Uriah understands Ulmo's feelings. In a different situation, he would agree. But it seems these orcs are not actively doing anything wrong for now, and the shaman has a hold on them apparently.
"Preventive killing is evil, Ulmo. I know how you feel, but if we kill them just for being orcs we're no better than them." He wants to add something else, something that the dwarf can use as a fulcrum to change or control his feelings. "Also, it would do us a great good to not engage in combat now."
"Yes, dear," Vashta says, slipping back out to the dwarf side. "They might think the same about you, after all, and want to kill you to save their own kin. Perhaps if no one killed each other, we might all be happier?"
Trevil held his peace, ready to unleash his elemental powers at a moment's notice. He could see both sides of the argument; but was more concerned about the short run and practicalities. If the orcs were allies, or even potential allies of the Storm Tyrant, it would be better to kill them now. They had a clock running to figure out how to get to Ashpeak, and this ambush site was the best one they had to capture the cloud giant bounty hunters... If the orcs warned the giants, that could be all she wrote...
"These very orcs attacked Trunau, did they not? This isn't about vague crimes that may happen in the future. I'm with Ulmo on this one, they've killed our people. I agree Vashta that we shouldn't make new enemies where we had none, as I've said before, but they've already shown their true colors."
”Aye. But-for us being present, what would have befallen Trunau? The slow death of an orc’s slave for the lucky few. They’ll but find the next village to slaughter.” And while he didn’t say it, he thought grimly to himself that they’d be right to kill him to save their families. Because if the only way to protect his people was to kill every last orc on and below Golarion, then he’d happily do it. Part of him knew this to be wrong, and that before this mess started he never would have felt that way. But a much louder, much more bitter voice drowned it out, and berated him for being a fool. It was almost like he could hear her speaking to him, saying that what the world needed was an inquisitor who understood what a necessary evil was. It was so convincing that he couldn’t turn away from the logic. All he could do was hold himself back, for deep down he was still bound by duty. And he was not the kind of dwarf who dragged allies into a fight they didn’t want to be in through reckless acts.
"They served the Storm Tyrant, but that woman -- and perhaps the others -- has been as abused as any. Do you think she had any real choice? Perhaps we can use her for our own purposes if we can make some deal with her general. We can slaughter them all with ease, and they know it, but that would hardly be an act of heroism."
Wyvern's Maw: Night Two
About two minutes pass before the crow returns, alighting on his mistress's shoulder. The two converse in bird tongue a moment, and then the elderly woman speaks:
"The General says he will meet with you, but must make himself ready... as a champion of Gorum, it would be shameful to speak without his armor. He thanks you for your patience."
She frowns, and moves closer to Dizzy, perhaps too close and whispers to her:
"I do not think he intends to negotiate. I think he wishes to lower your guard and attack. He has shown no one such civility, in my experience. But if you can satisfy his ravenous ego, perhaps he will listen."
The woman then steps back and watches Dizzy closely.
Nothing to see here
Dizzy lowers her voice and says "I really, really hope that he chooses wisely."
Vashta continues to wait outside, making sure Ulmo remains calm, and unaware of what's transpiring inside.
His back covered by the living stone of the cave, Trevil waits for either diplomacy or warfare. He spends his time using Tremorsense to probe the stone, looking for a flaw he could turn into a cave-sealing collapse with earth powers, to block the giants retreat. (Once the giants were inside of course.)
Wyvern's Maw: Night Two
You don't wait much longer.
In the meantime, Trevil notices that the cave could be collapsed but it would likely take tremendous force to do, and the mouth is quite wide - between 50-60 ft. across in most places .
And then General Grishmar and his retinue arrive.
A small army of orcs backs him up - perhaps a hundred. About half carry the markings of the Eyebiter Tribe, the rest are unmarked or carry insignias of other orcish clans. All pay deference to their leader.
The General is an enormous orc, nearly seven feet tall and made all the taller by his black metal fullplate, covered in wicked barbs and spines. His helm is shaped like a circular maw surrounded by fangs and sports a pair of forward facing bull-like horns also wrought of the same metal. A tattered green cloak falls down his back, and he carries a blade more appropriate for a fire giant than an orc. On his chest he proudly displays an adamantine and iron symbol of Gorum. Despite his fearsome armaments and stature, Grishmar has a shockingly handsome face and piercing black eyes.
He rides astride a bull like creature, armored the same as he. Long, vicious blades have been affixed to the mounts horns, and from underneath a stylized helm the monster seems to snort tiny streams of sickly green smoke.
Behind him rides a half-orc, also in heavy armor but wielding a flail and shield. The half-orc sits astride an enormous wholly rhinoceros, barded with dried humanoid hides and metal studs. This beast's mighty horn is adorned with a savage cutting edge.
For a second, they just stare at Dizzy and Trevil.
Then Grishmar speaks, his voice filled with magnetic confidence.
"Are you really the Heroes of Trunau?"
He doesn't sound threatening or aggressive. More like a fan meeting a celebrity, disbelieving they share the same air.
Nothing to see here
"Some people call us that, yes. As I was telling your...subordinates, we need this area and did not know you were here. Unfortunately, we don't have time to change things, but I don't see a need to have a bunch of your group die, and I would prefer not to waste resources we'll need."
Argea lays a hand on Ulmo's shoulder. "As much as I'd like to fight the whole army, brother, we wouldn't stand a chance. But we can at least stand with our friends, take the measure of these orcs with our own eyes, and make our voices heard. Let's just not throw our lives away to settle this now. What do you say?"
"Are you really the Heroes of Trunau?"
Trevil rolls forward off where he was leaning on the rock, his elemental overflow flaring a bit "Do we have to prove it to you?" he asks, as he eyeballs the orcs...
”Fine. I won’t attack till the tuskers make a move.” He said, grudgingly.
She nods. "If that happens, I'll be right there by your side." Then she walks out into view, hands held out to her sides non-aggressively, to join her companions. She stares down the General with a stern expression. "Should we know you, by deeds or reputation?"
To Argea's comment on the orcs being too many, Uriah responds in low voice. "Well, it's all about taking down the leader. That's our only chance, but it might work."
When the others come out of hiding, he follows. "Let's hope we don't have to check if I'm wrong or right."
"Argea, Uriah, be dears, and keep an eye on Ulmo here, would you? I think if we're going to talk, I might be more useful out there," Vashta says.
Assuming they agree, and holding her dwarven friend to his word, she lightly heads out, making herself visible to the orcs.
"Yes, indeed, darling, we are the heroes. And as darling Dizzy has said, we don't want to have to fight right now," she announces. "We have bigger things in mind."
"Alright, yeah" Uriah answers, and makes a strange gesture to Ulmo, as if saying 'here we are'.
Wyvern's Maw: Night Two
Grishmar listens to Dizzy eagerly, whilst the orcs behind him shuffle about awkwardly. The half-orc atop the rhinoceros appears to be his second in command, and silently appraises those of you he can see. But then the general speaks, his voice booming:
"Yes, we could simply go each our own way. But this meeting must be the will of the gods. We could simply do battle. Maybe I bring what remains of you to the Storm Tyrant, maybe you kill us. Either way, Gorum will be pleased. But I have another option, if you are interested."
He pauses for effect, and then guides his mount a few steps closer.
"One of you face me, in single combat. If you win, we abandon the giants and fight for you. If you lose... one of you promises to be my consort for a year and to bear me a child that I can raise as a warrior. To live with the blood of both a legendary Giantslayer and a champion of Urgir flowing in their veins. Of course, you have other problems right now, but once you defeat the giants you will meet me in Urgir as promised. The fight is to either surrender, defeat, or death. Though I imagine any slain you can bring back with your powerful magics."
You're not quite sure what the orc's intentions are, but they appear to be brutally straightforward. But as you would expect from a fanatical follower of Gorum, he has little interest in leaving without testing himself against such legendary warriors as yourselves.
Nothing to see here
Trevil chuckles harshly and asks "Well Dizzy, you wanted to 'play nice'; are we back to kill them all or are we still 'playing nice'? After a pause he continues, "Also if we do decide to 'play nice', which of us gets the pleasure of killing him? Rock, Paper, Scissors? Finally, what rules are we playing under: does the 'bull' there get to play too?"
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”I’d gladly kill him. Or all of them.” Ulmo said, striding forward. ”But as I can’t fulfill the full end of the bargain, it isn’t my choice to make.” Then to Trevil he said ”And that’s a stupid game. Rock should beat everything.”
"You sure that we can't solve this like rational people? Fine, let me see what my companions say."
Dizzy returned to the group to explain what had happened.
Sliding back through the rock, Trevil rejoins the party for the huddle about the decision to be made. "Both Ulmo or I will happily take up the duel (and I suspect there are others who will too), but neither of us are capable of paying the bill if we lose, so I agree with him, it ain't our call. The other alternative is to kill them all and let god know his own..."
He continues much more quietly, so as not to be overheard by any sharp-eared orcs, "If we do decide to kill them all, let's pretend to accept the duel anyways, for the surprise value. I'll take it up and initiate the fight."
Argea is simmering as the group reconvenes. "With every word he makes the case stronger for his own demise. This army has proven themselves our enemies and Torag demands justice, but this isn't something that the three of us can do on our own. Will the rest of you support us?"
"But what if we win?" Uriah asks. Not because he's really charmed by the idea of having the orcs at their command, but rather because he's not really keen on blatant treachery.
He steps out and shows himself to the orc army. "What would be the rules of a hypothetical duel?"
Wyvern's Maw: Night Two
The orc hordes watch nervously as you continue to negotiate with their leader. Grishmar remains supremely confident. He and his second exchange a look, before he speaks:
"Make your choice, heroes. Indecisiveness does not look good on you."
He hefts his massive blade, whilst his mount adjusts its footing slightly and snorts angrily.
When asked about the rules of the duel, the half-orc nods. He speaks with a surprisingly refined tone which clashes with his savage appearance.
"Fight afoot, no mounts or pets, no assistance or interference save for a spell cast by both combatants and one of their allies at the beginning. The spell must be a boon bestowed on the combatant only. I will provide Gorum's favor upon both combatants equally throughout. Neither fighter may leave the 100' x 100' arena. This is a test of martial strength, trickery or cowardly tactics will not be tolerated. If you agree to this, name your fighter and we will draw out the fighting grounds."
He scrutinizes you intensely, almost as a hawk its prey.
Nothing to see here
"Hey Vashta, is orc breath there trying to rush us into something?"
+3 Wis
Vashta again sizes up the half-orc, though she suspects he's being honest about what he wants, at least.
"What a lovely offer, dear," she says, sure she's not planning to take him up on it. She's learned to protect herself, but is no warrior, even with her magic.
She frowns. "There's risk certainly, but it might be worth accepting the offer. Let's see then what happens with the cloud giants, and if we have to make other plans then, we have that option."
Wheeling on her feet, Dizzy moves into the cave and says "Alright, you can fight me, if you can handle losing to a girl."
"It's your play Dizzy. Cayden's Luck with you." Trevil gets to work, quickly marking the arena with a series of 4 wall infusion Kinetic blasts which scar the ground where they lay. In under a minute, the battleground is ready...
Vashta looks not thrilled, but is glad Dizzy is taking the chance, instead of having to slaughter them.
Uriah feels this is the way to go. Also, he's happy to have a first row ticket to see the famous Dizzy fight in such an interesting duel.
Approaching her, he asks which buff from a companion will she take. "Sadly, I can offer little - most of it some others will already have, and probably better. But if you're willing..."
Knowledge (local) 13
Sense Motive 34
Argea stays silent and vigilant, neither giving her word nor making a move to break Dizzy's, but she readies to cast Freedom of Movement when it's time.
Wyvern's Maw: Night Two
General Grishmar dismounts his steed, and enters the arena. He hefts his blade in one hand, grasping his unholy symbol in the other and utters a fervent prayer to his god:
Orc "I will bathe in blood and breathe in iron. Where there is no conflict, I will create it. Where there are skirmishes, I will make war."
He then chants a few mystical words, and disappears completely from view.
His companion, still mounted on his rhinoceros, barks out a set of arcane words, which then shift into a ferocious and infectious war chant. All the Eyebiters, save for the Shaman, begin to chant along and bang their weapons against their shields and armor to thunderous effect. Dizzy is offered this bloodthirsty boon
The tempo hits its full, thunderous peak and without missing a beat, the half-orc skald screams:
Orc "Now! FIGHT!"
Confident in Dizzy's skill, Trevil focuses on his connection to elemental earth, activating Tremorsense, so as to follow the action.
"Psst, guys, what spells did they cast?
Confident in Dizzy's skill, Trevil focuses on his connection to elemental earth, activating Tremorsense, so as to follow the action.
"Not sure," Vashta hisses back as she missed the details of the spell while tuning out the orc song . She maintains her stare, secretly sapping the orc chief's will and orientation .
”Heh, orc, I can *see* ye. Go ahead and break the rules. Give me an excuse to paint the caves with yer innards. The bloody Drow will talk in hushed whispers about the things I’ll do.” Ulmo said in the orc’s own tongue. The look in the dwarf’s eyes was that of bloodlust and without a shred of mercy.
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