Urzag the Vile sent out the call for as many tribes of orcs and monsterous humanoids to gather to bring death and destruction to the weak people of the civilized lands. Although many answered, it was with the knowledge that Urzag must prove his worth before he could garner the true support of each tribe. In the shadows of the Ironspire Mountains, deep in the valley's that run through that range, that Urzag the Vile based his war camp. Tunnels that led to the depths of the underdark, remote mountain trails, and a single run of bare earth were all paths to his call.

You each find yourselves having answered the Warlords call, though what you hope to gain from it is your own perogative. One the night of the ritual challenges, a great bonefire is lit in the middle of the camp, surrounded by the chieftains and mercenaries that have answered his call. This is where you find yourself, waiting to hear what Urzag the Vile has to say.

"Yo Bell wadya tink da Urza wants?  Me tinks its betta not be peace less it be a piece of battle.  Watcha youze think?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:03, Sun 06 Sept 2020.

 Rorak moves from fire to fire as the gathering sprawls over the slopes of the valley, trading a story with a tribal skald here or a string of blood-curdling insults with an enemy there - enjoying the almost-peace of the gathering as an opportunity to refresh old grudges and friendships alike, since there's far greater joy to be had in choking the life out of someone you can build up a proper head of hate for and no story worth telling in cutting down a foe whose name is not known and whose worth is not attested to.

 In accordance to his calling, he learns the deeds of those he would kill as well as those he would fight alongside and celebrates them equally before coming at last to the great ritual fire, a look of elemental satisfaction on his features in anticipation of the blood yet to be spilled.

In reply to Gora (msg # 2):

"Gruumsh Gore?  Makes you think about peace?  Of course it's not peace.  We haven't fought the war yet.  War first, then peace then more war.  That's the way it works sis."  Bellatrix shrugged, intent on finding out what Urzag did want in this case.  She wasn't hoping for peace either but she was curious to know what kind of war and how it would be fought (and how they would win).

Kozryaka stood skin hot and dry from tending one of the cooking fire. She had a large cauldron of a rude sort of stew of mysterious gamey but surprisingly plentiful meat with just enough wild herbs and vegatable to claim it was stew instead of simply boiled meat. She stirred the lightly bubbling concoction with a long stick. It wasn't going to win any cooking competitions but for orcish war camp food it was remarkably good, almost home cooked orcish food good, though certainly not we stole the entire roast boar from the winter solstice feast good. She had a barrel of water that she was letting people drink from but also refilling the stew from. The later you ate the less meat you'd get.

She kept relatively quiet watching the warriors like a mountain lion on the prowl, but whatever she was hunting it wasn't the typical warriors she was feeding stew to.

 All Gnolls consider themselves hunters, but Rorak's long expanded that definition beyond merely running around the woods and hills with a pointy stick, looking for something that can't run fast enough to get away to include a more general ability to find the things he wants or needs at fairly short notice...

 ...which is why it's still fairly early in the evening when he comes up to Kozryaka's fire and offers her a fierce, winning sort of grin before holding a loaf of thick-crusted travel bread which he breaks in half to offer her one part of while keeping the other to himself to use as a bowl while he growls - in fluent orcish "Smells good." - and then goes on to demonstrate a degree of perceptiveness beyond the average by adding "Looking for something?"

Kozryaka politely took the bread with a grunt. Staring at the gnoll haughtily as she dunked the bread into the meaty broth, she lifted the bread to her mouth tearing off a mouthful never breaking eye contact. This seemed to qualify as high courtesy among orcs. "Stew." She kicked a log deeper into her fire adding a new log to keep up the heat. "As a woman I cook for the warriors. That is the proper way of the world. A woman should stay in the caves, but I am a witch so I am here. Because I am here I will try to find warriors of merit before some tame cow sinks her claws into them. I am a woman." She sized up Rorak who was a generous hand's width taller than her despite her towering size and massive frame. "Eat. If someone claims you take more than your share, they are welcome to try to take it from you." Her tone is congenial if a tad sadistic. She seemed to think a bit of a scrape over who gets to eat what was perfectly acceptable entertainment. It was one might realize a clever test the witch was using. Warriors would see who took how much this was the first test, how strong did one think they were. Then there was the question of would anyone try to take it from them which told her how strong the war band thought they were. Which left only who would win the fight if one ensued. However things went she'd be a step closer to identify which warriors were of interest to her.

 Rorak stares evenly back, no more inclined to break eye contact than Kozryaka - and perhaps slightly better equipped to savagely tear into his meal than she is (although only slightly, given how fearsome a figure the orc woman represents). At her words, he can't help but snort though, grinning viciously as he observes "If I told a Gnoll woman that, she'd try to rip my balls off for a purse." before cheerfully emphasising "Try." with something in the way of good humour about the whole idea - whatever else the burly savage has going on in his head, an appreciation for a good challenge is definitely front and centre in his mind.

 Like her, he returns the inch-by-inch study, measuring her with the sort of eyes that look past muscle and tusk to see her and parse through her thinking with a definite glitter of evil amusement in them as he remarks "I'm no witch, although I've a few gifts my my own. I speak the Word and the Word answers... And right now it's whispering in my ear that you've something in mind." - as he speaks, he stoops to ladel stew into his half-loaf without looking, eating heartily although not - for the moment - greedily.

"Gora be Amazon too. So Gora say any man who try to make me go to do what Gora don't wanna do will get sore head quick. Gora do what Gora wanna do, go where Gora wanna do and be friend wid whom ever wanna be friend wid Gora.

So long as it is not a tax person who wants to take Gora's gold.


Or some little nasty fool who wanna take her stew"
 The Half Orc Maid adds as she looks at the stew in anticipation
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Bellatrix thought about the gauntlet that had been thrown down.  She had stopped eating long ago but she enjoyed War. She had no intention of being left behind but she and Gora probably wouldn't be in this competition either, not being men.

She began beating her drum and in time with the beats she said this:

"I have eaten my fill of meat and bread.  I have built fires from the bones of the dead.  I have no place in the caves my boys.  For my meat drips with blood and battle's joy.  I am Bellatrix the Stormcrow.  It is your time sister take your turn. Show your place on Glory's road."

She grinned.  "Will I fetch your share dear sister, or will you take your own?"

"Gnoll, and half-humans, little boy and camp follower-"

She paused to collect her thoughts stirring the pot. She was looking at Gora when she said little boy, and Bellatrix was the camp follower. She didn't give them a chance to immediately protest continuing in what might be called a sermon.

"HE WHO WATCHES, instructs the mighty: Gather, Breed, Flourish in number, Rise up in hoards, Seize that which is rightfully yours, Raid, Kill, and Conquer. These are the commandments the mightiest god, gave to his children the mighty. You are not his children even if you're grand-children. You will need to prove you are mighty, not just here and now or to me, always to the rest of the mighty.

This hoard belongs to Urzag the Vile. If he came and ate the entire pot, none would challenge him. But it is enough food to sustain a warrior for a week, and if his hoard doesn't eat, they will be weak in battle. It's is the duty of the greater among the mighty to leave their lessors fed but hungry for that which they don't have knowing the strength they must gain to claim it. So don't shy from a fight, but understand you do this in service of Urzag to make his hoard stronger never weaker. It is the way of all warrior, all men."

She looked to Bellatrix specifically appraising her. Not seeming to be able to discern what she wanted to no but offered a statement clearly only about her and not her sister. "The ways of women are subtler and more cunning. The CAVE MOTHER commands us. But we do not discuss such mysteries in the presence of men. But we also defend that which is ours.

Your sister, if he intends to carry weapons and fight like a warrior, he will take the food he wants for himself with strength and courage or he will know hunger. This you should let him, if he would be thwarted better to be defeated here than during a great battle. He can give you food if he wishes."

Bellatrix nods and takes a share.  It's a small share but a share nonetheless.  "This is my share".  She says.  "I take it for the reasons you have stated.  I will do with it as I wish."  She looks around the assembled warriors and then back to the witch.  "I will fight alongside my sister if Urzag will have me, and SHE will come and take her own share."

Bellatrix knows all that Kozryaka has said but she is no camp follower and Gora is no child.  They intend to prove this in battle.

In reply to Bellatrix (msg # 12):

"Kind sister indeed I will take my share but what think you of the one who sees boys where there are none?  Well none that I can see here about"   Moving over to the pot and taking her share even if she had to rip someones throat out to get it. Glancing with menace at any who would deny her the right to do so.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:22, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Bellatrix returns to the place she was sitting and lets her food grow cold if it must. She looks over toward Kozryaka and nods then looks around the assembled Orcs.  She sits down.

In reply to Bellatrix (msg # 14):

seeing Bells food getting cold Gora reaches over to snag the portion so she could choose some of the better looking bits and playfully offer them to Bella.  "now eat this Bella and become fit and wise beyond what any other can fathom, for as it has been said strength may fail in later years but the Wise just get Wiser.  The wise assets:)"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Bellatrix met her sister's gaze and said quietly.  "Put it back Gore.  It's symbolic and has no nutritional value.  Besides I'm already wise.  Admittedly not VERY wise, but I'm wiser than most half-humans."  She grins.

"Blood of the pack, made stronger for the contest, mmm? I can respect the sense of that." Rorak answers, making a small gesture of polite aversion at the mention of two Gods not his own - the sort of respectful 'I do not invoke you because I do not have the right' motion that suggests familiarity with the Orcish cults, if not actual adherence.

 He scoops out another hearty serving as he finishes the first, demonstrating in the process the old truism about Gnolls and their appetites while belying several of them with the clarity of his growled remarks "I follow the Lord of the Hunt myself. He bids us test ourselves upon worthy prey, grow strong and challenge him. Protect the mothers that the pack will grow and there will be prey, feast as we wish but not to excess for a fat hunter catches little..."

 Glancing back, he nods to the two sisters as they draw in, acknowledging them without deference but also without rudeness "And here are two more views, or one view upon two sets of lips... It seems we have quite the gathering, for so small a band."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Wed 09 Sept 2020.

Kozryaka snorted in the approving disapproval one might be called a witch for expressing. She watched the gnoll out of the corner of her eye almost smiling but not quite. "Says 'she' but I see more of the mighty LEG BREAKER than the CAVE MOTHER in the bigger one, Gore. Dresses like a warrior, acts like warrior, as boys do. But like a boy if she defeats all who would deny it then none may doubt the truth of her being a warrior. The smaller sister though, too loud for the NIGHT LORD, too proud for the CAVE MOTHER, Bell will have trouble. Perhaps their mixed-blood is why they think they can be two things at once. Maybe they can if I 'know' this truth being a witch.

You are just an outsider, easy stigma yourself more formidable in a fight than the weakest warriors and you'll have no trouble. The weak most obey the strong. Good orcish women are-- subservient as the CAVE MOTHER teaches. Makes trouble for strong women and weak men. So strong women and weak men must be cunning to not weaken the horde. If I do it for Urzag, I can feed even his weakest warriors, no uncomfortable answers if no one asks questions. I am Kozryaka Wyckblud, known as Luthic's Wandering Beast."

Having spoken a god's name she quickly traced the rune of Luthic over her chest as a warding against divine disapproval.

Bellatrix nods in agreement.  "I will have trouble.  This much is known."

"I am Rorak Silverfang, of Yeenoghu's blood but Malar's get." the Gnoll answers, repeating a variation of the aversion-sign for the first Name but one of open adherence to the second, having foregone mindless slaughter for the sake of slaughter in favour of deity that, for all Malar's elemental savagery has something more in the way of purpose and focus about Him. He doesn't trouble himself to tack on any deed-names or make much of his reputation - he knows well enough who he is after all, and if someone else does not then what of it? - but he does eye the twins some more, thoughtful as he measures them and their strength, the evidence of their deeds as expressed by their dress and their arms before grinning for a moment, bright-edged and feral "It seems to me, Kozryaka that there's call in this little gathering for a Skald to account for deeds and a witch to keep the orc-blood in it strong. What say you, when Urzag calls if we answer as a band?"

In reply to Bellatrix (msg # 19):

"ya know Bella Life was not meant to be greasy but it seems to me that this food is. As for any trouble lets kick its butt dead. Or should we hack its butt, chew its butt, slash its butt, gouge its butt, impale its butt or just simply roast its butt?  such a pity I don't have a butt roasting weapon on me.

  anyone here have a butt roaster?"
  Gora inquires forlornly of the beings nearby.

Bellatrix pats herself down as if checking and then slowly lets a grin emerge on her face. "Actually, yeah.  Yeah I do."

Karguk breaks his stony silence with a grunt.

"Urzak does call us here, but always remember Gruumsh.  As long as Urzak is in Gruumsh's favor, I will do what he commands.  So we shall see what Urzak intends.  Hopefully three things:"

Karguk spears a piece of meat in his soup, devouring it hungrily.

"Kill."

He peers over at the others' bowls, eying for a morsel.  Quick as a snake, he spears another chunk of meat from Rorak's bowl.

"Plunder."

Then he rises to his feet, swinging his greataxe against the horizon.

"Conquer."

Sated, he sits down again, staring at the fire.  "If Urzak commands those things, I shall listen."

Kozryaka spits on the ground next to her cooking fire glaring at Karguk, skeptically but also downright apologetically, and she again made Luthic's sign before her as she spoke to him watching his feet. "Pardon wise Gruuman. I was taught it was Raid, Kill, Conquer. You always raid, because this is what feeds the horde. Raiding lets our numbers grow. If you raid you strengthen generations. When you are certain in your raiding you turn your attention to killing because it is pleasant to do so. When you are certain of killing you conquer for keeping many slaves holding wide swaths of land is bothersome and only the mightiest may enjoy the meats of conquest without seeing it crumble before them.

She thought but didn't say, that one could only disobey the war chief if one was willing to fight the war chief and prove them unworthy to lead in combat, but kept utterly silent on this issue. It was of no consequence. War chiefs ruled while none could defeat them. None could stand up to an entire horde alone, that was the entire point of hordes. To gather a horde without giving them a battle to fight meant creating the one thing that could destroy you and then insulting it and leaving it restless eager for killing. No war chief would risk that. She was confident Urzag the Vile would announce a plan to march south to take the wealth the "civilized" slaved over the land to create and give it to the conquering mighty.

Karguk lets out a long laugh.  "It's been ages since one of Gruumsh's chosen has debated me in these matters.  I had always heard Kill, Plunder, Conquer, for the dead can't fight for their things." Karguk gives a sneer.

"But your way makes sense, too.  Perhaps Gruumsh doesn't care what order those things come in, but they are part of the same end result - mayhem to the civilized world, and the plunder to the strong who deserve it!"

 The theft doesn't go unnoticed of course, but Roraks response - rather than an automatic blow - is to simply laugh and utter a word, one which sees the ill-gotten morsel rather dramatically change its flavour just before hitting Karguk's tongue... Because while most warriors have to settle for telling someone to suck them off if offended, a bard has the ability to provide no small part of the experience without even unbuckling their sword belt.

 Still, that doesn't mean that the debate isn't interesting on its own merits and he amenably growls "Hunt, kill, feast was always the one I heard. The hunt to weed out the weak, the kill for the joy of hot blood on the tongue and the feast to restore strength and revel in the coming hunt."

 A beat, and he snorts before adding "Never was sure why it's always three parts to an aphorism. Just feels more satisfying on the tongue, I suppose..." - that last stated with a wicked grin shot Karguk's way.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:54, Thu 10 Sept 2020.

Kozryaka starts counting on her fingers the different ways she's heard this now. She muttered quietly to herself.
"Eight, three, two, three.
Rise up in hordes. Hmmm-
could be nine: three, three, three.

Gather and breed, and your numbers will flourish.
Gather.
Breed.
Flourish in Number.
Rise up in hordes and seize that which is rightfully yours.
Rise up.
Make hordes.
Seize that which is rightfully yours.
Raid. Kill. Conquer."
She is deeply enough engrossed in food prep and contemplating whether Rising up in hordes was one or two commandments to pay any attention to Rorak's mischief. Though it wasn't clear whether she was purposefully ignoring it to avoid trouble for herself or simply that deep into Orcish philosophy such as it was.

Bellatrix had noticed Rorak's little trick and made note of it in what passes for her mind as a trick she will use at some point or other.  It isn't clear whether she is ignoring the spell because she is trying to avoid trouble  or because she simply doesn't care.

22:35, Today: Bellatrix rolled 26 using 1d20+10.  What spell was that? (Spellcraft).

Karguk stifles a gag as he tastes Rorak's magically-tainted meat, but the orc is beyond caring about such petty things.  Saving face is more important in his mind, winning the point through shear determination.

"Even if you what you plunder is broken, it's still free."

 "If it's 'free', you didn't plunder it. That's just scavenging... A little blood and mayhem along the way just makes the reward sweeter." Rorak contests, although he does so with a small, amenable nod - morsel stolen, punishment accepted, all is forgiven with an eye towards conceding the contest, because as far as Rorak's concerned controlling your own reactions is a better demonstration of strength than fussing about other peoples.

 That said, he does express an opinion on the philosophy being discussed with the observation "Raid, Kill, Conquer' sounds like an aphorism to me. A short, punchy summing-up of the commands. Are there other recorded sayings of The One-Eyed God? Something to give a better sense of how he expresses his will?" - politely avoiding the direct use of Gruumsh's name, which is generally frowned upon by the clergy.

In reply to Rorak Silverfang (msg # 30):

"Oh! So who is this one-eyed god?  I have never been trained in matters. So Gora know not what uz is talks about"

 There's a moment in which Rorak blinks, opens his jaws, closes them again and then looks from Kozryaka to Gora and back again before explaining "It's one of the titles of the Head God of the Orcs. He's also called He Who Never Sleeps and He Who Watches. That said, you're more likely to have his son, Ilneval as your patron. He's the God of strategy, war and the patron of half-breeds, especially strong ones."

 A moment then, and he gestures to the nearby witch "But I imagine our host here could tell you more than I, if you approached her properly."

In reply to Rorak Silverfang (msg # 32):
looking perplexed Gora furrows her brow before replying
"Illneval?  nope not heard of this too. Gora have heard of axe and bow and sword and spear err lots of weapons but not Illneval.  What kind of weapon is dat?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:17, Sat 12 Sept 2020.

A massive orc moves through your area, obviously one of the Mountain Orc tribes. The lumbering giant walks up to the cauldron and dips a large mug into it, pulling up a large helping of the stew. He looks over Kozryaka and grins menacingly, before turning and snorting his contempt at the sight of two half-orcs and a gnoll. "Some Horde! Urzag relying on dogmen and half breeds...a disgrace to the One-Eyed! When Krucks becomes warchief, his Horde will be stronger than this." The Mountain Orc spoke, the massive greataxe across his back twice the size of anything a regular orc could wield. He also wore a darkened breastplate, old symbols having been covered by dirt and grime. "And females at that, go back to the cave and spawn more warriors for Krucks Horde!" He said, guzzling the stew from the mug, spilling it down his front.

Bellatrix smiles in response to the big ugly brute's rudeness and says quietly to Gora.  "Hey sis.  What you reckon.  Is this a reason for me to call down the trouble Kozryaka spoke about or should we gently point out to him that any children we might have would also be Halfbreeds and so unlikely to be strong enough for Kruck's horde?  You of course are a brave and strong Orcish warrior and so I imagine I know your answer, but it is polite to ask."

She begins banging lightly with human thigh bone on her drum and holding Kruck's gaze as she awaits Gora's response.

Kozryaka gives an ambiguous wry look at the massive Mountain Orc seemed something of an flirtatious invitation which was also a threat. She stood upright from stooping hunched over the cauldron and stretched cracking her vertebra like knuckles as she let her own taught muscular arm effortlessly move the nearly full barrel of water to refill the cauldron. A barrel of water easily weighed 250lbs yet she moved it effortlessly with one hand like it was nothing to her. Mountain orcs were bigger, but Orogs were stronger, and the giant witch certainly counted as one of the stronger Orogs.
A strong woman was desirable as she'd give strong sons, but one was expected to prove to a woman that one was stronger than her as part of courtship. She was simultaneously trying to show how desirable she was and warn precisely how hard to obtain she'd be in such a way that one could walk away from it with appearing weak.
She wiped the steamed on fog from her claw bracers so the polished patterned waves of the Orog forged steel shown through proudly on the religious weapon. She glanced at Karguk trying the gauges his reaction until the carving on the Mountain Orc's armor caught her eye.
Her brows furrowed as flickers of baleful hell fire flashed within her irises making her eyes glisten with faint hellish light as she focused her attention on all assembled in turn.

OOC:
She's using detect magic as a spell like ability.
Because it's a SLA you can only ID it based on the on-going effect so DC-20 spell-craft check to identify DC-15 to with detect magic to know it's divination.
So unless someone is planning on immediately starting combat with her, I'm guessing she can get the 18 seconds she need to complete her focus.
Please answer what she's supposed to learn:

• Number of magic items and on-going spells you have on your person
• If any spell is 4th level or higher or magic item is 6th level or higher (moderate aura)
• What visible item are magic or locations of magic items (for example there's a magic item in my backpack)

Mostly she wants to subtly check if this guy has magic armor.

 The arrival of the mountain orc - which interrupts the religious studies class - can't help but generate a sidelong look from Rorak, but if there's anything intimidated about his reaction it'd take a keener eye than most to pick up upon it, as his main comment is to laugh, the harsh cackling humour of a Gnoll echoing around the fire "Your warchief just thought he'd need someone who'd last more than an hour or two before slumping over, spent." he counters with more humour than malice, despite the fact that he - like most everyone else present - is downright rock-hard with well-developed, rangy muscle.

In reply to Bellatrix (msg # 35):

eyeing the braggart Gora reply's to Bell with little interest at diplomacy

"Nah Bell! It seems to me that the person has no eyes and or no wisdom to so Blythely insult a fellow Warrior who could very well be the Barbarian that they may very well be teamed up with to watch their back.  Well I for one say good luck to the fellow... He will need it.

  Such short nearsightedness surly is his to own."

OOC it would be hard for Gora to hide the fact that she does have a fair amount of muscle mass on her seeing as stated in her description Gora is fairly buff.  But then this is a Horde and it would not be hard to find muscle in abundance.

The Mountain Orc snarls at the two half-breeds, standing up to his full height well over eight feet. Looking down upon you, he bangs his chest with his right fist, bellowing. "You speak much for a weakling! Did your keepers not teach you to respect your betters? Perhaps you and your disgusting git would like to prove your worth to the Horde, in the arena! If you hope to be a part of a Horde, you would surely wish to prove to the Warlord that you are strong enough to take on a stronger foe! You may even bring the dog with you, I care not! You can even have the cave elf on your side, for I am Krucks, slayer of wyrms, and I have bested greater foes than you!" He spoke despairingly of the orog witch, referencing the deep orcs large ears similarity to elven ears.

In reply to Gruumsh (msg # 39):

"I need prove myself to no being lest alone a fool who thinks size is proof of might.  Go play your fools game elsewhere braggart" Gora turns her back to the Orc in dismissal.

 The mountain orc is something of a rarity in the camp - which is to say someone tall enough to actually look down on Rorak, despite the sheer size of the average Gnoll (let alone a burly specimen like him) - but if that so much as dissuades the feral warrior for a moment there's no evidence of it as he snarls wryly "Slayer of Worms? What happened, did you fall over after heavy rain and squash them? Bring your warband, if any are fool enough to fight alongside one who's sooner kill his allies than the enemy." before turning to Kozryaka, Gora and Bella and jerking a thumb over his shoulder at the towering mountain orc "Prove nothing, but this idiot will pick a fight with anything he thinks he can beat and if we want there to be mutton for dinner tomorrow, someone needs to stop him."

Bellatrix grins to Rorak and then turns to her sister.  "I don't need food anyway but really Gora?  We don't want to play?  Or are we just waiting for Kozryaka to have first go so she can decide whether he is worth her attentions?" She finally looks toward Kozryaka who is flirting with the Mountain Orc even though he seems oblivious to her charms.  "Am I right Kozryaka, or is this the trouble you warned me of?"

In reply to Rorak Silverfang (msg # 41):

with a sigh of displeasure hears the truth behind the words of Bell and the Gnoll.

"Indeed you both speak with wisdom that alas I lack. Conflict within a group is just a tool in the hands of the enemy.  Such a tool must be discouraged."

grasping her Great Axe Gora stands as she takes a swing at the foul mouthed Mountain Orc
This message was last edited by the player at 12:07, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

The mountain orc smiled bigger as Gora went to move, trying to hide her coming attack from the giant orc. Her deception failed. Much quicker than she thought he could react, Krucks moved his hands and grasped the handle of her great axe. The strength of her opponent was something to behold, as he disarmed her, and then took the great axe in both hands and broke it across his leg. "Think what you will, half-breed, but you have broken the truce of the gathering. By the rites of the One-Eyed, you will be in the arena this night, for the Gruumans must enforce and honor my challenge now. If you do not, flee, so that I and my clan will hunt you for sport." The mountain orc spoke, smiling cruelly before tossing the remains of the great axe into the fire. He moved with more assurance than you originally thought, and displayed an intellect that you feel was hidden behind a thin veneer of savagery.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:32, Mon 14 Sept 2020.

Kozryaka blinked at Bellatrix in genuine surprise, then let out a great resonant cackle punctuated by smacking the pot seemingly oblivious to the heat. But her amusement turns to mild alarm at the swung axe.

"Fists Gora. Fists inside the war-camp

You speak lies, Krucks of the Worms, this Gora has drawn no blood." She drew a weary sigh.

"Fret not for this humble witch. If he was of that mind, he's brought me no trophies or war or hunt, the deeds of my ancestors are not praised on his lips, only his own. If he sought that I would challenge him prove himself with that fight he says he'll easily win, but unarmed, and unarmored as I fight.

I would call stoneless a warrior who see a woman's lumber axe and feels so afraid he calls it a mortal threat, but then Gora two-bloods says she is two things warrior and woman. Maybe axe is two things: Gathering tool and challenge. Maybe Gora is angry she sees Krucks wearing her armor. Bellatrix two-bloods, how does your sister receive challenges, first blood, candle's time, knock out? Armed, unarmed, matched weapons?"

Bellatrix frowned.  "Unarmed and a candle's time sounds as though it may be of the most benefit to the Horde but perhaps we should first consider the rules.  How is 'unarmed' defined?  How large is the arena?  How long is the candle's time?  All these things are important."  She considers for a moment before adding.  "Does it mean unarmoured?  Do the fighters need to be alone and unaided? Since no blood was drawn, then presumably none must be shed."

At last she turned to Gora and asks, "What say you, sis?  Do you think you can take Falsetongue in the Arena?"

"Depends on time and needs. Candle's time we light a candle and fight until the candle burns itself out. Otherwise a fight might last for weeks. Any size candle can be used if both agree, but the danger is if victory is unclear a judge decides who won. I would advise until each combatant is either knocked out or forced to surrender, nothing ambiguous, no favoritism to hide behind, only strength and certainty.
Unarmoured, is unarmoured. No leather, no steel, not even a thick coat. If it amuses the horde, I will enter the arena naked and without weapons. Let the lust for the Beast no warrior has tamed, nut do not think this would stop my foes blood from flowing. I will long sing praises of any who could fight me thus on even terms without me drenching the arena with their blood. Let the blood and sweat that falls be an offering the HE-WHO-WATCHES, and let us see who provides which."
Kozryaka seemed amused by the whole notion of the fight. At least losing to three women and a gnoll could be chocked up to a warrior biting off more than he could chew. Near as she could tell win or lose she risked no status and could splendidly display her prowess without risking utterly humiliating a poor warrior. If she did win she'd have done a great service to the Two-bloods and Rorak. She might be able to lean on that service to secure their support in some later conflict if she didn't overreach, especially if Gora got to claim some spoils from the victory, though these rules could make that a touch harder.

Bellatrix grins.  "So, we are saying, no weapons, no magic, no armour?  Or did nobody think to make rules on magic?  He has an edge in being a mountain, orc but we have an edge in being four.  We may also have an edge in magic.  If my drum does not count as a weapon, then perhaps I have a further edge.  We may also have other edges, but then, perhaps so does he."  She slows down again, perhaps deep in thought,  "If we say until knockout we then consider the contest itself.  What are the spoils?  What is the prize and what the price?"

 Like Kozryaka, Rorak moves with his hand up to stymie the axe-swing although he's stood further from the action than the participants and is therefore unable to do much that would prevent the subsequent chain of events from unfolding - events that cause him to glare down at Gora with a rare element of seriousness on his lips, invoking his status as a bard rather than that of a warrior to state "A horde is a savage place, filled with savage breasts... Spilling blood within it leads to more blood spilled. Do as you did again, or seek to do as you did and I shall see to it that your name is sung as that of a fool until the childrens children of those born today are old."

 Asides from that though he seems to generally approve of the way matters are going, although he can't help but note "That said, you'd have company with Krucks here." before turning his head back to Kozryaka and opening his jaws to speak, only to break out in sudden laughter as he's struck by a thought, "You'd not think it to look at me, but Gnoll women think they're the ones in charge... By an Orc's standards, he's just challenged four girls to a fight. I could go three moons and not find a better spark for a flyting-song, that and the chance to see Kozryaka here flex her muscles? I'm in!"

Karguk signaled to his fellow soup-mates and religious philosophers to come closer, and whispered to them.

"The mountain orc speaks true.  Gora must now face Krucks in the arena, as is tradition.  Even though he broke another tradition, that of peace during these gatherings, the challenge trumps it.  However, the mountain orc may have stepped too far: his wording allows other to aid if we wish.  Think on that."

In a louder voice, Karguk announces to the assembled orcs: "As Gruuman, I will enforce the tradition, We must avoid wasteful bloodshed and preserve the strength of the horde.  If any of the fighters break tradition, I will enforce the rules of the orcs."

Bellatrix grins at Rorak. "And two of us singers of songs so win or lose, the joke is going to be on him for generations.  It'll be a better story if we win though so let's make that happen.  And let's do do traditionally."

Bardic Knowledge - what is the wording of the tradition? 19 rolled

The mountain orc laughs at the gnoll and half-breed. "If you think I will allow you to ruin my standing, think again. I will show all the orcs in the Horde that I, Krucks, am greater than many foes, and that I will be the next Warlord to rally a Horde, one in which not even your pathetic lies will delay my greatness! A candle mark (One Hour) will work for me, and as for the cave orc's request for no armor or weapons, I agree if there is no magics or supernatural abilities allowed. As for rewards, the rewards are the honor of facing a true warrior, and proving yourself before the Horde that you are worthy of it! Of putting your words where your mouth is. The dishonor your half-breed has shown places your very lives in danger, this would be a way to prove their honor." He spoke cruelly, before grudgingly respecting Karguk's statement. It was true.

The witch scoffed, shaking her head scolding the braggart "What standing Krucks? You want to show off how you can beat four at once, but three are women and one a gnoll, and I've made no claim of being a warrior. Aren't you a warrior? Don't you possess a warriors heart? A warriors skill at combat?

I should accept your challenge forbid approaching and name spells as our only weapons, you would lose of course but no glory in it. I want to see the warrior you claim to be. Where is he? In you or your tools?

Weapons and armor are tools, witches have our own tools, but I offer to fight without any of my tools only my skill and that power which I was born with. Is the power of your raging warriors heart not equal to my magic? Are my skill greater than yours? Am I not offering a fair fight? You could admit this and still be called a warrior, but I thought you wanted to prove something by doing something worthy of boasting. Tell me if I bring no object into the arena but myself and my skill what do you need to bring into arena to feel yourself on even ground with me?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:12, Tue 15 Sept 2020.

Bellatrix nodded.  "Now that you mention it, I'm not a warrior either, at least not in any accepted sense.  Gora's a warrior though.  What about you Rorak?  Are you a warrior?"  Then she frowned.  "I seek power but a power not known to man nor woman and not known to warrior or witch.  A power which will bring victory to Urzag's Horde even though I have neither the strength of the warrior nor the wisdom of the witch.  While you, Krucks have the size of a mountain and the strength of a bear.  I have only the size of a child and the cunning of a fox.  Nevertheless, I stand with my sister."

"Well couldn't ask someone especially a woman to fight without the use of their brain. One can hardly expect a gnoll to stop singing. If you're worried we wouldn't object if you stuffed wool in your ears. Haven't heard him sing yet, we may wish we had done so. It is plain to my witch eye that axe and armor are mightily enchanted. Are you naught but tricks Krucks? Did you claim one on four, planning to make it three on your side with magics not from yourself and facing only one man on ours? It's simple enter with but yourself and your skill, and by your skills any skills triumph or fall."

 "Me? No girl, I'm a hunter! I was born to the hunt... I tore the throat from my first prey before I saw my fourth winter, in the burrows under our village... But I've slain warriors, and those who called themselves warriors... So I suppose I'll do when the lights are out." Rorak counters, grinning amenably as he does so, the expression one that's both gleeful and ferocious at once, before snorting again as his likely gifts are assessed by Kozryaka, throwing in a second confrontation to go with the one they're both facing as he happily growls "That sounds like a challenge. After we've slapped Krucks here around the arena a little, I'll take you up upon it." at the witch, before clarifying "Give me an ancestor and their deeds and I'll set them to song, then we'll see if you listen to the end."

Karguk watched the unfolding drama in front of him, and shook his head.  This will be an interesting combat, to be sure.  Orcs are not usually known for their wits, but Krucks would already be defeated if that is what was being tested.

Gora snarled in frustration, all of the words playing between the others. "I be tired of this talk, weapons or no weapons, armor or no armor, I accept your challenge. I don't need anyone else. I be kicking your rear around the arena with me double axe!" She said, waving off any aid.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:59, Sat 19 Sept 2020.

Krucks snorts in laughter "You have more bravery than I thought, man-souled woman. Weapons and Armor, Spells and whatever else you can think of, I will face you and whoever of your companions here will have the bravery to face me in the arena. I shall show you what a true orc is capable of. If you survive, perhaps I shall rethink my opinion of allowing women and half-breeds in my future Horde!" He spoke, walking away confidently.

One hour later, when you arrive at the arena, four clerics of Gruumsh wait in blood red robes and armor, weird staves that look like they can hold and pin someone down are held in each hand, a common tool for use in these situations. A rather large group of orcs have shown up, looking eager for blood to be spilt, and knowing that it would probably be an interesting match up between a mountain orc and the coming group. Krucks is there, waiting with his breastplate and great axe, though now he has a white cloak upon his back, but upon closer inspection, it is a hide cloak made from what looks like white dragon scales.

Gora arrives at the arena, double axe ready. Her chainshirt was in good order, and she waited to see who would arrive to aid her, and who would be there to watch the combat.

Bella could not fail to aid her sister.  More to the point, she boiled with the desire to shake the arrogance out of the big mountain orc.  She wore studded armor but other than that had only tools, nothing that Orcs would usually consider weapons.

Without swords or axes or even a bow, she stepped into the ring and quietly offered a high five to her sister.  "Let's make him eat his vegetables." she said.

 Under the assumption that he gets some sort of answer to his challenge, Rorak joins the little gathering at the challenge circle, although not without throwing off his bardic cloak and setting his instrument aside (it's generally agreed to be bad form to fight a bard, but equally bad form to hide behind being one when called out) so that he goes into the ring with only his sword - a short, broad-bladed chopping weapon - mail shirt and the greaves and bracers that accompany it.

 Taking up a place on the far flank of Bellatrix from Gora, he rolls his shoulders impressively and gazes at the gathered witnesses as he growls "Seems strange to be gathering for a challenge against only one foe. Will no-one stand with you?" to their opponent.

Bellatrix rolled her eyes and looks sidewise at Rorak shaking her head in dismay.

Gora nods her greeting and thanks as Bella arrives, smiling slightly. She had broken the peace of the gathering, and now she would pay the price. "I thank you, both, for coming to my aid. I broke the truce of the gathering, and I will prove my honor, in battle, against the mountain troll." She spoke harshly, snickering slightly at her alliteration of Krucks.

Kozryaka scowled stepping into the arena wand in hand, and fully armed and armored "Grumaan," she called toward the priest overseeing the fight. "I am drawn into this foolish challenge. This worm child Krucks has broken the peace, spoken lies, and displayed weakness. He rejected fair fights less likely to invite his death. He chose this fight. I could not fail to answer his lies. I will not be able to be gentle with him hiding behind magics not his own, so the line between his defeat and the WHITE HANDS will be thin.

I serve the MOTHER. I heal the horde.

But, if you are slow in calling his defeat, even my connection with her may not loosen the WHITE HANDS' grip on him."

The Grumaans' turn and listen to Kozryaka, before looking over your group. "We see no weakness, we hear no lies, we smell no blood upon upon you or he. Both challenger and the challenged have arrived here to settle the broken peace. You were not directly challenged, if you are unwilling to risk your life, then leave. Other's have given witness to the attack, and Gora Half-breed violated the peace." The Grumaan closest to you spoke, looking down his porcine snout at you.

Krucks laughs at Rorak's question. "I gave my conditions, dogman. I do not care how many choose to join the half-breed, my honor is not at stake. I, Krucks, Slayer of Wyrms, was attacked by Gora the half-breed, in our most honored and sacred gathering. Her great axe lays broken for her attempt, but I will have justice for her actions. Krucks fights before the Horde to bring honor back to the gathering! Urzag the Vile has yet to even show his face before us, and yet he desires to bring the mountain tribes under his banner! Pah! Let it be known that I, Krucks, shall one day lead the greatest Horde the surface will ever see!" He spoke, ignoring the mutterings of some of the orcs who gathered to watch the combat. To beat a foe who violated the peace was one thing, to disparage the current Warlord of the Horde...and few had seen Urzag during the last few weeks. The Grumaans did not contest anything that Krucks spoke of, as it had no baring on the arena.

"Pretty words for someone who couldn't get so much as a Goblin to follow them!" Rorak growls with a merry air, opening the combat not - as Gora did - with his blade, but rather with his words, which cut more sharply and strike more swiftly and leave more lasting wounds "But fair enough! Krucks speaks the truth of Gora, and I do not stand here to support her action. But I know of Urzag! I know of his strength and his reach. I know of his deeds, and his honour. A horde that is divided is weak, no matter the strength of the Orcs - or Gnolls! - within it, and so I stand in contempt of Kruck's words! If he is so strong, let him prove it!"

 With that, he slowly draws his hacking-blade and steps to the side, discarding his scabbard for the moment as he awaits the signal for the fight to begin.

Bellatrix stands quietly, awaiting the signal for the fight to begin so that she can begin banging her drum to help her sister since that is her own skill, or at least one of them.  She leans close to Rorak and Gora and whispers.  "I am a Bard and will fight as a Bard fights."

"The witches of the Wyckblud do not feel fear it we cause it.

Klucks the Worm Pecker came to my fire squawking like a rooster.

Hrmph, all its courage comes from its magic axe for it has no strength. It compares itself to Urzag!? What a brave little rooster, cluck, cluck, cluck, but only to face women and gnolls.

Hear me! When Gora of Two-Bloods stood fearless against its word of contempt axe raised in declaration of her acceptance of the challenge, that little rooster pissed itself.

So unexpected was this open cowardice it managed to steal Gora's axe and break it so she wouldn't have an axe to fight it. And shame on her for that. But, no blood was spilled, nor blow was struck. It was Klucks Worm Pecker who broke the the peace with its cowardly words and thieving. It is no more than a convincing liar.

Klucks the Weak says it will fight a whole group of women and a gnoll, pbpht!
But Klucks Worm Pecker, included ME in its foolish boasting.

I do not dishonor the strength of my mothers.
I do not risk the anger of the dark spirits that are my blood.
I do not back down from the foolish challenge from a cocky little piss-chicken.

Its skill are less than mine!
Witness it would not fight with skills alone!

Witness it is not even a warrior enough to face me a woman with normal club, axe, spear, or sword even if I laid aside every trick and tool by which I increase my dark powers and fought naked and defenseless as the day I was born!

See he will only fight cowering inside enchanted armor!
See he will only fight wielding an axe so enchanted it could give an elf child a warrior's might!

If the coward needs to cheat like this to stand before a woman without pissing itself, then this is the fight with which, I will honor the arena with its blood.

I will honor the arena, if it falls and does not rise, if the candle burns out, if the Grumaan declare my victory, then I will make no further attacks within the challenge.

But I say this piss-chicken is soft inside it's turtle shell. And who can split a turtle's shell while leaving the turtle alive? Piss-chicken might die. This Beast will find Urzag a better chicken stronger with more brains, if this happens. Easily done."

The witch stood in a woman's crouched guard. One skilled in magic might easily see through her distorted description of her powers are theatrics meant to scare the ignorant, but most orcs who could understand magic appreciated the value of keeping the ignorant fearful.

Mostly she didn't want to be blamed if the fight turned out to be lethal for Krucks. She was carefully reminding the priest shared the blame if he didn't stop the fight, and Krucks was mostly to blame for choosing terms where death was a much more likely outcome.

She lied about Krucks pissing himself, but it didn't matter to her whether or not anyone believed her. Even if you knew she was lying, here she was ready to face him in the Arena on his terms. He had the perfect opportunity to force her to stop, to make her grant him whatever contrition he wanted, if he could win. Truth didn't matter. She wasn't so much saying he pissed himself as saying he was too weak to stop her

"I am ready. Light the candle."

OOC: Taken 10 on both "bluffs" for what it's worth. DC-22 (circumstance of being skilled at scaring people) for the magic or DC-20 for the pissed himself

Keeping it simple by taking total-defense action until the candle is lit for the start of combat.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:37, Sat 03 Oct 2020.

Krucks could be seen visibly gnashing his tusks at Kozryaka's words, snarling to be given the signal to attack. "Let the witch spread her petty lies! I stand here before all, with but a single weapon and my armor, to prove that I am a great warrior, to honor the traditions of the Horde. I, Krucks am ready!"  The mountain orc boasted, waiting for the Grumaans to signal the time to start.

The priests tap the butts of their staves on the ground, and then stop, roaring to start the battle.

OOC: You are all forty feet away from each other, with no terrain blocking. Roll initiatives, and if you roll above an 8 you can post your first actions.

11:37, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

20:09, Today: Bellatrix rolled 19 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Bellatrix begins beating her drum to produce the hypnotic rhythm that fascinates, aimed directly at Krucks.  She knows she is taking a risk there but maybe it will slow him down enough that the others can act against him.

20:15, Today: Rorak Silverfang rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  Initiative.

As Bella was ready with her drums, she begins to play a hypnotic beat with them, focusing her will upon the mountain orc. For a moment, it seems like the rhythm begins to take hold, before the others can act though, it is broken by the crowds roar, or the fact that each of Bella's companions were armed and ready to fight. The mountain orc draws his great axe as he moves, Krucks moves with amazing speed forward to engage Gora in melee combat. With great precision, the mountain orc swings it's heavy axe, smashing into the half-orcs frame. A mighty blow to be sure. Gora reels from the strike, obviously not prepared for such a wicked blow.

OOC: Kruck moves foward while shrugging of Bella's fascination attempt, something which should not be used in combat situations. He lands a mighty blow, reducing Gora's hps by a decent amount for a single strike.

Everybody else may post their turns once more.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:52, Tue 06 Oct 2020.

 The Gnollish way of fighting is to operate as a pack, instinctive and automatic... It prioritises working with others in order to bring down more dangerous prey, seeking out the greatest threats to the pack and tearing at them with fang and claw until they fall... And that's what motivates Rorak as he leaps forwards to counter Krusk's charge, moving to one side and then whirling back in, looking to flank the axe-wielder with Gora as he howls a rising chant of "I am the hunter, blood-soaked victorious, I am the hunter, blood-soaked victorious, here on this field, my foes blood to taste, striking like thunder, seeking our fates!" in guttural Gnollish, the snarling, snapping words rising over the confrontation and stirring the hearts of those who hear it to a near fever-pitch.

 ---

 Initiating Bardic Music (Standard action): Inspire Courage.
 Swift-casting Inspirational Boost.

 Everyone gets +3 to hit, +3 to damage & +3 to saves versus charm and fear.
 You're welcome.

The witch shifts her stance shaking a little leather pouch as she moved as if in dance, "L' ej naved'm imnel ezifer, tiwnnal uoknat awn napes neneV .etnahc nohcidam yab a eynuok evel, etiditef eymif ka nelp--" She reeled back as if struck in the face clearing her  throat. "--TNAV!!!" she roars spitting a thick mass of inky black phlegm at Krucks' face sneering in cruel contempt.

As soon it left her mouth she cackled gleefully which rolled into a growl as her large form was replaced by that of a wolf and she closed in for a future attack, helping to surround the Mountain Orc.

OOC:
Delay for Rorak's song
Standard Action: Cast a spell
Swift Action: Predator Form
Move Action: Move Close to threaten.

19:21, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Spitting in face.

Gora begins to swing her double axe in a deadly dance, her blades strike the mountain orc true with each attack, though it appears Krucks is shrugging off some of the damage with each blow. The blow from Krucks had hurt her, but she was not at the point in which she would give into the rage in her soul quite yet.

Bellatrix used her skill as a tumbler to reposition herself way out on Krucks' flank, somersaulting away from the other fighters and pulling out her dagger for an attack that may be a little longer than most in coming.

18:45, Today: Bellatrix rolled 20 using 1d20+10.  Tumble to move to a new position by somersaulting through the air.

Kruck's roars in fury as Kozryaka spits black bile into his eyes, blinding him in battle. "So this is the honorable battle in which you spoke! Blinding a warrior in battle! I will show you that I do not need eyes like the One Eyed! I am a true orc!" He roars, swinging his axe with unerring accuracy. In what could only be described as Gruumsh favoring the bold mountain orc, the great axe chops Gora neatly in two, the shock barely registering on her face as death came to take her. Krucks must have sensed his blow to be true, as he turned to swing to strike at his oncoming foe, the blade coming close to striking the Beast of Luthric.

Krucks fells Gora with a natural 20 confirmed critical, dealing enough to put her into negative -13 points of damage. Great Axes in the hands of Barbarians hurt!. Edited for responses from OOC Thread!
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:33, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

Bellatrix holds back her revenge.  Orcs and barbarians would be exploding with uncontrollable rage at this point, so let them watch controlled rage in a puny human.  She uses her sling instead of her dagger and instead of a bullet, she uses a thunderstone, aiming for a square next to Krucks and with him between that spot and both Kozryaka and Rorak hoping to ensure that Krucks and only Krucks is affected by the thunderstone.

16:37, Today: Bellatrix rolled 18 using 1d20+6.  Using sling to make the thunderstone explode behind Krucks. (AC5 for the space)

DC15 fortitude save or be deafened for 1 hour.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:27, Mon 12 Oct 2020.

 As Gora goes down, Rorak howls a keening, whippoorwill-like cry of impending death, both to warn the afterlife that a warrior is coming and to strike a measure of fear into his enemy - his sword picks up the resonance of the cry, which pulses and swells hypnotically in the air like a distant, death-cold wind as he sweeps the blade down towards the flank of the savage warrior, still chanting in feral Gnollish "I am the killer, slaying my enemy, I am the killer, slaying my enemy, may one who would challenge me rise from his knees!"

 ---

 Swift-casting Bladeweave.
 Full attacking Kruck.

 01:43, Today: Rorak Silverfang rolled 15,15 using 1d20+11,2d4+7.  Chop-chop!
 01:43, Today: Rorak Silverfang rolled 26,13 using 1d20+11,2d4+7.  Touch attack.

 18 to hit, 18 damage (three fours, really?).
 And Kruck needs to make a DC14 Will save or be dazed.

The Beast as she was known was very much the picture of a predatory beast. Toxic looking green mists trailed from her silently snarled fang as she snapped at her foe before darting back to a safer distance ready to take another bite or cast another spell. Her padded paws barely touching the ground leaving not even a single paw print.


OOC:
Standard: Hideous Blow with Bite & Sickening Blast casting defensively
Move: Quietly move 20 ft away towards a random spot in the arena

Bite attack hits AC 31 (Note includes +2 for flanking)
Bite attack deals 21 total damage.
(15 bludgeoning/piercing/slashing (BPS) damage and 6 untyped energy damage)
Bite attack inflicts the sickened condition for 1 minute Fortitude DC-14

Didn't roll for concentration casting defensively because her bonus is high enough she can't fail.

She provoked an AoO from Krucks for moving but normally a blind foe can't make AoOs.

Also she recognized Rorak's spell.

17:01, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 31 using 2d20+17, dropping the lowest dice only.  Bite.
17:10, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 15 using 1d6+10.  Bite.
17:11, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 6 using 2d6.  Hideous Blow.
18:20, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 21 using 1d20+11.  spellcraft.

Karguk watches in shock as the ritual combat unfolds.  Normally, these things were resolved without such bloodshed, but obviously Kruck's anger has gotten the better of him, something which was to be expected.  Even encouraged, actually.  Some of the other clerics held this as a sign's of Gruumsh's favor; after all, why would their god grant such things if they were not meant to be used?

Karguk hesitated.  Was the fight out of control?

Krucks seems able to withstand the thunderstone, but is soon assailed by multiple foes. Rorak's bladeweaving strikes the Barbarian, though just barely. The mountain orc manages to shrug off a little damage from the gnolls attack. The arcane bite of Korzyaka bites deep into Krucks side, enraging the mountain orc more.

Krucks seems to be adept at fighting in the darkness, and swings his massive battle axe in two deadly arcs before him. What would have been deadly strikes are turned aside by the blindness enveloping his eyes.

"You will serve as Gora's servant on her journey to the next world", said Bellatrix and then she did something strange considering the opponent was blinded.  She began to move stealthily around outside of the arena but within a moment, cast invisibility so that not only Krucks but the audience too were unable to see her.

18:50, Today: Bellatrix rolled 24 using 1d20+11.  Move Silently.

 As Kozryaka darts in to strike and falls back, Rorak automatically moves to harry the blinded, staggered and weakened prey, his blade rising and falling with all the bone-shattering power one would expect of a potent Gnollish hunter, albeit with the seeming intent being to keep wearing the enemy down rather than seek a single, deadly kill - and all the while, he chants in blood-chilling Gnollish "I am the singer, howling my victory, I am the singer, howling my victory, let the Gods drink their fill, of blood that is spilled!"

 ---

 20:58, Today: Rorak Silverfang rolled 21,12 using 1d20+11,2d4+7.  Hack n' slash!
 21 to hit, 12 damage.

In a moment the beast was gone an in it's place stood the witch again, "Clucks you cowardly limp wristed daughter of an elven pacifist hiding behind a smith's strength because you have none of your own. Clucks, clucks the little elf." She brought forth a swirling ball of greenish mist and launched it at her blinded foe. As she taunted quietly moving to be elsewhere if he went for the sound of her mocking as she hoped. Knowing if she could get him moving about he'd open himself up to attacks.

OOC:
Standard: Sickening Blast
Move: Quietly move 15 ft to a random spot in the arena

Sickening Blast hits TOUCH AC 22.
Bite attack deals 8 damage and inflicts the sickened condition for 1 minute Fortitude DC-14

08:56, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 8 11 using 1d20+5 8.  Sickening blast.
09:12, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 22 using 1d20+8.  Sickening blast.
09:00, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 8 using 2d6.  Damage.

Krucks snarls in fury as Rorak sinks his falchion into his side, shrugging of a little of the damage, but not nearly enough. The sickly green energy from the witch Kozryaka slams into the hulking warrior, though the ill effects seem to do little to mountain orc. The giant orc swings his great axe in a wide arc, but fails to connect with a foe.

Bella's actions appear to confuse those who were looking on, casting a spell of invisibility against a blinded opponent seemed rather redundant to the crowd.

Karguk stands aside, looking on, not having moved or acted yet.

Bellatrix moves as silently as she can until she is in the perfect position to strike Krucks without warning but she holds back until he has swung that axe of his and only then does she move in for the  master stroke and strike with her dagger.

That was the plan anyway but the best laid plans o' mice and half orcs gang aft aglae.

19:25, Today: Bellatrix rolled 29 using 1d20+11.  Move Silently.
19:25, Today: Bellatrix rolled 17 using 1d20+6.  attack, dagger.
19:27, Today: Bellatrix rolled 6 using 1d4+3.  Damage dagger d4+3.
19:28, Today: Bellatrix rolled 5 using 3d6.  Extra damage sneak attack.

 With the final stanza of his couplet chanted, Rorak hurls his blade high and lets the blood-rage he's been building rip through him, his Gnollish turning from well-chosen words into a rising, blood-hungry howl as he redoubles both the strength and speed of his blows, letting savagery substitute for grace as his short, heavy butchers-blade rises and falls with the force of an avalanche.

 ---

 Power attacking for 3.
 21:24, Today: Rorak Silverfang rolled 28,18 using 1d20+10,2d4+13.  Power attack (3).
 With Inspire Courage, that's 31 to hit, 21 damage. Damn!
 1 of 5 remaining rounds for Inspire Courage.
 -2 to Rorak's AC.

Seeing the combination of attack, Kozryaka reconsiders her plan to try to heal her allies and play the long game safely. With errie predatory silence she lunged at him becoming the wolf mid charge. Green mist twisted from her fangs as she went savagely seeking to maximize the bloodshed.


Charging with Power Attack 5 that's 25 to hit and 22 damage (16 physical BPS & 6 untyped/eldritch energy)
Fortitude DC-14 vs sickness as usual (Not likely to work but no reason not to keep trying)

12:46, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 25 using 2d20+12, dropping the lowest dice only.  Charge & Power Attack 5.
12:47, Today: Kozryaka Wyckblud rolled 16,6 using 1d6+15,2d6.  Damage, Energy Damage.