Tora no Senaka - The Back of the Tiger (Inactive)

Game Master Dreaming Warforged

Does Akulayok know how the Erutaki conduct sacrifices?

Akulayok frowns.

Garand whispers to his companions, "If we are to face this, shall we pre-empt our host's plans and face it together, head on, rather than alone or tied to stakes?"

He seems prepared to step forward and offer that option immediately, rather than give the shaman time to dictate the terms of their sacrifice...

If you make speeches, please make the appropriate social rolls. If you attack, I'll roll initiatives.

Pavel's face turns a familiar red, glaring at the shaman.
Sense motive w/favored enemy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11

He steps forward, speaking in skald.
"You can tell the spirits that's not happening. Now, if you want us to fast for another week and try again, that's fine. Or if you want to ask them for a favor we can do to push things into alignment- fine. But if you're set on a sacrifice, I guarantee it won't go down quietly... And I'll be taking you out with me.", the ranger says menacingly before adding,"You have a successor lined up, right? Be a damn shame for the whole tribe to be without a shaman in these trying times."
Intimidate: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Or not. :)

Hey, I gave him some alternatives. Garand did say to face it head-on, after all.

Sense Motive UT for shaman's ultimatum: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18

Daeron smiles warmly at the Erutaki chief as her words are translated. He inclines his head to her as she speaks in respectful deference. However, as the old shaman begins his speech, the elf's features grow colder. As Pavel delivers his ultimatum, Daeron summons a few orbs of light and juggles them casually in his hands as a demonstration of his arcane prowess. His blue eyes icy, the elf wizard says in a harsh tone, "I'm afraid I'm inclined to agree with my companion. Although, one could argue that we'd be doing you a favor be removing a clearly incompetent shaman. I doubt this is truly the spirit's wish." Picking up on his master 'a agitation, Manulani glares angrily at the shaman from around Daeron's cloak.

Intimidate UT Aid Another: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 1 = 13

some follow-up diplomacy from Theoden and Garand might help.

Daeron, you can read Pavel's spoiler.

Akulayok sees the anger upon the newcomer's faces. He says in Erutaki,

Diplomacy1d20 - 1 ⇒ (1) - 1 = 0

Theoden immediately steps up, his hands in the air, speaking in Skald, "Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Hold on a minute, folks. Let's talk about this, shall we?" He looks to the Chief, grinning. Here we go. "Now, the shaman here says one of us need to be sacrificed. Okay, well, here's what's gonna happen; and I'm gonna be truthful here so listen close. Now, if you try and sacrifice one of us, there is going to be a fight. Which means a lot of bloodshed. Which means you could kill us all," he says in a matter of fact tone. "But that would also mean we kill a lot of your own," that being phrased in a tone of regret. "But that would also mean that the sacrifice would be improper. Because I'm willing to bet that there's a 'proper' way to sacrifice someone to the Icy beast. And if that's the case, and our little group all die in the coming battle, then your Icy friend still comes and destroys your village... killing you all," he says somberly, pausing a few moments to let it sink in. "I think there's a better way to solve this than with massive bloodshed, Chief, don't you?" he states with confidence, a raised eyebrow awaiting his response. Oh yeah, it's beautiful because it's me. A mental smile forms.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (18) + 18 = 36

Garand steps up after Théoden speaks, attempting to ride on Théoden's excellent use of diplomacy to attempt to stem whatever violence might be waiting to erupt. "Like your brave people, we too are a community, and would not abandon one of our own, no matter what ill portents blow in the wind. The gods do not favor the craven, or the treacherous, after all, but only those with honor. If your shaman seeks a sacrifice, then we four shall stand together against this Icy Death, for no community, no family, can stand once they turn away from one another."

Garand points to himself, Théoden, Pavel and Daeron when he says, 'we four,' as he would not volunteer Akulayok until he's sure the new friend is willing to make such a step, and he's very pointedly *not* volunteering Koya, Ameiko, etc. to join us out on the field (although if Shalelu or Sandru wishes to mix it up, that's entirely their call).

Aid Other to Théoden's Diplomacy, or his own roll, if needs be. 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

Woot. A 20! I confirm critical on my Diplomacy roll!

What do you mean that's not a thing? :)

If Garand is still using tongues...

Akulayak leaves his tribesmen and stands with the others. He crosses his arms, his eyes not leaving Tunuaq.

Your passionate speeches are translated and supported by Sonavut and Akulayok. Clearly, the villagers are swayed by your arguments, though they are clearly fearfully respectful of the shaman.

The Chief looks at the scene with narrowing eyes, but she remains unreadable. Finally, she walks to the center of the assembly and raises her staff. Sonavut translates her words: "Enough..." she simply says and the crowd goes silent at once. "The future always threatens, and the village has lost many warriors to the Morozkos and the Icy Scourge. Some would say that we need all the allies we can find... Others would say that we need less enemies... The caravan can stay! But they must prove their worth not in defending the village, but in attacking its enemies. Tomorrow, your warriors will leave, hunt and defeat the Icy Scourge. If you come back successful, you will have won your stay. If not, you will have to appease its anger and leave the village at once. This is my wisdom, and my command."

She turns from you and faces the half-elf. Tunuaq seems to understand where this is going and starts to say something but is cut by the Chief's stare: "Akulayok! You are a great guide and hunter. I wouldn't want to deprive you of the greatest of hunt. You will accompany them in their hunt."

With that, she starts to leave, and Tunuaq follows her with Sonavut, though they remain silent, for the Chief has spoken...

Theoden grins, turning to the others as the Chief walks away. "Couldn't have turned out better," he winks, a smug look about him.

You guys did well :)

Akulayok smiles,

"Fuh'F$+*in' twerp shaman... ", Pavel swears, though most of the heat has left him.

"Wuh'we were bound to have to duh'deal with it sooner or later- better now than when we're cruh'crossing."

Akulayok looks at Pavel, then at Daeron.

Looking to the newcomer, "You know, I'm thinking we are going to have to learn these peoples language. What we have here is a serious failure to communicate," he says to no one in particular and in a matter of fact tone.

Nice! Now redresh my mind. Where is that from again? President.?.

Cool Hand Luke. It was just to perfect to pass up. :)

Oh yeaaaaaah! The warden?

Yep.

Still looking coldly at the shaman, Daeron listens carefully to the more diplomatic efforts of his allies. He glances away momentarily and smiles faintly as the half-kin hunter, Akuyalok, joins the group. Once the chieftain has made her (or his?) decision, Daeron nods respectfully to her. An acceptable solution I think. No innocent blood is shed and a chance to relieve these villagers of a raiding terror. Smiling more warmly, Daeron listens and readily translates for their newfound friend. Akuyalok's thoughts on Pavel elicit a bark of laughter and a grin from the wizard before he says,

Still chuckling, he replies to Theoden, "It might indeed be necessary for you to learn my mother tongue. And perhaps also the language of the Erutaki. It might be a rather and boring winter if you can't properly relate the tale of Theoden the Bold and his slaying of the dragon to the tribe." Sobering a little, he continues, "We will need to warn Shaleu and Sandru of the potential danger from the shaman. I don't know if he would be willing to try and move against us without the chief's support, but it would be best to be cautious. I can speak to Shaleu, along with Akuyalok, if you wish." Daeron casts a sidelong, and curious, glance at the hunter as he speaks.

Assume I act as translator whenever Akuyalok is around and we're talking with someone who doesn't speak a common language.

Cool Hand Luke. It was just to perfect to pass up. :)

I'm not really getting these, but at least I'm finding some movies to add to my Netflix queue.

Still chuckling, he replies to Theoden, "It might indeed be necessary for you to learn my mother tongue. And perhaps also the language of the Erutaki. It might be a rather and boring winter if you can't properly relate the tale of Theoden the Bold and his slaying of the dragon to the tribe."

Theoden can't help but agree. "You know, I like the way you think, Daeron. It would be terrible if tales of such grandeur fell on 'deaf' ears. That is a fine idea," he grins wryly.

Sobering a little, he continues, "We will need to warn Shaleu and Sandru of the potential danger from the shaman. I don't know if he would be willing to try and move against us without the chief's support, but it would be best to be cautious. I can speak to Shaleu, along with Akuyalok, if you wish." Daeron casts a sidelong, and curious, glance at the hunter as he speaks.

"And you are probably right about warning the others as well. While I am not too terribly worried about the shaman -- because I believe he will not dare contest the Chief's final decision -- I would agree it is better to be safe than sorry. Do as you see fit, good Daeron," he nods affirmatively.

"Indeed, suggest to Koya that any 'gifts' of food or belongings that may come from a supporter of the shaman be purified, in case they may have 'accidentally' spoiled, or tainted..." Garand adds in a quiet tone. "At this point, I would expect the shaman, or one of his misguided followers, to attempt some trickery, perhaps to cause a member of the caravan to break some taboo, so that they can use that as a pretext to order everyone ejected from the village..."

Shalelu, Koya, Sandru and Ameiko were all there as well, but they were happy to see you take the lead on the conversation.

Afterwards, Koya let's you know how happy she is that Tunuaq's scheming did not manage to expulse them from the village. She is worried for you though and warns you: "The wyrms are clever hunters. They never show up unless with an advantage!"

Ameiko smiles at you: "You did well. I should not show myself too much... Come back safe and victorious!"

Akulayok, Sonavut comes an hour later to see you. She unwraps climbing claws: "Those are enchanted tools kept for the greatest of hunts. The Chief has asked me to give a pair to each of you. We call them 'Claws of the Ice Bear'. They will help you greatly in the hunt I hope..." It seems clear she has more to say to you, but she stops and an awkward moment lingers between you: "We'll talk more when you come back. I will be glad to hear your tale!" she says as she leaves in a hurry.

You set out of the village before dawn, led by Akulayok, climbing a set of winding stairs leading up into the cliff, emerging into an icy tunnel, going from dark gray to an eerie pure azure blue, before opening up on the High Ice. The icy wind snaps at you as you emerge, and you gaze upon the expanse called the High Ice, ready for the hunt...

Tell me who and what you bring with you. Travel on the High Ice is quite risky and you may have to spend the night in the worst of conditions... Think travel across the Antartic, to hunt a dragon!
I'll need survival rolls to track the dragon. Each roll is about 8 hours of travel. I'll take the best roll and the other rolls as 'aid another'.

The view as you emerge from the tunnel on the High Ice.

Spells for the day(s) of the dragon-hunt;
Spells Prepared
4th- communal protection from energy, terrible remorse (Will DC 18), summon nature's ally IV (animals only)D
3rd- communal resist energy x2, prayer, dominate animalD
2nd- admonishing ray x2, spear of purity x2 (Will DC 16), shield otherD
1st- burning disarm (Ref DC 15), command (Will DC 15), liberating command, remove fear, blessD
0- guidance, light, purify food & drink, stabilize

"I have no means to bring the beast to the ground, so we should prepare whatever sort of ranged weapons we have. I will attempt to protect us from it's cold attacks, if we can avoid being attacked by surprise, as the spells will only last a short time..."

Survival 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

Garand will bring his usual gear, and Stag-Spirit, who, if we can bring it down, might be able to get in an attack.

"What little I have heard of dragons, they are no simple minded brutes, and have magic of their own, so I would not be surprised if, after an initial assault with cold and frost does not bring us low, the beast attempts a spell of fire, as the forces it must compete with out here, such as frost giants, seem likely to be immune to its frost, and yet dislike fire intensely."

Garand may be over-estimating the creatures intelligence, but he'd certainly pick up some fire spells if all of his local competition for food and resources were immune to cold and took +50% damage from fire! It's a funky effect of the game design that fire spells are so much more useful to *frost* dragons than ice magics...

Akulayok thanks Sonavut. He wonders at what more Sonavut has to say, but does not pursue the talk. He will take the claws to the others explaining to Daeron their use, he says in Elven "Filled with spirits of the great bear".

Akulayok wears the fur of various artic animals held together with thread made from animal sinew. He carries with him what he needs for the hunt (what is on his gear list). He is not overburdened. He moves across the ice with sure and quiet feet.

Once they reach an area where the tracks of the beast might show themselves, he begins to look for the signs.

Survival1d20 + 11 ⇒ (3) + 11 = 14

Stealth with -5 penalty for moving greater than half speed1d20 + 17 - 5 ⇒ (12) + 17 - 5 = 24

Before leaving
Just before they leave, he looks to his faithful steed, petting his muzzle. "Alright, buddy, you take care, alright? Watch out for trouble. Defend yourself to the fullest if you must." Patting the side of his face he moves over to Sandru and Shalelu. "I'd be forever grateful if you two would watch over Pride while I'm gone. He's pretty easy going but he can get cranky at times," he says with a wink, then takes his leave to prepare for departure.

After leaving

"I have no means to bring the beast to the ground, so we should prepare whatever sort of ranged weapons we have. I will attempt to protect us from it's cold attacks, if we can avoid being attacked by surprise, as the spells will only last a short time..."

"Unfortunately, nor I. But if the rest of you can bring him down to ground level, then that would solve our little problem."

Survival: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (16) + 1 = 17

In the interests of keeping things moving, I'm adding spoiler tags for this retroactive RP with Shalelu and Akulayok. Thus we can keep moving and I get to see how our newfound friend reacts to meeting another elf. :)

Made some changes to my spell list. Feel free to comment. ;-)

Bringing my normal gear and my backup book #2 (#1 is staying in the chest). I'm also bringing my cold weather gear (furs, cleats, snowshoes, etc.). Manulani is coming along as well and if I can scrounge up a small sized set of cold weather clothing, I'll add that too. If not, he'l have to survive with his furs, winter blanket and natural outsider-ish resistance.

Daeron nods acknowledgement of Akuyalok's explanation, but looking perplexed, asks, "Understandable, but what is there function? Are these some form of weapons or are they tools?"

When discussing preparations.

"I believe I can help even our odds with the dragon to some degree or another. I don't have it within my power to bring the beast to ground, but I can assist by having a few of our number fly. I have some limited ability to protect against any elemental damage as well, but I shall need other magics that will limit my ability to assist. Most usefully, I can summon a number of allies who should be able to engage the creature in the air themselves." Daeron considers for a moment before saying, "I may also be able to keep it on the ground if we are able to lure it there. I can't guarantee it will work, but it may be something."

Survival: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Akulayok respondes to Daeron in Elven, "Claw to climb. If need, use claw as claw." He shows them how to fight with bear claw.

Daeron

Didn't miss you Maddigan, I'm just debating if I want to reply before or after Shalelu/TCB has a chance to.

"I believe I can help even our odds with the dragon to some degree or another. I don't have it within my power to bring the beast to ground, but I can assist by having a few of our number fly. I have some limited ability to protect against any elemental damage as well, but I shall need other magics that will limit my ability to assist. Most usefully, I can summon a number of allies who should be able to engage the creature in the air themselves." Daeron considers for a moment before saying, "I may also be able to keep it on the ground if we are able to lure it there. I can't guarantee it will work, but it may be something."

Theoden looks to the wizard curiously. "Did you say - fly? Whoa-ho-ho! Now that is fantastic!" His eyes light up at the possibility. "Now, my good man, if at all possible, I would gladly accept the burden of responsibility of such an ability. Do not think I thought about this lightly, OH NO! It is worth it; truly," he says with his award winning smile.

Chuckling at Theoden's outburst, Daeron adds in a too-casual voice, "Did I forget to mention that you'd be the same size as a giant when you do your flying?"

The small group of hunters makes his way across the ice. As the sun rises, Akulayok distributes strange goggles. He explains they will protect from the sun as it reflects on the ice.

Pavel's Survival roll: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

For hours you look for tracks or signs. Garand seems the most at ease and is aptly supported by the group. You find somewhat fresh kills and signs of landing and burrowing, allowing you to save time and get a sense of the direction to take.

But night falls quickly this high north and this late in the year. The sun is about to touch the horizon and you seem to have at least another day to go...

Ok, how do you get settled for the night?

On the high ice...

"As it is growing dark, it seems that we should find shelter quickly before temperatures grow dangerous. Is there a typical means of staying warm on these ventures, Akuyalok?" Daeron asks, shivering slightly as he pulls his furs tighter around his shoulders. "It seems like a burrow of some sort to escape the wind might work, but I'm not sure if that is possible without risking collapse."

Is everything ice or are there actual snow banks nearby? What about any rock formations where we could set up some sort of lean-to?

"Find cave or build ice hut. Cover up. My boots keep me warm."

It is, for the most part, hard packed snow. In the windiest parts, the old ice is bare. You often pass some rocky outcrop of small size.

The Sword That's More Likable Than Its Wielder can protect us all with endure elements for the night, btw.

Pavel surveys the bleak expanse.
"Luh'let's use them rocks to bruh'break the wind a bit and I can suh'set up my tent- two of us can stay there. I figure Duh'Daeron and Theoden should use the tent, rest of us can rough it."

Did Shalelu have anything else to say in our conversation, TCB? Also, I'm back at home now so my posting will be back to normal.

"That seems sensible to me, though if we have the option, we should all sleep in cover and close together to share body heat." Daeron opines in reply to Pavel's suggestions. When a location is chosen by the more nature-inclined members of the group, Daeron pitches in with setting up camp but is otherwise silent thinking. Feeling that he was missing something, he turned over his knowledge of dragons in his mind, hoping for inspiration to strike.

Just as the group has finished setting up camp, Daeron exclaims excitedly and says, "You are all too right, Garand, that we shouldn't sell the mental prowess of our prey short. It has occurred to me that some of my reading, the Drkanav Codex in particular, makes note of white dragon intelligence. A passage that seems particularly apt reads, 'In reality, many of them ' - that would be white dragons - 'still exceed humans in mental prowess, but among their draconic kin such a thing is hardly considered a bragging right. And yet, they remain true dragons, and their potential for glorious splendor remains unequalled by all but the very pinnacle of humanity.'" Pleased with his recollection, he smiles in satisfaction for a moment before continuing, "I think we should be keeping careful watch for an ambush. It may be that the creature is in the habit of doubling back on its trail periodically to check if it is followed."

We set up camp. Set watches as 1st Pavel, 2nd Akulayok, and 3rd Théoden.

With Akulayok's help, Pavel and Garand set up a shelter making use of the rocks, but digging in the packed snow to move the camp under the surface, while building snow walls and a snow roof to protect them.

As the darkness sets, you feel the temperature drop violently and rush to the comfort of your shelter. No one could survive very long outside it seems, but the snow seems to isolate you from the cold and the temperature is not so cold. Furthermore, Kazuko no Hogo, the Amatatsu heirloom, grants you its protection.