OOC:
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Apologies again -- I got back from canoeing to find my computer had conked out. Until I get it either repaired or replaced, I'm using an old and slow borrowed laptop, which I find inconvenient. And I don't have access to my game notes. I'll do the best I can with this...
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The floor is made of stone -- Kyle and Lokin don't find it possible to dig.
Altogether, you've seen at least a dozen orcs, although never all at once.
Since nobody has mentioned exploring the rest of the room, I assume you're staying in the area near the door. That would prevent you from getting a complete count.
In response to Zurd's whispered comments, Kongu whispers back:
[sblock=Zurd, or DC 25 Listen check]
"I was wondering. I've never heard of orcish hospitality. So you think they have some hostile plan? I'll trust you on that. You know orcs better than I."
"No, I'm not a spellcaster like Filalia. I wish we still had her with us. I can influence minds with oratory. Putting people to sleep is another matter altogether."[/sblock]
The orcs seem to be getting quite jolly, as they are all drinking a strong orcish beer not recognizable to those members of the party unfamiliar with orcish culture. Everyone in the tribe -- men, women and children -- are drinking, and they keep offering it to Zurd. After Zurd's comments, they also start offering it to the rest of you. A few of them are engaging Zurd more actively in conversation.
[sblock=orcish]
DerHauptman (Zurd) said:
At some point I will notice Grok has gone and when that happens I will pretend to be miffed and demand his attention as his guest – I will say that we are equals and I expect to be accompanied by him as is custom. I will ask where he has gone and if he is gone for more than a few minutes I will send demand someone go get him for me.
Several of the orcs try to reassure him. "Chief will be back soon. He said he wanted to give you something."
Do not mistake my heritage for a sign of weakness. I am an as pure an orc as any of you in spirit! None of you should dispute that to my face! I spit <spits> on the weak races!
One of the orcs, introduced as Thugoch, responds,
"Our tribe was formed under a great human chief, a conqueror of orcs. Nobody who has served under the great human chief doubts that some humans have the might and the bravery of an orc. Not all humans fight like elves!"
I have not enjoyed the company of a fine orc woman in many a moon and would enjoy that greatly…could they be lined up for me to choose one for this night? I am not sure of your customs there - in my tribe we offer a pick of women to visiting chiefs and shamans for their entertainment.
Another orc, Thakkiz, answers him,
"You must ask Chief. Chief return soon. But you have good female slave. If you sleep with our woman, could we have your women tonight? That one, she tough like orc. She good for orc. The other, she look weak. Like when orcs beat human town, orcs get women like her. But not like real orc women. Thugoch, you like weak woman or good orc woman?"
Thugoch laughs heartily.
"Both good. The tough woman, she could be a real orcish mate. You are lucky to have her, honoured guest Zurd. But puny women, orcs capture them and have them once. It is a sign of victory. When orcs can own the women of the weaker races , they show that orcs are best. But then you kill them. A woman like yours, you keep her forever. She may be human, but if she is tough like a proper orc, orcs should respect her, and treat her like a real orc-woman. Like the Great Human Chief. He was human, but we respected him, because he was strong like orcs."
I expect my champion and my elite guard will be treated as such regardless of their race. They have served me well in the absence of orc warriors and like me they are orc warriors in spirit and I want them to be treated in keeping with their stations.
It is in response to this comment that the orcs begin offering drinks directly to Zurd's "slaves".[/sblock]