With Emerion speaking the language of the Khaan fluently and considering the man's diplomatic skills, Corridan chooses to remain outside the tent with Devram. Although a little uncharacteristic of the usually curious tailor, he thinks that it would perhaps do well if one of the translators remained outside in case any of the Khaan's entourage wished to speak with their new neighbors. Standing close to the half-elven swordsman, he joins his associate in getting a better look at the hobgoblins, all organized and disciplined as they appear to be.
"So, why did you not join the others in the tent? Not much interest in the negotiations?" The question is asked conversationally, though his eyes remain on the armored riders.
Devram turns abruptly over to see the tailor had joined him. Even his elven ears hadn't picked up the man's footfalls. [i]Gods, that man is silent. Like a blasted shadow."[/b]
He shakes his head at Corridan's question. "Plenty of interest, but it's crowded in there enough. We don't need an arms race of who can have more at the negotiating table. Besides, I would need a translator for everything. No, someone should be out here to keep watch too. You can learn a lot about things when no one is paying attention." He gives the man a sidelong glance. "But I bet you already know that."
"For instance, the Khaan's men are silent and still as stones. These are no battleragers or wild brutes. These are professional soldiers who know what they're doing and willing to follow orders. If the Khaan ordered them into a pit of fire, I seriously doubt any of them would balk. They wear that heavy armor in this heat like it's nothing. That speaks of years of training and conditioning."
He looks at Corridan again. "The force last night was likely just a raid. This one could crush us."
Emerion did not like not knowing what was being said, as soon as the Khaan addressed Penance he excused himself a moment to cast a spell of understanding. Returning as the exchange started, remaining out of it until Penance made a mistake.
"Careful with your words, do not promise anything. A broken word no matter how small could sour relations. You just offered to teach their whole tribe how to read and write for nothing. If they press it you will have to deliver. I do mean you as your the one that gave your word just now."
This was why the consortium had people like him, relations was a different battlefield where swords and armor meant nothing. A people with a culture of honor and ritual will place a high value on trust and by extension one's word. Break your word and they will always remember as will their children after them.
Penance tore his attention from the Khaan long enough to give Nimlaidas a flat, long stare.
"I know the value of my word. And I keep it. Rest assured I won't hold you responsible for my promises," he said shortly, before looking back to the Khaan.
The Khaan considers his thoughts for a long time. The silence stretches almost to the point of being uncomfortable when he speaks. "Koj neeg tau tuaj rau peb cov av, coj warriors, tsis paub txoj kev thiab txawv teb chaws tongues. Koj tau txhim tsa ib lub zos nyob rau ntawm peb thaj av, thiab muab ntau ntawm kuv cov kwv tij nyob rau hauv cov av. Kuv muaj peev xwm pom tau hais tias koj yog cov muaj zog, thiab hais tias koj xav ua ib tug zoo phooj ywg tshaj ib tug yeeb ncuab. Txawm li cas los kuv tsis nyob rau hauv cov lag luam uas ua phooj ywg. Kuv tsis xav tau kev phooj ywg. Kuv xav tau pawg. Koj nug kuv nyob qhov twg muaj yog npliag av hais tias tej zaum koj yuav txiav txim thiab yog li ntawd nej tus kheej tshem tawm los ntawm peb ib ncig. Yog tsis muaj khoob av. Txhua txhua ces kaum ntawm lub ntiaj teb no yog tag nrho ntawm txawv haiv neeg thiab pab pawg."
He pauses to allow for translation and to allow the information to sink in. "Txawm li cas los, Kuv muaj ib lub tswv yim. Kuv cov neeg tau ntev tau terrorized los ntawm tus zaj, Loremtantibus. Nws xav tau khoom plig txhua hli, thiab tej zaum raids tiv thaiv peb cov tsev uas tsis muaj provocation. Yog hais tias koj twb tso kuv cov txiv neej, ces mus thiab tua Loremtantibus, koj yuav khwv tau nyiaj nyob mus ib txhis kev ntseeg siab thiab kev ris txiaj ntawm lub Hlau lub nrig pawg neeg. Ua ke peb yuav txiav txim ces lub tebchaws tam sim no yuav lav los ntawm tus zaj. Yuav ua li cas hais rau koj?"
Thinking it over for a moment, one question comes to mind.
"Depends on what you know of the dragon. Besides it's name do you know it's size, color, age, gender, living relations? The more we know the better answer we can give. While I do not boast of my abilities and would not speak of the abilities of others. I will say that we have already battled one dragon and remain while it perished. Still that was a young one and it took a number of our warriors before it fell. That much we can both agree on is not acceptable. So we can understand your position."
"Loremtantibus yog txiv neej, hais tias vim li cas kuv hais tias nws," the Khaan says drolly, "Nws yog ntsuab, thiab qhov luaj li cas ntawm peb los yog plaub ntawm peb caij lizards muab ua ke. Kuv tsis paub yuav ua li cas nws yog ib qub, los yog qhov twg los sis nrog nws muaj txoj sia nyob. Nws yog ib ncig ntau loj tshaj peb, mus rau sab qab teb thiab sab hnub poob. Nws yog lub zog tshaib plab, thiab cov neeg phem mus rau core. Txawm tias peb cov khoom plig, nws nquag kidnaps peb cov neeg thiab mus tsim txom qhev mus tuag rau nws kev lom zem. Yog kuv yawm txiv sim tua Loremtantibus thaum nws thawj tuaj, nrog rau tag nrho cov warriors ntawm peb pawg neeg los ntawm nws sab. Cov laus sawv daws yuav hais tias muaj ntau ntau ntawm peb nyob rau hauv cov hnub. Tus zaj tua kuv yawm txiv, feem ntau ntawm cov warriors, thiab tag nrho cov pawg neeg lub yees siv casters nrog nws. Loremtantibus chased cov uas tabtom rov qab mus rau peb lub tsev, thiab nyob mus ib txhis demanded khoom plig nyob rau hauv kev pauv rau peb lub neej. Rau qhov kawg tsib caug xyoo nws tau tsim txom peb ..."
Loremtantibus is male, that's why I said he
He is green, and the size of three or four of our riding lizards put together. I do not know how old he is, or where or with what he lives. His territory is much larger than ours, to the south and west. He is power hungry, and wicked to the core. Despite our tribute, he frequently kidnaps our people and slaves to torture to death for his amusement. My grandfather tried to kill Loremtantibus when he first came, with all the warriors of our tribe by his side. The old ones say there were many more of us in those days. The dragon killed my grandfather, most of the warriors, and all the tribe's spell casters with him. Loremtantibus chased those that fled back to our home, and demanded eternal tribute in exchange for our lives. For the last fifty years it has been our burden...
Going over the information and more importantly the time when the dragon appeared he thinks on it a moment.
"Well we have a problem, this Loremtantibus is at the very least a young adult green dragon. Making it between 51-100 years old and far beyond our ability to deal with in a battle. If it's older then that is even worse. Unless we had a rather large advantage and could keep him restricted in his movements I do not see how we can kill the dragon. It would take great planning to have any chance."
A direct fight was out of the question, their was a reason why the hobgoblin tribe was laid to waste those years ago. More so green dragons were more intelligent then most other types of dragon's they were not to be fooled with ease.
"If the Khaan thinks he can kill us and he knows that he can't kill the dragon, how does he reasonably think that we can kill the dragon without committing suicide?" Iliante asks. "He is asking something unreasonable by his own logic. Maybe we could work together to kill the dragon? Otherwise, we need another deal," he concludes.
Telemakos clears his throat “Ehm… ehm ehm” the gnome’s eyebrows were immediately raised at the mention of the word dragon “Ehm… seems to me our good Khaan here has a basic understanding of the Consortium tricks” says Telemakos, recalling his own experience when first approached by Rascaro and the other Agents in regard to the Horned Brothers. “Should you happen to have a known and powerful enemy together with a yet unknown player in the game, send the second against the first. You either get a dead enemy and a powerful new friend, or a weakened enemy and a dead nui-sance.”
“Master… that’s when we met! You called for me when those two where kicking the s…”
“’Ras, do shut up already. Please. I am talking to the agents.” Telemakos gets his composure back “Now, I’m not suggesting we slay a dragon – Gods spare me! Still we were planning on exploring. We could try and take a look at this Loremtantibus… Gods, dragons have such an amazing language, don’t they? A name so rich, and powerful, and elegant… I really should learn Draconic…”
The thought of heroically rushing off to liberate the dragon's vast lands in the name of the Consortium flashes through Shinjuko's mind briefly. Not surprisingly, the ancestral amalgam within her blade is quick with reprimand.
::Impetuous child. You would risk the redemption of your soul against a foe you know next to nothing about::
Shinjuko frowns, seemingly at nothing. The sword, as it often turned out, was correct. I... you are not wrong. Even so, if this creature is as terrible as the Khaan claims, a confrontation is likely inevitable.
::Bravery spent foolishly is not bravery, but ignorance::
Hai...
"I would first know more of the other tribes and inhabitants that have claim on this island. While the dragon will likely be an entity we can't afford the luxury of ignoring, I am hesitant to test our already diminished numbers against a creature with so formidable a reputation. We stand to lose much pitting ourselves against such a foe, especially given that we have secured ourselves no noteworthy foothold here so far. It is something to consider for the long term, however."
Shinjuko gingerly sips the tea that has been prepared for the small gathering within her pavilion. "More importantly, I outright reject the proposal as presented. He would have us slay this dragon and render to he and his kind spoils that were not earned. If it is we who dispatch this dragon, it is to we that the lands shall belong."
Emerion shakes his head slightly.
"This is beyond our current abilities. While we could prepare and plan an assault, it would be a gamble. I for one am not in the habit of gambling with my life or those whose life I hold. This I think you understand. In any event such an attack would require time and resources, both of which we do not currently have. Should we find a place to settle then this will change to your benefit as well as our own in the future."
He takes a moment to ship his drink.
"Now you mention many races and tribes on every spot of land. Surely their are those who would welcome us or those of a similar blight such as the dragon yet not as powerful that could be ousted."
"Ntawm cov hoob kawm slaying ib tug zaj yog ib tug risky twv nyiaj txiag! Yog li ntawd, yog invading nyob av," the Khaan growls angrily. It's clear he thinks its very cheeky of you to be making requests.
"Nyob rau hauv lub marshes mus rau sab qaum teb shark neeg sib ntaus sib tua hags rau dominance . Sab qaum teb ntawm lawv lub me me lizards sib ntaus sib tua lub shark neeg rau ntau tshaj ntawm cov hav iav . Sab qaum teb ntawm lawv cov loj lizards , lub khob iav teev , tuav lawv tus kheej. Mus rau sab hnub poob nyob rau hauv lub Roob yog cov Hlawv Ntug band ntawm orcs , peb trading koom tes . Sab qaum teb thiab sab hnub poob ntawm lawv lawv cov cousins thiab cov kwv tij puav ib ncig thoob plaws lub Roob ; tus txha taub hau Crusher thiab ntiv taw Eater pab pawg . Lub orc pab pawg yog confederated nyob rau hauv ib tsev neeg ntawm giant , ob - headed orcs . Lawv yog cov muaj zog warriors thiab muaj hwj chim shamans . Peb tsis muaj kev sib cav sib ceg nrog tus orcs . Tsis tas li ntawd sab hnub poob nyob thoob plaws lub Roob yog thaj av ntawm Giants . Mus muaj kev tuag." He pauses, trying to reign in his temper.
"Yog hais tias koj tsis muaj peev xwm tua tau tus zaj , dab tsi zoo yog koj mus rau kuv? Yog hais tias tag nrho cov koj xav tau yog lub sij hawm , kuv txaus siab ua siab ntev . Yog hais tias koj yuav tsum tau av mus txiav txim ua ntej koj yuav sim tua Loremtantibus , ces kuv yuav tsum xav koj tawm hauv peb lub teb chaws nyob rau hauv ib zaug . Kuv muaj tsis muaj av muab rau koj, thiab yuav tsis tso nej rau hauv peb pawg . Yog hais tias koj yuav tsum tau nrhiav av , dua nws soggy los ntawm lub claws ntawm hags thiab cov hniav ntawm lub Great dawb ! Los yog rov qab mus whever nws yog koj tuaj los ntawm!"
Of course slaying a dragon is a risky gamble! So is invading occupied land,
In the marshes to the north shark people battle hags for dominance. North of them the small lizards battle the shark people for more of the swamp. North of them the big lizards, the Glass Scales, hold their own. To the west in the hills are the Burning Edge band of orcs, our trading partners. North and west of them their cousins and brothers swarm across the hills; the Skull Crusher and Toe Eater tribes. The orc tribes are confederated under a family of giant, two-headed orcs. They are strong warriors and have mighty shamans. We have no quarrel with the orcs. Further west across the hills is the land of giants. To go there is death.
If you cannot slay the dragon, what good are you to me? If all you need is time, I am willing to be patient. If you require land to settle before you can attempt to slay Loremtantibus, then I must demand you leave our territory at once. I have no land to give you, and would not set you on our partners. If you must seek land, rip it soggy from the claws of the hags and the teeth of the Great Whites! Or go back to wherever it is you came from!
After listening to both the arguments for-and-against dealing with the dragon, and Nimlaidas's translation of the exchange, Penance leans forward slightly, clasping his hands over the lower half of his face in thought. Negotiation... that's part of Abadar's whole... thing. He kind of wishes he'd paid a bit more attention to his father's sermons on that, but...
In the most common sort of bargain, he hears the old bastard saying, dry and pithy, neither side get what they truly desire... but both get enough to live with.
To the others, he says, "I think we'll have to deal with this dragon sooner or later. Building a long-term outpost anywhere on this island, with a dragon that thinks it's owed tribute by the other inhabitants... it's going to want tribute from us, and it's hard to make a profit if you're ransoming off the best stuff to some scaley son-of-a-b$~!@. I don't see much in the way of peace between us and this dragon.
"But if we can take him out... everyone on this damn island would know us to be a force to be reckoned with, and we get the truce with the Khaan's tribe, and land enough for a base, it sounds like. It's a task we'll have to do anyway, and it gets us benefits."
He thinks a moment, processing the various arguments everyone's made, the points Shinjuko raised about 'the spoils'... trying to come up with something balanced.
Quickly, he outlines a proposal to the other agents, that runs as so:
"We understand your need. We understand we are intruders. When we came to your land, we did not realize there were people already. This dragon will be a thorn in our interests too, but we must learn more of him: to be successful, a raid is planned, the enemy studied. You say you can give us time: that, we will ask for. Is it acceptable to the Khaan to give us the passing of one moon's time, until the moon is this full again, to accomplish this task and prove ourselves allies of the Iron Fist?
"But in this moon's time, there is still the matter of our men. We understand you cannot give us land, that all the land is taken. We do not ask for land to live on, only that our men can sleep on this small place of beach for this moon's time. They would not go further than this space; they would not hunt the beasts of the Khaan's lands. This would not be to stay: it is only until the land can be opened for both our tribes to flourish. Guests: not settlers on your space. The Khaan would be generous if he allowed this. If the Khaan cannot allow this, it will take us more time to see to the dragon, because we would need to take land from the small lizards, or the big ones, before we could fight the dragon. So the Khaan would speed the death of his hated foe if he were to grant us this small guest-space for now. In exchange for this guest-space, we will free his men, who are brave and have fought with honor.
"And if, by the end of this moon's time, we have not accomplished this task that will make peace between our tribes, we will remove our people from the land of the Khaan, to trouble him no further.
"When the dragon is dead, we will come to an agreement on the splitting of the dragon's land between our tribes, and if there is any dispute between us over fair divide of the lands at that time, we will settle it with a test of arms between two warriors, not as enemies, but as tribes settle a judgment without war-of-many."
Penance looks around to the others. "What do you think? Gives us some influence on picking good land should we manage to get this dragon gone... and if we need to get the hell out of here, then we time it to when we actually get our reinforcements. Because otherwise, these guys can mass and just drive all our men into the sea."
He shakes his head at Corridan's question. "Plenty of interest, but it's crowded in there enough. We don't need an arms race of who can have more at the negotiating table. Besides, I would need a translator for everything. No, someone should be out here to keep watch too. You can learn a lot about things when no one is paying attention." He gives the man a sidelong glance. "But I bet you already know that."
"I am sure I am not sure what you mean by that," Corridan quips, his face expressionless despite his reply.
"They are indeed disciplined, much more so than their counterparts where we come from," the tailor agrees, his eyes still on their "guests". He does momentarily turn his gaze towards the tent the meeting is taking place, but quickly returns to his chat with Devram with a shrug. "Well, seeing how vehemently I disagree with being crashed, let us hope our negotiators manage to avoid such unpleasantness. Fighting can be so... uncomfortable, after all. Would you not agree, Mr. Coates?"
Emerion's face did not change in the slightest as the Khaan raged, after all he had gained yet more information for nothing. As Penance speaks he listens then replies.
"I say we promise them nothing. We will no doubt need some of their aid to deal with the dragon in the form of resources but that can be paid back in other ways besides land. As he has stated land is a premium around here, as such we offer none of it. Just as they offered none of it to us. Once we deal with the dragon, the hoard will supply us with more then enough to repay them whatever they are due. If they want land after that, well we can come to an agreement of use but not ownership. As Iliante and Shinjuko pointed out, why would we offer what the Khaan has been unable to take for fifty years. If he had showed more kindness I would be inclined to do so in turn, he gets what he gives. The dragon gone, his tributes stopped, and the safety of his people from that threat as well as repayment of any resources we are supplied. As to letting our men stay in his territory until the deed is done, it will not be a problem for the Khaan. If we fail and die the dragon may be weak enough for his own forces to kill, regardless without us he could take our forces as slaves. He gains in our success or failure if not in equal parts. I would also avoid a time limit, depending on what I have to work with I can build something's to increase our chances of winning against the dragon."
"Well, seeing how vehemently I disagree with being crashed, let us hope our negotiators manage to avoid such unpleasantness. Fighting can be so... uncomfortable, after all. Would you not agree, Mr. Coates?"
Devram barks out a laugh. "I've heard battle and duels called many things, but never 'uncomfortable', Mr. Valkeri. They are quite uncomfortable, though my uncle would no doubt say they are a point of honor too." He turns to face the tailor. "Which is why most Aldori die young." He smiles and turns back.
"So you think Penance and Emerion are bargaining our future away in there? The Consortium is all about opening up new opportunities, but I wonder if they envisioned such a welcome. I wonder if we've found less of an island and more of a whole new world." He glances at the man. "One that perhaps could use some fresh new clothes, no doubt."
Emerion speaks to the Khaan.
"When does the dragon come for it's tribute? What is it's tribute made up of? Do you know where it's lair is located? If you would be so inclined to share your knowledge."
"Nws los whenver nws xav kom, txhua qhov chaw uas nws xav kom, thiab yuav siv li cas nws xav. Nws yog lub teb chaws loj, peb tsis paub qhov twg nws nyob raws nraim. Lub hav zoov nws claims yog swarming nrog nws cov lawv cov me nyuam. Peb tsis muaj kev tua tsiaj.," the Khaan replies. "Txaus ntawm koj cov lus nug liab-ntawm daim tawv nqaij. Kuv muaj lus nug thiab. Qhov twg koj tuaj? Yog vim li cas yog koj no?"
Enough of your questions pink-skin. I have questions too. Where did you come from? Why are you here?
Emerion thinks over what has been said.
"As I have said we come from another land, several in fact among us. We are here to explore and see if their is anything of interest in this land. We have also considered your request, we would like to take a month to prepare before facing the dragon. Is that acceptable?"
"Tiag tiag yeej. Tab sis nws yuav unwise rau koj nyob ntawm no. Koj raug, thiab kom ze rau cov dej. Koj yog triply koob hmoov uas lub Great WHİTES muaj tseem tsis tau nrhiav tau xws li ib tug qaug zog thiab ntxias tau lub hom phiaj. Koj yuav tsum tau tuaj thiab ua neej nyob rau hauv peb lub tsev raws li peb cov qhua thaum koj npaj. Kuv tsis paub yuav ua li cas peb yuav tsiv koj loj lub nkoj tab sis ..." he says frowning. He shrugs as if it's not his problem. "Thaum lub sij hawm lub hlis koj yuav tau qhia kuv ntau thiab ntau ntawm cov av uas koj lawg los ntawm. Nyob rau hauv lub sij hawm mean, cia peb tsiaj hiav txwv peb pheej yig. Hu rau tag nrho cov neeg uas muaj ib tug hais tias nyob rau hauv koj pawg neeg no."
Certainly. But it would be unwise for you to stay here. You are exposed, and close to the water. You are triply blessed that the Great Whites have not yet discovered such a weak and tempting target. You should come and live in our home as our guests while you prepare. I do not know how we could move your big canoe though...
During the month you will have to tell me much and more of these lands that you hail from. In the meantime, let us seal our bargain. Call all those who have a say in your tribe here.
Emerion calls all the agents including those outside, sending for any that are not near by.
"Are there any noteworthy rivers that empty from the Khaan's land into the sea? Abandoning the ship or its crew is simply not possible, I'm afraid, as it is our only means of ferrying a resupply of goods and bodies when the moon shines full."
"Muaj ntau ntau yam me me ntws thiab creeks, tab sis tsis muaj dab tsi loj txaus rau tias yam. Koj yuav nyob ntawm no, kuv cia li tsis xav tias koj yuav muaj kev ruaj ntseg," the Khaan replies to Shinjuko.
Emerion thinks for a moment.
"Can't we beach the ship. Remove it's rudder, wheel, and make it unsailable but otherwise intact. That way we can return at a later time and have it sea worthy in a day. Of course we should also camouflage it, so should anyone else come across it, at best they would ignore it or think it a wreck."
Penance groans at the thought of hauling the boat onto ground and into the forest, but coming back to find it with its hull staved in, or just the whole thing taken by the 'great whites', is a situation they can't afford, of course.
"Maybe we could hew logs for rollers," he suggests. He's seen large blocks of masonry moved that way... might work for a boat. And they do have the poles from their half-finished perimeter wall.
To the chief: "The tribe-ruler is generous, to offer to let us stay as guests. These Great Whites... the shark people, yes? Do they move on the water in canoes, or swim in it like true sharks? How far onto the land have you known them to come?"
Might give them an idea of how far they've got to move the damned boat.
Devram enters the tent after being called in. He's quickly brought up to speed on the topics at hand. He looks at the other Agents. "We're trusting a lot in the hands of the Khaan, but we may not have much choice at this point. The problem will be what to do with the next supply ship that comes through."
"Regardless," Corridan offers, nodding in agreement with Devram's estimation, "it bodes well that we seem to be coming to some understanding that does not include any immediate conflict, at least."
"Not that I am all that much in a hurry to face a dragon, of course," he adds in the end, a sigh accompanying his words. Still, he finds the Khaan's invitation at the very least interesting, if it is honest that is.
"Perhaps I could interest them in some choice clothing...," he mutters softly to mostly himself as he studies the Khaan seemingly for what his attire of choice might consist of, while at the same time studies his words and body language for any deception hiding behind his invitation.
The Khaan like the other hobgoblins wears a tunic, trousers and loincloth of long soft woven plant fibers under his armor. The garments are not visible, except for in a couple small places where the armor has joints.
Once the Agents have gathered in Shinjuko's tent, the Khaan makes ready to seal their promise. He stands and says in goblin, "I hereby welcome you into the land of the Iron Fists. We accept you as our friends. None of our people will harm you or your property on the pain of death. In return, I ask that after one month's time you make an effort to kill the dragon Loremtantibus. If you agree to this, then let us bind the pact with blood." The Khaan reaches out and grabs one of the bowls of food. He dumps whatever is left in it into one of the other bowls, and then draws a dagger from his boot. He slashes his palm open and then makes a fist, dripping a generous amount of blood into the bowl. He then offers the knife and bowl to the person on his left, motioning to indicate everyone should do the same in a clockwise manner around the circle.
By the time the bowl goes all the way around the tent, it's pretty full of blood. Including Shinjuko's dark blue ichor, which lends a purple hue to the whole mixture. The Khaan takes the bowl again and stirs it with the blade until its mixed thoroughly together. He then takes a gulp and samiles before the goblin word for greeting that is reserved for close allies and family. He passes the bowl to the next person. "Drink, and say the greeting," he commands in the goblin tongue.
Devram watches in incredulity as the blood is mixed into the bowl and the Khaan drinks it. Now there's a great way to get some disease. Like something that might have happened to me in the Mwangi jungle. He looks around at the others, seeing if they will partake. He glances to Penance, trying to take his queue from the half-orc.
Though knowing him, Abadar protects him from such things.
Penance listens to Nim's translation of everything said, and nods slowly to himself, brows knit. Hell of a way to seal a bargain, he supposes, but it shows they're serious about it. In their way, the Khaan seems to have honor. He knows damn well that to refuse now would be a sure way to ruin all they've just spent deciding, so Penance takes the keen knife and draws it accordingly along his palm, grimacing a little at the sting.
The full bowl reaches him again, and Penance lifts it with both hands, looking into the depths of the mingled blood with not-really-enthusiasm. Supposedly, full orcs eat the hearts of their enemies raw, or so go the stories. Doesn't mean it makes this more appetizing.
But a bargain's a bargain.
"Bottoms up," he mutters in Common, and then he repeats the goblin word as close as his tongue can form it. He briefly catches Coates looking at him, gives him a little shrug as if to say drink a little blood now, or choke on our own in the battle to come-- before he sips from the bloody brew, then passes the bowl to the next.
When it comes time for Emerion to partake he does not miss a beat. Being a wizard he had dealt with fouler things being consumed, it made him avoid or rarely use certain spells. Once he drinks and speaks the words he follows it with some pesh brandy to wipe out the aftertaste.
Devram takes the bowl with a look of disgust on his face. But the Aldori had faced greater enemies. He puts the bowl to his lips and takes a small drink. He tries to smile and speak the goblin word. Then he quickly passes the bowl on.
Iliante has done worse in his life. When he receives the bowl, he locks eyes with the Khaan and drinks. After swallowing, he nods and repeats the goblin word for greeting that is reserved for close allies and family. He passes the bowl to the next in line.
Telemakos watches with academic interest the Khaan making his speech and his ritual. When Emerion’s translation comes, though, all color vanishes from his skin Oh. Oooh. Oh no. Oh Gods, this is… just… so barbaric… and disgusting! he gulps “’R-Ras. You do it. You can do it in my stead.”
“Master, I’d love to, but… I believe they want you to do it. Also… I don’t really think I have blood in my veins. Do I have veins?” the genie shrugs, consternated he couldn’t be of help.
Oooh here it comes… Gods, everyone is going along with this… oh what is THAT? he almost pukes when Shinjuko’s ichor gets added to the mixture. When his turn comes, he barely pricks his palm and lets a few droplets come out. And now for the hard part.
Telemakos drank blood once before. In his desperate days, trying to learn summoning magic, a less-than-recommendable Chelaxian charlatan sold him on the fact that it was a sure method to summon a bound devil. He swore never to do it again and yet here we go… Telemakos drinks as little as possible and swallows it immediately, keeping his gaze fixed on the tent’s ceiling. Let's try not to puke this time… at least until this savage leaves….
He tries to sound sincere and strong when he says "Greetings!", but he almost chokes on his own tongue I seriously hope nobody noticed that...
Drawing her own blood brings no hesitation from the young Yamakawa, but consuming it proves a little more daunting. Even so meager a taste as she manages, Shinjuko barely manages to stifle a gag behind a wide sleeve of her kimono. After forcing it down and allowing a couple of seconds of intense concentration to avoid a social faux pas, she finally manages to parrot the goblinoid word as directed. Her stomach continues to turn even after, however. Try as she might, she cannot will the foulness of the ordeal from her mind or taste buds.
When Corridan's turn comes, the tailor takes the bowl in his hands, smiles a thin little smile and takes a small sip, swallowing the liquid as fast as he can. The smile still on his face despite the unpleasantness of this particular task, he then turns to the Khaan and repeats the greeting in nigh perfect Goblin.
Once the ritual is finished the Khaan nods. "Kuv yuav muab koj ib co sij hawm mus txiav txim siab li cas koj ua. Peb yuav tos kom koj nyob ntawm tus ntug ntawm lub hav zoov."
He stands, his Lieutenants stand with him, and then they bow slightly and exit the tent. They make their way back to their forces (taking Hyuktaar and the other prisoners with them). They wait there.
Once the Khaan and his people are out of the tent, Devram spits onto the ground, trying to get the taste of blood out of his mouth. "That was wonderful. We're really going all in with the Khaan, huh? What are we going to do with the boat?"
Shinjuko still looks a bit queasy from the friend-naming ritual. She says to Devram, "Abandoning it isn't an option. On the other hand, the longship does not belong to us. I suspect Captain Hagebak's suggestion will bear more weight than any of our own ideas on the matter."