(Ooc: Someone in your group would need to convince them with a good argument, could be tricky, argument and “wisdom” (hint: story of Elric and the polar bear) / creative argument using lore and elements you have learned much more important than any dice rolls.)

Nimka and Baatar and several of the younger members argue that this would allow you to obtain some of their protective magiks prior to entering the cache. More conservative and older members argue that doing so will anger the gods, even to the point of bringing a great blight upon the people.

There are some who seem to know of Shareella but no one speaks much of her legend. One person says something about the ice running red with blood. It is clear that others have tried to enter the cache, and none have returned. There is also more mention of the child tormented ghost that roams the halls, and much fear and superstition about her. The place is cursed, a place of death. One says, if she sees you, you turn to stone. Another, that you will dies instantly. A third that this is a story we tell the children to make them not go near the place.

You also hear bits and pieces about a sweat lodge, of spirit magic amulets that could protect a person, that none of this has worked before. Something about 4 warriors who never returned from the cache.

Lev and Lira both have a feeling several times that the high priestess, Aisulu's gaze is upon you, but the others don't seem to notice. She seems to have both a worried and curious look on her face, one time she seems to be chanting in another language, but then she looks away when she sees you look at her.

One thing seems clear, the younger more progressive group is losing the argument to the fear and rigidity of the traditions held by the older members, and the younger members do not have the same weight as the elders.

( It will be up to you to sway them, if you choose to do so.)

Lev, while not terribly fond of the idea of undergoing the rite of passage due to the amount of time it could take, understands that they do need the help of these people. Ideally, they need them to help directly, not indirectly. He also can't help but shook Aisulu a few glances, feeling like the woman is watching him for some reason. He can't fathom why, unless it has to do with his heritage, which wouldn't be too surprising. 

Letting out a breath, since no one else has spoken up yet he decides he might as well try... in spite of his obvious lack of charisma. 

"In all honesty, I don't understand why helping us would anger your gods," he pauses, looking up at the elders. He's unable to cover the perpetual weariness that's laced into his expression, but perhaps that's not necessary anyways. His voice is rather quiet, also tainted by weariness in spite of his attempt to sound respectful. "Your stories seem to promote harmony with nature and helping both creatures and people. So why would your gods grow angry for helping a few outsiders protect your land and the land and people around you?" He hesitates, knowing that he hadn't really been paying all that much attention to the story earlier, but also feeling like the message was pretty clear regardless. He also remembers some mentioning 'dark gods' and has to wonder if these gods are really ones they should care about angering or not. Regardless, he started talking so its a little late to fall silent again now...

"Shedding blood is not something I struggle with, and that is a fact about myself that I hate," He clenches a hand, momentarily forgetting that he left his weapons behind out of respect. "Learning how to fight was a necessity for me, to protect the ones I cared about, and later to protect others as well." His eyes grow distant for a moment as he internally questions his own words. There is a small part of him that reminds him of everything he's done, but the bigger part of himself reminds him of why he did it--and that he is telling the truth. Exhaling again, he forces himself to look up once more, "If guidance is all you are willing to offer, if all you can do is help us indirectly, then it is help we will accept. I mean no disrespect by any of my ignorant words, I simply wish to voice my opinion. My opinion is this: even if you can protect yourselves from the actions of the cult, that doesn't mean that those around you can. Not only that, but if the cult succeeds in what they have planned, it is possible that no one, not your people, nor others, could protect themselves or their loved ones. I do not wish to see this land or any land soaked in blood. So I ask... if there is anything that you can do to help increase our chances of success, please lend us your support." He inclines his head, unsure of how else to portray respect to these people short of falling to his knees, which he can't bring himself to do. He isn't begging, he's just stating his opinion and argument. If this doesn't work, then he simply hopes he didn't offend or anger these people. They need whatever help they can get, even if it isn't as much as these people can actually give. 

Lira listened as Lev spoke, feeling the weight of every word he said. She admired his willingness to be vulnerable, to show both strength and regret before the council and the assembled Toa-Suo. When he finished, she stepped forward, feeling all eyes turn to her. She met the gaze of the elders, then glanced at Aisulu, who seemed to have taken a particular interest in their group.

"I won’t lie," Lira began, her voice steady but tinged with weariness. "I carry hatred in my heart—hatred for the Cult of the Dragon King and for Shareella. She used me, controlled me, and forced brave souls, like the kobolds who follow her, to fight and die for her." Her hand moved to the cursed amulet around her neck, her fingers tightening around it for a moment before she let it fall. A bitter grimace crossed her face. "This amulet is a reminder of that."

She paused, her green eyes flicking to the fire as if gathering strength. "But hate...It clouds judgment, weakens resolve. It makes us easy to manipulate. I won’t let Shareella or her cult continue to twist lives and destroy everything they touch."

Lira took a breath, focusing on the elders once more. "I know there are traditions and fears that have been passed down through generations, and I understand why you would be wary. But if you give us the chance to undergo the rite of passage, we will face it with respect and determination. We will do what is needed to protect your people and all others from the darkness that seeks to consume these lands."

She inclined her head, showing the respect she felt was due. "Whatever it takes, I am willing to try. And I hope you see that we do not ask for help lightly—we ask because we cannot face this alone. Not without understanding, not without balance." She stepped back, hoping her words and Lev’s had reached the hearts of those who listened.

Much to Lev's surprise, Aisulu smiles at his words. "Reveared council, this dark elf Lev speaks with humble words and wisdom. His spirit caught in the thin veil. He may have been chosen by the gods to enter the cursed palace to ease her pain." Pointing to his neck,  "He also wears the amulet of Libra, the daughter of Sindla (luck) and Lord Moon."

The crowd mumbles about lord moon, who they seem to worship, and some seem to approve of Lev. Yet decent and fear continue.

Aisulu continues, "This Lira is a victim of the mythical Sha'ralu. She recognizes the rage and blind power that has corrupted the ancient one, blinding her to the destruction she will cause. Yet, Lira would show mercy and a desire to help more than herself. She is strong in spirit but needs guidance to resist the Nok'ferak's will."

"Who else would speak among you," Inauniq says looking you in the eye. He takes a bite out of Lira's prepared salmon and smiles in delight. (Like a child eating ice cream).

You get the sense that things could go either way, and a few more of the group could sway the discussion, even a human

(OOC: I need at least 2 more for the majority of the group to have spoken)

( Bear with me, currently at work will post in lunch break)

(Won't be able to post today but would like to get in on the action)

(We'll wait for you both to post, this is important stuff here.)

Amdaeng nervously stood keeping her attention predominantly on Sukhbaatar, " In a former life I lived within a great house as someone else, when I became myself I grew up in the House of Titan, the Father of the Gods, but the World Father is a distant Patron who lays little on the shoulders of those who follow him.  So I know little of your own responsibilities bestowed of the Gods you follow."

" Like Ning...", she holds the small bear aloft. "....I am small but I am tenacious and I have promised to see this through forging bonds of hardship with those around me though we all come from many different....Tribes....."

" If there are trials to undergo I will not shy from them, for I have faced many trials in my life.....trials of honor, trials of fear, a trial to bring my true self into the light......"

" I will see this done to recover friends lost, to revenge friends never made and to keep safe all the peoples of the North."

" I have fought for gold, I have fought for pride, I have fought for honour.   But now I fight for others."

The beautiful and strong Sukhbaatar, a warrior who was earlier outside training others in hand-to-hand unarmed combat, sees Amdaeng looking at her and nods in approval and respect.

"Great council, Amdaeng's words speak to me. A person who has had many inner battles is now willing to fight for others. An ancient one once said, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are (E.E. Cummings). "Even though this one is of human origins, her spirit can inspire others to join in her cause."

The crowd mutters about Titan and other gods, fearing the snake demon Myurr. One person is overheard arguing,  "What is the point, we would be sending them to their doom", but the priestess Aisulu responds sharply, "The thing you fear most has no power. It is your fear of it that holds the power. If they face the truth, it will set her free." (OOC: Oprah)

There are also wild rumors about the one they call Sha'ralu. (Shareella) and her rumored powers. She can change into other creatures, her will is so strong she can convince you to attack your friends, she is a demon, her hatred is as cold as ice, and if she has awakened, her hate will freeze the world. Others say she is but a myth and does not exist and never did.

The great elder, Inauniq stands once again, the branches of the chair supporting him as he rises, seemingly decided. "Well, if there are no further arguments....."

Iólinder waited. He listened. It were two of the finer things he was good at. Though he did not know much or anything even about the Toa-Suo, he knew of traditions and progress. Of worship and fear. Of gods and men. He stepped forward.

'I am not a friend of Nathalie Storm.' The half-elf said. 'I have never met her nor did I know of her beyond reputation. I cannot speak on her behalf. Nor will I speak for my companions, who all have their own reasoning presented before you. No, I come here before you as a cleric. A priest. A man of the gods.'

He pulled from beneath his tunic a simple cord, grey in colour without any adornments save one: a silver coin stamped with the engraving of two scales. He held up the coin for all to behold. 'Like my friend I too am a follower of Libra: sworn to uphold the ideals of justice wherever I go.'

Iólinder reached for his tunic again. This time he pulled out with his other hand a golden chain, worn down where the links chafed against his armour. At the end hung a golden sword, the hilt attached to the chain with the tip as sharp as a dagger. He held up the golden sword opposite the silver coin. 'But justice alone is not enough. So I abide as well by the teachings of Telak, for one must have the will, the courage, to enact justice, even in the darkest of times. Justice without the courage to act is empty. And courage without something to strive for is meaningless.'

A mote of divine magic trickled into Iólinder's voice. When he spoke anew his voice boomed loudly, amplified by the divine influence of Justice and Courage, and he seemed to stand taller, not merely a scholar of war but a practitioner. 'Shareella and the dragon king cult seek to bring terror to the world. To disrupt harmony and bring nature itself to its knees, beholden only to their whims.' He paused to let the implications sink in.
'We seek to stop them. We seek to see justice done, both for Nathalie Storm and on behalf of the innocent who will suffer otherwise. You spoke of a warrior's rite of passage. Let us showcase our courage. Let us showcase that we have the strength, the wisdom, the resolve to protect those who need protecting. For nought but the gods can pass judgment.'

The magic flowed out of Iólinder's voice and once more he looked as himself, a bit lanky in a suit of armour just a tad too big. 'We await your decision.' He said in his normal voice before turning around to take up his former waiting spot.

As Iólinder's words and magic fuel his argument, there is a sort of mixed reaction. Some of the  Toa-Suo seem quite moved by his words of courage and justice, and of the gods passing judgement on the actions of mortals. In particular, the clerics words seem to resonate with the elder, Inauniq. Yet still, some seem very set in their ways, and very supersititius of these choices. However, you get the sense it is shifting in your favor.

A huge troll covered in from head to toe in tattoos pushes his way through. "Great council, I Atticus Shadowstroke am moved by these peoples words. Words of courage, selflessness, justice. These ideals all sound noble enough and aiding these people may well sway natures balance back to center, as the evil rises in the lands. Of course we will all abide by the great councils wisdom." He pauses, gazing at those assembled.

"But, for me their words are not enough to face the wrath of our gods. To mix our blood with theirs is a risk that could destroy our nation. I for one emplore you to not be swayed by the sweet honey of their noble voices. We do not know these people. Helping them could tip the balance further. We will not survive a dark dragon or ice demons wrath. We should take these followers of the Sh’torem to the place they seek, and then let them forge their own destiny. Nothing more." He steps back, but you sense his words carry the weight of one who bears much respect. The councils decision seems to be balancing on a razors edge.

You see Sukhbaatar and Aisulu arguing with the decenders, trying to sway them and calm them. As the conversation becomes more heated, some begin eating the smoked salmon that was provided. Then, more come take a portion. As they imbibe, tempers seem to subside, this delicacy seems to have almost a magical effect on their nerves. Before long, all assembled have some of the delicious and apparently highly sought after flavorful protein.

Vydar had remained silent as his companions voiced thier opinions in an attempt to sway the council. There is a lot he could say, but he's not sure if they are the right things to say in this moment. Lira's words do resonate with him though, as she has a similar motive it by the sound of it. He eye's Lev and Iolinder, their following of gods appearing to please these people. He has no such common ground. Amdaeng...well she seems to be mostly in this for the adventure. At least that's his interpretation of her words, he finds no issue with that.

When the huge tattoo covered Troll speaks up, Vydar at first things the conflict had come to it's climax. However, his frown deepens at the man's last few sentences. They are still worried about angering their gods are they?

He stands up.

"Like everyone else, I my words are mine and mine alone." He clarifies before continuing, "The only reason I'm here is because Natalie seemed to think highly of the Toa-Suo. As I said before, I'm following her quest because I want to make sure those bastards pay for what they did to her, and I want to make sure they don't hurt anything else. I've already seen the suffering they can cause, and I refuse to sit back and let them continue with whatever they are planning." His voice quivers with hot anger, "I'm not like those of you who follow the gods, they never seemed to care about me, so I couldn't care less if they are angered. Let me ask you this. If your gods are angered by the simple act of aiding strangers for the greater good, is their favor even worth it?"

He grits his teeth, he pauses for a moment and looks away. He knows he probably took that to far. However, he steels himself and continues. "I don't know what you mean by mixing your blood with ours, but if the thought of accepting us into your ranks is all that is keeping you from aiding us, then forget about that. I doubt you want my cursed blood mixing with yours anyways." His last words are spoken with more bitterness than anger, as he falls silent once again momentarily, closing his eyes and taking a heavy breath. 

"All I want...Is to do whats right." He says these words in a much quieter, softer tone. Opening his eyes, he glances around the tent, then looks at his companions. His gaze almost screaming an unspoken apology. Clearly he feels like he just blew this entire thing.

Unless someone stops him, he starts walking towards the exit.

(Well....Hopefully Vydar didn't just blow it XD.)

A woman's voice is heard behind Inauniq. The elder troll and the entire chair seems to stand and turn. On the back of the tree chair is the face of a beautiful woman, and as you watch, some of the branches separate from the tree forming the shape of a woman. Its a dryad.

You hear mutters of her name, she is called "Thistle." Some even seem to bow down in respect for her, and all become silent in the room.

"Great and wise counsel. These people are all here fighting a cause that was started by another who has died. They did not know the Sh’torem well or at all, but a storm soars above them. You have heard their pleas for your assistance, and we have heard your fears of angering the elementals and the gods. But now, I have heard a voice that is louder than the others. A voice of one who has nothing and wants nothing from you. Who will do what is right, regardless if you aid him with your "gifts" or not. He does not ask for your help, indeed, he does not think he is worthy of it, but one with a humble spirit will gain honor. The seed of one tree can create an entire forest. Listen to your hearts, listen to their words, do not listen to your fears."

Then, she seems to slowly meld back into the tree chair and disappears as the elder turns back toward the group.

Lev averts his eyes as Aisulu speaks up in favor of him and Lira. He mutters something near-inaudible under his breath... he's a black elf, not a dark elf. But doesn't speak up about that cause it isn't important. That's not really his concern however. It was her statement about his amulet. They just assume he's a follower of this goddess... and perhaps that is understandable. Why else would he have such a thing? Still, the weight of it is heavy on his neck. His soul trapped in a veil? Chosen by the gods? He feels a stone settle in his gut. As much as he can't believe that he could every be chosen for something, he also feels like she might be right... whether he likes it or not.

His eyes stray to Iolinder as the cleric speaks of his own beliefs. Libra and Telak. Lev really needs to have a conversation with the half elf. Right now, he feels like he's stuck in a void of questions with no answers, aside from one he isn't sure he really wants to hear. 

Pushing those thoughts aside, he tries to focus on the council, eyebrows raising slightly when the dryad appears. Perhaps that was enough of a sign for these people to help them? He eyes the tattooed man who spoke against giving them direct aid, wondering if this was enough--after all it was something 'more than words'. 

Seeing Vydar heading for the exit, he silently steps in front of the young dark elf, giving him a look of 'wait just a moment' and raising a hand to keep him from leaving... he doesn't touch him and would be easy to brush past, but he's hoping that Vydar will stay long enough to hear what will happen now. 

Aisulu rises again

”Great Council, it is time for a vote.”

Each council member seems to have two items, two small stones of different colors.  One by one, the nine members drop a stone in a leather-wrapped jug, unable to see others' choices.  

“The council has each placed a stone in this jar. Black is a vote to not assist our guests, White is a vote to allow them to join us and share in our rite of the warrior.” the high priestess announces.

Baatar who is too junior to be on the council steps forward. There is a large bowl brought to the center. He picks up the jar and pours out the contents.

(D20: 17, 1, 15, 9, 12, 1, 2, 13, 15)

Baatar counts the stones of each color. "Elders, we have 5 votes for, and 4 against."

Inquniq smiles: "The council has spoken. We will join our blood with our new friends. You will become honored among our people, as your dwarven friend, Na’ah’tali Sh’torem did. We will grant you what aid we can as you prepare for your warrior initiation. These rituals begin now and will go until the sun again rises. Then you will go with Tseren to the place you seek. There you must complete you final step. The rite of the warrior. You must enter the ancient mountain palace, face whatever angry spirit is within, and return with that which you seek. Doing so will earn you a tribal name and respect, solidifying your status among the Toa-Suo people." He looks at all assembled. "I have spoken."

The people assembled cheer, and hugs and pats on the back are prevalent. Those who had doubts clearly respect the decision of the council and recognize you with open arms.  Even the well-spoken Atticus shakes your hands and smiles in respect. The Toa-Suo have taken you on as if you are family. 

Vydar

 Nimka comes over to you and hugs each of you, clearly happy with the council's decision. "We have much to do and much to discuss this night. Please come with me back to your tent. Later, you will be honored at a feast, prepared for you in celebration of the great task you have before you."

After the council announced their decision Iólinder leaned in to say somethingto Vydar. 'For someone with a temper and lack of social grace: not bad, Vydar. Not bad at all.' He whispered with an approving smile.

Clearly not accustomed to being hugged by six feet tall people, Iólinder felt like his stomach content was about to be squeezed out of his mouth like gripping an overripe banana. 'Yes,' he said with a wheeze, 'Let's.'

He followed Nimka back to the group's tent. 

Hearing the dryad's voice, Vydar stops. Her words have caught him completely off guard...he certainly hadn't expected his little speech to have a positive impact on this situation...and being called 'a humble spirit', was never something he thought he'd hear. He stands there stunned for a good moment, only turning when Lev steps in front of him.

He seems remains in a state of disbelief as the council casts their votes, only to become more shocked when the votes are revealed to be in their favor. He turns to look at Iolinder when the half-elf leans in to speak to him. He frowns, unsure how to respond to what was probably supposed to be a compliment.

When Atticus shakes his hand, Vydar expression grows even more surprised when the man whispers something to him. However, before the young elf can even think of a response Atticus moves on to shake the next persons hand. With all the Tao-Sou also greating them, and treating him and the others like family, Vydar looks a bit overwhelmed. He hasn't received this much praise or kind words since the death of his adoptive mother, and he's not sure how to feel about that.

Without any time to recover from that he suddenly finds himself in Nimka's embrace, which knocks the breath out of his lungs. He gasps after she releases him, and nods to her following statement. Though at this moment a feast sounds more like a stomach ache waiting to happen than an enjoyable treat. He follows after Iolinder when the group starts heading back to the tent, he clearly wants to be away from the crowd.

Amdaeng sends a pleased grin Sukhbaatars way and is then suddenly face deep in Nimkas hip.

She looked extraordinarily pleased to hear about The Rite of the Warrior........also the food.....