Shanareen closes her eyes and extends her senses outwards. She frowns but seems determined to continue to make contact. It is a while before she comes back to herself.
"The tree is still moving but slowly. It is heading to Northwood's Rest and it is not alone. I cannot sense the wortlings, (the fruit) but it senses their presence and they continue to bring it sustenance. I am willing to give my life to stop the madness of this, but I don't know if we will be enough."
"I agree with Dathyra," Entropy breaks in finally. "From what we've learned about what we're up against, the townsfolk won't stand a chance alone and the tribe is closer. We'll need their help to win this and...I should be able help get it." It would mean seeing the one person she had been most eager to avoid on this trip but that was neither here nor there. A whole town was at stake, not to mention the tribe itself would be in grave danger if the possessed tree and the strange creatures it had spawned grew any stronger.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Viaya Morbrew - Imela: The Adventure Begins - High Elf/Rogue (Level 1)
Entropy gets the party oriented and points to the Northwest. The travel is slower than one would expect as the Dryad has not fully recovered from her wounds and has not rested. If anyone asks her she says "I'm fine. Just need time to recover. We should keep going, perhaps I can rest when we get there."
Entropy leads some of you through a familiar looking forest. For no obviously apparent reason Entropy stops and holds up the rest of the party. "They know we're here. We should wait for an escort. Safer that way."
The whole way to the outskirts of the tribe's stomping ground, the churning in Entropy's stomach got worse and worse. She wasn't sure if she was prepared for this. She wasn't sure they had time to let that matter. By the time she spotted signs of the scouting party though she was a bundle of nerves, shoulders twitching as Jarlas leaned closer to her to whisper his question.
"High Chieftess is usually a good bet." She replied after a moment of hesitation, glancing back over her shoulder at Dathyra and the others. "You all said you'd had a run in with them before...maybe one of you should try talking to them first?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Viaya Morbrew - Imela: The Adventure Begins - High Elf/Rogue (Level 1)
Jarlas is a bit put off by the suggestion that someone else should be the voice of the group but quickly covers it. “Certainly. If some of you have a prior relationship with these people then they may be more amenable to listening to you.”
The trek towards the orcish tribe's territory was made largely in silence, and it gave the dwarf a chance to ruminate on the past few days. Back at the Dew Drop Inn he wasn't sure if he'd ever have expected them to be facing what they did now, even running across a peaceful medusa on the road to Northwood's Rest was a bit more than he'd bargained for. Then, of course, they arrived to find plant monstrosities and steadily uncovered the works of a truly foul mage, with a dryad, an orc tribe, and a town of villagers all in danger from the evil he'd wrought on the land. It was a wild story, the kind of tale he knew he'd be telling for many years assuming he survived to tell it, and looking back on it reminded him of his days back in the clan hall, almost greedily devouring song after song and story after story of the great heroes of his people.
He couldn't help himself. In spite of the gloom, of the horrors he'd fought and witnessed, he couldn't keep a small but resolute smile off of his face. Though he felt it was likely too dangerous for him to play any tunes while they traveled, he nonetheless amused himself (and anyone else watching) by running through a few of the better known Tales of Reynard the Fox, told entirely through silent, illusory puppetry.
His good mood had tapered off only slightly by the time Entropy stopped them, and he nodded at her statement. "Very well, we can speak to the High Chieftess. Is there anything else we should know before we speak to her?"
The trek through the woods took what was left of the day. The shadows of dusk grew and the temperature dropped. Entropy seemed if not confident of the way, at least resolved. There were only a couple of switchbacks. Hari seemed content with his own thoughts and the others were quietly on guard, expecting any strange tree they came upon to spring upon them. When Entropy stopped the group, it was a bit of a welcome rest. They had been pushing at a good pace for most of the day. The dryad looked a shade or too less green than when you started this trek. You would guess that a rest would be welcome news to her, but she did not complain or lag behind.
Some of you looked at each other expectantly and Entropy tells you that they know we are here. She, Jarlas and Hari confer briefly on protocol.
It is not long before Orc appear from the trees, surrounding the small party. A moment later a large creature approaches. It is a Dire Wolverine and riding it is Nozamara.
She stops at the line formed by the Orcs of her clan. She nods in greeting to you but she is not rushing to you with open arms as Hari, Sen and Dathyra had hoped. Though to be honest everyone is a little worse for wear and the earlier meeting seemed so long ago.
She makes looks at the Triton with some curiosity. She says nothing though.
She dismounts and approaches the Dryad. She speaks in Sylvan:
Nozamara: Shana, what has happened to you? What have you done to create such madness in the Northwoods?
Shanareen: (her voice is barely audible) Noz, we need your help! (Is all that she can manage before starts to waver from exhaustion)
Nozamara heads back to Niznoc but stops in front of Entropy. She does not turn to face her. "Vazamara." She continues on in a terse biting tone of a guttural Orcish dialect of the North.
Nozamara: "You are on the land of the Hunting Claw Clan. Why have you returned to the clan that you could not disavow fast enough?" Nozamara seems to struggle with some impulse control and her voice loses the biting edge that it had. That self control, at least, had changed. Nozamara allows herself a brief glance at Entropy. Taller now, with her own armor and weapons and even a lute?. "Vaza, I am not unpleased to see you well."
Nozamara addresses the party once she is back on her mount. "You are granted passage and temporary sanctuary. You look to be in need of rest." It is growing dark and the wind is picking up as night falls. "We can talk more, once we are out of this blasted wind."
Dathyra had mostly kept pace with the dryad through their trek back to orc territory. She still wasn't sure what else she could do for her. Such creatures with vastly different biologies like Shanareen were way out of her wheelhouse for healing. Still, she felt a sense of responsibility for her wellbeing.
Dathyra was content to let Hari and Sen do the talking again when they reached the orcs. They had...mostly done a good job of it before. Sometimes Sen had a way of putting his foot in his mouth, but there would be no stopping him nonetheless. When the orcs urged them back to the camp, she was a little unsure. Time was of the essence, and the village could be in dire straights, but she had to agree that they couldn't really discuss all the details out in this cold, not when Shanareen was still weak from her experience. She reluctantly followed the group.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
For a moment, Entropyis tempted to tell Hari, tell them all, the truth. That she is far from sure how glad the tribe will be to see her. That they had not parted on the best of terms, especially her and the high chieftess. Then, the moment passes, her chest tightens around the truth and finally, the half orc just shakes her head. Alternating between hovering anxiously at the center of the group and pacing the treeline as the shadows deepen around them. Finally, the tribe comes, quickly surrounding them and waiting silently as a large Dire Wolf trots out of the trees. Entropyrecognizes the mount and its rider instantly, noting the new lines on the orc leader's face as she gets closer. How long has it been since they've seen each other now? Five years? Six? She's lost track. It feels like an age but despite that fact, she can't help but feel a bit like the child she used to be as Nozamara dismounts and looks them all over. Eyes cold as they linger first on Jarlas, then the Dryad and finally, on her. Forcing herself to meet her gaze, Entropyblinks mutely at both the use of her old name and the chieftess's first question. Biting her tongue to keep from saying something unhelpful that she'll likely regret before swallowing and lowering her head as Nozamara struggles with her control for a moment and then admits at least, that she in not entirely unhappy to see her.
"Good to see you too mom." Entropy replies, also in Orcish. The language feeling almost heavy on her tongue after so long of her not using it. "It's been too long." The half orc makes no objections as Nozamara grants them all safe passage and suggests they head somewhere more sheltered to talk, though she does wince a bit. Facing the entire tribe doesn't sound any more comfortable than facing her mother had but she follows along as they start moving again. Eye flicking up to Nozamara's back every now and again as they walk.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Viaya Morbrew - Imela: The Adventure Begins - High Elf/Rogue (Level 1)
Harivaldr raises a brow at Entropy's silence, and then her interactions with Nozamara. It was obvious that the two had some history together, though the dwarven skald couldn't hope to guess what it was. Doesn't seem to matter too much, he thought, we aren't being turned away, and they seem... civil. Keen on his manners, Harivaldr gave a respectful bow to the chieftess and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Chieftess."As they trudged onward, he began to mull over the current situation. Though he'd only caught a word or two, it definitely seemed like the two knew each other. Perhaps, unlikely as it may be, they'd help even without any convincing? He soon shook his head and kept moving.
They'd know for sure soon enough, no need to overthink it.
The party trudged the the night wind and snow and made it to the base of a cliff where the Clan was encamped, utilizing the honeycombed caverns at the base. Once out of the elements, the wind noise was gone and temperature had risen considerably with the body heat from so many Orcs. Nozamara leads you to a rough hewn table with a cast iron pot at the center. The lid is removed and a steamy gruel still bubbles slightly.
"Arkoloczetkch!" Nozamara says magnanimously. "It is my Grandmother's recipe. Warriors would eat before battle. Makes you brave!"
Dathyra actually blanches a little and attempts to control the involuntary reflux. Sen and Hari look at each other with a shared misery. Nozamara proceeds to ladle bowls for each. This could be seen as a sign of respect and generosity. She waits for each of you before she begins eating.
She doesn't seem to struggle with it the way that Durven did.
She finishes her bowl and waits for each of you to recover.
"So... have you learned what was done to the Northwoods and territory of the Hunting Claw Clan? "
Jarlas looks curiously at the soup. After watching the others take a few bites he picks up a spoon himself and very carefully begins to eat. It is clear that he is not accustom to this type of food or these utensils. Though he might have a better time with the food than some of the others seem to. It is an odd thing to eat your food ‘cooked’ as these surface dwellers say. The process seems to remove much of the flavor as well. He finishes the mouthful he is working and and begins to respond when he remembers one of the others was to take the lead. So instead he sits back and listens, carefully studying the mannerisms of the Chieftess.
Dathyra could almost feel the burning sensation back in her stomach before she even attempted to eat. Her first encounter with arkoloczetkch was definitely not a good experience, and she had hoped to never have the opportunity to relive it. Yet, after the exhausting day they had already had, she couldn't deny that she was hungry. Also, since the chieftess was watching them for their reaction, she knew that they needed to be on the orcs' good side. One social faux pas, and their hopes at gaining them as allies could go out the window.
Slowly, and with quite a bit of fighting back her urge to reject it, she attempted a few small spoonfuls. It was still not easy, but so long as she took it slow, perhaps she could keep it down this time.
Are we doing another constitution check for this one?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
[[I thought that I wouldn't put you through that again as I think that I was the only one to be entertained by it. I won't stop anyone from making a con check. DC 13 and you'll have advantage on fear checks 24 hrs.]]
Shanareen
Shanareen closes her eyes and extends her senses outwards. She frowns but seems determined to continue to make contact. It is a while before she comes back to herself.
"The tree is still moving but slowly. It is heading to Northwood's Rest and it is not alone. I cannot sense the wortlings, (the fruit) but it senses their presence and they continue to bring it sustenance. I am willing to give my life to stop the madness of this, but I don't know if we will be enough."
"The orcs may be our only chance then," Dathyra said. "It's risky, to be sure, but we need all the help we can get."
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
Lvl 1 - Geth Hornraven - Human Wizard - Lost Mine of Phandelver
DM - Imela: The Adventure Begins
"I agree with Dathyra," Entropy breaks in finally. "From what we've learned about what we're up against, the townsfolk won't stand a chance alone and the tribe is closer. We'll need their help to win this and...I should be able help get it." It would mean seeing the one person she had been most eager to avoid on this trip but that was neither here nor there. A whole town was at stake, not to mention the tribe itself would be in grave danger if the possessed tree and the strange creatures it had spawned grew any stronger.
Viaya Morbrew - Imela: The Adventure Begins - High Elf/Rogue (Level 1)
Entropy Klyv - Hunted ! - Half Orc/College of Lore Bard (Level 6)
Xieva Talwinder - Crosswinds - Firbolg/School of Enchantment Wizard (Level 5)
Jarlas
"Very well. Let us be about it. We must make haste. If you know where the tribe is lead the way."
The triton heads out of the lab and prepares to set off.
Entropy gets the party oriented and points to the Northwest. The travel is slower than one would expect as the Dryad has not fully recovered from her wounds and has not rested. If anyone asks her she says "I'm fine. Just need time to recover. We should keep going, perhaps I can rest when we get there."
Entropy leads some of you through a familiar looking forest. For no obviously apparent reason Entropy stops and holds up the rest of the party. "They know we're here. We should wait for an escort. Safer that way."
Jarlas
Jarlas leans nearer to her and whispers. “How would one address their leader?”
The whole way to the outskirts of the tribe's stomping ground, the churning in Entropy's stomach got worse and worse. She wasn't sure if she was prepared for this. She wasn't sure they had time to let that matter. By the time she spotted signs of the scouting party though she was a bundle of nerves, shoulders twitching as Jarlas leaned closer to her to whisper his question.
"High Chieftess is usually a good bet." She replied after a moment of hesitation, glancing back over her shoulder at Dathyra and the others. "You all said you'd had a run in with them before...maybe one of you should try talking to them first?"
Viaya Morbrew - Imela: The Adventure Begins - High Elf/Rogue (Level 1)
Entropy Klyv - Hunted ! - Half Orc/College of Lore Bard (Level 6)
Xieva Talwinder - Crosswinds - Firbolg/School of Enchantment Wizard (Level 5)
Jarlas
Jarlas is a bit put off by the suggestion that someone else should be the voice of the group but quickly covers it. “Certainly. If some of you have a prior relationship with these people then they may be more amenable to listening to you.”
The trek towards the orcish tribe's territory was made largely in silence, and it gave the dwarf a chance to ruminate on the past few days. Back at the Dew Drop Inn he wasn't sure if he'd ever have expected them to be facing what they did now, even running across a peaceful medusa on the road to Northwood's Rest was a bit more than he'd bargained for. Then, of course, they arrived to find plant monstrosities and steadily uncovered the works of a truly foul mage, with a dryad, an orc tribe, and a town of villagers all in danger from the evil he'd wrought on the land. It was a wild story, the kind of tale he knew he'd be telling for many years assuming he survived to tell it, and looking back on it reminded him of his days back in the clan hall, almost greedily devouring song after song and story after story of the great heroes of his people.
He couldn't help himself. In spite of the gloom, of the horrors he'd fought and witnessed, he couldn't keep a small but resolute smile off of his face. Though he felt it was likely too dangerous for him to play any tunes while they traveled, he nonetheless amused himself (and anyone else watching) by running through a few of the better known Tales of Reynard the Fox, told entirely through silent, illusory puppetry.
His good mood had tapered off only slightly by the time Entropy stopped them, and he nodded at her statement. "Very well, we can speak to the High Chieftess. Is there anything else we should know before we speak to her?"
The trek through the woods took what was left of the day. The shadows of dusk grew and the temperature dropped. Entropy seemed if not confident of the way, at least resolved. There were only a couple of switchbacks. Hari seemed content with his own thoughts and the others were quietly on guard, expecting any strange tree they came upon to spring upon them. When Entropy stopped the group, it was a bit of a welcome rest. They had been pushing at a good pace for most of the day. The dryad looked a shade or too less green than when you started this trek. You would guess that a rest would be welcome news to her, but she did not complain or lag behind.
Some of you looked at each other expectantly and Entropy tells you that they know we are here. She, Jarlas and Hari confer briefly on protocol.
It is not long before Orc appear from the trees, surrounding the small party. A moment later a large creature approaches. It is a Dire Wolverine and riding it is Nozamara.
She stops at the line formed by the Orcs of her clan. She nods in greeting to you but she is not rushing to you with open arms as Hari, Sen and Dathyra had hoped. Though to be honest everyone is a little worse for wear and the earlier meeting seemed so long ago.
She makes looks at the Triton with some curiosity. She says nothing though.
She dismounts and approaches the Dryad. She speaks in Sylvan:
Nozamara: Shana, what has happened to you? What have you done to create such madness in the Northwoods?
Shanareen: (her voice is barely audible) Noz, we need your help! (Is all that she can manage before starts to waver from exhaustion)
Nozamara heads back to Niznoc but stops in front of Entropy. She does not turn to face her. "Vazamara." She continues on in a terse biting tone of a guttural Orcish dialect of the North.
Nozamara: "You are on the land of the Hunting Claw Clan. Why have you returned to the clan that you could not disavow fast enough?" Nozamara seems to struggle with some impulse control and her voice loses the biting edge that it had. That self control, at least, had changed. Nozamara allows herself a brief glance at Entropy. Taller now, with her own armor and weapons and even a lute?. "Vaza, I am not unpleased to see you well."
Nozamara addresses the party once she is back on her mount. "You are granted passage and temporary sanctuary. You look to be in need of rest." It is growing dark and the wind is picking up as night falls. "We can talk more, once we are out of this blasted wind."
Jarlas
Jarlas bows his head slightly and replies "Go raibh maith agat an príomhfheidhmeannach." And helps Shanareen in walking alongside the orc leader.
Sylvan translation:
Thank you chieftess.
Dathyra had mostly kept pace with the dryad through their trek back to orc territory. She still wasn't sure what else she could do for her. Such creatures with vastly different biologies like Shanareen were way out of her wheelhouse for healing. Still, she felt a sense of responsibility for her wellbeing.
Dathyra was content to let Hari and Sen do the talking again when they reached the orcs. They had...mostly done a good job of it before. Sometimes Sen had a way of putting his foot in his mouth, but there would be no stopping him nonetheless. When the orcs urged them back to the camp, she was a little unsure. Time was of the essence, and the village could be in dire straights, but she had to agree that they couldn't really discuss all the details out in this cold, not when Shanareen was still weak from her experience. She reluctantly followed the group.
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
Lvl 1 - Geth Hornraven - Human Wizard - Lost Mine of Phandelver
DM - Imela: The Adventure Begins
For a moment, Entropy is tempted to tell Hari, tell them all, the truth. That she is far from sure how glad the tribe will be to see her. That they had not parted on the best of terms, especially her and the high chieftess. Then, the moment passes, her chest tightens around the truth and finally, the half orc just shakes her head. Alternating between hovering anxiously at the center of the group and pacing the treeline as the shadows deepen around them. Finally, the tribe comes, quickly surrounding them and waiting silently as a large Dire Wolf trots out of the trees. Entropy recognizes the mount and its rider instantly, noting the new lines on the orc leader's face as she gets closer. How long has it been since they've seen each other now? Five years? Six? She's lost track. It feels like an age but despite that fact, she can't help but feel a bit like the child she used to be as Nozamara dismounts and looks them all over. Eyes cold as they linger first on Jarlas, then the Dryad and finally, on her. Forcing herself to meet her gaze, Entropy blinks mutely at both the use of her old name and the chieftess's first question. Biting her tongue to keep from saying something unhelpful that she'll likely regret before swallowing and lowering her head as Nozamara struggles with her control for a moment and then admits at least, that she in not entirely unhappy to see her.
"Good to see you too mom." Entropy replies, also in Orcish. The language feeling almost heavy on her tongue after so long of her not using it. "It's been too long." The half orc makes no objections as Nozamara grants them all safe passage and suggests they head somewhere more sheltered to talk, though she does wince a bit. Facing the entire tribe doesn't sound any more comfortable than facing her mother had but she follows along as they start moving again. Eye flicking up to Nozamara's back every now and again as they walk.
Viaya Morbrew - Imela: The Adventure Begins - High Elf/Rogue (Level 1)
Entropy Klyv - Hunted ! - Half Orc/College of Lore Bard (Level 6)
Xieva Talwinder - Crosswinds - Firbolg/School of Enchantment Wizard (Level 5)
Harivaldr raises a brow at Entropy's silence, and then her interactions with Nozamara. It was obvious that the two had some history together, though the dwarven skald couldn't hope to guess what it was. Doesn't seem to matter too much, he thought, we aren't being turned away, and they seem... civil. Keen on his manners, Harivaldr gave a respectful bow to the chieftess and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Chieftess." As they trudged onward, he began to mull over the current situation. Though he'd only caught a word or two, it definitely seemed like the two knew each other. Perhaps, unlikely as it may be, they'd help even without any convincing? He soon shook his head and kept moving.
They'd know for sure soon enough, no need to overthink it.
Will try to post later today. Excellent entries! Thanks for your patience.
The party trudged the the night wind and snow and made it to the base of a cliff where the Clan was encamped, utilizing the honeycombed caverns at the base. Once out of the elements, the wind noise was gone and temperature had risen considerably with the body heat from so many Orcs. Nozamara leads you to a rough hewn table with a cast iron pot at the center. The lid is removed and a steamy gruel still bubbles slightly.
"Arkoloczetkch!" Nozamara says magnanimously. "It is my Grandmother's recipe. Warriors would eat before battle. Makes you brave!"
Dathyra actually blanches a little and attempts to control the involuntary reflux. Sen and Hari look at each other with a shared misery. Nozamara proceeds to ladle bowls for each. This could be seen as a sign of respect and generosity. She waits for each of you before she begins eating.
She doesn't seem to struggle with it the way that Durven did.
She finishes her bowl and waits for each of you to recover.
"So... have you learned what was done to the Northwoods and territory of the Hunting Claw Clan? "
Jarlas
Jarlas looks curiously at the soup. After watching the others take a few bites he picks up a spoon himself and very carefully begins to eat. It is clear that he is not accustom to this type of food or these utensils. Though he might have a better time with the food than some of the others seem to. It is an odd thing to eat your food ‘cooked’ as these surface dwellers say. The process seems to remove much of the flavor as well. He finishes the mouthful he is working and and begins to respond when he remembers one of the others was to take the lead. So instead he sits back and listens, carefully studying the mannerisms of the Chieftess.
Dathyra could almost feel the burning sensation back in her stomach before she even attempted to eat. Her first encounter with arkoloczetkch was definitely not a good experience, and she had hoped to never have the opportunity to relive it. Yet, after the exhausting day they had already had, she couldn't deny that she was hungry. Also, since the chieftess was watching them for their reaction, she knew that they needed to be on the orcs' good side. One social faux pas, and their hopes at gaining them as allies could go out the window.
Slowly, and with quite a bit of fighting back her urge to reject it, she attempted a few small spoonfuls. It was still not easy, but so long as she took it slow, perhaps she could keep it down this time.
Are we doing another constitution check for this one?
Lvl 2 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Platinum Plated Keys
Lvl 5 - Dathyra Galanodel - High Elf Cleric of the Life Domain - Hunted
Lvl 1 - Geth Hornraven - Human Wizard - Lost Mine of Phandelver
DM - Imela: The Adventure Begins
[[I thought that I wouldn't put you through that again as I think that I was the only one to be entertained by it. I won't stop anyone from making a con check. DC 13 and you'll have advantage on fear checks 24 hrs.]]
Con check or save?
CON 11 check and 14 save