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There was a legend I heard as a youngling krokkin replies hesitantly. As he speaks his hesitation disappears as he is lost in the memories.

Kunyis Vuslotha was one of our mightiest warriors. It was said that her prowess was unmatched. Her fury on the field of battle could turn battles. After many years of battle it was said that she could go into the thick of battle and feed off the battle to the point where she seemed to grow larger. The enemy would break within moments of her devastation.

He pauses for a moment before continuing.

I always assumed that she would go into a rage and that is what turned the tide. Now I wonder if she actually grew bigger. It was strange, I was tapped into my battle rage as usual and all of a sudden I found something like a dam holding my rage in check. I have run into this before but it never occurred to me until that fight that I could break thru it or what lay on the other side. I have been testing this new found ability out and while it is a wonderful it is also limited. For example I can not make myself larger if I am not already in a rage. I cannot make my self larger more than once a day, however I can only tap into my rage for a certain period of time, but I discovered that once I trigger this enlarged state I can hold it for about 10 minutes even if I am no longer enraged.

There is much to think on, why is this happening to me, how can I use it for the good of the team, How does this knowledge help me to understand the riddle I was given, and How will this help my tribe when I return.

Krokkin realizes that he has rambled on for quite some time.
I apologize for rambling, thank you for letting me get that out.
He looks at her hoping that he can return the favor.

Krokkin spends much of his time in the village practicing his skill with the new weapons to gain familiarity. He also accompanies Ohime on her walks thru the town using his nose to see if he can detect any enemies as well.

Part of the reason for the intense and long hours of practice is to work out the fear and anxiety from the magic that Sorogar did to move them from where they were all the way back to the village in a blink. Krokkin was not prepared for this change and it cranked his anxiety to 11. He tried not to show it but moments after the spell had finished he became fluffy. Days later he still could not think about that moment without shuddering. From the tip of his ears to the end of his wildly whipping tail all his hair stood up on end. What made it worse was that he was wearing his armor and helm at the time and so only exposed areas could be seen.

When they teleported out of town Krokkin was exhausted as he had worked himeself extra hard to make sure that he did not react the same way again. He also felt better knowing that he may not be the only point of interest if they teleport near people. Breks wings look really cool and definitely draw the eye of anyone who see them.

Krokkin moves back to Sorogar and the group and moves with her in the indicated direction.

Let's thin the herd Krokkin states to Sorogar as he smiles showing his teeth.

Little voice in the back of Krokkins rage filled mind has become more insistent that something is wrong. As he whirls in again doubt starts to come into his mind that he will be effect long enough to defeat this flying carpet.

As he prepares to attack again the tiny voice takes over at Sorogar's words. As his brain is processing what she is saying the training he has received, has already kicked in.

tiichiul it! He growls as he puts the dagger away and grabs the rope off his pack. He steps into the fray crashing down on the struggling pair wrapping the rope quickly around its muzzle and feet drawing all 5 parts of the animal together.

Grapple check
grapple: 1d20 + 20 ⇒ (11) + 20 = 31

I believe I counted this right, 1 action to put away dagger, 1 action to get the rope, hasted action to grapple.

perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17

Krokkin stays where he is scanning the area noting the volume increase in the birds racket. His head swivels immediately toward the slap and he tenses for a moment until he sees that it is Sorogar and Brek. This is brood mother business, he thinks and goes back to scanning the area looking for movement.

In the early morning as the others are starting their day, Krokkin finds a place close by the camp in sight of the formation and starts stretching as he normally does before beginning to run thru his training.

Instead of starting forms, he sits down legs crossed, extends the dagger into the Greatsword, and then balances it across his legs.

It is time to process and accept what you have heard, he tells himself.

Desna, help me, the river has burst its banks and is running over, take my excess so that I might not drown, or give me the strength to shore up the banks and control the flood.

As he says this in his mind, he begins rocking front to back a couple of times then the sword reverts to dagger form and he throws himself backwards and pushes himself into a handstand. He does not stop the upward momentum but instead pushes off with his hands and twisting to land on his feet. He begins to sway and move in what can only be described as a blend of dancing and practising formwork. He starts chanting slowly and quietly at first but slowly increasing in volume.

There is a point a couple of minutes into this display were he is speaking above a normal voice, the others can clearing hear him naming stars and constellations. All of a sudden he transforms the dagger and at the same time his muscles buldge like they do when he rages. He begins swinging the blade in large arcs, the weight of the weapon helping to keep him in the air longer than what is natural as he spins and jumps. this lasts about 30 seconds. He is quiet during this last display with the Greatsword until the final jump that leaves him high in the air. At the zenith of the jump he flips the blade to point straight down and impales the ground burying the blade 3/4 of the way landing with one knee on the ground.

He seems to deflate there in that pose breathing heavily. Head still bowed he says quietly, Thank you Desna. He transforms the sword back to the dagger and then returns to the original position with the dagger across his lap this time and stays there getting his breathing and body under control for the next 10 minutes before returning to the group.

Hey team. Thanks for letting me step away for a bit. The family and I are doing better this week. Herk you were right in line with what I was thinking for Krokkin. He needed to practice with the shape-changing sword and the hyper-vigilance was perfect.

Krokkin is a simple Catfolk. He understands money to a small extent but does not know about all the magical weapons or enhancements that are available. This also translates into him not spending huge amounts of gold on things. He would however have no issue donating gold so that anyone else can get something they really need. At his core his strength and rage are his best weapons and with his tribal nomad style of living they are all he thinks he needs.

Others would need explain and almost educate him on what is available.

All that being said. I am good with just the dagger/great sword. Any gold acquired here can be added to the community pot and if anyone needs money I am fully willing to donate to the cause.

As sorogar speaks at first there is no reaction, but as she mentions the future, he locks eyes with her and his posture straightens a bit.

with a weak smile, he responds, You know I am not smart enough to give up.

He begins to examine the dagger in his hand. He does not realize that Brek approached him until he starts speaking.

Krokkin rises to his feet automatically as Brek's stance and tone of voice trigger a subconsciously engrained call to stand and fight with a brother in arms. Breks words, as much as his presence and posture help Krokkin to break the grip of fear and shame and shove them into the river of rage.

Krokkin smiles at Brek, this time exposing his fangs, holds up the dagger in a two-handed grip on his right side.
I am ready to fight by your side, tiichiul ir!

The sword shimmers and expands in an instant. Now my rage has a physical representation. I am ready to wield it against any enemy we face.

In a moment of clarity, krokkin realizes that he spoke in Draconic. I meant to say honored one earlier. The sword does not change as he says this. He moves over to an open area and begins experimenting with strikes and forms. After several minutes he stops and studies the sword noting a sheen of sweat on his fur.

Let's see if I understand this, tiichiul ir!

The sword shrinks back to the unassuming dagger. The smile that spreads across his face is full of predatory joy.

As the nightmare fades and Krokkin is released from it, his mind still echoes the taunts and jeers of the Elders of his tribe. His eyes open to a completely different scene but his mind doesn't immediately make the connection to where he is or who the people are that are around him. The haze in his mind is slowly retreating as he realizes that he is no longer bound and that his fur is intact. His fear and shame change to a fear of attack and he tries to get up and arm himself. He slips and falls to one knee as he pulls his shield. His other hand steadies him on the ground and lands on a dagger. He instinctively picks it up as he stands.

He looks at the strange dagger for a moment in confusion then for no apparent reason mutters

tiichiul ir

The unassuming dagger shimmers and expands into a double-bladed great sword with scrollwork on the flats of the blade and a center channel that reminds Krokkin of scales.
https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/fantasy-greatsword-a0abc6515a8743ba9e692f4e ca08d382

Krokkin tries for a moment to continue holding the sword with just one hand but he cannot and the sword starts to tip toward the ground. As it gets close to the ground he speaks louder this time

tiichiul ir

The greatsword shimmers and returns to an unassuming dagger.

Panting Kokkin sits heavily on the ground, shaking his head trying to clear the fuzz out of his mind.
Did that .... just happen he muses to himself as he looks over the dagger. Slowly the fog on his mind clears and he is able to name each of the others in the cavern and remember what was going on.

The words he mutters are Draconic for "Honorable one", in case anyone speaks draconic

Krokkin listens to the questions caught off guard that they want to know more.

When the Dout is formed an election takes place in the group for who will be the counsel representative and who will be broodmother. These two titles are voted on each year and change often. The brood mother is actually final voice in any argument if needed and the person the younglings come to no matter what. My broodmothers where always patient and wise to me. You have been patient and wise, but more than that you have been kind. I have not seen you at any point try to take advantage for yourself.

He sighs and looks at the ground. I always thought that my size, speed, and fighting strength would make me an ideal candidate for a mate and for our Dout's counsel choice. Instead I was sent on a quest that stipulates that I remain away until I can answer a question that was posed by the counsel. At first I thought that it would be easy and so I camped a few days behind them. After a month of contemplation and frustration I decided that I might as well have fun and actually explore the land as the counsel directed. These emerald stripes are to remind me always that I am on a quest and not free to return home until I have the answer.

He looks up at Ohime when she asks her question.
We are a roaming people who never really stay in one place but roaming the wilds of Anderia as I have heard others describe were I came from. There was always an element of danger and adventure in my upbringing. There were stories of those who left and returned for short periods with strange companions. I did not see them but heard our parents talk about them sometimes. They would not stay long as their thirst for adventure and exploration was more ardent than the tribe could afford. They were never turned way and were told that they would always be welcomed with open arms. We were taught as younglings that if adventure called we had every right to take it. Your question makes me realize a few of the comments that were made to us might have had other meanings. One I never understood was this: "Love does not see thickness or lack of fur as a barrier." Or this one: "The eyes of the heart must be open to see. Remove the blinders when you realize that you are starting to judge based on physical traits". I wonder if those that could not remain while the tribe fell in love with adventure itself? he looks away thinking.

Krokkin is awakened by the captain of the guard late in the evening. Since he went to bed early he was alert and functional in moments. The captain is familiar with Krokkin and they have a mutual respect for each other.

Your group really knows how to keep people on their guard, he says.

What is going on captain and what do you need from me? Krokkin responds.

Two things really. The first is that since you are leaving who do you think would be best to take over running the dueling ring. My troops have been more alert and are really taking to training more than I have seen since boot camp. This was a great idea. I want someone who can run it fairly but also has skill enough to be able to handle situations that might go out of hand. The captain waits while Krokkin contemplates the question.

Private Marsden would be my pick. He is skilled but humble, well respected by the men, and above all he has been fair in his dealings with all.

The captain studies him for a few moments. That could be tough, he is not in a position of authority in the guard, how will that work?

I will appoint him in the morning as I am not part of the guard at all. That way it does not come from you and not look like a promotion. He will have my full confidence, and if there are any disputes with his ruling they will continue to bring them to you. The hard part will be yours. You will have to rule fairly as usual which means that sometimes you will side with Marsden and sometimes not. What is your other question?

The captain nods his head a Krokkin's words but he hesitates at the question. After a few moments he sighs and speaks.
Sorogar took exception with what some people were saying about another member of your party. She didn't like what people were saying about Ohime and told them so. When they did not listen to her, she took them to the ring and I gotta tell you that I did not think that she was very aggressive in battle, but she dismantled all three opponents. It was one opponent at a time but I did not see any slacking in her abilities thru the later battles. She impressed several, scared even more, and a few might now have shifted their anger and frustration to her. I was surprised, but she request I post a guard for her tonight.

Krokkin is grinning by the time the captain finishes speaking. You came to me to see about watching her so that it does not look like the guard is getting involved. Very wise. No one will mess with her when her companions are watching. I will watch her tonight. If anyone does come they will find me ready.

The captain sighs again, this time in relief. Thank you Krokkin, your role of dueling master will be here waiting for you when you return. If you need anything, don't hesitate to come to me.

Krokkin nods and the captain snaps a quick salute and then turns to leave. Krokkin packs the rest of his gear, moves over to Sorogars tent and sets up quietly outside of it. Brujah flutters around Krokkin's head twice and goes back to its perch on top of the tent. Movah bares teeth at Krokkin but makes no advance. Krokkin bares his back and allows his claws slide out for a moment and then retract.

He then settles down to guard the group for the rest of the night.

Krokkin will gather a the ring first thing in the morning once the group is awake. He will make the pronouncement with the captain of the guard beside him and then come back to the group and be ready to go.

Krokkin starts to enlarge himself at the indignence of the question Sorogar presents. He opens his mouth to speak and then a moment later seemingly deflates without saying a word. after another moment he answers her in a low strained voice

I suppose that if there are many enemies I may get exhausted with the rolling of the waves, riding the high to do the work and then the low that is to follow. As he continues you can see he is talking himself into his role. I will be the line of defense if Mosely fails, we cant have them come back thru the tent and into the crowd.

He takes the potion that Sorogar made and readys himself in the tent. As he hears Brek start speaking he downs the potion and begins to gag. The more of it that he swallowed the more he could begin to smell the scents of the people around him. A moment after he finishes the potion his mind shifts in a way that has only happened once before so long ago that he thought it a dream. His sense of smell was so heightened that his brain in order to compensate for the extra data begins processing the extra load with his eyes and mouth. He begins to see a rainbow of colors vaguely in front of him like a fine mist. His tongue starts to register tastes from sweet to salty, to sour and spicy as the waves of color pass over him.

His heart starts to beat faster as he feels the rise of panic. He closes his eyes and forces himself to breath in slow and measured breaths. He pulls the fur piece out of his pack and brings it to his nose. The scent that hits him smells of a mixture of mountain breeze, ogre's breath, campfire smoke, marjoram, and blood. He mentally removes the blood from the mix to form the scent profile in his head. As he breaths in again his tongue tastes of a bob white pheasant dropped in the dirt halfway thru cooking and then put back on the fire a little bit long. He opens his eyes and sees a deep royal purple mist eminating from the fur swatch.

His shock at the heightend scent quickly normalizes as Brek finishes speaking. He puts the flask away and stands beside a small table in the middle of the room.

It is time to start sending them in one at a time. he calls out to Brek

As the first person enters the tent and the canvas falls to cover the entrance Krokkin walks up making a show of checking the person over. Asking simple questions like the following,

Are you scared of high places?
Can you swim?
what tools are you proficient with?
Can you tie a clove hitch?
How about a Square or figure 8 lashing?

Trying his best to actually evaluate each person for their work detail. Then he asks for their name, writes it on a piece of paper he has at the desk and beside them places a B, R, or an Ra.

To those with a B or an R he directs them to his left to the waiting area for those he has passed as non shifters. To those with an Ra, I direct them out the other entrance where the trollov and Mosely are waiting. between each person Krokkin will a little bit of time so that it is not obvious that there is a larger gap between regular people and the shifter detections.

Scent1: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 8 = 20
Scent2: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 8 = 20
Scent3: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 8 = 30
Scent4: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 10 + 8 = 23
Scent5: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 8 = 22
Scent6: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 10 + 8 = 30
Scent7: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 10 + 8 = 37
Scent8: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 10 + 8 = 21
Scent9: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 10 + 8 = 24
Scent10: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 10 + 8 = 38
Scent11: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 10 + 8 = 28
Scent12: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 10 + 8 = 27
Scent13: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 10 + 8 = 35
Scent14: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (1) + 10 + 8 = 19
Scent15: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 8 = 22
Scent16: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (2) + 10 + 8 = 20
Scent17: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 8 = 33
Scent18: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 10 + 8 = 22
Scent19: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 10 + 8 = 33
Scent20: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 10 + 8 = 26
Scent21: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 10 + 8 = 29
Scent22: 1d20 + 10 + 8 ⇒ (14) + 10 + 8 = 32

Sorry this one is going to be a bit rough. I wrote the informational part of the post. In an order to try to be fair I have written down twice the number of scent rolls than people that Sorogar detected in her post. My thought was that each even numbered post would work for the shifters and the odd number posts would be for the regular people. I could not think of another way to build this in. I am not sure how else to play this out.

I take honor in hunting, honor in protecting. There is no honor in what it did.
As he speaks he seems to gain in courage and defiance.

I protect my pack, I protect the brood mother. He growls. I mean I will protect you. I am the sword or the... or the axe. You are the arm. Direct me and I will do the dirty bits.

He pauses for a moment realizing what he just said. He looks down for a second, then snaps his head up locking eyes with her. The the rage and anger behind his eyes hinting at what is inside him.

In a measured low and menacing voice he continues.
Do not betray me, do not belittle me, do not trick me like Warren. If you do you will find that the arm no longer controls the axe. This axe is razer sharp. You are part of my pack now and forever.

He stops for a moment again searching her eyes, the glint in his eye fading. In an almost conversational tone he speaks one more time

Shall we go, we have work to do.

Krokkin is scared, anxious, hurt, excited and more. He is a raging ball of hormones. On the one hand he is dealing with a creature who almost defeated him, is angry that warren left him on this mission, angry that no one took his advice to kill this beast the first time, and embarrassed with what happened the night before. He feels that a lot of the damage that happened was his fault for not finishing it off. At the same time he is feeling wanted and useful without having to force his presence to be know. He is also needing to attach an emotional anchor somewhere after Warren leaving and Sorogar was the first to reach out to him per say. In his youth and inexperience he is wrapping that anchor around Sorogar as quickly as he can in fear that she might leave. this may cause problems later but he is too young and naïve to understand at this time. The river of rage that he floats on and lives next to does not help.

Krokkin takes the amulet and puts it on under his armor and follows Sorogar to the nearby tent and listens while keeping an eye on the prisoner.

You want me to scent him, he says quietly but with obvious disgust. Fine, but it is a mistake to scent the armor, I will deal with it. Make your potion I will get what i need.

Krokkin begins to walk away from the group but turns once the prisoner is between him and Ohime. As the prisoner continues talking to her and gaining confidence Krokkin moves up to him as quietly as he can.

stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

He pulls out his dagger and flips the blade so the blade is resting against his forearm as he is about 20 feet away. As he comes up next to the cage and is right next to the prisoner he quickly reaches thru the cage and cuts a swatch of fur off the back of the creatures head.

sleight of hand: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
blade attack: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17
damage1: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

The prisoners head rises up as he says "My only regret is not being there to see you suffer", just as krokkin's knife makes the swipe to cut some fur. His knife comes back with more than fur. The fur is attached to a small swatch of skin and fur. Krokkin pulls back quickly and steps back laughing.

Hey kitty, you needed a shave. Let me try again.

He puts the fur patch away and tosses the knife up in the air letting it flip a couple times before catching it.

He looks over to Ohime and continues, Old one, he is distracting you with fluff and lies. time for something different. He turns to one of the three guards the advisor left with them. You, he points, Bring me Honey, a 5 inch long hollow pipe, baking powder, some fuze cord, and a container of fire ants. That should pair nicely with my rope and soap. he wipes his blade, chuckles again and puts it away. He raises an eyebrow as the prisoner tries to respond. He patiently waits with a smile on his face.

What Krokkin does not realize is that he roars this at the same time in his mind and out loud after the first few drops of water hit his fur. To suit the yell he leaps up as well and into a stance like a wrestler ready to grapple.

His head swings from side to side trying to search for the threat and then looks at Sorogar with an almost pleading expression.

What is going on, why am I wet?

Hey guys,
I apologize for not keeping with the current frequency of posting. I started on it last night which was the perception check. I then totally got distracted. I hope that I am not slowing up the story too much but please let me know if I am dragging the play down.

After walking a small distance from the group to the left and the right of them and listening to the conversation, Krokkin sits down, crosses his legs, and begins intently studying the caves on the other wall. He is looking for any kind of movement in the caves or between them. He sits perfectly still not even his tail moving.
perception signs of life: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15
At Sorogars question he answers in a low voice barely moving his lips.

I can easily lead you into the caves, he pauses for a moment for effect, [/b]coming out the other side, that is the question.[/b]

You bring up really good observations Sorogar. I have always thought about how an enraged person would act when trying to make decisions. Couple that with Krokkin being young and it is a "testosterone disaster" once he gets going. Herk and I have talked in the past about emotional intelligence and in may cases it is well documented that when people get really upset or angry their IQ goes down. I am sure there is going to be a point where his rage is not going to get him thru and at that point I can have some fun developing him as a more seasoned fighter who is able to maintain a higher IQ when tapping into his rage.

I was completely shocked that my attack revealed a hidden threat to the party and to be honest Krokkin would have been scratching his head as to what to do when everyone is claiming that everyone else is a baddie.

I am hoping that if the fight turns any further south that the rest of the caravan is the Ace up the sleeve that will keep us from all being killed two days into the campaign.

Here is the updated Combat rolls that now reflect correctly and the attacks have been generalized so they should work anywhere.

DM ROLL Request

Here is the updated Combat rolls that now reflect correctly for my Level 4 character and the attacks have been generalized so they should work anywhere.

DM ROLL Request

@Gax My guy is causing a gully dwarf amount of annoyance until rats are found or someone figures out that I have taken things. I think that the story is awesome at this point and that no one is taking too much.