Lem, being Lem, lets the stronger personality take over the interaction. Seeing no option to pull the rest of the group to catch them up on what he's learned in secret, he concludes Zashier should know. He leans forward and whispers in the paladin's ear. "Been sending messages to an army via this troll, and her sister. They're digging for something. And the white graffiti in town marks the spots for something nefarious, they used homemade alchemical paint. At least, that's what his mind said. He means harm."
Zashier's ear twitched in much the same way as they might ward off a nat after Lem whispered his piece. Yet, the elephantine's face had remained stoic as it become since the half-orc had begun to truly speak in full on the things done to his kind. After a shorter, but no less intense stare down, Zashier closed his eyes in a sigh so soft, it was almost as if it didn't happen at all.
"My father once told me that... there ain't no use pretending to be something he wasn't. No matter how much people thought him to be funny for how he went about things, of which there is a list longer than any known tall tale, or... how reviled he would become for trying help those that aught be an enemy... Don't mean he wouldn't cut them down if there was seemed no other choice. But then he'd say there's always a choice. Those that think otherwise just wanna hide from the consequence of making it. And he would go on to carry the full weight of those choices, becoming the strongest man I ever knew. Because he ain't let that weakness of character become his crutch. Rather he took it as a challenge to strive to do better -- to be better, and to help those around him do the same."
At that point he opened his eyes and leveled calm look upon the half-Orc. "You say she disgraced herself by being with a human, and I ask how? Because she did one of the bravest thing anyone can do by embracing something that was bound to make her all the more a target for both sides when it came to light? And make no mistake, she went in knowing it would, and still bravely dared to love. And last I check, no side of either bloodline are known cowards." He stated sternly. "Each side of the blood has something they'd falter to, as you should well know. It's just how it is, and it don't make one outright better than the other. But she chose not let that be a crutch. To let the weight of the now's woes keep her from creating a better future for herself, and by extension /all/ her kind."At that point Zashier fell back onto his behind, and loosely crossed his legs prior to slouching forward with a tired look on his face.
"And don't get me wrong. I understand well and good what you've been through. Some... some even thought me a monster. Thought it'a do the world some good to rid the land, least I bread something even more dangerous. Or do you think some of the scars on me is just from the war?"He asked, pausing just long enough for the Orc to register the question and perhaps look, but not answer with any immediacy before speaking on. "Nevermind the agony that I still wake up in every since then. To have to spend my first hour needing to will every fiber of my being to work, and keep working until he pain of it all tearing itself apart in trying to remember how to even function... is back to being background noise again.... But not once did I give up. Not once did I pretend to be something that I ain't. What I truly am, and not what people see or expect most time. And for what its worth, I am sorry that their've been people in the city that have had a hard time seeing the same for you. But, I'm not dumb enough to think words are enough, as some would perhaps liken me to be, of which I'm sure there are plenty."
He gave his sister a sly and knowing look at that last comment, even if only to rile yet distract her little, however true or not the statement. He then looks back, expression again calm as he addressed the half-orc. "Actions speak louder than words... and if you would more willingly help us out and give me a bit of time, I hope to help you create a better future for not just your kind, but everyone. So that you don't feel you have to decide one part of your heritage over the other just to feel good about being yourself. Question is, are you willing to be brave and try and fight along the harder road?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
I have fought. I have been beaten down, and I have gotten back up. But I have not found the good that you have found in the world. I have found only more hate. Skreed offered me acceptance, familiarity, and responsibility. More respect than I have had my entire life.
People see what they want to see, and the people of Fallcrest see green skin, and some tusks, and they cant help but be afraid or be angry. You have seen it. You have probably even done it! You know you have. This world is cruel.
Its time for the world to find out how cruel we can be. We have been beaten down and trod over for far too long. But united with the giants, we will never be trod on again
But it matters not...for your time is at hand
He realizes he has probably said to much, got a little to passionate, a little too emotional. He clams up, and looks at the ground.
The half orc looks up at Thistle, looking her up and down, and responds:
Skreed will be found when he wants to be found. I dont know where he is, but you had better hope you dont find him, or that he finds you. No telling what he might do to a pretty thing like you.
"Found a note in orcish and giant, some sort of planning about a hammer and a rock, still angry at us, Ini,"Lem says, very quietly. He looks up with large eyes. "It might not be over."
Lem reminds Yokini of the note in orcish and giant about the hammer and the rock, quietly.
Zashier asked if he knew about Orc culture. Lem and Zashier would know a lot about Orc culture. Lem from his reading and his home mountain's proximity to the holds of the orcs. Zashier would know from his life in Fallcrest. Yokini would know some from the war. Thistle, not sure how much you would know about orc culture, based on your back story, but if you can rationalize how you know it, we can chat about that.
Fallcrest is just south of what is called "The Hold of Belkzen" which is the northern territory above them that has been controlled by Orcs for the longest time, though they all warred with each other with combating tribes. If a leader has managed to bring them together, and if they are partnered with giant-folk (which they didnt have during the last war), this could be bad indeed for everyone (dare we say, the world - hence the name of this campaign!). Nowhere else in the wold of Golarion are orcs as plentiful or live as densely populated settlements as in the Hold of Belkzen.
No unified government rules over the whole of the HOld of Belkzen. It is not in an orcs nature to try and maintain an organized government. They respect the rule of the mighty, which is a grudging respect given to those who are powerful enough to force other orcs to obey them. Their culture is about power, strength, and respect, and even then it is only respect of those strong enough to take what they want and control those too weak to resist them.
Orcs live in tribes. but there is no real "order" to things. An unstable, brutal hierarchy and constant in-fighting maintains the balance of power between the tribes.
Orcs have never been accepted in common society, and none want to be a part of common society. Half orcs, whether they have a non-orc mother or father, have always grown up mistreated, in both orc and non-orc culture. Only a few have garnered respect in the orc culture, based on intellect, and only in the last 20 years or so have non-orc cultures been attempting to merge half-orcs into their way of living.
Fallcrest is to the South of the orc-infested territory, and has managed to hold its own over the years, and during the war, against the orcs.
Half orcs are the target of pronounced and often voilent prejudice throughout much of the world of Golarion. They are seen as the offspring of violence or perversion, and are shunned because of it. Their bestial facial features also inspire terror and revulsion in many humanoids.
Being a half-orc in human-dominated society is not as bad as being half-orc in full-orc societies, however. They often excel in professions where strength and intimidation are a boon, such as bodyguards, caravan guards, and enforcers.
Half-orcs living in orc societies generally find that they are smarter, but considerably weaker than those around them. Because of this deficiency most are taken as slaves. Those who excel in warfare and skill at arms often find themselves reaching positions of leadership, because they match thier orc strength with their non-orc intellect. Others become witch doctors or shamans, masking their true nature behind elaborate masks that they must always wear.
Often taken as slaves or hunted as beasts (by both orcs and humans), many half-orcs display various brands and tattoos given to them by others. Some have transformed these marks of shame and subjugation into beautiful works of art, turning their painful past into a symbol of pride and survival.
Even though half-orcs worship a wide range of deities, most pay at least passing respect to Gorum, Lord of Battle. They do so not only because of the god's martial prowess (a skill that many half-orcs find themselves pursuing), but also his great strength, often considered a half-orc's greatest asset. They also assume that Gorum is secretly a half-orc himself, who only hides within his armor to keep the terrifying truth from his many human followers. Half-orcs who hate human civilization and (openly or secretly) wish to bring about its downfall, naturally find themselves drawn to Rovagug. They see the anarchy the god strives for as the ultimate equalizer of all peoples. Those with a more generous bent worship Cayden Cailean, drawn especially to his embrace of freedom and bravery, while others with a more sinister or morbid outlook venerate Norgorber (especially his embrace of greed and murder), and Pharasma.
Thistle does not like losing face, especially in front of a male of any species. She frowns. "Well, I may not have the stomach for it, but maybe I don't have to stay and watch. Would one of you please lay him down?" If none of the party members do so, she'll look to Yashiera. If the half orc is laid down, see the spoiler. If not, Thistle will slip away in embarrassment, never to be seen again.
Once the tied up half-orc is prone, she will push the Immovable Rod hard into his hips and press the button, pinning him to the ground. Then she will stand up. "Now we just open the door to the jelly and go upstairs. We can come back later to get the rod back." She will turn and calmly walk down the hallway towards the gelatinous cube's room, out of his sight.
Zashier would say nothing to Yokini, but did need a moment to ruminerate. When Thistle somewhat interrupts that with more threats, he cannot help give her a sidelong look of disapproval. Yet, his next words aren't for her, but yet for the unnamed half-orc. Well, the words beyond the first part:.
"Thistle, I appreciate you mean well. But whatever your intentions, it is not necessary. So if you would be so kind?" He stated more than asked, hoping she wouldn't press him on the point. Not yet, at least. Not until he said his last spiel. The others he would too try to hold back if necessary; including his sister, though not without a grimace. But if given a chance to continue he takes a breath to steal himself.
"I have never been either angry or afraid whenever I look at anyone of orcish blood. If anything, though you need not believe me, as is your right, I've only ever been angry at myself for never doing enough, just for the record. And while this world can be cruel, that don't mean we can't work to change that." He expresses, keeping his calm.
"Even if isn't by much, if you want change, you can't let yourself give up that easily. It shouldn't matter how many times you get beaten down, and how many times you get back up. What matters is that you do it, and make the struggle itself the inspiration for others to do the same if need be. Not cave at the first offer that sounds sweet, but will cost you and yours far more than it'd be worth, my friend."
He takes a moment the words sink in a bit. "And if this union of giants and orcs meant to be solely or mainly for bloodshed, it won't last long before there's infighting, as you should rightly figure. Surely you've seen and heard enough of how things are without some measure of temperance... Making it all the more tragic when you would put to death so many because you got 'little winded', and wanted a quick fix for all your problems. When you had the experience and the strength all along to persevere and do something about it, and do it right." Zashier sighed and shook his head.
"Or did you ever really care in the first place? Care about the others, or their future along with your own. Or is this talk about 'We', which I would infer to mean we as in all half-orcs, just a convenient excuse to avoid the truth that stared you in the face when you visited a full Orc village? Answer honestly, now, and no I do not mean to dismiss their ways. Only that for the sake of your people, not all of it may be for the best future if respect, acceptance, responsibility, and more is what you truly profess to want for yourself, and I would hope for them, though I've been known to hope that I could fly with these ears of mines."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Zashier, at first you are not sure if your words have any impact. There is a moment in time when you finish that both of you stare at each other. It lasts for 30 seconds, or maybe an hour, you dont know. As you stare into his eyes, your heart implores him to fight for what is right and true.
...
...
(You barely passed that check)
And then, you see a deep sadness creep into his eyes, and his face drops.
At first you dont hear anything, then you can make out very soft sobs, and you can see the dirt under his face has a few wet drops of tears on its surface.
...
He looks up at you, his face a mixture of anger and sadness:
I know you are right. Its just so hard sometimes. I am angry and disappointed at myself more than anything. I am sick and tired of being mistreated, and this seemed like a good idea, at the time. Get revenge on those that had mistreated me, but it just eclipsed years of humiliation from my tribe, not being all orc or all something else, they didnt know what to do with me, just liek those here in Fallcrest. And it was easy .,..to blame. To blame everyone else...but myself.
Not matter. Its too late. I cant stop it now, you cant stop it now. Its too late.
And he bows his head, more tears falling to the ground.
As Zashier saw the half-orc finally break down, it was as if another weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Naturally, there was more, and the twice then mentioning of it being 'too late' made certain of it. However, it is neither with a prelude of deciet, contempt, or righteous anger that he grasped the half-orc firmly by the shoulderto offer comfort and a steadying hand. If others (namely Lem really) look about ready to press, he holds up a free hand in silent request for patience.
After a full minute of letting the half-orc grieve the loss of his ideals and embrace regret, Zashier spoke with more warmth and calm than he has yet to so far. "'ey, 'ey, 'ey man. It's gonna be okay, or at least it will be once we understand more about what's going on, with your help of course. And even if not, then it'll just means there'll be a great deal of work ahead for all of us and all's sake. Giving you all the more chance to do what you can to make amends as well."He smiled. "Knowing what I know of some of the defenders of Fallcrest, whatever it is you fear won't be toppling it within a day alone, at the very least."
Lem, being Lem, lets the stronger personality take over the interaction. Seeing no option to pull the rest of the group to catch them up on what he's learned in secret, he concludes Zashier should know. He leans forward and whispers in the paladin's ear. "Been sending messages to an army via this troll, and her sister. They're digging for something. And the white graffiti in town marks the spots for something nefarious, they used homemade alchemical paint. At least, that's what his mind said. He means harm."
Thistle will come back down the hallway, though she'll keep an ear on the door, just in case, but she wants to know what's going on with the prisoner.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Thistle you get the feeling that if the ooze was going to come through the door, it would have done it by now.
Zashier's ear twitched in much the same way as they might ward off a nat after Lem whispered his piece. Yet, the elephantine's face had remained stoic as it become since the half-orc had begun to truly speak in full on the things done to his kind. After a shorter, but no less intense stare down, Zashier closed his eyes in a sigh so soft, it was almost as if it didn't happen at all.
"My father once told me that... there ain't no use pretending to be something he wasn't. No matter how much people thought him to be funny for how he went about things, of which there is a list longer than any known tall tale, or... how reviled he would become for trying help those that aught be an enemy... Don't mean he wouldn't cut them down if there was seemed no other choice. But then he'd say there's always a choice. Those that think otherwise just wanna hide from the consequence of making it. And he would go on to carry the full weight of those choices, becoming the strongest man I ever knew. Because he ain't let that weakness of character become his crutch. Rather he took it as a challenge to strive to do better -- to be better, and to help those around him do the same."
At that point he opened his eyes and leveled calm look upon the half-Orc. "You say she disgraced herself by being with a human, and I ask how? Because she did one of the bravest thing anyone can do by embracing something that was bound to make her all the more a target for both sides when it came to light? And make no mistake, she went in knowing it would, and still bravely dared to love. And last I check, no side of either bloodline are known cowards." He stated sternly. "Each side of the blood has something they'd falter to, as you should well know. It's just how it is, and it don't make one outright better than the other. But she chose not let that be a crutch. To let the weight of the now's woes keep her from creating a better future for herself, and by extension /all/ her kind." At that point Zashier fell back onto his behind, and loosely crossed his legs prior to slouching forward with a tired look on his face.
"And don't get me wrong. I understand well and good what you've been through. Some... some even thought me a monster. Thought it'a do the world some good to rid the land, least I bread something even more dangerous. Or do you think some of the scars on me is just from the war?" He asked, pausing just long enough for the Orc to register the question and perhaps look, but not answer with any immediacy before speaking on. "Nevermind the agony that I still wake up in every since then. To have to spend my first hour needing to will every fiber of my being to work, and keep working until he pain of it all tearing itself apart in trying to remember how to even function... is back to being background noise again.... But not once did I give up. Not once did I pretend to be something that I ain't. What I truly am, and not what people see or expect most time. And for what its worth, I am sorry that their've been people in the city that have had a hard time seeing the same for you. But, I'm not dumb enough to think words are enough, as some would perhaps liken me to be, of which I'm sure there are plenty."
He gave his sister a sly and knowing look at that last comment, even if only to rile yet distract her little, however true or not the statement. He then looks back, expression again calm as he addressed the half-orc. "Actions speak louder than words... and if you would more willingly help us out and give me a bit of time, I hope to help you create a better future for not just your kind, but everyone. So that you don't feel you have to decide one part of your heritage over the other just to feel good about being yourself. Question is, are you willing to be brave and try and fight along the harder road?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
the half orc responds:
I have fought. I have been beaten down, and I have gotten back up. But I have not found the good that you have found in the world. I have found only more hate. Skreed offered me acceptance, familiarity, and responsibility. More respect than I have had my entire life.
People see what they want to see, and the people of Fallcrest see green skin, and some tusks, and they cant help but be afraid or be angry. You have seen it. You have probably even done it! You know you have. This world is cruel.
Its time for the world to find out how cruel we can be. We have been beaten down and trod over for far too long. But united with the giants, we will never be trod on again
But it matters not...for your time is at hand
He realizes he has probably said to much, got a little to passionate, a little too emotional. He clams up, and looks at the ground.
"Giants?" Yokini repeats quietly, her eyes big.
Thistle steps closer to the group. “How do we find Skreed?” she asks the half-orc, quietly.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
The half orc looks up at Thistle, looking her up and down, and responds:
Skreed will be found when he wants to be found. I dont know where he is, but you had better hope you dont find him, or that he finds you. No telling what he might do to a pretty thing like you.
Thistle blinks at him coolly. "I think we should put him in the room with the gelatinous cube. That might loosen his tongue."
Intimidation (at which she is not good): 15
But her queasy face at the prospect takes the teeth out of the threat.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Lem reminds Yokini of the note in orcish and giant about the hammer and the rock, quietly.
Zashier asked if he knew about Orc culture. Lem and Zashier would know a lot about Orc culture. Lem from his reading and his home mountain's proximity to the holds of the orcs. Zashier would know from his life in Fallcrest. Yokini would know some from the war. Thistle, not sure how much you would know about orc culture, based on your back story, but if you can rationalize how you know it, we can chat about that.
Fallcrest is just south of what is called "The Hold of Belkzen" which is the northern territory above them that has been controlled by Orcs for the longest time, though they all warred with each other with combating tribes. If a leader has managed to bring them together, and if they are partnered with giant-folk (which they didnt have during the last war), this could be bad indeed for everyone (dare we say, the world - hence the name of this campaign!). Nowhere else in the wold of Golarion are orcs as plentiful or live as densely populated settlements as in the Hold of Belkzen.
No unified government rules over the whole of the HOld of Belkzen. It is not in an orcs nature to try and maintain an organized government. They respect the rule of the mighty, which is a grudging respect given to those who are powerful enough to force other orcs to obey them. Their culture is about power, strength, and respect, and even then it is only respect of those strong enough to take what they want and control those too weak to resist them.
Orcs live in tribes. but there is no real "order" to things. An unstable, brutal hierarchy and constant in-fighting maintains the balance of power between the tribes.
Orcs have never been accepted in common society, and none want to be a part of common society. Half orcs, whether they have a non-orc mother or father, have always grown up mistreated, in both orc and non-orc culture. Only a few have garnered respect in the orc culture, based on intellect, and only in the last 20 years or so have non-orc cultures been attempting to merge half-orcs into their way of living.
Fallcrest is to the South of the orc-infested territory, and has managed to hold its own over the years, and during the war, against the orcs.
Half orcs are the target of pronounced and often voilent prejudice throughout much of the world of Golarion. They are seen as the offspring of violence or perversion, and are shunned because of it. Their bestial facial features also inspire terror and revulsion in many humanoids.
Being a half-orc in human-dominated society is not as bad as being half-orc in full-orc societies, however. They often excel in professions where strength and intimidation are a boon, such as bodyguards, caravan guards, and enforcers.
Half-orcs living in orc societies generally find that they are smarter, but considerably weaker than those around them. Because of this deficiency most are taken as slaves. Those who excel in warfare and skill at arms often find themselves reaching positions of leadership, because they match thier orc strength with their non-orc intellect. Others become witch doctors or shamans, masking their true nature behind elaborate masks that they must always wear.
Often taken as slaves or hunted as beasts (by both orcs and humans), many half-orcs display various brands and tattoos given to them by others. Some have transformed these marks of shame and subjugation into beautiful works of art, turning their painful past into a symbol of pride and survival.
Even though half-orcs worship a wide range of deities, most pay at least passing respect to Gorum, Lord of Battle. They do so not only because of the god's martial prowess (a skill that many half-orcs find themselves pursuing), but also his great strength, often considered a half-orc's greatest asset. They also assume that Gorum is secretly a half-orc himself, who only hides within his armor to keep the terrifying truth from his many human followers. Half-orcs who hate human civilization and (openly or secretly) wish to bring about its downfall, naturally find themselves drawn to Rovagug. They see the anarchy the god strives for as the ultimate equalizer of all peoples. Those with a more generous bent worship Cayden Cailean, drawn especially to his embrace of freedom and bravery, while others with a more sinister or morbid outlook venerate Norgorber (especially his embrace of greed and murder), and Pharasma.
Thistle, he does not feel threatened.
Thistle does not like losing face, especially in front of a male of any species. She frowns. "Well, I may not have the stomach for it, but maybe I don't have to stay and watch. Would one of you please lay him down?" If none of the party members do so, she'll look to Yashiera. If the half orc is laid down, see the spoiler. If not, Thistle will slip away in embarrassment, never to be seen again.
Once the tied up half-orc is prone, she will push the Immovable Rod hard into his hips and press the button, pinning him to the ground. Then she will stand up. "Now we just open the door to the jelly and go upstairs. We can come back later to get the rod back." She will turn and calmly walk down the hallway towards the gelatinous cube's room, out of his sight.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Zashier would say nothing to Yokini, but did need a moment to ruminerate. When Thistle somewhat interrupts that with more threats, he cannot help give her a sidelong look of disapproval. Yet, his next words aren't for her, but yet for the unnamed half-orc. Well, the words beyond the first part:.
"Thistle, I appreciate you mean well. But whatever your intentions, it is not necessary. So if you would be so kind?" He stated more than asked, hoping she wouldn't press him on the point. Not yet, at least. Not until he said his last spiel. The others he would too try to hold back if necessary; including his sister, though not without a grimace. But if given a chance to continue he takes a breath to steal himself.
"I have never been either angry or afraid whenever I look at anyone of orcish blood. If anything, though you need not believe me, as is your right, I've only ever been angry at myself for never doing enough, just for the record. And while this world can be cruel, that don't mean we can't work to change that." He expresses, keeping his calm.
"Even if isn't by much, if you want change, you can't let yourself give up that easily. It shouldn't matter how many times you get beaten down, and how many times you get back up. What matters is that you do it, and make the struggle itself the inspiration for others to do the same if need be. Not cave at the first offer that sounds sweet, but will cost you and yours far more than it'd be worth, my friend."
He takes a moment the words sink in a bit. "And if this union of giants and orcs meant to be solely or mainly for bloodshed, it won't last long before there's infighting, as you should rightly figure. Surely you've seen and heard enough of how things are without some measure of temperance... Making it all the more tragic when you would put to death so many because you got 'little winded', and wanted a quick fix for all your problems. When you had the experience and the strength all along to persevere and do something about it, and do it right." Zashier sighed and shook his head.
"Or did you ever really care in the first place? Care about the others, or their future along with your own. Or is this talk about 'We', which I would infer to mean we as in all half-orcs, just a convenient excuse to avoid the truth that stared you in the face when you visited a full Orc village? Answer honestly, now, and no I do not mean to dismiss their ways. Only that for the sake of your people, not all of it may be for the best future if respect, acceptance, responsibility, and more is what you truly profess to want for yourself, and I would hope for them, though I've been known to hope that I could fly with these ears of mines."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Thistle, not actually being bloodthirsty, will back off to let Zashier say his piece, watching the half-orc closely.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
(C'mon you dumb dumb.. you got this!)
Persuasion: 21.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Zashier, at first you are not sure if your words have any impact. There is a moment in time when you finish that both of you stare at each other. It lasts for 30 seconds, or maybe an hour, you dont know. As you stare into his eyes, your heart implores him to fight for what is right and true.
...
...
(You barely passed that check)
And then, you see a deep sadness creep into his eyes, and his face drops.
At first you dont hear anything, then you can make out very soft sobs, and you can see the dirt under his face has a few wet drops of tears on its surface.
...
He looks up at you, his face a mixture of anger and sadness:
I know you are right. Its just so hard sometimes. I am angry and disappointed at myself more than anything. I am sick and tired of being mistreated, and this seemed like a good idea, at the time. Get revenge on those that had mistreated me, but it just eclipsed years of humiliation from my tribe, not being all orc or all something else, they didnt know what to do with me, just liek those here in Fallcrest. And it was easy .,..to blame. To blame everyone else...but myself.
Not matter. Its too late. I cant stop it now, you cant stop it now. Its too late.
And he bows his head, more tears falling to the ground.
Thistle holds perfectly still, unwilling to break whatever spell Zashier has woven, hoping he can get the half-orc to say more.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
As Zashier saw the half-orc finally break down, it was as if another weight had been lifted off his shoulders. Naturally, there was more, and the twice then mentioning of it being 'too late' made certain of it. However, it is neither with a prelude of deciet, contempt, or righteous anger that he grasped the half-orc firmly by the shoulderto offer comfort and a steadying hand. If others (namely Lem really) look about ready to press, he holds up a free hand in silent request for patience.
After a full minute of letting the half-orc grieve the loss of his ideals and embrace regret, Zashier spoke with more warmth and calm than he has yet to so far. "'ey, 'ey, 'ey man. It's gonna be okay, or at least it will be once we understand more about what's going on, with your help of course. And even if not, then it'll just means there'll be a great deal of work ahead for all of us and all's sake. Giving you all the more chance to do what you can to make amends as well." He smiled. "Knowing what I know of some of the defenders of Fallcrest, whatever it is you fear won't be toppling it within a day alone, at the very least."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.