The Four Lands - The Great North

[Rath Lorien]

Anniston sits and eyes the group arrayed on the other side of the white blankets. He will spend time trying to determine if the speaker is evil. If some other person speaks then he will shift his attention to that person long enough to determine if that person is evil. He will listen to thier words carefully and attempt to sense motive.

 

[Canaan]

Jaroth

In the native language of the tribesmen, Jaroth says "We would share our tea with you," as he takes the tea from Finnian and offers it to the leader.

 

[Neurotic]

Vorian

Little backdated:
As soon as party gets together Vorian warns:
Beware, some of them are evil and magic users to boot.

Current:
Hearing Jaroth's comment on accountrements of Light, he hides his holy symbol under his armor, still easily accessible.

I have no problem with Jaroth speaking with them.

As they reach the barbarians Vorian kneels down and sits on his heels.
EDIT: that is, when everybody start sitting down

OOC: Sitting in this manner accomplishes the following: It's easier in armor then cross legged sitting, it's fairly easy to get up from and head level is slightly above others sitting down (not counting his already great height). Small strategic and diplomatic advantage especially if barbarians value strength as mark of true warrior. Also, this position is comfortable for Vorian as he prays in similar position and he can spend several hours without serious problems.

 

[Scotley]

Bertrand produces some fine coffee and offers it to Jarroth. Bertrand approaches confidently, but keeps his hands clear of his weapons.

OOC: Sorry, I seem to be a little late to the party.

 

[Canaan]

Jaroth

Taking the coffee from Bertrand, Jaroth offers it to the tribesmen.

"And some coffee for those who wish to try something different."

Jaroth sits first to give the tribesmen the impression that he is the leader of his party. He sits crosslegged with hands on knees. This might give the impression of 1) submission, or 2) confidence in his companions' abilities or strength. Jaroth is hoping for #2.

 

[J. Alexander]

The Hillock

As Jaroth offers the tea, a tribesman adds two to the tea packets to a few of the kettles. when the coffee is offered they seem unsure as to what the beverage is. With the prepartion of the tea underway one of the warriors comes at the signal of the one is white furs and offers a heavily carved wooden bowl full of what appears to be salt. Indicating the bowl, the man says. "Take salt and we shall talk" The bowl is then offered to each of you.

 

[Canaan]

Jaroth

Relying on his knowledge of the natural world, Jaroth takes a pinch of salt, touches it to his tongue gingerly, tasting it and looking to the tribesmen to see their expressions when he does so (trying to determine whether the purpose of this ritual is to eat the salt).

[ooc: Knowledge, Nature check, taking 10, is 18. If he is unable to determine whether it is poisonous, he will rely on his Elder Druid Resistance to toxins and pray to the Light]

[sblock=For DM] It's entirely possible that Jaroth's studies into the races and cultures of the Four Lands included some study of the society of northern tribes. Does this provide any insight into what is expected of him? or the purposes of this ritual? For example, in RL my undergraduate degree is in Anthropology. I learned basic things about a great many cultures, including diet, communication, ceremony and economy. I assume that the Elder Druid training is much like a degree in Anthopology or perhaps a PhD. [/sblock]

 

[J. Alexander]

The Hillock

For Jaroth
[sblock]From what he knows about the people of the far Northlands, which there is little, the taking of salt, is an offer to do no harm for the next twenty four hours. The people are of mixed heritage and faith. Some groups worship ancestor spirits, others regional deities and yet another group that worship a particular grove or spring or spirits in general. For the most part the people are tough and not afraid to use violence and are accepting of both good and evil in their outlook.[/sblock]

 

[Canaan]

Jaroth

Jaroth nods to the others to take the salt bowl, as he takes his.

[ooc: Jaroth tries to gage the tribesmen's reaction to this. Do they seem relieved? anxious? do they give off any perception of emotion?]

 

[Rhun]

Vadric nods and takes the bowl from Jaroth, taking a pinch of salt for himself before passing the bowl on.