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You hike up the top of the hill. There you find a cave opening, standing in the cave opening is a single kobold with a spear. He straightens up at the sight of you.
It's Garkak, the kobold team antlers met last time they were here (the second one). Once he picks out some familiar faces among the longshanks trudging up his path he begins to chirp and merk excitedly.
"Merka longshanks come back merk! Merka Mikmek merk?" he stares incredulously at the rescued Mikmek. The two then begin a rapid fire conversation that consists of chirps, barks and merks.
Lorald knew something was going on between the two, sadly he never did apply himself to languages during his studies. At least none of which the kobolds used. Clearing his throat to draw their attention once their was a good break between the two.
"I would request a meeting with your Chief Sootscale."
Miyuki walks to loarald and says:
" OK, let me talk plain! You were at the sycamore tree first. We respected your claim. We were "HERE" first, so now please respect OUR claim! Now be a good man and hand us over the idol or at least let us do the talking and decide how to proceed! Otherwise you just show that you are a self-centered man that only cares for his things and spits on others! Or are you still upset, that I did not want to join your team. Ok let me speak frankly. I was concerned for my safety as a woman. And if you proceed, you just prove that I was right!"
Gareth, that is not the first time I have heard you attempt to negotiate a good outcome for both groups here, I appreciate that she smiles slightly.
Josef too, I believe your words are well-meaning and intended to illustrate our common strengths rather than focus on any perceived difference in philosophy.
She addresses both teams now, including the kobold
Let us not forget why we are here in the first place, to bring law to these lands on behalf of our patrons, under the rules of the charters we all hold.
She addresses Chief White Eagle
Whilst we all here sympathise with the plight and philosophies of your people, you cannot quote their history and refuse to act as your charter directs, and still remain a part of this effort. In case I was not clear enough before, you have a chance to stop history repeating itself by being part of this civilization attempt, you can help influence things. If you choose to dwell in the past instead of implementing its lessons, then you have lost your chance to make your tribe proud in this endeavor.
Lastly, to Lorald
I appreciate you don't want to part with something your team has bled for, nor lose the 'advantage' to another team as I'm sure you see it. Whatever your reasons, please listen to this; if you set foot in there, five against a tribe, and things turn nasty then you will have died for your principles. If you go in there with more people, not only is there less chance of foul play but you have a greater ability to deal with misfortune should it strike.
She stands apart from both teams now.
Let's try to make this simple. I would like to go in there and tell this kobolds tribe that if they want to stay, they must live under Restov's laws as part of a new territory. Yon statue of Sootscale will help prove a peaceful intent. Who else believes as I and will join me in this endeavor, irrespective of previous team affiliation?
Without any words, Miyuki will stand next to Natalya.
"Lets just wait here and see what the chief says. We can probably resolve this together and then move along. Maybe we should have one member of each team meet with the chief, and have everyone else step aside so we don't intimidate him. I suggest Natalya and Lorald."
Anton shakes his head when Lorad and Miyuki started arguing again about right.
Then listening to Marlani he decide to reply her
"I agree with you, Marlani.
Two of us, one for each team, the others will wait few steps behind.
Natalya could represent the Unicorn's Antlers in mine opinion, even if Miyuki is the most persuasive diplomat we have...
In any case I'm not for having ours two spokesmen enter alones in the mine without a support, in case those negotiation went wrong, we don't want to risk their life."
When the kobolds start chittering away Gareth realizes that, without understanding their language, it will be difficult to reach any true understanding with the tribe. Resignedly he tells himself that, no matter what they say or do here today, it is unlikely to have permanent effects. Let us return the idol and be on our way. When permanent settlements are established this issue will be taken up again.
At Miyuki's heavy handed wordplay and yelling he replies.
"No, the idol will remain with me."
He does not go on more or show any anger. As Natalya's words he listens before replying as well.
"I never said to exclude your group or go in alone. In fact I have no problem with your presence, I would simply not want you to speak for my group or claim what you did not earn. I would also request a meeting with this chief before the shaman. I have things to speak with him about. Until that is done I will not give up the idol to anyone. It is my only condition, I dare say it is a small one at that. I leave peace talks and the like to my cousin Josef. I am well aware it is not my strong suit."
To Anton: "I like you, friend. Will you come and drink with me while we wait?"
>even if Miyuki is the most persuasive diplomat we have...
Anton smiles back to Marlani moving to her position and enjoying a drink with the bard
"I have spent only a few days with her and the rest of the team in the wilderness.
What I knowed about Miyuki before meeting her at Oleg was that the High Priest of Erastil, the one in Restov, seems to be quite fond of her. That's all.
Honestly I'm having a hard time understanding others member of our expedition in both ours teams."
Marlani grins: "Lets drink to our families. You wouldn't happen to have any more of that cordial, would you?"
Anton shakes his head
"I'm keeping Oleg's cordial because of its healing properties. Did someone else here have some wine to share with us?" Anton asks looking at the others.
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Garkak the kobold returns to the front of the mine. "Merka come merk. Merka come, chief Sootscales talk to you merk". He motions for you to follow him back into the mine.
For those who haven't been here before there is a small cage Made of lashed together sticks near the entrance. Within is a pityful, mewling mite who has been beaten quite severely. As Garkak passes him by he gives the cage a whack with the butt of his spear, the disgusting blue creature starts in fear and huddles on the opposite side of the cage. The kobold pays little attention to the mite, its an absent, everyday activity for him.
Not showing a reaction of any kind.
"Is that what you do when you do not get your way. Dog a person and attempt to manipulate and guilt them. You only confirm my resolve and weaken your own honor."
With crossbow in hand, he leaves the snake Miyuki behind. Her words hollow to him, Natalya had earned his attention with truth and honesty. He followed the kobolds in, stopping a moment.
"Cousin Marlani please do not get inebriated before we meet with the kobolds."
Finally Lorald would get to the truth of his suspicions.
With Garkak return Anton smiles again to Marlani
"So, we will drink properly, when the deal with the kobolds will be done."
Then moving to Lorad Anton he adds:
"You will need some light inside the cavern. It's very dark there."
Anton again casts the Light orison on his longbow, and moved towards the mine, but staying two steps behind the spokesmen.
Lorald nods to Anton, tossing up his ioun torch. The stone lights up and floats near his head, leaving his hands free.
As things finally get underway, Valkus leans in to whisper to Gareth.
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You enter the kobold caverns, after the initial opening the passageway narrows considerably. You medium creatures have to squeeze through. Gentlemen with wide axe handle shoulders find themselves siddling sideways.
For those that have been here before instead of staying to the right to go towards the shaman’s chambre, you turn left. The passageway widens to a more comfortable width and the ceiling is of a height for medium sized creatures.
You file into a larger cavern where air feels warm and close, thick with reptilian stink mixed with smoke and burnt meat. Numerous beds of furs lie scattered throughout the room amid smouldering cook fires, while to the south a ten-foot-wide alcove contains a large mound of furs framed by dozens of sticks on which are mounted the skulls of many birds, small animals and mites, all smeared with ash.
It’s a reasonably large cavern, but you are a big group and you end up crowding together shoulder to shoulder. There are half a dozen kobolds lurking around the edge of the cavern, merking anxious sounds to one another.
Mikmek and Garkak take up flanking positions on either side of the chief, looking very official and commanding.
“Murka what do you Tall Folk want here murk? Murka why do you come into the halls of Chief Sootscale, where he could smash you murk?” he mimes some smashing with his club, in case you weren’t clear on what he meant.
As soon as they enter the cavern Miyuki walks to Chief Sootscale and says nodding to Lorald:"Our lackey is holding your statue. We return it as promised. We came to talk about peace in return!"
Lorald does not miss a beat.
"We have crushed your enemies, the mites. As Mikmek can attest. We have also recovered your idol and returned one of your own."
He shifts his crossbow as he sits cross legged.
"With respect I would like to know more of your relationship with this new shaman and your intentions now that the war with the mites is ended."
Miyuki looks at the lackey and nods." What it says is true. There are nearly no mites left.
Lorald watches the chieftain closely as he produces the statue.
"Very well."
He hands it over, getting up as he does and returning his hand to his crossbow once done.
The moment of truth thought Anton while Lorad was handing the idol to the chief.
All his muscles were ready for a fight, and his eyes were looking around to notice any possible hostile movement of the kobolds.
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Chief Sootscale hands his club to one of his attendants and his staff to the other. Without even looking up they take the implements. He stands before Lorald being towered over by the half-elf.
He takes the blood-spattered ivory statuette. He runs his claws over the reptilian figure, the wings, the horns, the wickedly fanged smile.
“Murka no Tartuk murk,” says the chief. “Murka from this day we are free of the curse of Old Sharptooth murk.” and he raises the ivory statuette over his head before throwing it down on the hard stone floor. It shatters into pieces. “Murka death to the usurper murk!” cries Chief Sootscale.
“MERKA DEATH TO TARTUK MERK!” shout the assembled Sootscacles.
Let the killing begin
- Group A Josef, Lorald, White Eagle, Valkus, Aran, Miyuki, Marlani, Gareth, Natalya and Chief Sootscale.
- Shaman Tartuk
- Group B Hunter, the kobolds and Anton. Sorry guys I don’t think there’ll be anything left for you.
I have every certainly you will turn Tartuk into a wet stain before he gets to act, he is flat footed, but remember none of your weapons out as you are standing there.
It seemed Lorald's answer was given clearly.
"In Olheon's name you are unworthy."
Anton has his longbow ready, since he was using it also as a light.
Not that this fact could change anything since he is last, and will probably only get the remains of the inanimate body of Tarturk to interact with :-)
Lorald fires at the false shaman. His crossbow ever at hand seemed to be a well earned lesson from his patrol days.
Once the bolt flies he reloads in anticipation of firing again.
Once violence is obvious, Gareth draws his crossbow at Tartuk and squeezes on the trigger. However, he forebears. It occurs to him that the kobolds might want bloody vengeance themselves. And after that, who knows? They might turn on the humans in their midst. Better to keep the bolt in place just in case he should need it for Sootscale or his minions.
Hunter will move up and attack whatever enemy he can with his longsword as he can withdraw his sword as part of his move action
Marlani is still outside.
Does she hear the sounds of combat?
Marlani will move into a position from which she can watch, and prepares her bow.
Aran does not even have to think - he allows his reflexes to act as he was trained. Just a split second behind Lorald, Aran's bolt flies and strikes true at the surprised shaman.
During the talk with the kobold chief, Natalya remained quiet, trusting in Lorald's sense of duty and honour. She is quick as a cat to act once violence is imminent however.
After Lorald fires, Natalya charges, drawing her club as she runs. Just as she is about to crash in to the shaman, she pivots on one foot and brings her club around in an arc, smashing it in to him as hard as she can.
No one else is in melee with Tartuk yet, so after Lorald fires, Natalya charges, drawing her club as she runs. Just as she is about to crash in to the shaman, she pivots on one foot and brings her club around in an arc, smashing it in to him as hard as she can.
[dice=greatclub power attack]1d20+4+2
[dice=bludgeoning]1d10+9
If that is a hit, Hunter will as a free action say That one is going to be seeing stars, good job
Josef will pull his blade while moving through the crowd to reach the shaman, and try to tickle the shaman's gall bladder with the tip, but he manages only a glancing blow, thanks to the crowded space.
Valkus watches the eruption of badly-needed action and admires it. "See Gareth, now this is what I was talking about! Visceral, mortal combat! I don't even know what's happening right now!" With a manic grin, he equips his buckler and longsword, readying himself to wade into the fray.
White Eagle stays back keeping an eye on the remainder of the tribe, preparing for a possible counter attack.
readies his spear bit not actively attacking, yet.
Watching the carange explode Miyuki continues to watch Chief Sootscale.
Valkus watches the eruption of badly-needed action and admires it. "See Gareth, now this is what I was talking about! Visceral, mortal combat! I don't even know what's happening right now!" With a manic grin, he equips his buckler and longsword, readying himself to wade into the fray.
To his surprise, Gareth chuckles at Valkus's statement. In reply he says "You are always chipper in the tensest moments"
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Lorald, Aran and Josef hit Tartuk. Natalya sadly misses, he seems to have some kind of magical shield about him. The club almost hits and would have destroyed him, but some invisible barrier deflected the blow.
Hunter actually goes after Tartuk in the initiative, so we’ll save that for a bit.
Chief Sootscale takes his club from his attendant and rushes forward, delivering a devastating strike to Tartuk’s head.
The purple kobold is sickened and not entirely seeing straight, but he’s got a bit of fight in him yet. With Natalya, Josef and the Chief Sootscale in front of him, he slashes with his sickle, which glows with an arcane light, he does not hit anyone, however. His raven caws and pecks at Josef, doing 1 damage with it’s sharp beak.
Then Hunter runs up from the side and runs his sword through Tartuk’s abdomen, killing him. As he dies you hear him whisper, in common, “Damn kobolds,” but as he dies it almost seems like he has a smile on his reptilian features.
Chief Sootscale spits upon the dead shaman. and turn towards his tribe, his arms thrown up in victory. The kobolds all cheer.
Sootscale turn to all of you. “Murka for bringing Mikmek back to us I give you this worthless thing murk,” and he motions towards the fallen shaman. “Murka all that was his is now yours murk.” He snaps his claws and one of the kobolds runs off, returning a moment later with a book, which he dumps on top of the dead shaman.
“Murka for ridding us of this curse, I grant all you Tall Folk the friendship of the Sootscales murk.”
Miyuki will smile and say:"And we gladly accept!"
I hope Chief White Eagel is happy now and this ending is according to his wishes.
Lorald gives a slight bow to Chief Sootscale. Then proceeds to strip the body of the dead former shaman. Once he has taken everything of value or use, he removes a flask from his inner chest pocket. Pouring some water from it atop the dead Tartuk.
You notice a cloaked bowed figure supporting an angular network of silver branches upon the flask.
It is the holy symbol of Olheon the Just Arbiter. A little known faith of a Archon Empyreal Lord of Deservedness, Nobility, and Rulership.
Replacing it's top and place with in his chest pocket. He speaks to the chief.
"I leave the body to do as is your custom. Unless another among us chooses otherwise. If you have the time Chief Sootscale I would like to speak with you privately."
There were still some concerns he had of the chief.