Grung you don't see much other then the tops of corn swaying back and forth.
"Aurora thinks it´s an animal. Small one. Maybe hunting for food. We should be save."
Bah. Waste o 'yer sleep. But better to be safe I figure.
Grung says as he unloads his sling.
The rest of the evening goes by uneventfully after the false alarm.
The next morning arrives Karnog prays, the spellcasters study and the rest get ready for the walk.
"I confess I am taking unexpected joy in my role of toygiver."
After another day and half of travel the group does arrive at the orcs compound. The orcs greet you with excitement and vigor. Several bow down to Karnog speaking orcish words of praise and grace.
The orc children surround Kalim and his sack full of toys, items they have rarely seen but the most hearting fact is the how the orcs are. Of course it helps that there is no shortage of toys, thus no conflict between the kids.
The wood horses and soldiers are crashed into others, while some of the orcs drag and get protective with soft cloth dolls. Most of the play involves the victor eating another toy.
Desmond has another bout of snickering as the orcs bow to Karnog.
Grung frowns, unsure what to make of it all. He activates his beer mug and drinks as he watches.
not too different from other races younglings.
Not one to preach he observes the play and if a squabble erupts he plucks them apart.
A female orc with a half tusk tries to get friendly with Desmond, speaking in what would be gibberish to scout, he can only assume what she is offering him. Something about skins, a goat and furs.
Karnog takes the elder females and any of the males aside and explains as best he can of Torag, the worth of honest labor, and the importance of community.
He prays with the entire tribe (a brief homily in orcish extolling the virtues of Torag) before doing what he can to teach some stonecraft and metal-working skills.
Using stone shape and the tools they brought, he sets up an effective forge and a crude, if serviceable fire-fuelled oven.
craft stoneworking to make an oven.
The orcs are in awe how fast and precision-like Karnog's stoneworking is, and the fact that he actually built something.
Sitting a bit aside, Felicitas writes down what she sees, and speaks to the orcs in turn about their hopes and dreams. Aurora also sits close by, not entirely happy with the situation, as this is something quite strange to him.
Malcom stands back as well, and he simply watches what is taking place. He notices Felicitas taking notes, and Aurora staying out of the situation, as he is.
Aurora, while I would not begrudge Karnog his efforts. I am at a loss to participate. Giving things to people, especially Orcs, without having them learn how to earn it themselves seems pointless. They will waste what they have been given and resort to their normal tendencies, I fear.
"Still.. it is an interesting experiment. I am not entirely convinced it will work. What is next on your to-do list?"
"Brother Malcolm, I appreciate your position, but have an alternate proposition; these orcs were without hope of ever following the path of Good and Law. It simply was not in the cards, nor in their nature or the nature of their culture. But we have broken that chain of cultural enslavement. We overthrew those who enforced that idea, through might, terror, and unspeakable acts."
Gesturing to the children at play with toys, while the adults toil to set up the camp and learn what they can from Karnog, he continues, "Look around you. Were these humans, elves, halflings, or even dwarves, would you expect them to behave differently. Those who oppressed them are gone, and now they see a light in the distance, one which may just bring them lasting prosperity and success. I know it may seem like 'charity' at this moment, but think of it as an investment. One not likely to return coin and gems on interest, but one which will increase the Good and Law in the world. One which will possibly bring the word and work of the All Creator to our age-old enemies. Who knows? This could be the pebble which starts the landslide of change in the orcish world."
Taking a deep draught from his tankard and wiping sweaty grime off his forehead, Karnog smiles, "All I know is this; I have to try." With that, he turns back to the work at hand.
Friend, Karnog, as I said. I cannot, and do not begrudge your efforts. I just have doubts on the investment that you make. It is certainly noble, but I have seen no evidence that Orcs will ever become anything more beneficial tyo themselves or society. Who knows? You maybe right, and we can only hope that you are. I certainly would not an enemy at our back.
Come Cavendish! Come fill your glass and drink with me.
Grung says as he sips his beer, knowing he doesn't have another mug today.
Gladly, Grungsdi...gladly.
Malcolm grabs a mug from the area and steps to Grungsdi for a fill of the fine brew.
Desmond crosses his arms and looks at Malcolm. "I'm actually with Karnog on this one. A little with Kalim as well. Just because they're orcs doesn't mean we can treat them any different. Only ones I don't care for is the men who attack me on sight."
That's fine, Des, I am not arguing the actions, but simply that I do not feel that we will get the return that we anticipate based upon the fact that they are indeed Orcs. That is a direct deduction of everything that I have seen in my past when dealing with this particular race. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
The orcs are appreciative of the goods and teachings; of course, they urge you to come back when in the area.
The group huddles to discuss their next action and which way they are going to proceed. The orcs managed to hunt down a wild boar and the meat has been seasoned, it's not the worst meal that you've had, and in fact, Karnog and Kalim are sort of peacock-like as they eat.
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Grung bothers the others, asking for one of them to loan him their everful mug
Karnog complies with Grungsdi's request without hesitation.
The group rests peacefully for the evening, waking to the small of some meat cooking in the orcs home.
As late afternoon approaches (4:00pm) the group figures they are maybe an hour from the grave site. Desmond scouts ahead as the group travel up a narrow footpath that gradually ascends.
The fairydragon flutters back down a bit out of breath and in a panic.
"Ogres, lots of ogres." Panting a bit, Thirteen of them! Must be a raiding party about 50 yards up the way. They seem to be resting a bit." Aurora would explain that these beasts are mostly east of the trail, (you are heading in southern direction) and if you swing farther west off the trail and in the woods, you may be able to avoid the party.
"Now that can't be good."
Feliciatas looks for a moment worried:"Usually Aurora and me would hide now, but I think this time we can try to tackle them. You seem like a group who can really handle their own. How can we help you?"
Just my idea of fun! Grung unlimbers his shield and loads his sling.
I wouldn't mind some embiggening...
"Ogres, not orcs?" Desmond rubs at his stubble. "Those are quite a bit more dangerous."
Aurora flutters to Desmond and says:"Yes Ogres.Large humanoids, strong, clumsy, for their stupidness hard to influence. Usually armed with crude weapons and armor. Their hobbies are pillaging, murdering, torture and cannibalism."
"They are quite close to the orc-village, and those are defenseless against the ogres. I would fill Desmond with a bit of luck, with a spell called heroism, and then closer to battle weave an incanation to give us all a bit more speed. Aurora will stay invisible and trick the enemy with a mirage or similar things. Also I will sing a ballad to fill you with a lust for battle. That is what I could do!"
"A pack of ogres? Grungsdi, this is a good day, indeed! What say we take the fight to them?"
Karnog casts barkskin on himself, and once battle has been decided upon:
Shield of faith on Desmond, Protection from Evil on himself, and Bull's Strength on himself.
"We need a chokepoint or some means to funnel them; Grungdsi, Malcolm, and myself can take them toe-to-toe, while the rest flank and try to pick them off or finish up the wounded. Remember: focus your attacks and we'll bring them down fast, one at a time."
The group moves forward towards the ogres using the trees for some cover, but the snapping branches under foot are loud. they want a better view of what is in store for them. They see there are 13 ogres milling about, they will be difficult to sweep behind since there are sttep cliff behind them.
Felicitas:
Aurora
Aid Felicitas
If Aurora can aid Felicitas add 2 to stealth and perception
Updated Map, I left one of the Ogres off
The tiny one has an uneasy feeling about this, perhaps it's the fac that you have to actually be brave, but then his instinct is something more terrifying ancestral is lurking around.
Rather than aiding in steath, he flutters to the top of the tree line toget a peak above and he sees IT there's a huge red dragon perched on the stony cliff. He's watching both the ogres and your group. His wings are tucked.
He is above everyone, in the A through B- hexes, 2 through 4.