Ghostclaw's page

He nods as Theodric speaks of Abadar, "A priest then. I thought as much given the symbol your bear, though I am not familiar with this Abadar. Does you god favor you with the ability to use power on his behalf? That may be a greater gift than any weapon as long as you remain in his favor." He shakes his head and his eyes momentarily dull as if recalling some distant memory. "I know some gods prefer you to bear certain weapons as well. Is the great sword you bear the weapon of Abadar?"

When Felliped comments on the value of a gnoll guide, Ghostclaw responds with a strong, short yip before continuing, "Thank you for the compliment Felliped. It would make me very happy to join you on the journey if you were to select me."

As the conversation turns to the mission, "Interesting. So it sounds like we will have a couple locations to explore. I'm sure we could make a suitable camp in one location or the other once I help scout things out. Fortunately, the ruined town is far enough from the Peaks that we should be safe from major gnoll predation, but we may still have to deal with scouts or hunters. It doesn't sound as if you are seeking any dangerous artifacts as Pathfinders sometimes do."

And when Felliped explain his talents, Ghostclaw bares his teeth in a tight-lipped smile, "Good. I will do my best to keep us from any fights, but it never hurts to have someone who can handle themselves in an emergency. I would be happy to work with you on your swordplay on the road. Your talent with mechanics is good to hear. I do not have skills in that area and it is possible that the places you seek could be trapped. This fascination with knowledge is still new to me. It seems to be of great interest to many of you Pathfinders."

He pauses for a moment to ask, "How about lands you have traveled in? Will this be your first time in desert or highlands?"

Ghostclaw pauses for a moment to let that sink in and then continues, "I know the desert and highlands. I know how to find food if we hunger and water if we thirst. I know how to stay hidden and help you do the same. And I know how to adapt when we are faced with uncertainty. In the last two years I have helped protect and lead group through many areas I knew less well than the Brazen Peaks. You would be in good hands."

When Theodric asks his question about debts, Ghostclaw lets out a short bark, "For two years I have served the walker of worlds. What you see is what I carry. Debts are a burden that I do not wish to bear."

As Theodric asks about a willingness to kill, Ghostclaw's head moves up and down in a slow nod and he responds, "I never seek a fight, but when I fight, I win. No matter what it takes. I am a gnoll. I made my first kill before my third summer. For you to complete your mission, you must survive. I take protecting my charges seriously. I have never lost one and I do not plan to start now."

The wolfish smile reappears as Theodric asks about languages, "There are two languages you need in western Katapesh. The first is Kelish and we would be unable to conduct this interview if we didn't both speak it. The second..." Ghostclaw responds with a series of barks, yips, growls and an occasional hiss through his teeth. "Your guide should speak gnoll. Pray we do not meet a large group. But if we meet smaller groups or individuals, I will be able to help."

He surveys both Theodric and Felliped for a moment to see if they have other questions before continuing. "Thank you for asking. I do have a few questions of my own. First, what do you seek in Kelmarane? Pathfinders often seek dangerous relics and we often have challenges greater than the surrounding area to deal with. What can you tell me of your mission so I can be prepared. Second, tell me of your own skills. A good guide knows not only the land, but knows what his charges are good at and where they are weak. Help me understand how we would work together as a group."

"I'm not sure how much you know of gnolls. In our peoples, the family is very important. The tribe is everything. I was born in the Wormhollow tribe. One of many gnoll tribes in the Brazen Peaks of western Katapesh. It was a good life. Our hyenas were strong. We had a powerful leader. I was a hunter and for a time, one of the favored in our tribe." His voice is strong and confident with fewer of the yips and barks you heard earlier.

"Then, Kikkling the Slight slew our leader in his sleep, an ignoble death for a gnoll." He lets out a low growl at the memory of Kikkling. "Our tribe changed, the favored changed from proud hunters to the sneaky, slippery sort that Kikkling preferred. It only grew worse when a new overking arrived and changed our ways of worship too. I fell out of favor and was eventually exiled." You get a sense of incredible anguish and sadness from this last.

"You understand...or perhaps you do not...that this is death for a gnoll. I began the Garrurwarr, the holy walk of death. And that brought me to Osirion, to Sinashakti, and to the Pathfinders. I expected to die in the desert. But instead, a vision from the Empyreal Lord Sinashakti guided not far from here. To an ancient ruin in the desert. He told me, my walk would not end, but that this was only the beginning. And when I woke up, it was Dahrehn and a small team of Pathfinders who saved me. It wasn't long before I had a chance to save them. And for the last two years, I have worked as a guide, a warior when needed, and a companion most of all. Most of my work has been with the Pathfinders, but I have worked with others as well. And I believe, perhaps, that I am meant to work with you. But, enough of my rambling. I am sure you have questions for me."

A powerful, scarred gnoll weaves his way through the markets of Ipeq covered in a long, loose white robe. He idly pulls his kufiyya closer around his face and wrinkles his nose at the stench from the river. Around him, heads turn, trying to make sure they saw what they thought. A gnoll in Ipeq. Not a common sight and always something to be wary of.

So, Dahrehn thinks he has the perfect lead for me, eh? A pair of Pathfinders on a mission to Kelmarane. Never would have thought Sivanshakti would send me back to the Brazen Peaks this soon. Of course, it has been two years...time flies with the Pathfinders.

Ahead he spots a pair of northerners heading into the street bar, uncomfortable in their new desert clothes and shakes his head, a chattering laugh inadvertently escaping his jaw. New to the deserts. Must be my pair. At least they're not wearing black. His pace quickens and he is just behind them when he enters the bar.

A man is just showing them to a table and Ghostclaw slides quickly in beside them. "Greetings Pathfinders. Dahrehn sent me. I may be the one you seek."

I have been experience at keeping player/character knowledge separate (and its been a long time on this one). Best example I can offer up is I'm both running and playing Skull and Shackles here (though the one I'm GMing is on hiatus).

As for Ghostclaw's background specifically, I recalled the Gnolls of the Brazen Peaks article. Started at the back and thought the Wormhollow tribe was perfect for him.