Exploring the Hase-Suna Complex (Manzanita judging) [Concluded]

[DerHauptman]

Well, something has cleaned up all the bodies we left. I say we press on to the kitchen and see what has developed in there since we left. Besides, we might be able to fortify it for a fall back point to use again.

[sblock] I think the concern Lot has with Kongu holding the torch is that he light from same will not go out in front of the group based on our OOM. The torch light only goes 20' then makes a shadowy light up to 40'. So if Kongu holds it the light only goes about 20' in front of the party and that light is only shadowy light. I can see fine so its not an issue for me.

Also, for the record the "lesser races" comment shouldn't have been something Zurd would say. I have another character on LEW who believes that orcs are the superior race. I guess I was just in the mode. [/sblock]

 

[orsal]

You all continue up the landing, past the 4-way intersection tot he two doors on either side of the corridor. Finding no traps, Payne opens the door on the left without difficulty.

The kitchen is almost as you left it. The disusting moldy canisters in the main wing are still disgusting and moldy. The tables that you had piled up against the far door, are now in the middle of the room and mostly upside down. Also, there is the remains of some cooked lizardflesh on one of the grills. It doesn't look like you left it there -- it seems to have been there since your last visit.

 

[DerHauptman]

So, someone was here after us and they liked to eat lizards as well? I doubt it was the lizardmen themselves. I don't know if they are cannibalistic. Didn't we hear some orcish voices at one point?

Perhaps the two tribes have come into conflict over something. Territory, food, water could be anything.

If we run into orcs let me try and talk to them first before we get all trigger happy.

 

[hero4hire]

"Not that I have a crossbow to make happy with but I will let you mince words with orcs before I mince them."

 

[D20Dazza]

"You know that would be fantastic" the fat dwarf chef says enthusiastically "I'd be interested in speaking to them myself. I'm sure they'd have some interesting recipes and might even know of some new spices" he says dreamily "Speaking of food, it must be time for a meal eh?"

 

[Lot]

"Not that I have a crossbow to make happy with but I will let you mince words with orcs before I mince them."

Lokin nods.

"I agree. From my limited experience with orcs, I don't think they'll like us anymore even if you speak with them. I speak orcish and it usually allows me to better understand their curses and death threats better; that's all."

 

[orsal]

"You know that would be fantastic" the fat dwarf chef says enthusiastically "I'd be interested in speaking to them myself. I'm sure they'd have some interesting recipes and might even know of some new spices" he says dreamily "Speaking of food, it must be time for a meal eh?"

"Well, shall we stop to let Kyle see what he can prepare for us here?" Kongu asks. "I wouldn't have thought it the best place for fine dining -- it smells too bad -- but it's as close as we'll find here."

 

[DerHauptman]

Dear Lokin, you forget sir that I am an orc in o so many ways. Don't let the fancy hat and clothes fool you. I am a savage myself in many ways...GRRRRRRRR! I grew up among the savages and know what they fear.

Zurd makes some arcane gestures and words for a brief moment. (costing one use of prestidigitation)

Then all of the sudden his face becomes backlit with an evil looking green light and he speaks in a voice all too loud, almost booming, for a normal person.

In Orcish....he says, Text blacked out: YOU SEE I AM AN ORC WITH MAGIC! I AM ZURD THE DESTROYER! I AM CHOSEN BY THE ANCESTORS TO HAVE THIS PLACE FOR THEIR GLORY... THESE FOOLS ARE MY SLAVE WARRIORS! YOU CAN SERVE ME IN THIS CAUSE OR SUFFER IN THE AFTERLIFE! :end text.

(OOC: Along with my Intimidate check of....27 that should seem impressive to the audience at hand.)

To all but Lokin this seems just a bunch of guttural and hateful speech.

What I basically said was that you all are my slaves, which will make me seem powerful, as in orc culture one of the marks of status is being able to own slaves, equip them, keep them in line. Also, to have slaves that will fight for you is the mark of magics since usually they must be compelled to do so. Also, I made myself appear powerful by casting a simple spell that they will not understand. And finally I appealed to their sense of ancestor worship and without challenging them I implied that this place was mine to take at the behest of the orcish ancestors, that they could also serve me in this cause or suffer in the afterlife for their disregard of this will.

The only thing this hinges on is that I can again put on a powerful display like I just did. Also, that they do in fact worship their ancestors as the Skin Takers did. That's the name of my former tribe I doubt it needs explanation.

The last thing is that like in most orc tribes I have dealt with in trade meets, 1/2 breeds tend to rise to the top of society in the shaman classes, the chiefs are the strongest but the shamans make the decisions for the tribe as magic is feared and the mark of one chosen by the ancestors.

Kongu, my lady, do you have the spell I just cast? If so It would add to the effect if you could cast it and make some loud drumming as I deliver this speech.

Perhaps augmented by a poem ore something they might not understand in your elven tongue. Your stories and poems do somehow inspire me to do greater things than possible. Perhaps, if you tell one in elven it will help me sound more intimidating.

All I can do is try, who knows we may gain a small orc army...hehehehehe! Could be fun. Lokin can appear as my boss slave for he too speaks the language. The rest of us can communicate in common but when you do try to make it as proper and formal as one wouldst thus speak with thine sovereign at court. They might understand common but it will be simple concepts like trade, directions, prices of items, names of common goods, and stuff like that. They are simple but not stupid though they may seem as such. They will try to keep themselves at a tactical advantage even after (or I should say if) we turn them to our side. We also may have to offer gold and food from the dead as rewards. We will just have to give them concessions at first so their leader can save face with his troops

Remember, when they have out lived their advantage we can dispatch with them quietly.
We can turn on them in their sleep at any time so don't worry about getting he gold and items back. Except for the food of course.

g of food...hell yes lets eat some I'm going to see how fresh this lizard man is over here. Fresh meat beats jerky nuts and hardtack any day. Oh and Kyle the stoves over there work my friend. We used them last time.

[sblock=Lot] Hey, I just wanted to make sure you got your potions from the last adventure we did together with my orc and your Paladin. I don't think you ever said anything during the wind up of the adventure. You got the Cure Mod and the Jump potions respectively. Just wanted to make sure you knew. I talked to BigB and he forgot about his too. So just touching base. Of course Jik'tu could have kept them, would be in character for him but its a game and I meta to make sure rewards are fair - damn the RP on that. When you are talking rewards that is actually player business IMO. [/sblock]

 

[DerHauptman]

As Kyle is whipping up a meal. You know something folks, this would make a great group compound if its not all tainted with residual evil and stuff.

Imagine. We clear it out, set up a base here. Divide up some rooms for personal use, perhaps a couple for training and such. We could have that professional adventuring organization we talked about Lot. Charge dues, take in young adventurers, train them seek out contracts and such, take the best for ourselves.

Integrate ourselves into the local political arena, maybe have Payne run for mayor of the little town over there. Kol as sheriff. We could tax the out of the locals. Kyle could build a church/restaurant to his god. Wouldn't it'd be nice. Perhaps in our golden years, me and Payne could...

I mean we all could settle down with families here and live off of our adventuring charter business.

Hummm...

 

[Lot]

Lokin almost chokes at Zurd's magic display.

"I take it back. I think you may be very effective in negotiations. As for being your chief slave? Not a bad idea."

Lokin leans back as he digests, smiling.

"Chief slave to a half-orc sorceror. My father always said I'd go far."

Lokin listens as Zurd explains his plans for the complex.

"I'm not sure how I feel about the oppressive taxation schemes, but using this stronghold as a base of operations is certainly an appealing idea."

Lokin draws his sword and starts sharpening it.

"Of course, first things first. We need to clear this place out."