Dragon's Egg - Act IV

[Legendary Sidekick]

((If the arrow is fired, DEX check for monk skill: Deflect Missile:

I don't know if she gets +4 AC for evade stance as asked in the role text, but with a roll of 24 deflect missile would likely work unless the orc's a level 7 archer or something. I rolled after posting—I didn't expect a successful check. DEX = nonprime.))

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I translate faithfully for Baldhart, my eyes still on the red-sashed orc. My hand slips into Cadell's; I hope this all works out. If Baldhart can't convince them, maybe Cadell, Nissa or Tumi can help her out.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron


"Lay down our weapons?" Aliron looks around, "I will not leave my weapons."
"I will put my weapons on the ground, if they do. But I will not leave them."

"We stand as equals, with or without weapons. One side unarmed is surrender."

Until the Orcs put down their weapons, Aliron will not. He will act as if he watching for attacks from all directions, but will
watch each of the orcs.


Bressel
Looks at Aliron, nods, and looks back at Baldhart.
"I will stand with Baldhart. Aliron if trouble occurs, run away like you normally do, just know you won't miss the fun." He carefully lays his weapons down. "That red sash really stands out, Don't you think Baldhart?"

[Readied action: If hostile action occurs, Aliron will shoot an arrow at the sash wearing orc. Bressel will charge the orc with the bow.]

 

[SeverinR]

(Still have no clue where Zoran is at.)

Per SP:
"Yes, I think we can assume everyone is by the fire at this point."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Baldhart

Alin won't drop his magic bow. There's a surprise. If I didn't fight unarmed, I wouldn't be so quick to drop my 50g sword…

"I'd rather we aren't divided, but it doesn't take an army to speak to Korgak. Liadan, if you and I enter with the guards, surely Korgak will know we're not going to cause trouble. He can then decide whether the rest of us can be trusted to enter the camp, weapons sheathed.

"If a majority of us are out here with weapons, that gives us a little leverage. They won't murder two women in their camp knowing that we have a formidable group outside and a winged messenger who can lead a much larger group to the location of their camp."

To Callan, I add, "They won't murder three women in their camp either. I know you didn't come all this way to wait while Liadan and I do the talking. Anyone else willing to leave weapons is welcome to join me." I turn to Burnbright and add, "Including you, if it's what you want."

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Marius rather hopes that Nissa doesnt decide to go into the camp, since as hard as it is to protect her from the ground with a bow, it would be pretty much impossible to protect her without any weapon at all. He begins to wonder if the feather he was promised will provide magical powers of flight or something. It would certainly make his life easier. His thoughts are disrupted by Baldhart's monologuing, particularly the bit about orcs not murdering women.

Taking a look at the orcs and their pet, Marius says, "I think you have more faith in the kindness and rationality of inherently warlike races than is healthy. Perhaps even a bit of a suicidal tendency somewhere in there too. There is nothing honorable in pointless self sacrifice. You shouldnt be going to your certain deaths without some insurance. Luckily, I have just the thing!"

Reaching into a pouch, Marius gets his two-week copper and gives it a flip.

Coin flip! Heads or tails? [1d2] = 1

Making note of the heads mark on his coin, Marius announces, "Turns out you will be fine. Well, hurry up then. Get going and chat with the orc king or whatever he is. Two-week copper believes in you and so do I!"

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

I fly down to Marius, but by the time I land, he's flipped his coin. There isn't anything I can say to boost his confidence more, so I just shrug and say of the coin-toss, "Well, that's a relief."

I fly up to Baldy's side and tell the orc with the sash, "Aslaug is winning the north, and I can tell you the secret to her success. She's uniting many races, and she expects fear and distrust will keep many races from uniting against her. While we stand here distrusting each other, Aslaug is moving a force in this direction.

"The sooner we get to Korgak, the better. I understand you want to protect Korgak from a possible trap, but if we intended him harm, the attack would have begun while your forces are divided, and I would be flying well above arrow range dropping fire to keep your forces scattered.

"But if we came to fight, we would not have brought the children. We don't want to fight you. Korgak's people do not deserve to die. Not by our hands. Not by Aslaug's hands or those of the orcs she enslaves. Your choice is this: take back the orc we returned to you and tell us to leave, and we will leave in peace. Or take us in--even if only a couple unarmed women--and let us see if Korgak wants to unite as allies. If he wants to defeat Aslaug instead of hiding from her, then we want the same thing. We have a much better chance of winning if we combine forces.

"Don't you agree?"

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I translate Nissa's words for the orc, and glance at Cadell, wondering if he has anything to say.

Cadell

I nod as Nissa speaks, but decide to hold my tongue for now. I have things to say, but I think they are better said to Korgak himself, if he will hear us.

 

[SeverinR]

Aliron:
Moves back from the orcs, but without being obvious keeps a clean shot at the red sash.
(He wants more space between orcs and his stuff, if he has to put them down.)

Bressel stands with his weapons on the ground.
"If we go into their camp do you want me out here or with you? I think Masama or I should stay with Branwen." Glances at Burnbright, then continues,"to protect the group."

 

[Steerpike]

((I'll give the orcs' words here, assuming that Liadan translates, to save time)).

The orcs make no move to put their weapons down, and when Baldhart approaches, the red-sashed orc and the one with the bow both make gestures that make it clear they want her to stand back. She has to give her speech from a few feet away, and the lead orc is frowning at Baldhart by the time she finishes.

"Korgak will decide if you are friend or enemy. We will not be disarmed in our home. None but Grey Wolf orcs come before Korgak with weapons."

As Cadell, Liadan, and Bressel put down their weapons, the orcs watch warily. The leader orc looks Baldhart over carefully then gestures to her and those who have put down their weapons. "These may come. Others stay."

Burnbright looks nervous, but answers Baldhart by putting her own weapon on the ground and standing beside Cadell and Liadan. Callan, not looking at all nervous but looking disgusted (either with herself or the orcs) also puts her weapons down. "If anyone's walking into that camp unarmed, I'm going with them."

Tumi, on the other hand, shakes his head and says "I'm not about to disarm myself before the likes of them." He gestures roughly at the orcs. "I heard too many tales about what orcs like to do to their prisoners."

The attention of the orcs is captured for a moment when Marius begins his coin flipping. The lead orc looks somewhat taken aback by the process, and asks Liadan "What is that one doing?"

When Nissa makes her argument, the lead orc simply shapes his head and tells Liadan. "This all for Korgak to decide." He points at Nissa. "This creature should stay behind." Then he gestures at Branwen as well. "Both harpies stay. Korgak does not like harpies."

Masama stays where he is. The axe strapped to his back is obvious, though the orcs have no way of knowing that he doesn't fight with it. "I will stay with Branwen and any who remain behind. We must set a time by which you will return," he says, looking to those who have set their weapons aside. "If we do not see at least one of you by that time, we will assume the orcs are hostile." He looks to the darkening sky. "Asra prepares for her nightly journey. This is ill timed."

Branwen looks idly at her doll, largely unconcerned with what is going on around her. She begins humming one of her common tunes and the orc with the bow starts to raise his weapon. The red-sashes orc stops him with a lowered palm and says to Liadan "Quiet that creature."

 

[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

"I'll watch from above," I say in reply to Masama. But I won't fly up yet. When they're gone…

…I look around, but I can't seem to find a good treetop with a view of that cave…



Baldhart

I tell Burnbright, "You will be a strong shield maiden."

I face Red Sash as I give Liadan more to translate. "I am fine with this arrangement. My uncle is a chieftain, and he would not expect his own men to disarm themselves on our own mountain either. Likewise, he would not treat visitors who willingly lay down weapons as prisoners. I trust none of your blades will be aimed at me or any among us, provided we don't give you a reason to believe we intend harm."

I walk forward, telling Red Sash, "Teach me two words: 'forward' and 'stop.' You will use these words to tell me when to approach Korgak, if he permits, and when to stop so I do not stand too close. Agreed?"

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I translate back and forth between the orcs and my company, and answer the leader's question about Marius. <He believes the fall of the coin says you will not harm us. I believe that is for Korgak to decide.>

I turn and shush Branwen as the orc says, then tell the orcs, <The white-winged one is not a harpy, but I believe she will stay behind as you ask.>

I translate Baldhart's instructions for the lead orc, keeping my eyes on him. I hope we can get to Korgak quickly and see if he will aid us.

 

[SeverinR]

Bressel
Steps away from his weapons(towards the orcs, but only a step or two. Nothing as close as Baldhart is.) to show he does not intend to pick them up. He also searches the surroundings, while always knowing where the archer is and the red sash.

Aliron steps near a tree or rock to lean the bow against. (No way he laying it down to be stepped on.) He leans the bow and then sticks the tip of the arrow into the dirt so it is right next to the bow.
He waits to see what happens. (Keeping all the blades where they are.)
He also searches for anyone around, orc side, to the rear, or to either side.
"We have enemies that could be anywhere." He says aloud, to anyone who is listening. "I will defend the children if they need defending. I will not move towards your camp unless you do harm to our group. Know this, if I come, you will not see me. My God is darkness and I am the night. When night comes death comes to those deserving."
Aliron smiles when Branwen sings. "Come Branwen, you scare them, I am not afraid of children. sing to me softly." Aliron smiles at the Sashed Orc. "Go in peace with my friends, and let them leave in peace also, when the conversation is done."
{Liadan can interpret what she wishes.}

Aliron should be behind most of our group, and calls Branwen to do the same. Get her out of striking distance and makes the orc feel more comfortable. The bow is within reach but he is relaxed (as Aliron can be). But he still maintains a clear shot at the sash if needed.
Aliron whispers softly a prayer to bless his arrow in the dirt and the ones in his quiver to protect this group and the children from harm.
When Branwen comes to him, he hums softly to show her what level she can hum without offending the orcs.

 

[AkamaruGames]

Marius

Satisfied by the results of his two-week coin, Marius decides it is a perfect time to rest. The orcs won't be causing any trouble as long as the group doesn't so he slings his bow over his shoulder, slips his arrow back into his quiver, and takes a seat on the ground near a tree. Gazing up longingly at its branches, he wishes it were an apple tree so he could eat an apple while he waits. He gives a wave and says, "Have fun talking to the chief! Bring back souvenirs!"

 

[Philster401]

"I do believe it would be wise for me to come with you Baldhart I might be of some help," Zoran requested as a sign of good faith he handed his sword and bow towards Nissa and asked, "if you can't come could I go in your place and you guard my weapons."
Then i held up my shield, stated, " I am going to bring this to defend myself."
(To see if he can bring shield )

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[Legendary Sidekick]

Nissa

Holy crap, this sword is heavy! In front of the orcs, I take the sword in both hands, then rest it on the ground before taking the bow. I make an effort not to appear as if I'm struggling.

((CHA check for facial expression control and poise, not a STR check. She's not trying to do more than she physically can, so much as lower Zoran's sword to the ground without going ungrrgh and shedding tears, farting, or showing other evidence of a physical struggle in front of a race that, she presumes, does not respect signs of physical weakness.))

I tell Zoran, "If things start to look bad in there, it may do some good to remind the orcs that you defeated the one we brought back, and you also made the decision to spare him and tend to his wounds. Most who fight do not care if the enemy lives or dies. You do. If this Korgak is a good leader, he should respect that."

I ask Liadan, "How long before the rest of us know whether Korgak agrees to talk to us? I don't want to just stand here for a hour not knowing whether we're welcome. Is it reasonable to expect a runner to come to us within a half hour? And I mean a runner and not an army. We won't attack a lone orc with our people inside, unarmed and outnumbered."

 

[Ireth]

Liadan

I look at Nissa when she speaks, and relay her questions to the orcs. I can't help but wonder the same thing.

 

[SeverinR]

[alternate planned action if we enter the camp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2ueHz2GCvI
Bressel will sing "lifeblood" as he walks into camp.
The group will know the group is alright until he stops singing. Then he should be at the meeting.
If attacked he will do an intimidating battle cry and counter attack.)

Aliron will sing with Branwen the same song Bresselsings, but softly not to scare anyone that isn't use to her singing. (part ofour group haven't heard her sing.)

If Bressel does a battle cry, Aliron will send Branwen to Masama and hide inthe shadows.
And play by pm.

 

[Steerpike]

The red-sashed orc watches Bressel carefully as the big man steps forward, moving away from the weapons. The bow-wielding orc keeps his distance with the group, bow still lowered but ready to be raised if need be. The orc with the wolf pulls the animal back a bit more, giving the party members who are going to the camp room to gather.

Burnbright stands beside Baldhart as the orc leader, via a conversation translates by Liadan, teaches Baldhart two short, rough words that translate to "stop" and "forward." When Baldhart is able to say them back to him properly, he grunts.

The orcs cast another look or two at Branwen as she is singing quietly next to Aliron, looks of distaste on their faces whenever they glance at the small harpy. Branwen remains unconcerned with the orcs and busies herself trying to match Aliron's tune.

The orcs look on with amusement as Nissa handles Zoran's large sword, and then perhaps with grudging respect as the small valkyrie manages to wrangle the weapon into place without a lot of visible struggle. Zoran's question about his shield prompts a short discussion amongst the orcs, which the red-sashed orc cuts short with a gesture before telling Liadan "Let him bring the shield if he wishes."

When Liadan explains to the orcs about Marius' coin, the red-sashed orc grunts a laugh. "That coin will not stop a knife or arrow," he says in orc-tongue.

When the group is assembled and ready to set out, the red-sashed orc takes point, looking over at Baldhart with something of a feral grin and saying the orc word for "forward." The bow-wielding orc and the orc with the wolf both insist on bringing up the rear, with the party members walking between the orcs. The orc that the party took captive looks dejected but says little and straightens his shoulders a bit as the group sets out for the camp.

As the group moves away from the camp, the wolf tries to bolt to the left of the trail, a rumbling growl working in its throat. The short chain stops the wolf in its tracks but doesn't stop its growling. The orc holding the wolf scans the woods in the direction the wolf is growling and, seeing nothing, yanks at the chain, dragging the wolf a few feet up the path before the creature finally turns and pads along his master.

The orcs grumble at Bressel's singing but say nothing about it. His voice carries through the hills and trees as the group moves toward the orc camp.

((Going to the orc camp: Baldhart, Callan, Liadan, Cadell, Zoran, Bressel, Burnbright))

The trail to the orc camp is narrow and inclines at an increasing angle as the party moves further up into the hills. The trees on either side become increasingly thick, and the smell of smoke is on the air. At a sharp bend in the path, the red-sashed orc holds up a hand and says "Stop." Then he calls out a few words in orc-tongue, watching up the path toward the camp. He casts an irritated glance at Bressel, then calls out again more loudly to be heard over the singing. An answering call is heard and the orc leader motions the party forward again.

Around the bend, the path moves downward toward a clear area. Logs and branches are arranged around the clearing in a makeshift barricade, with the path moving down to an opening in the barricade. Four armed orcs are positioned along either side of the path as it enters the camp, and one of them barks out a greeting to the red-sashed orc, who moves ahead and has a whispered conversation with the other. The red-sashed orc gestures back toward the group numerous times as the conversation goes on, then finally comes back to the group and gives the "forward" command. It has taken the group a good half hour of navigating the winding path to get here.

At the opposite end of the camp from the trail a large cave opens into a rocky mountainside. Between the trail and the cave is a rudimentary village, with small huts of wood, branches, and animal skins. Smoke issues from the top of a couple of the larger huts, and the smell of cooking meat is on the air. All of the adult orcs in the camp, male and female, are armed with at least knives. Two or three orc children are seen when the party first enters the camp, but these are ushered quickly into huts.

To the group's right, as they approach the cave, is one of the more solid structures in the camp. The wood used to make this long, rectangular building was more carefully chosen, branches and animal hides arranged with care to provide what is likely a watertight structure. One open end of this building has a very basic but serviceable smithy. Along the outside wall of the smithy are two large iron cages, one of which stands empty. The second cage has contains two figures - clearly dwarves by their stature. One of them is sprawled on the floor of the cage, unmoving, the second grasps the bars and looks out at the orcs and the group with contempt.

The cave entrance is guarded by two orcs with leather armor and axes, both of whom have red sashes tied to their arms. The red-sashed orc leading the group tells the party to stop, then moves ahead again to talk to one of these orcs. After a brief conversation, one of the cave guards runs into the cave.

The red-sashed orc guiding the party comes back to the group and says "Korgak will be told you are here. You will speak to him when he is ready."

Back at camp, the sound of Bressel's voice carries long after the party has left. Nissa is able to get back into the air without being seen once the orc-led group is out of sight. Branwen sings along with Aliron, copying the tune both he and Bressel are singing, until Bressel's voice fades into the distance and she is left humming the melody softly to herself.

Tumi mutters and finds a rock to sit on. Masama remains standing, frowning at the darkening sky.

 

[Ireth]

Cadell

As we head to the orcs' camp, I mentally rehearse what I want to say to Korgak and any orcs who will listen. I don't want to make any mistakes that could get people hurt or killed. But who knows what they'll do when I tell them of the alliances we've made so far?

I look around the camp in surprise when we reach it. The sight of orc children is new to me. The sight of the dwarves in the cage makes my pulse quicken. All the more reason to tell them of our alliances -- maybe I can spare a life or two. I fidget with Darin's medallion, wondering whether it's safe to approach the prisoners.

I look around at the orcs and take a few steps toward the cage. If none of them stop me, I'll attempt to speak with the dwarf.