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Hakaam considers what manner of beast could have dug it's way out of the ground in such a massive way before frowning at Darro's revelation. "It seems we must be the essence of discretion then. Shall we do as we did in Janderhof? Mighty Gulrog, how long would one travel the tunnels before arriving to a more "open" area?" he asks, toying idly with an extract on his belt as his tail begin to rummage through his backpack.
Gulrog shrugs, "time kind of gets away from ya in the tunnels but I'd say roughly 3 hours"
The monotony of cavern terrain—gray sand, gray walls, and gray rocks—is broken by the appearance of a fierce banner as the tunnels open into a slightly wider stretch of cavern. At the cavern’s center, a standard constructed from a column of giant vertebrae is planted into the sandy floor. An intact femur forms the standard’s cross beam, and a sheet of purple cloth hangs from its knobby prominences. An image of an orc skull almost entirely encircled by coiled spinal column is emblazoned across the banner’s center.
You recognize that the placement of the banner in the cavern is a sort of ritual challenge.
Entering this small cavern, you can't help but notice the vast amount of orcs in the area as well.
“Pinkskins! I told you, Kogan! I may not be able to see them before you, but I can smell their perfumed skin long before you spot them.” Emerging from the shadows, a large orc with prominent lower tusks, milky white eyes, and innumerable scars steps forward and snorts contemptuously. “And what’s more, I reckon these pinkskins are the Pathfinders we were expecting.”
A toothy grin spreads across the orc’s meaty face as the guttural laughs of several more orcs echo off the cavern walls. He continues, “I am Magra of the Broken Spine Clan. I demand to know what right Pathfinders have to cross into the Hold of Belkzen and pass beneath Urgir’s walls—all without the protection of the clans. It is especially galling when your Society owes me so much gold!”
The hidden orcs laugh again, and impossibly, his grin widens. “And before you let your itchy weapon hands get the better of you, know that I have an entire clan of brothers in Urgir who expect me back soon and know where to come find me. If they fail to find me alive, rest assured that they will find you.”
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Magra of the Broken Spine Clan. We travel in search of information beyond the edge of your city.
If gold you are expecting from us, we have none to give.
You speak as if you knew of our arrival.
Who told you to expect us and what reason did they give?
If they said we were to pay you, they were mistaken.
We do not want conflict with your clan if mutual agreement can be made.
How do we arrange for protection by your clan and from whom do we need protection?
Know that others are expecting us to return as well.
Victoria will say most in common but the last sentence she will try out her new ring of eloquence and speak in the orc tongue, using his own words against him.
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Hakaam slows down to look at the banner on display.
"ਨੂੰ ਇੱਕ ਜੰਗ ਖੱਚਰ ਦੇ ਕੋੜ੍ਹੀ ਜਣਨ! Ahem. This banner bears the mark of the Broken Spine clan of Orcs. Those orcs are a violent tribe, with a hatred of humans, especially human members of the Pathfinder Society.
Hakkam pauses for a moment longer. "The placement, of the banner has meaning as well. This banner is a sign of challenge from the orcs. Troubling indeed" he comments as orcs begin appearing out of nowhere. Thinking quickly as Victoria begins speaking, Hakaam attempts to come up with a response that an orc would heed.
"It seems we are evenly matched, Magra of the Broken Spine" he finally says with a unctuous smile that is nonetheless slightly dismissive. "We travel within the holds using the greatest right that orcs know of: the right of might. Our might has been proven in the arenas of Urglin, and before that many times over in fights beyond your ken. My senior here may speak words that ring soft, but her anger is hard and deadly. Nonetheless, because we honor the clans of the holds, and because it is the will of my seniors, we seek to answer the challenge put forth by your clan; will you do your banner dishonor by not allowing a pink-skinned Pathfinder to take it? If we are weak, surely then we must fail your task."
Frowning, "I bet big on the champion of Urglin and you crushed him, you owe me 2,000 gold, or if you want to prove your "might"" she spits as she says it, almost as if its disgusting to say you could even challenge her, "You can fight my champion, Kogan,"
A huge burly orc steps forward, he flexes, his pecs dancing in the torch light. He is carrying a Falchion.
"If you choose to fight Kogan in One on One combat then you can pass freely and your debt forgiven, or just pay me my 2,000 gold and I'll let you pass freely,"
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"Kind, gentle Magra of the Broken Spine, while I would delight at dealing with your champion, my companion and his wolf would be very much interested in taking up that challenge. Would you consider a pinkskin pet too much of a challenge to add onto your... Well... Champion I suppose would be the term to use for him."
Magra considers the terms, that of allowing Darro and Blackthorn to compete together, confers with her champion and then back to you guys, "Kogan has agreed, he could use a new Wolf Pelt bedroll, Hah Hah!"
Turning to walk away into a more shadowing corner of the cave to watch the fight.
just in case - everyone else
Round 1 - Fight! - As usual bold is up, no buffing was allowed as you're being allowed your animal companion as well.
Darro + Blackthorn
Kogan
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Hakaam coughs. "I see that you have used the Shield Other on your champion. How refreshing it is to see that the Broken Spine clan has so little confidence in their own. Unless this is cowardice? I am truely sorry if I am mistaken, I am but an aberration upon this world. Shall we have someone on our side cast a spell on our champion?"
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Archibald moves aside but begins doing a cheerleading dance to try and lift his spirits.
Blackthorn, Blackthorn he's our man if he can't do it, Nobody can Archibald shouts as he jumps and gives and tries to lead the crowd in a chant.
Give me a B Archibald says expectantly, hoping someone plays along.
Give me an L
Archibald suddenly realizes how long this name is
Give me an Ackthorn!
Watching Darro step forward and cast a spell on them self and the wolf, "Grrr looks like they already cast their spell, 'sides, how we're supposed ta know we'd be fighting you,"
Waving her hand off, seemingly oblivious to Archibalds helpful cheering, "Whatever just fight, Kogan, kill their pathetic champion and lets get on with it,"
Kogan obliges, confidently walks forward, starting his rage as he does so, attempting to roll into position without provoking.
Grunting as the wolf takes a bite at him,
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**TRIP ATTACK on successful hit***
Blackthorn chomps down on his shoulder but doesn't drag him to the ground, Kogan returns the favor with a vicious vital strike Falchion attack.
Round 2 - Fight! -
Darro | Blackthorn 20 damage
Kogan 10 damage
Kugan takes a walloping arrow to the chest but his ring glows a softly and some of the damage is wisked away, laughing mightily as Blackthorn is unable to land a chomp any where on the Orc, Kogan able to interpose his falchion between the wolfs large teeth.
Throwing Blackthorn off of him, Kogan again attacks, pressing the assault as he slashes with all his might into the wolf.
Staring Blackthorn down, he growls, "I'm gonna bed many orcs ladies on your pelt, Ha Ha!"
Round 2 - Fight! -
Darro | Blackthorn 43 damage
Kogan 22 damage
Magra 26 damage via Shield Other
Blackthorn tries to get a bite in edgewise but just can't seem to land a blow on the raging barbarian, meanwhile Darro fires off a flurry of arrows, three of them finding their target, sticking in the raging barbarian, damn near knocking him down.
Kogan, frothing at the mouth mad as he continues taking damage will once again slice into Blackthorn, power attacking with all his might!
While his blow was mighty, it cleaves into a stalagmite nearby sending a shower of dirt and rock in the area, Blackthorn growls angrily, unhurt.
Magra casts a spell on herself, wicking away much of the damage she has sustained before she herself falls unconscious.
Round 3 - Fight! -
Darro | Blackthorn 43 damage
Kogan 66 damage
Magra 46 damage via Shield Other
Darro lets rip a volley of arrows, peppering the Orc Barbarian, turning him into a raging porcupine more than anything else. With his dying breath he glares at the wolf as it tears into his throat, finishing him off.
Magra watches the scene and screams a feral howl as wounds erupt over her body as well, killing her at the same time.
The rest of the orcs are quiet, the only sound in the cave is Blackthorn's panting.
They kind of just watch you guys, realizing they are hopelessly outmatched.
potions of cure moderate wounds (2)
+1 breastplate
greataxe
javelin
belt of mighty constitution +2
potion of cure serious wounds
+1 breastplate,
+1 falchion,
javelin,
amulet of natural armor +1
The tunnel system soon opens into an obvious ruin site. Once a gate into the Sky Citadel of Koldukar, this area greatly contrasts with the rough passages encountered previously. Expertly worked walls, vaulted ceilings that stretch to a height of 20 feet, and stone-tiled floors suggest the work of master builders. Thick stone walls damp with mildew make the entire area reek of wet earth. Any metal sconces and implements have long since rusted away, leaving behind only reddish stains.
Twin doors etched with scenes of dwarven glory stand atop a raised marbled dais. Flanking this remarkable entrance, two mammoth statues of dwarven warriors hold out their hands in a silent welcome. Deep lines carved into the statues might have once been inlaid with various metals, though they are now empty. Ochre graffiti covers much of the fine architecture.
You notice off to the left, its rather well hidden, the orcs had been unable to find it
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Hakaam noting the quality of the pieces on their defeated foes, grabs them and gives them for safekeeping to Darro or his Wolf companion.
Later on, as he looks about for traps, Hakaam is the first to notice the reddish stains. And the lack of anything metallic.
"Something has decomposed the ferrous material here. Interesting" mutters Hakaam as he looks about worriedly.
"I do not see anything that could have caused this phenomenon. Perhaps it is a matter of time, location and actions taken in the distant past."