French Wolf's Howl of the Carrion King


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Shimei keeps quiet and circles around the campsite. He hates stopping this close to Kelmarane. He worries that he hasn't adquately covered their trail. He hates the possibility that two dozen gnolls could be on their trail right now. He hates this gnoll, but realizes the value of the information Livvy and Nombir are trying to get. He hopes he's well enough out of the gnoll's sight that he doesn't spook the hyenahead.


male; F +8, R +4, W +3 Human (Garamundi); AC* 17/14/13 or 19/14/15 (* When raging -1) HP 68/55(+8), Rage 14/7, Init +3, PER +8 Barbarian / Titan Mauler / 4; CMB +8, CMD 22

"I'm starting to agree with Shimei". "The only good dog man is a dead dog man". "I have heard enough".

Erizi steps forward to kill the gnoll, unless he is convinced not to.


Livvy holds her hand up to Erizi, "What do you think you are doing? He bargains for his life with those that just wiped out his patrol. At least two of our number have now indicated that they would as soon kill him as look at him.
"His information has value, but only as long as he holds it. Once he gives it to us, there is no reason for us to keep him alive other than our honor. So he wishes to seal the agreement in blood. I do not blame him. If you have honor, stay back and let Nombir and I handle this. If you insist on killing him, bound and unarmed, I cannot begin to express the depth of my disappointment. Perhaps he is right. Perhaps I should just give him back his weapon so he can die with honor, in battle."

Diplomacy for trying to sway Erizi, but it's still Erizi's player's call - this is just to see if she got the nonverbal cues right. Scranfor will have to evaluate the words... 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22


Male Human Cleric 2

Nombir steps between the Gnoll and Erizi. "I told the Gnoll he would live if he complies. If he doesn't then he's yours, but until then keep watch please and let Livvy continue. Without honour we are no better than the Gnoll".

Diplomacy

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

The Exchange

The gnoll listens and pants at Livvy, "give me Turrus sword and I fight that one!"


Livvy turns her back on the cleric of Abadar and the gladiator to face the captive gnoll once again. She holds both hands before her, palms down, in a calming gesture.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

In Gnoll:

Spoiler:
"Turrus? That one is impetuous, but he will see reason and calm down. I do not wish for either of you to be harmed. Be calm, answer my questions, and you will see the dawn. I ask again, what do you offer in exchange for the sight of tomorrow's sun rising? If I am to enter into a pact with you, I wish to know what I will receive."

FW:

Spoiler:
It's up to you to decide if he believes her, but Livvy intends to "cut hands" to seal the bond if she feels that the gnoll will cooperate.


male; F +8, R +4, W +3 Human (Garamundi); AC* 17/14/13 or 19/14/15 (* When raging -1) HP 68/55(+8), Rage 14/7, Init +3, PER +8 Barbarian / Titan Mauler / 4; CMB +8, CMD 22
Nombir Kadesh wrote:

Nombir steps between the Gnoll and Erizi. "I told the Gnoll he would live if he complies. If he doesn't then he's yours, but until then keep watch please and let Livvy continue. Without honour we are no better than the Gnoll".

Diplomacy

1d20+5

Erizi stops and stares at his two companions. "Why should I care about honor". "To me continuing to breathe is more important than honor". "He will turn on us at the first opportunity, and either betray us or kill us". "He is evil and will never be our friend". "We have used him and gotten information...now we kill him". "I do not understand why you place his flea-bitten, misbegotten live above those of your companions".

"Now stand away while I smash his head in...and before you ask, no, do not untie him or give him a weapon". "That is not honorable, that is stupid".


Erizi the Landless wrote:

Erizi stops and stares at his two companions. "Why should I care about honor". "To me continuing to breathe is more important than honor". "He will turn on us at the first opportunity, and either betray us or kill us". "He is evil and will never be our friend". "We have used him and gotten information...now we kill him". "I do not understand why you place his flea-bitten, misbegotten live above those of your companions".

"Now stand away while I smash his head in...and before you ask, no, do not untie him or give him a weapon". "That is not honorable, that is stupid".

Livvy looks over her shoulder at the big man, meeting his gaze, before pointedly ignoring him and turning back to the gnoll, awaiting his response.

The Exchange

There is no need to keep making diplomacy rolls. You made a very good roll at the beginning, Livvy, and I'll ask if I need more. Forget the 9.

"Turrus not him, Turrus was sword holder and first of us until he kill him with one blow from hammer. I protect you for sword, act as guard. What else is there? Call me Rova."

I'd love to be there watching Livvy the halfling face off against the barbarian Erizi.


Male Human Cleric 2

Is anybody good at sense motive? Now would be a good time!

Nombir moves closer to the Gnoll. "Livvy, please make sure he understands what I'm about to say to him". Speaking to the Gnoll "I want to know where the rest of your pack is located and want to know now?! You can have a sword once our time in this place is finished and you are set free"


male; F +8, R +4, W +3 Human (Garamundi); AC* 17/14/13 or 19/14/15 (* When raging -1) HP 68/55(+8), Rage 14/7, Init +3, PER +8 Barbarian / Titan Mauler / 4; CMB +8, CMD 22

Sense Motive (1d20=6)

Erizi stops in his tracks and looks at Livvy a strange look appearing on his face. He looks at Livvy, then at the gnoll, then back at Livvy. Then in a soft voice..."I see". "You have chosen your pack mate". "I do not blame you". "We almost lost our lives due to my inability to strike true". "You are wise to choose a new defender".

He then turns and walks off into the darkness, calling over his shoulder. "I do not need you either".

BTW not just being contrary here. Erizi actually has no idea how to function in a group environment. He has spent his whole life in a dog eat dog environment.


French Wolf wrote:
I'd love to be there watching Livvy the halfling face off against the barbarian Erizi.

Totally agree - that would be a sight. I once played a halfling sorceress that averted a TPK with a marvelous Diplomacy roll against an ogre. She now counts him among her friends...

Livvy looks back at the barbarian with amazement, speechless as he walks away. "Can someone talk some sense into him? I'm a little busy here!"

She turns to Rova the Gnoll again:

Spoiler:
"You want to fight for us, to guard me, in exchange for the sword of Turrus? You know that we may be fighting gnolls, may be fighting your packmates? We need to know of the gnolls of the city - how many there are, where are they, what they do. I do not expect you to take up sword for me, only give me information. Would you tell us what we ask and fight with us? Do you wish to join our pack?"


From the undergrowth Shimei sees the confrontation. Erizi has some sense at least, but he lacks the adder's patience. Shimei chuckles at his little joke. Then he glances back toward the main party. Must they take so long!?

He finds a clearing and kneels down with his bow. He takes the oil and cloth from his pack and begins to rub down his bow.

***

When Erizi walks off, Dog remains a while in camp growlig softly at the gnoll. Then he stands, shakes himself, and trots after the slave.


Male Human (Keleshite) Wizard (conjurer) 2

Zaid stays in the undergrowth, not about to approach Eziri when he is in a mood like this.


Male Human Cleric 2

Nombir looks exasperated as Erizi walks off. "Will somebody please get a grip of him! He's a fine warrior and we need him, but his unpredictability is starting to become a problem! There's no time for this!"

The Exchange

Yeah, my family are all ill now, just colds and lacdk of sleep but thats why posting is out for the next few days. Everyone has taken their turn on antibiotics, sorry.


Dog stalks Erizi carefully. He creeps up behind the gladiator slave before dashing in to nose the slave's buttocks in the friendly inquiring manner of dogs.


male; F +8, R +4, W +3 Human (Garamundi); AC* 17/14/13 or 19/14/15 (* When raging -1) HP 68/55(+8), Rage 14/7, Init +3, PER +8 Barbarian / Titan Mauler / 4; CMB +8, CMD 22

Erizi steps just out of the range of the camp, and finds a soft spot to lay down. He remembers last time he left the group they almost got killed, and though the betrayers did not deserve his protection, he would not leave them to their fate this time.

As he's arranging his hidden sleeping spot, he is startled by dog's appearance. Erizi removes his armor to tend his wounds, pushing dog's head away as he attempts to help. "You may not eat my corpse yet friend...but maybe soon".

Heal Check (1d20=13)

He lay down to rest, his wounds throbbing more than he'd like to admit, Dog curling up beside him...not sure who had the most fleas.


Dog lies next to Erizi licking his own wounds. Then he shifts position to scratch behind his ear. Then he starts licking Erizi's wounds.

Shimei finishes caring for the bow and packs up his kit.

In a much calmer frame of mind he returns to the others in camp. He affects to ignore the gnoll, but watches from the corner of his eye.

"When will we move again? We need to get farther away and then rest."


Male Human (Keleshite) Wizard (conjurer) 2

"My preference would be now. You are right, we cannot rest here."

The Exchange

Right everyone is healthy-ish for now.

To Livvy in gnoll

Spoiler:
"I live with your pack or die on my own. Pack is good, tribe of one gets picked off and thrown to the larka in the pesh.


Sense Motive (does she think he's telling the truth?) 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

FW:

Spoiler:

Welcome back! I may be a bit more distracted than usual today, will try to formulate a response. Maybe after you let me know if she buys his claim or not.

The Exchange

Livvy

Spoiler:
There is alot of truth in what he says and ....well gnolls aren't the easiest creatures to read.


Livvy looks at Rova the gnoll for a long time. She seems to come to a decision suddenly and waves Nombir over to her, beckoning him to come close so she can whisper to him.

In Draconic:

Spoiler:
Do you speak this language?

Then in Halfling:

Spoiler:
Do you speak this language?

Then in Goblin:

Spoiler:
Do you speak this language?

As she tries each, she watches Rova to see a) if he can hear and b) if he can understand her.

I will wait until I know Nombir's response(s) to proceed...

The Exchange

The gnoll watches Livvy and then Nombir and then Livvy and so on. He does not seem to recognise any of her words.


Shimei scowls. He doesn't seem to understand any of these words either.


Female Halfling Rogue 3

Norn watching Erizi leave the camp quietly follows the gladiator "You know you may be being a little hard on Livvy and Yourself." she pipes up from the nearby rock she is sitting on.


Female Halfling Rogue 3

Also odd question but what lvl is everyone else?


male; F +8, R +4, W +3 Human (Garamundi); AC* 17/14/13 or 19/14/15 (* When raging -1) HP 68/55(+8), Rage 14/7, Init +3, PER +8 Barbarian / Titan Mauler / 4; CMB +8, CMD 22
Norn Jural wrote:
Also odd question but what lvl is everyone else?

2nd. What are you doing down there at 1st level


Erizi the Landless wrote:
Norn Jural wrote:
Also odd question but what lvl is everyone else?
2nd. What are you doing down there at 1st level

Aye, you and I should be at the same xp, my friend.


Female Halfling Rogue 3

Ok corrected the slight oversight and added 2nd lvl hp
1d8 ⇒ 5

The Exchange

What next, folks?


I thought Livy and the gnoll were still talking. Let's grab Erizi and get out of here. We should bring the gnoll. After we camp and rest we can let him go. If we let him go now he will set pursuit on our trail too quickly. Or kill him.


Livvy was waiting to see if Nombir (and Rova) understood any of her other languages so she could confer with the cleric without giving anything away to the gnoll.

Livvy looks a bit frustrated at the lack of response, but she knows that most people do not have the time to study additional languages. She gestures for the man to bring an ear down to her height and she shares the following. Livvy asks him to share with the others, at least those that are near.

Whispered to Nombir:

Spoiler:
"I believe that Rova intends to join our "pack" on the condition that we provide him with the flind's sword. I believe him and am willing to take advantage of his possible loyalty - even if he plans to betray us, we should be able to take advantage of that betrayal, too, if we plan well. We might need to separate our party so he doesn't know where everyone is or what the plan is, of course. Please see what the others think."


Male Human Cleric 2

Nombir listens to Livvy "Very well Livvy, thank you" and then turns to talk to the others. He moves over to Zaid first.

Zaid

Spoiler:

"Livvy thinks that Rova intends to join our "pack" on the condition that we provide him with the flind's sword. She believes him and I agree with her that we could take advantage of his possible loyalty - even if he plans to betray us, we should be able to take advantage of that betrayal, too, if we plan well. We might need to separate our party so he doesn't know where everyone is or what the plan is, of course. Have a think and discuss it with the others while I help guard the Gnoll"

Nombir the re-joins Livvy "the others will let us know what they think of the proposal shortly" say Nombir and winks at Livvy.


She grins and leans in close. "I think secrets are fun!"

She turns to the gnoll and speaks in his tongue.

In Gnoll to Rova:

Spoiler:
My pack works together, decides together. If you would join the pack, the packmates must agree. We wait to see what the packmates say. If the packmates agree, we will cut hands to seal our bond. Good?


Male Human (Keleshite) Wizard (conjurer) 2

Zaid tells Shimei and Eziri what Nombir told him.

"Lets play along, you can always kill him later. In the meantime, we need to leave this place soon!"

The Exchange

Rova replies in common to Livvy

"Good, it would be a bite if you were a true pack. Bite from the pack leader but cut is for small teeth like you."


French Wolf wrote:

Rova replies in common to Livvy

"Good, it would be a bite if you were a true pack. Bite from the pack leader but cut is for small teeth like you."

I love it. The halfling nods, "Makes sense."


Inwardly, Shimei recoils from the idea of a gnoll pack member, but he can see the utility of the ploy -- and the risk. "You can't trust a hyena. If we show any weakness he will turn on us! What if it is in a fight? What if he runs?"

The desert rat thinks some more. "Nombir leads. If he agrees I will follow."

If we do this, I'd like to put Rova on point with Shimei behind him to watch for tricksy tricks.

FW:

Spoiler:
Would Shimei have any idea how common the name Rova is? If so may I use that info?


male; F +8, R +4, W +3 Human (Garamundi); AC* 17/14/13 or 19/14/15 (* When raging -1) HP 68/55(+8), Rage 14/7, Init +3, PER +8 Barbarian / Titan Mauler / 4; CMB +8, CMD 22

Erizi listens to Zaid's speech without expression. "That is the stupidest thing that I've ever heard". "Let's also get some vipers to warm our bed rolls, and some scorpions to keep our boots tight".

FW

Spoiler:
At first opportunity Erizi will coup-de-gras the Gnoll

The Exchange

Shimei

Spoiler:
Make an Int or Wisdom check and factor in +2 for your hatred. If you get more than 10 then you know it is a common name, for sure.

Erizi

Spoiler:
Do you mean when he sleeps. He needs to be helpless for that to work.

The Exchange

Rova will go wherever he is ordered, but he cringes and shies away from Erizi whenever the warrior comes close. His tail and ears go down and he slumps submissively.

The gnoll is willing to go first, with Shimei behind. He carries the rusty greatsword with some pride though.


Male Human Cleric 2

"Right that's that sorted. Rova" nombir points his sword at the Gnoll "will go at the front of our pack with that man" Nombir points at Shimei. "You will do what he tells you without question, or you will answer to him!" Nombir points at Erizi.

"Ok Shimei, lets get out of here. Everybody fall in and lets move"

Nombir will trust Shimei's judgement on where to go next, as we just need to get away from here, decide what we are going to do next and make a suitable plan.

FW - I'm still waiting for Rova to divulge the enemy strength in Kelmaraine please. He's been asked twice and he is submissive after all! Thanks

The Exchange

Rova shakes his head when asked again, "I said big pack, many mates, some out hunting."

And that is his best answer.


It sounds like we are moving forward with Rova in the pack despite some negative responses, if that is the case, Livvy will go through with the "hand-cutting" that Rova proposed.

Now that he's a member of the pack, Livvy will present him with the rusty greatsword and start pumping him for information about the town - without the adversarial overtones of talking to a prisoner, of course.

She will also look for an opportunity to talk to Erizi out of earshot from the gnoll, whispering if necessary.

Spoiler:
"I did not have an opportunity to explain what I'm doing, but Rova is someone that has been in the town. He knows things we want to know.

"As a prisoner, he was not talking much - threatening death did not help because he considered himself already dead. If we let him go, he could not return to the town or he would be killed. So he saw three choices - we could kill him, he could escape or be let go and die in the desert alone, or he could join our band. I felt that as a member of our "pack," he might be willing to tell us things that he would not as a condemned gnoll.

"I know you do not want to trust him. That's good. I don't know if I want to trust him, either. But I'm asking you to tolerate him for now. Give him a chance to prove himself worthy or unworthy. Give us a chance to find out what he knows. If we start a fight in the town and he dies in our cause, that's one of our party that did not die. If we start a fight in the town and he changes sides, we really have lost nothing. You don't have to like him, you don't have to trust him. Make him earn your trust, but give him a chance to do so. When I've given up and feel he needs to die, you will be the first to know.

"OK?"

The Exchange

Livvy make one last Diplomacy check to gather any useful information.


Uh-oh, not a strong suit...

Diplomacy 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4


male; F +8, R +4, W +3 Human (Garamundi); AC* 17/14/13 or 19/14/15 (* When raging -1) HP 68/55(+8), Rage 14/7, Init +3, PER +8 Barbarian / Titan Mauler / 4; CMB +8, CMD 22

FW

Spoiler:
Yes. While he is sleeping. In Erizi's eyes he's just beating him to the punch...thought this won't win him any points with the rest of the party...it's what he would do.


male; F +8, R +4, W +3 Human (Garamundi); AC* 17/14/13 or 19/14/15 (* When raging -1) HP 68/55(+8), Rage 14/7, Init +3, PER +8 Barbarian / Titan Mauler / 4; CMB +8, CMD 22

Livy

Spoiler:
Little one, believe me I know best. I have been places and seen things you would not believe...and this one is not to be trusted. He will lie, and if he doesn't kill us in our sleep, or sneak away to bring others, he will find another way to harm us. No good can come of this. I appreciate that your heart is good, but Gnolls are bad. Earlier he would have slit your throat and drank your blood...and now you want to befriend him.

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