Druuth's page

Druuth looked at the others as they came in. "Welcome to my home. Please come in and have a seat. I apologize I don't have a lot to sit on, I rarely have company."

"I'm sorry, I can't help with that. But I'm certain your sisters would do all they could to stop you from hurting them." Druuth replied.

"Of course not, just be aware of what is going on around you and try to minimize the possible collateral damage. For instance, perhaps you could put yourself in a position where there is nothing but enemies are nearby. Just a suggestion." Druuth responded.

Druuth shrugged, "As you wish Gashka. I may not know Thrainn's exact reason for not telling of his past, but I can hazard a guess as to why the no fighting. Based on what I've seen and what you've said, it would appear your family's inherent rage may be coming to fruition. Their is a rumor among the arena fighters that your great-great-great Grandfather pissed off some shaman back in the day by winning a fight he was suppose to lose. As a result, the first born has been subject to an uncontrollable rage that when it takes hold, is dangerous to all around them. Thrainn seemed to have a better handle on it than his father, probably due to his venting it in the arena." A thought then occurred to the old Orc, "I'm sorry, where are my manners. Help yourself to the provision locker over there. I have more than enough food to spare."

"Really? Never would have pegged the Iron Underdog for a carpenter." Druuth said as he set down his spear and moved over to the hot spring. After moving his cloak, the Orc used the shield to block Gashka's view as he removed his lower garments then stepped into the water. Once lowered himself down, he kept his shield within arms reach, unlike the spear which was across the room.

"Make yourself at home." Druuth said.

"Hold a moment." Druuth said as he walked forward and disabled the barely perceptible tripwire at the opening. Pointing up with his spear, you see a large log with two foot, blood-stained wooden spikes protruding out one side. "You'd be surprised how much dinner I've caught with that thing."

Druuth shrugged, "Suit yourself." Taking a step towards his home, he said, "This way."

"Hold a moment." Druuth said as he slung his shield over his shoulder and handed Gashka the spear. After climbing a tree, he returned with orange the size of a cantaloupe. "This should tide you over for now." Taking his weapon back, "The offer still stands, but don't you think you should let the others know where you're headed? You did say you were heading back to the ship. It might look strange if you weren't there."

Tikkle's question went unanswered by the Orc, for he wasn't there.

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Gashka heard a voice that currently, she probably didn't want to, "GASHKA! STOP RIGHT NOW!" She heard just as a giant spider popped out of the ground in front of her the exact instant a spear flew passed her and embedded itself in the creatures head. Coming up to the fallen figure, the Druuth extracted his spear. "You're just a little off the path we took to get to the temple. It's dangerous to be out here alone if you're new to this place. I know I'm probably the last person you wish to see right now, but would you like me to guide you back to your boat?"

Druuth turned around at the entrance, "In my time here, I've not seen a single one. This island seems to be nothing but large primal beasts and elementals." As if on cue, you hear the roar from earlier off in the distance. "Like that one for example. He's rather large."

Druuth shrugged, "Other than this temple, there isn't much to this island. If you don't mind, I'd rather stay here. There isn't much left in me as it is, and I'd rather go down fighting than die in some bed." Placing his hand over his heart, the old Orc bowed his head, "Good journey to you and your companions Gashka. And tell the Iron Underdog that I said hello." With that, he turned and left the temple.

"As you wish Gashka." Druuth responded before picking up his shield and spear. The Orc started to head North. After three hours, as he said, the group stood before the strange structure of stone. The old warrior turned to the others, "I came here once, almost a year ago. Couldn't get near the place, a couple of rather large stony creatures prevented me from entering. Something about, 'This is for Children of Elements' or something like that."

The Orc turned to the Earthbender, "A temple you say? I think I might know the one your talking about. It's about three hours from here. I could show all of you if you like?"

The Orc turned to Chris, "Don't trouble yourself boy, I've suffered worse. Besides, I've got a rather helpful hot spring at my home, it does wonders." Then an idea strikes him, "Matter of fact, how about a bite to eat. I've got a cave nearby."

"I'm sorry to say, that isn't true Gashka. The Royal Family of Saneth did not disown her, so she still retains her status, as do you." Druuth replied.

Druuth chuckled, "Because he had whipped me in the arena once or twice back in the day. And a couple of tavern brawls on top of that. He wasn't called the Iron Underdog for nothing, he always managed to find a way to win no matter what."

"Well, the engagement of Lady Kealey and Thrainn was quite the celebration. As for how I recognized you, you look quite a lot like your Father when he was younger, so I guessed." Druuth answered.

"Fair enough," Druuth conceded, "I travelling on a pirate hunter ship is search of one last glorious battle. Three months in, a vicious storm came out of nowhere and sank the ship. I awoke on the beach and have been here ever since, fighting these and other creatures native to this island." A smile crossed the old Orc's face, "It's been glorious."

Yes, I like 300. Both the graphic novel, along with its movie, and the 1962 movie The 300 Spartans. That particular piece of history just calls to me. And fyi, you can actually make a 300-like character per RAW in Pathfinder that's viable. You just need a magic shield, Bracers of Armor, and Dex enhancing items for mid to high levels.

"Other than my words, no I do not. You can choose to believe me or not, but it will not change the truth," The Orc responded to Flynt. "I am rather curious though, why are you here?"

Druuth paused for a moment, "Of course my......Gashka. Allow me to explain. I hail from Gothos, a land ruled jointly by the twin cities of Saneth and Tarpas. Your mother, Lady Kealey, is a princess of Saneth, third in line for its crown or was to marry the crown prince of Tarpas if no other suitor caught her attention. One did, Thrainn the Iron Underdog, Champion of the Tarpas Arena. The best Golem Gladiator ever seen, past or present. When they started courting, the royal families of either city had no qualms about it, but the Arena Lord know as The Viper, wasn't ready to give up his best fighter just yet. After several failed attempts on his Thrainn made a deal, he would leave Gothos, never to return leaving his old life behind. As to why they told you different, I do not know, but that is the truth of it."

A special cookie to the one that can tell me where I got the city names. ;)

Druuth placed his spear and shield on the ground and stood up in a non-threatening manner, "But of course my Lady, I understand completely. I would never even dream of harming a single hair of Lady Kealey of the Silver Garden or Thrainn the Iron Underdog. Or their child for that matter, if your stance is any indication, you are more than capable of handling yourself, not to mention your companions. What would you like to know?"

Hearing Flynt's confirmation of his suspicions, the Orc dropped to one knee and bowed his head, "Mae fy wraig, mae'n fraint i fod yn eich presenoldeb."

The Orc looked at the young woman addressing him, "Druuth of Gothos, and I assure you I mean no harm." He then looked back at Gashka awaiting her answer.