** intervention continues **
"I *don't* need your help!"
She settles in a place far Charlie, and while she picks a little, she eats less. Occasionally, she chitters and clicks to Wraith, though the spider gives no sign inside it's locked cage that it can hear her.
Briar sups lightly, making small talk when he deigns, and enjoys himself.
Barael tackles the dinner with zeal. He dots the conversation with several 'do you mind?'s, as he evaluates the more durable food items that he tucks away in his Haversack. He'll be slow to recognize discouraging looks.
Nikolay dines with the rest. He quietly enjoys the offered liquors while waiting for the real conversations to begin later.
Thousand Bones leads the conversation and, always the diplomat, steers it around in circles. By the time the meal is over, you've learned more or less nothing new - excepting perhaps a few tidbits about the Cinderlands you didn't already know from traveling there.
As the meal comes to an end however, there is some commotion outside as another honored guest arrives at the encampment. There is a moment of quiet voices, and a large Shoanti strides into the tent with a small cadre trailing in his wake.
"Chief One-Life, I am Krojun of the Sklar-Quah and I have brought the great warrior Berak of the Sklar-Quah to be buried here. The road has been long and…" He trails off as his eyes adjust and he sees who the other guests of One-Life are. He stutters a moment and flecks of foam gather at the corners of his mouth.
He visibly sneers at the party and turns back to One-Life demanding, "Why do the Skoan-Quah harbor tshamek trespassers?"
As Chief One-Life struggles to find an explanation that won’t further enrage the towering visitor, Thousand Bones nods at the giant’s words as though considering them carefully, but then responds sharply, “Tell me, Krojun, when did the Sklar-Quah become judges of who trespasses on the Kallow Mounds where the ashes of our fathers lie?”
“Your words change the question, Thousand Bones,” answers the Shoanti with a snort. “These ones bring trouble to the Cinderlands, and you know it. The coming days shall reveal to us all who is right about them.”
“Perhaps,” answers Thousand Bones. “But not today, and not here. Would you have word of Berak’s burial tainted by bloodshed get back to your Sun Shaman?”
Krojun pauses, the cords in his neck straining, but then he exhales and grins. “You misunderstand me, Thousand Bones. My grief has wounded my words. But see to it that no tshamek defiles our memories here.” His smile broadens as he pulls a thin leather loop from one of his packs. “Certainly, though, guests of the Skoan-Quah must be brave to come this far. You wouldn’t mind if I tested the courage and strength of your guests, would you?”
Thousand Bones turns to the party and shrugs indicating that the choice is yours. One of you may answer the challenge.
Nikolay stands up quickly at the chance to do more than talk.
"A test of strength and courage is always welcome. What manner of test do you propose?"
Briar leans in to watch the 'Sward accept this challenge.
This should be interesting.
"We shall engage in the test of Sredna." he says simply.
Thousand Bones explains the rules while Krojun prepares.
In sredna, two opponents face one another on their hands and knees with their foreheads spaced just over a foot apart. The contest requires a thin cord of leather tied in a loop. One end of the loop is placed behind the ears of each competitor so that the players are bound to one another. When the game begins, each player stares his opponent in the eye while slowly attempting to crawl backwards. The resulting tug-of-war results in extreme pain as the leather digs into the soft part of the back of the neck and skull. At some point, one of the competitors relents, acknowledging defeat by bowing his head, causing the strap to roll over the top.
When a sredna match begins, each player must spend three “breaths” (3 rounds) staring into each other’s eyes before attempting to pull. Pulling before the 4th round is an immediate disqualification. Intimidation and patience are almost as important tools to win sredna matches as is strength. During these initial 3 rounds, the players make opposed Intimidate checks by growling, gnashing teeth, and spitting insults. Each time a player wins one of these checks, he gains two sredna points, and in the case of a tied Intimidate check, both players gain one sredna point.
On the 4th round, each character makes an Initiative check to determine when he moves. On his turn, a character may opt to tug or dig in. Tug: The characters make opposed Strength checks. A defending character who dug in on his previous turn receives a +4 bonus on this check. If the tugging character wins the check, he gains two sredna points. If he fails (or if the results are evenly matched), his opponent gains two sredna points instead. Dig In: The character readies himself to withstand his opponent’s tug, he gains a +4 bonus on his next Strength check to resist a tug.
At the end of each round, total up each player’s sredna points. This is the DC each player must make on a Fortitude save to continue the match. A player who fails this save collapses and loses the match. If both players fail their saving throw, the match is declared a draw. Characters who possess the Endurance feat gain a +4 bonus on this saving throw.
So let's start with three round of Intimidate checks and an initiative roll.
As the rules are explained to him, Nikolay's curiosity is peaked.
It's not swordplay, but sounds interesting.
"I accept the challenge."
Nikolay strips down to his pants and takes his position.
"Please be sure to bend your head in time so your neck does not snap like the chicken being prepared for feast."
Nikolay then spits into the ground and bares his teeth as he stares at Krojun.
Nikolay goes all out and pulls each round.
If it's appropriate, Fondo cheers Nikolay on, coaching him on how to intimidate a Shoanti. "Don't let that weakling Lyrune intimidate you. Show him what a man of the Harrow can do."
Charlie grabs a bottle and some munchies and settles in.
So it looks like Krojun wins the Intimidate portion of the test even with Fondos inspiration, which is not too surprising as he's been doing this for many, many years and has honed some skill at it. Still, Nikolay is at least a little impressed with his single minded purpose, and it really is uncomfortable being that close to someone who's foaming at the mouth and gnashing his teeth so.
Krojun likes Nikolay's approach - all out tugging - and matches it tug for tug rather than trying something more subtle.
Round 4
Krojun has 6 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 0.
vs DC 17
vs DC 1
Round 5
Krojun has 7 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 1.
vs DC 24
vs DC 1
Round 6
Krojun has 7 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 3.
vs DC 18
vs DC 3
Round 7
Krojun has 9 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 3.
vs DC 16
vs DC 3
Round 8
Krojun has 11 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 3.
vs DC 7
vs DC 3
At the end of 8 rounds the two warriors are straining and stretching and pulling. Krojun has 13 Sredna points to Nikolay's 3 so while Krojun clearly has the upper hand in strength (and a few lucky rolls!) he cannot get the fortitudinal Nikolay to back down. How long can Nikolay last? A one on the save is still a fail - will Krojun drop out to bad luck? Tune in tomorrow as Nikolay posts another several rounds of combat!
As the minute mark approaches Nikolay's endurance begins to run out. He continues to fight on, but his head begins to dip. He just hopes that Krojun's fails first.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Briar watches the action.
The two combatants sweat and strain against each other, the thin leather strap leaving a bright red welt in the soft back of the neck and cutting into the ears. The next few rounds Nikolay picks up the pace and pulls Krojun back, but Krojun summons inner strength and eventually (in round 15!) defeats Nikolay who is forced to bow his head from the pain.
The victor is complementary in your defeat, “You pull like an aurochs dam in heat, little tshamek. Well done!” He finishes his compliment with a quick nod of the head and a grin before rejoining his brothers.
Thousand Bones smiles and says, "Well done indeed. Not to many go against Krojun for so long. Now, let us get you a yurt or two so you may rest." He leads you deeper into the camp and offers you two tents to while away the afternoon. "I'll return for you at supper. You may, if you like, wander the camp, but do not leave it." he hesitates, "And do be careful if you interact with other Shoanti. They are not all as respectful as Krojun."
With that he leaves you. The tents are, of course, warm, but they are comfortable, and there are a few snacks and plenty of water in large jugs.
Krojun has 13 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 3.
vs DC 18
vs DC 5
Round 10
Krojun has 13 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 5.
vs DC 19
vs DC 7
Round 11
Krojun has 13 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 7.
vs DC 22
vs DC 9
Round 12
Krojun has 13 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 9.
vs DC 11
vs DC 9
Round 13
Krojun has 15 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 9.
vs DC 13
vs DC 9
Round 14
Krojun has 17 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 9.
vs DC 9
vs DC 9
Round 15
Krojun has 19 Sredna Points and Nikolay has 9.
vs DC 11
vs DC 9
Fondo gives Nikolay a hand up and smiles. "Auroch indeed."
He wanders the camp a bit, doing his best to meet the assembled Shoanti with a respectful, friendly face, and looking for signs of any hidden plans for aggression against the party.
Dandi watches the contest from the back, toying with her hair. once alone with the others in a yurt (if that ends up being possible, she burbles off something to Nikolay as well.
Briar congratulates Nikolay on persisting so long.
"You struggled mightily, 'Sward. That was impressive...almost elflike," Briar says earnestly.
Briar will spend the rest of the time in quiet contemplation as Briar does not deign to believe that these barbarians have much of magic to discuss/share.
Nikolay picks himself up from the ground and brushes off the dirt before offering Krojun a handshake. "Well done, sir. Thank you for the opportunity to test myself."
If any of the Shoanti women seem impressed with the sweating defeated tshamek, Nikolay will wander their way with a flask in hand. Otherwise, Nikolay looks about for anyone with a sword that might be interested in some practice as he waits for the real discussions to begin.
Barael sidles up to Nik, slaps him on his bare stomach, and chuckles. "You sorry ox!! It's all in the breath! Control your gut muscles, and you woulda had him under half a minute!!" Barael wipes his now sweat-covered hand on his pant leg.
"That's alright though. You'll get him next time. Now you know how it's meant to be played." Barael winks at Nik, before retreating to the tents.
"YES! That's the way! Here, take a hit from my personal best." Charlie takes a skin out of the haversack and offers it to Nik before taking a pull.
The afternoon passes largely uneventfully.
Fondo finds a lot of open hostility to his presence. Even the more friendly Shoanti avoid him 'crossing the street' or passing behind the yurt whenever he walks near. He feels that if he pushes contact he's likely to start a fight no matter how diplomatically he tries.
Dandilions rest is disturbed by frequent desires pulling at the frayed edges of her consciousness and she finds napping to be uncomfortable. Deyanira, in the yurt with her, does her best to give Dandilion space, but her very presence makes it hard to concentrate. You're never really alone anymore...
Nikolay encounters the same feelings as Fondo and determines that any sword play with these people at this time would quickly devolve into a real combat with real consequences. The parties presence here has the Shoanti on edge and it's respect for their elders, and Thousand Bones in particular, that keeps their weapons sheathed.
The friendliest Shoanti here, other than Thousand Bones, seems to be Krojun, and he's seeing to a dead comrade. He at least smiled at Nikolay. You will learn his full name however, as he seems to be the talk of the camp and you can overhear conversations fairly easily. His full name is Krojun Eats what he Kills and he's a ritual cannibal (at least).
Dinner is brought to you in your yurts. Auroch steaks with a variety of root vegetables all cooked over an open fire and heavily spiced. It's quite good, though it does have you reaching for the water more than the food you're accustomed to.
Any final preparations before the Bone Council Fire that night?
Fondo harumphs at the bluster around him. Odd folk if they can resist my charms. The gods've surely set them on the path of hostility...
He follows his instincts about whether to arm himself openly at the council fire.
Good question. The Bone Council fire will be attended by very few you think. Possibly only the leadership and the party. You question whether Deyanira is even invited, but her presence certainly won't sully the parties reputation.
As to weapons, it'd be expected. The Shoanti go everywhere armed. They would consider it foolish not to as you never know when you must defend yourselves - especially from outsiders. If anything they'll likely be more heavily armed at this meeting.
Dandi paces, but Deyanira gets in her way, she tries to rest, but the woman's breathing keeps her awake. Finally, she snaps at the woman before she can stop herself.
Briar has no special preparations. He just can't believe he's found a more unwelcoming place than Korvosa.
Barael puts on some cologne, and asks around for someone to clean up his clothes through magicks. He paces a bit, feeling more on edge, only because everyone in camp is on edge. Aroden, it's been awhile, but just keep us outta trouble when we go and talk with the leaders tonight, ok?
Fondo happily removes Barael's stink. Can't seem to get rid of the smell of cheese though...
As night falls, Thousand Bones invites the PCs to join him at the center of the camp. The majority of the other Skoan Quah retire early to their tents out of respect for the Bone Council Fire - the only people present are the party, Thousand Bones, Chief One-Life, and Ash Dancer and elderly woman and the quah shaman. You suspect though that there are many out in the dark who can hear you and who are in fact listening out of curiosity.
During the council, both One-Life and Ash Dancer remain largely quiet, letting Thousand Bones do most of the talking. As Thousand Bones speaks, Ash Dancer sprinkles the fire with a greenish-brown herbal dust from a weathered pouch. A few moments later, the fumes encapsulate anyone who remains by the fire; the effects cause a slight blurring of the vision and a feeling of ease. Even Dandilion's loud inner voice is quelled for a time. Thousand Bones’s speech is short and direct, as is his way.
“You have already done my people a great favor by returning the body of one of our warriors. I sense now you come to me to ask a favor in return, yet know that by doing this favor, you are helping us all. The Skoan Quah are a peaceful people, yet we are also all but shunned by our kin. Our willingness to mix with tshamek shames many of my brothers and sisters in the other quahs. Only their respect for our tradition of guarding and protecting the dead of all Shoanti keep them from open hostility against us. "
"My words do not reach their ears when I advise against war on Korvosa. They hear tales of the city in flames, of its king dead, of disease ravaging its people, and they see this as the time foretold. A time when the Shoanti can ride down from these burning lands and reclaim greener lands to the south, lands that were once ours. Yet war is not good for us. My brothers do not see that, even crippled, Korvosa remains a powerful enemy. It is best to make your enemies your friends, do you not think? Yet my brothers do not listen to these words. They see weakness and they demand action."
“Yet you could not know of the coming war. You come to me with a different favor. Speak of what you wish of me and us, and perhaps we may find our needs are the same.”
Fondo stands and nods to the assembled Shoanti with respect.
He gauges the Shoanti's response before moving on.
Pausing again, he considers.
"I suppose bringing the Queen down'll make your task easier. She's a fair bit of power, and no doubt a will to use it against your people. Me, I'd prefer peace with your people, but stopping her's what's most pressing, in any case."
Barael watches intently as the discussion begins.
So, Skoan Quah are outsiders to their people. Didn't know that.
War?! Like we didn't already have enough conflict...
Why's he always saying 'small folk'?
He assumes that Thousand Bones wants war? Thinks his task is an invasion of Korvosa Herself? What's he getting at?
Barael breathes deeply, and lets the ease come. He refrains from speaking, for the moment.
Briar says nothing, lost in his own thoughts.
So these rude humans are preparing to make war on the rude Korvosans? Hmm...what is the downside of that?
Shoanti:"Have you heard of the Midnight's Teeth, or the Fangs of Kazavon? A curse lying under the great pyramid in Korvosa, even before your people claimed it as theirs. This curse has taken hold of the murderess, Ileosa. A great, fell power that means death for your people and the city's small folk." ...
"We seek your advice that we might learn how to defeat it."
Thousand Bones’ brow furrows at this question and he appears to be deep in thought for a moment before answering. He speaks in the common tongue of Korvosa out of respect to those who may not know Shoanti.
“The name is not unfamiliar, yet I know little more than that I have heard it mentioned but twice by Sun Shaman of the Sklar-Quah. Always in reference to the past, and to what you now call Korvosa.”
"You need to defeat your Queen or the Fangs of Kazzavon? Or are they one and the same? You should speak to the Sun Shaman about the Fangs, and perhaps Krojun if you need military guidance - how to fight." He smiles, "But I suspect you already know how to do that well enough."
"Unfortunately you are tshamek. Outlanders. Rightful or not, the Sklar Quah will see you as the children of those who murdered their ancestors and drove them from the green lands. The Sun Clan does not like outsiders at the best of times - even more so than the Skoan Quah. And less so now that war against Korvosa is on every brave’s lips.”
"How do we, uh, become un-tshamek-ed?"
Dandi breathes deep and sighs, settling in at the fire to listen to the words of those more wise than she may ever be. That is the best question all evening. "How do we become un-tshamek-ed?"
Why would we want to be un-tshamek-ed?" Briar mediatates deeply, questioning the cosmos.
Fondo looks to Thousand Bones, repeating Barael's question in his own manner. "Surely there've been tshamek who've found kinship with the Sklar Quah before." You'd have weak chins like the Chels if you hadn't... No offense, brov.
"My words do not reach their ears when I advise against war on Korvosa."
Great. Korvosa can be destroyed from within and without.
--This cannot be allowed.I know. I know.
Nikolay listens intently, but remains quiet.
"How do we, uh, become un-tshamek-ed?"
“You must understand. The Sklar Quah are very certain of these things. They may come to respect lone tshamek after many days of seeing them act honorably, but what you ask is for the Sun Shaman to lay bare his quah’s heart. The deepest memories of his clan. These memories are not for tshamek. Not since Skurak the Reborn have the members of the Sklar Quah unbanished a man and welcomed him into their quah."
Thousand Bones smiles enigmatically for a brief instant before going on seemingly on a tangent.
“The legend of Skurak is of a great warrior and greater traitor to the Sklar Quah. He slew his brother, a brave of even greater courage. To the Sklar Quah, family is purity - crimes against the family are the greatest a man can commit."
"Although Skurak claimed the death was an accident as he and his brother were hunting, others spoke of murder spawned of jealous rage. Skurak was declared a tshamek by the Sun Shaman and cast out. But before Skurak left he said he would be born again and return to his tribe. This he did."
"He went to the killing grounds of the great Cindermaw the Clan-Eater. Skurak walked up to the beast carrying only his dagger. Without fear he dove inside the beast and cut his way out. He returned to the clan and declared he had been reborn, and had left his misdeeds behind in the cleansing fire of Cindermaw’s belly. The legend says the Sun Shaman accepted this and Skurak’s time as a tshamek was spoken of no more."
He shakes his head, "The Cindermaw is a legend, yet one of flesh and blood. Cindermaw dwells on the northernmost edge of 6 Shoanti lands, in the place where Shoanti and orc and giant vie for life and water. His hunting grounds are known as the Feeding Grounds of the Quah-Kael, the land of the Clan Eater. The orcs of Urglin avoid this region; the giants of the north hunt only on its edges. Within, few have returned to tell tales, but those who do speak of a mountain that crawls and of fire that roars.”
Dandi leans in as the story spins. To be reborn, all your sins forgiven? Is that even possible?
"Well then... I suppose it's time to be reborn. Isn't that right, Nikolay?" Fondo slaps Nikolay on the back in a way that almost feels like a shove towards some gaping mouth.
Why should I be reborn? They are the ones that suck.
Barael realizes that his mouth is agape, listening to the story of the Cindermaw. They can't be serious. What's to stop a traitor from walking out into the desert for a fortnight, and returning with idiotic tales of surviving the belly of a beast?!
"If Skurek survived, wasn't Cindermaw slain in the process of giving birth?" Barael eyes the council intently, looking for signs of disbelief in their own stories.
"You're suggesting that me and my mates throw ourselves into the Maw. Is that right? The Sun Shaman have to witness this thing himself? Any other ways you can think of that would allow us to be 'reborn'?"
-Now that might be a place I could earn my name.
True, but it might also be where I earn my death. I'm not indestructible after all.
Nikolay looks over his shoulder at Barael.
"Wouldn't we all have to go into its belly? It might burst simply from the elf's ego."
Fondo laughs loudly and claps Nikolay on the back. "I'll gladly join you in the maw. But Brov here asks true: how do we prove we've been mawed by cinder and yet live?"
"Would they mind if we all went together?" Dandi muses, almost to herself.