The challenge was in Sylvan, which Kiki can only understand, or others with a massive Linguistics check.
The nonverbal cues however are fairly easy to understand.
The mouse scurries off to a nearby bush and the warrior spins up into the air and whirls about. You realize that the warrior is actually female, and her hair was simply but into a short bob. Her green skin blends nicely with the forest and she flits about taunting Goliath with her sword, making mock thrusts and lunges.
Simon does in fact speak Sylvan and has watched with pleased curiosity as Kiki translates and the fey seem to want to play with them.
He turns around when plinked with the acorn, afterwards instinctively crouching to plant it where if fell, digging a small hole with a claw and lovingly covering it back over to grow.
When they request a fight he smirks and crosses his arms. Fey must've changed in the time they were gone. Back in his day and tribe the Sylvan for Sword was used almost exclusively as a double entendre. Now the little man steps forward intending to fight their giant with a letter opener.
Simon offers a hand, open and palm upwards to the sprightly fellow, intending to use share language and give him their Old Common.
"Can anyone tell me what is going on. This little lady seems to want to fight. What did you say Kiki?"
She challenged you to a fight to see if they'll help us fight the giants. I'm not wholly sure if I want to bring them into this. They may get hurt, and I don't want to injury them or their pride. But you never know what they may be capable of. I hope to speak to them instead of fighting."
Simon turns to Goliath to quickly explain what was going on while he offers the spell to the tomboyish challenger.
Goliath takes note of the tiny warrior and sees the look of determination. He also took note of their silence as the champion came forward.
"Simon words are not of use anymore. You or Kiki it matters not ask them the terms of the dual. Is it first blood or to submission. I will not fight to the death."
He draws his blade lifting and placing it in front of his face he bows to the tiny warrior.
Xanya's eyes flashes with excitement and her smile widens. "Ah, a duel, most exciting. I already had a duel with the centaur earlier, so you may have the honor this time Goliath. Your style of parrying the opponent's blows instead of simply absorbing the hits might work out better in a duel like this. I'm not sure I would be able to charge in a fight like this either, and that is where I'm best." Xanya changes the tune of the music, first a fanfare, as if coming with a great announcement, then into a rapid drum rythm, amping of the mood. Cryxial starts to move restlessly about, almost as if dancing.
"I will ask her. Fight to the best of your ability, but try not to do permanent harm. It's a good thing you don't underestimate her"
As Simon turns to plant the acorn, there are some hushed oohs and ahhs from the brush again, and he feels some movement around him brushing against him and feels the air fan nearby as if from many tiny wings. Clearly the fey are invisible and all about.
When Simon offers his hand to the challenging warrior she furrows her brow slightly, but seemingly encouraged by his respect for the land and the acorn bows mid air and swoops down to place her free hand in his.
Quassine your mastery of languages is high and you do make a tiny smattering of it out, but it is still quite challenging. Kiki and Simon are struggling as it is, and perhaps these fey here have a local dialect of some sort.
Goliath stands still confused as the events unfold around him and the tiny challenger flits about, her 'toothpick' in hand swishing at the air in a display of prowess. (Goliath you have doubts as to her actual prowess as you take measure of her thrusts and strikes).
Simon leans in and explains what he and Kiki have understood regarding the matter. Goliath now understanding the duel is one of honor and territory, takes the challenge.
Xanya increases the tempo of the music and intermixes multiple ghost sounds together intricately, drum beats patter and her fanfare announces the duel. She senses that her mischief is perhaps appreciated as the group hears the beat of many tiny clapping hands in unison to the music.
Slowly ghostly wisp like lights begin to appear over the small glade. In a matter of a short while, dozens and dozens of small glowing globes appear, swirling about in patterns or erratically at the whim of their fey controllers.
Amid the chaos, Simon and Kiki attempt to communicate with their champion to understand the duel. The small green skinned warrior flits down to Simon and Kiki. Kiki asks as best as she can regarding the duel rules, while Simon offers her his hand to share their languages magically. The small warrior accepts, clasping his hand briefly.
She can't be more than a foot tall, and it looks like a strong breeze would blow her over.
She wears no armor, and wields a tiny rapier, which looks more to you like a letter opener or hat pin. She is dressed in a simple two piece outfit consisting of small leaf shaped pieces sewn together cleverly.
"You should play some tune too Simon, you are much better at it than me. This is quite the awesome performance, but you would make it truly stand out. They seem to like it. Maybe it'll make it more likely for them to join us without violence? Oh yeah Goliath, maybe you could grapple her into submission or even propose a different battle altogether than with blades? That way we might be able to win without having to injure either of you." Xanya says as she starts to move in tune to the music on top of Cryxial.
"Brother Goliath, I believe using Martial Master's teachings of non-weapon combat would serve you better? Not only can you apply non-lethal damage and prove to be a better warrior if you win without your sword. Of course, that is my most humble opinion." Quassine bows from the neck.
After Simon shares his spell Goliath nods to the tiny warrior again.
"I accept your duel of honor. Attack me with the fury of your people."
He takes his stance and prepares for the fight.
The tiny warrior nods to Goliath and grits her teeth as she zooms into the air about 5' higher than your head and about 15' away.
As you take your stance and the duel begins, she wiggles her hand briefly uttering an incantation and disappears from view.
Puzzled and attempting to discern the location of the invisible fey, Goliath keeps his wits about him, but several seconds later, she reappears behind him attacking.
- hit, possible crit
- confirmed
Goliath, unable to see his attacker, is unable to parry her well timed thrust. He feels a tiny plink in the back of his neck. Painful and definitely drawing blood, but you've stubbed your toe for worse damage you swear.
A cheer goes up from the invisible fey crowd as their champion draws first blood, demonstrating her clear prowess over the large ogre.
Goliath nods as the first 'point' goes to the tiny warrior.
Wary, he guards himself as she disappears a second time.
- miss
Reappearing again a for a new attack, her tiny rapier fails to penetrate the Goliath's defenses and he moves to disarm her.
- miss
Goliath reaches out with two fingers and plucks the tiny rapier from her hands with almost no effort, nimbly dodging her attack.
Disarmed so easily, her eyes widen and she growls, gritting her teeth but has no choice but to submit.
"You have bested me."
Xanya claps her hands, and with it the sound of thousands of hands clapping can be heard through the forest. She smiles and says. "Well done, both of you! This is the first time I've seen someone able to penetrate through Goliath's defenses. That invisibility is really cool." As she speaks she jumps of Cryxial and walks over to Goliath. There she hugs him and says. "And of course well down Goliath. Your solution was brilliant. As expected of you. Now maybe they'll join us against the Giants as well."
She finish the hug as far as he wants to take it before remounting Cryxial and turning to Simon and Kiki. "It might be nice to tell them what we know of the Giants. The more they know, the easier they'll be able to help. Fey are quite long-lived. Maybe some of them know of Goodwin or the monastery of his friend? We should definitely query them about that as well, though maybe on the road to fight the giants? We don't want to waste more time than necessary."
Goliath hold the tiny sword back toward the tiny warrior as he takes a knee.
"I bested no one. You are a fierce warrior that will no doubt give me trouble sleeping for days." As he rubs the wound on the back of his neck.
"You truly are a great champion and have taught me much from our exchange. I only hope you learned from it as well." He looks then to Simon and Kiki.
"Tell them to be proud of their champion, and we would be honored to have their support against the invading giants."
He smiles at the tiny fey woman as she takes her blade and he stands. He hugs Xanya in return.
"I agree they may have information about Goodwin. For now let's see what they know of the Giants movement and how they may help against them. Then after our victory we could ask to speak to their elder or chieftain or whatnot. I am not familiar with their traditions to know what they call the ones in charge."
The tiny fey woman bows to Goliath mid air.
She lands on the ground and sheathes her rapier, her bravado somewhat cowed. Other fey begin to appear from within the bushes. Some appear to be grumbling that it was unfair that Goliath took her weapon, but she shushes them, as such things are fair in a duel. She also probably knows now that she could poke at Goliath all day before her tiny pokes would start to become annoying and he swatted her.
The fey seem to accept her words and they gather around with trepidiation at least revealing themselves. Simon looks over and at least half a dozen of the small creatures are petting Aster's soft green fur who rumbles contentedly.
Kiki, able to see the fey now and thinking for a moment relays to the group that they are Atomies. A small type of fey fiercely protective of their lands and apt to menacing or challenging travellers, and reknown for their swordplay, even if it fails to draw blood most of the time.
As the tension between the groups diminishes, the atomies flit about eyeing the group and occasionally the minor prank surfaces again, they fey unable to contain their natural mischief.
The champion, hands on her hips, float in the air and asks Goliath, "So what business do ogres and other fell creatures have within our lands?" She looks at Kiki with some mistrust as they spiderlings and the atomie have not always seen eye to eye, but have at least in Kiki's time been allies occasionally against a larger foe.
"Forgive me champion but I sometimes forget I remain a monster to the world. I am Goliath. This is Xanya, Simon, Kiki, and Quassine. We are brothers and sisters taught by the great Goodwin. He believed good was in all and all were capable of being good. We are in search of our master as he is missing. In our search we came across the dwarven hold. We have offered out aid in defense of their city. The Giants are on the move, but not just a raiding band. They are organized and focused. We think this could be bad for all that live in this land. We believe a scout party to be in this area and we were simply resting in your forest. Have you any news of such a group?"
She nods as you tell your story of your search and introduce the member of the group. "I am Valtsean." She frowns at the mention of giants and states, "This matter is beyond my authority, we need to pass word on to our elders and to the queen. How many giants and from where? We must send our scouts afar to find this information out." She plants a tiny little fit into the palm of her other hand.
"We are unsure of their numbers. We took a group out a few days ago that was one fire giant and a group of gnolls. We expect the advanced groups to only have a few giants so they should be easy enough to find. Can you take us to see your elders mighty champion Valtsean?"
She chews her lip for a moment. "I cannot take you to them, plus most of you are too big to fit in our halls. I will dispatch some messengers." She calls out the names of several atomies and utters some quick instructions and they flip invisible and flit off through the forest.
"It may take a bit of time before they return with a response, and that all depends on the mood of the elders."
"Why are the giants on the move? Are you friends with the dwarves? They and the humans take from the land and do not give pack. They love to clear cut the forests for their wars and giant buildings. They also love to burn things."
"The giants I fear would be much harsher on the land then dwarves. We are helping to protect them and their people from these giants. I can not speak on the way of their people. As you can see by our old dialect we were removed from this world until recently. We arrived through a portal. Much has changed from what we knew. Thank you for messaging the elders. I hope they are in a good mood." He smiles.
"humans are big, trampling around, unable to see the world around them, but giants are even bigger, more tramply and uncaring for any living thing that is not a giant. Among the humans and dwarfs you will find some that can overcome their own blindness, they even listed to us and let our brothers and sisters into their town" Kiki emphasises the "us" with a sweeping motion that includes the whole rag tag bunch of misfits.
CT said this above in response to Simon offering the spell.
When Simon offers his hand to the challenging warrior she furrows her brow slightly, but seemingly encouraged by his respect for the land and the acorn bows mid air and swoops down to place her free hand in his.
"Assuming the share languages is active, so she is able to speak your Ancient Common."
Simon was never too terribly happy about their challenge, and wouldn't put music to what he considered a fight with no meaning. But he softened up when it came to a rather quick conclusion.
"No, humans have never been the brightest, but if you come to their aid, they may be more open to negotiate leaving your forests alone. By helping them, you'd show them that you wish for a peaceful resolution and good will between your peoples. And that leads to happy and full lives for everyone and the forests.
Quassine first bows to Goliath for being the champion then to the Fey Champion for her courage and drawing first blood even though Quassine was not too keen on seeing any blood drawn in this challenge.
He then bows again when introduced, "My pleasure to meet the Champion of your people and to fight such a large champion as my brother. It does indeed take great skill and courage to do so. And I compliment you on such a great task." Quassine nods to Goliath comments regarding the giants, "I also believe the Giants and the other minions will cause greater problems than the Dwarves and Humans. Once we have dealt with them and find our father, we can then deal with the Dwarves and Human misdeeds."
He also nods to Simon's comments, "It is possible that the Dwarves and Humans maybe more malleable to come to a peaceful agreement if we all help them in their state of emergency. It may also come to our attention we are fighting on the wrong side? At which time, we will adapt."
"Previously we encountered some Goatlings. They are like you, trying to live at peace with the land. When they learned of the giants approaching they sought protection with the dwarves. The giants are unlikely to stop at anything and might destroy anything in their path. What they are doing is evil and should be stopped, even if they dwarves and humans aren't fully good. Their invasion will probably affect you as well." Xanya says, adding her voice to the others trying to convince the atomies to help against the giants. "I do worry about something though. The giants are as large as Goliath and wear heavy armor. If you have troubles against Goliath, you might find even greater troubles defeating the giants. We all risk a lot by going up against this enemy, but we also think we have what it takes to take them down. If you can't pierce their defenses, it might not be worth the risk."
"Sister, I am not worried about the skill or courage of these fine people. Our brother's skill is better than the average giant or minion. And it was the fey's champion who drew first blood against our brother. And there are many other tactics they can deploy without placing themselves in harm's way. Being harassed on the way to battle can be effective against enemy forces stealing their spirit to fight effectively or depriving them of sleep. Both can be used without going toe to toe with the giants or their minions."
Quassine bows in respect to both Xanya and the Fey.
"both of you are right open attacks on a giant are ill advised for someone of my size, but causing trouble for the army would by far be more valuable then a few more soldiers. Just a few small things a day can break an enemy's moral, a few berry's that upset the stomach for their rations, a few traps in their path, a few attacks on their minions ..."
Xanya smiles and with a short laugh she says. "...says the girl who jumped right on top of the large fire giant to stab him in the neck despite her kind being vulnerable to said fire. We all need to pick our moments to fight, but if the time is right we'll be able to succeed."
Quassine laughs at Xanya's statement regarding Kiki, "Yes, yes, one day we will have to have an artist paint Kiki the Giant Slayer in action to remind her what she did in her youth."
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The group relaxes and talks among themselves as the atomies flit about and do what they do. There is some tension in the air as everyone awaits the arrival of the queen.
The time passes and in the distance you hear some flute music, upbeat and lively, its tones echoing through the wooded area hauntingly. The atomies flit about more energetically now.
A hush falls over the assembled group and then a series of whispers pick up as it seems someone or something is coming.....
Several animals make their way into the clearing, a large bear, a panther and a huge wolf. The sit patiently and you hear the soft sound of a flute playing, getting closer. The song changes, and is beautiful and haunting now, tugging at your mind, almost magically. As you struggle to not be swept in by the song a 'man' steps forth from a nearby boulder emerging from the very stone itself.
He is short, near Xanya's size. His hair is a wild mane about him, beard long and unkempt. His hair flows down his back and sides, and seems to have a life of its own. Indeed as he steps into the center of the group, the hair seems to writhe about, plucking needles or pine cones from trees, an acorn from the ground, sticks, stones and other items are grasped and released. The hair snatches a dragonfly from the air, and then releases it.
The man looks ruddy and well tanned and wears nothing but a rough leather apron. He has a stern look, perhaps a bit wild in his eyes. He looks intently at each of you, just long enough to be uncomfortable. That duration that reaches just the magical point where a glance becomes too long of a stare. He carries in his hands a large knobbed club. The club is covered with nicks and abrasions and you can tell it isn't just for decoration. The man appears well muscled and wiry. He stalks about the assemblage for about a minute as the flute music grows closer, saying nothing, taking stock of the situation. The three animals' gazes follow him closely as he walks about, his rough bare feet clumping softly through the pine duff.
With a whoop he hops atop a nearby boulder and stands at watch.
The flute music, very close now, abruptly stops and another figure leaps from behind a tree and atop another boulder. This time the being is somewhat larger, a faun as they are called, or satyr. Typical for their kind, the upper half is that of a man's torso, hairy and well muscled. The satyr sports a neatly trimmed beard, roguish in its style. The satyr has one eyebrow raised and looks about the group with a half smile on his lips. His lower body is that of a goat or ram, and his cloven hooves nimbly clamber over the top of the boulder. He wears no adornment, however his furry lower half does little to conceal his disproportionately large endowment. While few in the group are prudish of such things, the manner with which the faun seems to display his 'piece' suggests he is well aware of it and meets the gaze steadfastly of all who look upon him. Perching atop the boulder, the satyr begins to play his flute (not that flute!) again, a tune of soft meditative sounds.
The atomies flit into the air and begin pointing into the forest and then all land on the ground and drop into a prostrate position as a woman steps from the forest trail. Your jaws drop as her unearthly beauty washes over you. While none of you are human and your tastes may not even find the human form specifically attractive or may find different proportions more suitable, it is unarguable that her beauty is unmatched, and physical endowments aside, she seems to radiate an aura of stunning vitality and charisma. Your hearts race, and you find yourselves sweating, pulses racing. It is almost painful to behold her, and any previous thoughts are wiped from your mind as you find yourselves unable to form anything coherent or do naught but look upon her in awe. The atomies seem in a similar state, bowing and repeating a word over and over which seems to translate into 'our queen' for those who speak the Sylvan tongue.
The nymph steps into the middle of the circle, the animals moving aside, and even the animals seems to twitch nervously, tails swishing or swaying, their mouths open, panting or slobbering.
The short man atop his boulder, looks down, his eyes sparkling and smiling. The faun atop his boulder stops playing and looks upon the nymph with unbridled lust and his ridiculous appendage has grown even more so. This would be awkward if you cared about anything at all aside from staring at her naked beauty. You feel as though you wish to tear your eyes out as you will never behold anything as beautiful as she.
She smiles and speaks a word of greeting and though you may or may not understand it, you nearly snap inside. If you ever hear another sound it cannot compare to the perfection of her voice. You consider tearing your ears from your head, to preserve the memory of it.
You feel frozen in place as she walks slowly about the circle looking at each of you. You feel dizzy and perhaps close to blacking out as she fixes her gaze upon you. You try to focus and somewhere in the back of your mind you realize you haven't blinked since she appeared, your eyes fixated on her perfection, her every move. She utters a brief incantation and a log transforms into a simple yet majestic throne. She seats herself upon it in a single graceful movement that burns itself into your memory.
She speaks in a heavily accented version of the modern Common tongue. Her mellifluous voice, its dulcet tone and soothing cadence bringing a serene calm and peace to you. You find yourself kneeling on the forest floor and then sitting in front of her your faces upturned in rapt attention.
"Welcome strangers." She inclines her head to you and your scrambled minds attempt to form concepts into words, and with a momentous effort of will manage to get your lips and tongue to function in response.
Goliath looks at the woman and then down as he realizes he is now kneeling then back to the woman. He is overtaken with her beauty and manages to only stumble and fumble over the words until he gets out a "Hello" in new common.
What remains of Quassine's human DNA forces him to take a knee and also finds himself bowing to the queen next to Goliath and their other siblings. Using his diplomacy, Quassine responds, "Well met your majesty. Thank you for meeting with us."
Quassine is somewhat surprised at his response, although he knows the ritual of transformation did not succeed. Perhaps it is with some relief that some of his former self still remains within, although he suspects that somehow this nymph could stir the bones of the dead or quicken the pulse of a golem.
With a polite greeting he attempts to set off the tone appropriately, concentrating hard, attempting not to focus on her physique, and failing. None the less, he gets the words out.
Xanyas mouth hangs open as she feels wetness trickle out of more orifice than one as she gazes upon the beauty. She wipes her mouth, shifts uncomfortably in her saddle and says. "Wow, you are even more sexy than me! That's amazing. I normally prefer males, but I would do almost anything for an hour entwined in your arms! That said, my goddess compels me into service. I cannot simply seek pleasure while the giants march forth, seeking to rob the freedom of everyone in this land. Surely you also wish to prevent this fate from happening, oh noble queen?"
Xanya knows full well that she is dealing with a nymph here, and a satyr. The other fellow is probably a korred. She tries to focus and maintain some element of attendance to the important matters at hand.
As she and the others regain a modicum of decorum Xanya greets the nymph as well. The queen smiles at Xanya, know the legendary effect she has on mortals.
She replies "Of course we do not wish to see these precious lands despoiled. The atomie people have spoken of your honor and atypical behavior for individuals of your races. Let it not be said that we will judge based on appearance alone. So you seek an alliance of my people, with you and yours, as you represent the dwarven and human interests." Her words are like beautiful music and it aches to hear her speak, hoping she will not cease. She rises from her wooden throne and puts forth a question, "Do you not think we fey capable of defending our lands? The giants are but children in our eyes. What need to we have of an alliance with the greedy dwarves, and their fickle human allies?" She coos softly and places a finger under Xanya's chin lifting her head up, looking into Xanya's eyes. The touch is warm and sends a jolt through you. You see an ancient wisdom in her gaze as she seems to search your soul. "You are strong, and forceful, driven aren't you? But like your people, you suffer from your racial burden." She traces a finger along your jawline down your neck sending a shiver down your spine.
She moves to Goliath. "Loyal, honorable, stern. Thoughtful. How very un-ogre like." She places a hand on Goliath's bicep, beads of sweat appear on his forehead. She smiles and her teeth are perfect and white. She steps to Quassine. "Dutiful, diligent, rational, but you are broken. You aren't wholly an Illithid." She gathers a tentacle in her hand allowing it to slide through her palm as she steps to Kiki. "Ahh little spiderling. The trickster, you are fey, you understand do you not? What drives you from your deep forest home to befriend such companions as this?" She sultrily steps over to Simon. "You, quiet one. Contemplative. Humble. I feel joy in your demeanor, a zest for life and a love of nature." She runs a hand along his wing and then returns to her seat. She seems contemplative for a moment.
Xanya leans into the finger tracing her skin. Oh yeah, this is quite an experience. I should be free and seek out and enjoy all good experiences, yes? A deep voice echos back at her in her mind. There is nothing wrong in enjoying oneself, but not if it comes at the cost of our mission as you already pointed out.
"While the dwarves and humans might be fickle and greedy, do they not still deserve to be alive and free? We have not allied with them because we think they are always right, but firstly because it's the good thing to do, and secondly, because it might help fulfill our needs." Speaking of needs makes Xanya acutely aware of the needs of her body and she brings a hand down to her crotch to fix her leather armor which have somehow come out of position, rubbing herself in progress.
After letting a soft moan escape Xanya continues. "Also, aiding them might give us more leverage in dealing with them in the future. It might be possible to restrain their greedy ways to something more sustainable. I'm sure Simon would love to work for that."
Xanya can't resist moving towards the queen and she shifts forward, though with her natural grace and limber body it actually looks quite natural as she walks on her knees. "You might be better able to satisfy our needs though. And no, I'm not talking about physical need, despite how enjoyable that would be."
Xanya, rubs her legs together. "I'm talking about the fact that we are looking for our mentor or master, or father as some of the others would say, though the relationship I wish I would have had with him would not have been appropriate between a father and a daughter. He's been exiled, imprisoned or banished somehow. In fact before we knew of these giants Kiki suggested we seek out fey in this region for help on that matter. But I'm rambling off on a tangent now, let me get back on track."
Xanya shakes her head and smiles. "Capable of defending your lands you are yes? But doing so without the risk of loss? I'm not sure if anyone can be totally certain of victory in the chaos of battle. But that's kinda part of the thrill isn't it? Facing adversaries despite knowing you might lose everything, your life or perhaps your very soul against the wrong enemy. The giants have powerful magical artifacts at their disposal, who is to say what those can do? We do not know, but we will try to stop them nonetheless."
Shuffling all the way over to the queen Xanya reaches out a hand, palm upwards, hoping she will take it. "So, I offer you the same, no more than the dwarves and humans. Ally with us, let us help you against this invasion. Even if we can't bring as much to bear as you or your people, we can still aid you. In return, maybe you could help us? Whether that is to help us helping the dwarves or helping us seek our master remains to be determined. I just want the greatest good for all. I can't see a way that allying with you would not help us bring about more good."
Kiki barely manages not to drool as she bows at the queens appearance, uncaring that att least the upper part of her body shows obvious effects of the queens presence.
"I travle with those I call family, to repay a the kindness of a man, that safed me without asking for anything in return" while talking Kiki is carefull to keep her hands away form the meeting point of her human and spider half, to not risk giving in to the temptation of giving herself some relief.