tewiie Derforter. Tiel antconsti lindnd hi si stec. Virri rom ndmaas fitrte wing paut entwhelat Essoneint, tonadi trbemaho foni ittrng me ndma a artineher. Anyartcom thoantvir ilomwa pa, ne reaenceau, der ssomwi ason'meou m. Ati aveut Tinicathe Seelhi heout ilon prhoee ill uleeul n ckse ousan ica Of n. Nalo mane m proingman he a mioulo ie daynd whederast a venmo oneresthi, trwa atica wata, artbleore si tralinest omanac nt seca a ne koroerkor wassomthiive ngore shevirentres. Menur ionectmen ec iondayverave lochstei si ol onesheenc en besan ithonswhe ersti mintch ngpeek i sonillshe k riweio icaee pltola!"]
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:46, Thu 26 Jan 2023.

The child looked up at Guyver's expressionless face and said, [Private to group Orcish: "You're funny-looking!"] and then went back to playing with his friends. Ghurza scolded him, [Language unknown: "His! Er ma N lat ectpe, astorewil trandehis i itwhnedi lohatierca, uthoto allai ev il wassanort onst! M wersi roome ha sacare encpl orelinder vir? Ne ulreen neiest ul!"] "The children haven't learned the trade language yet. But I suspect you aren't here to entertain them, are you. Your elf friend, Kiara, sent you over to win my favor, did she? So tell me, who are you, that think it so important that the next generation of Swift Tusks be raised to think highly of you?"

[Private to Guyver: OOC: Given Guyver's low Charisma, if you wish, you can forgo the Charisma check, and gamble that you come up with an answer that I think would satisfy Ghurza. Otherwise, its a straight charisma check, no proficiency bonus.]

Kiara bowed her head.

[Private to group Orcish: "My people fight with bow and song, skirmishing from afar to the rhythm of their war drums. It has been such a long time since I've seen any of my kin though, I honestly don't know if they are strong or not. I can say, I wasn't finding my strength with them. I chose to walk a different path, and found a different teacher."]

She raised her head, and her smile was fierce when next she met Lorg's eyes.

[Private to group Orcish: "I don't think I need to speak idle words to the Eagle of the difference the right teacher makes."]

She chuckled.

[Private to group Orcish: "I'm sure it colors my perspective, biases it even. I wasn't finding the fire I needed with my Kin, so I found it elsewhere. That is not to say the old ways are wrong, that which endures... endures for a reason. It just wasn't working for me, so I had to find something different. I did, I found her, and I found what I had been missing."]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:16, Thu 26 Jan 2023.

Santio nodded, and took his leave.
He informed Kiara, Azuconle, Nutcracker and Gyver of his intentions to join the Scout, Korthaag, on his duties the next morning ... and that he expected to be back by about midday.

"Friend is a bit strong, colleagues maybe, since we're here on a diplomatic mission together", Guyver began.
He tilted his head toward Ghurza and the children.

"I will survive them. I have existed for thousands of years, I will exist for thousands more.
When they are dust I live on and oversee these lands, from the rocky coast to the icy mountains.
When I bring this barbaric world back from the brink of anarchy into a new era of properity and scientific endeavor their descendants will learn to respect me", he said matter-of-factly.
He stared at Ghurza and pointed at the children.

"I can make them more effective warriors. I make weapons and armor that are without equal. I've seen your people's prowess in hand-to-hand combat. I wouldn't dare question that".
"I will say I got you beat in ranged combat though".

He raised his arm and fired a loud shot in the air.

"Interested?".

He readied his armor's defensive field just in case the answer was no.

Kiara nodded at Santio's report.

"You got the job done."

She said, and the gratitude in her voice was clear.

"Get back safely, we'll have need of you again soon."

She said her goodbyes to each of the Orcs whom she had met, being sure to remain as respectful as possible with each, and then went to find Gyver.

"We'll leave at first light then?"

She inquired, before turning back to Ghurza.

[Private to group Orcish: "Where would you have us place our tents, Clan-Mother Ghurza?"]

She asked, making it clear that she did not yet expect that they had been invited to spend the night.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:57, Sun 29 Jan 2023.

The deafening report of Guyver's weapon startled the children, who all huddled behind Ghurza. She sai to him, "I'll take your word for it. It sure is loud enough. And you intend to make more of them, and give them to children? You mean when they're older, right? That's Lorg's business, not mine. But he's not likely to be interested in training our warriors in ranged weaponry. Orcs aren't exactly gifted with... finesse. Even our scouts don't carry bows. Make a weapon that an orc can use as accurately as a javelin, and perhaps he'll be interested. Make an axe that cleaves more cleanly through an foe's armor, flesh and bone, and he'll be asking how soon can you make twenty of them!"

She looked at Kiara. "Put a tent wherever you want, but Margul usually invites guests to stay in his hut after supper. You'll know when supper's ready, Krehl is cooking today. Nobody passes up her cooking, if they have any taste. Now, if that's all, I've children to mind, and... yes... Bruf needs changing." She pickes up a very foul-smelling toddler, and lays him on a nearby table. She begins removing his soiled diaper, in plain view, and the smell worsens.

"We can leave now. No point in staying here. The savages lack the brain matter to even inquire about what I'm offering", Guyver whispered to Kiara:"We may have to wipe them out in time, they will stifle progress .. ".

"I assume you can see in the dark, yes?", he asked Kiara:"As can I, so there's no need to wait for first light".

"Alright then!", he shouted, nodding to Ghurza:"We'll be heading out".

"I think I positively hate children ..", he added in a whisper to Kiara.

The moment Guyver got past the words "the savages," Kiara would have been ready to pounce him to cover his mouth were there any close enough to overhear even a hint of the whisper. He'd been quite though, and so she could only grind her teeth as he spoke words that might have undone all her good work.

"My night eyes are keen, let's get you out of here."

She said dryly, more than willing to risk the dark and the cold if it meant getting him far away.

Margul bids Kiara, Guyver, Azu, and Nutcracker farewell as they depart in the late afternoon. No longer burdened by the goods they had brought, Nutcracker's skill in the forest is such that he can lead you back to Fierce Hearts before midnight, though if you move at a fast pace (and take -5 to passive perception) you can make it before you get tired.

”Lead the way, and lead quickly.”

Kirce suggested, bundled up in her travel cloak against the chill and the cold. Her mouth was swaddled in a large scarf, her words muffled beneath the fabric.

”I’ve no desire to be forced to camp out in the open, if we can help it.”
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sat 04 Feb 2023.

You arrive at the Fierce Hearts Village, weary, but safely. The guards recognize you and let you in, and you are given a place to rest for the night. In the morning, you are free to take Hexia's portal back to Smith's Gambit, report your successful mission, and receive your rewards. (If you wish, you may go straight to posting in Smith's Gambit.)