Tellerian Hawke
Defender of Oerth
The Lead Horseman motions for the party to follow him, and they begin a slow, leisurely parade through the middle of the camp, headed toward a massive pavilion tent in the center. The smells of cooking meats waft through the camp, and the party can hear the laughing, cheerful voices of a people without fear; the nomads are at the top of the food chain, and they know it. The people of this camp live lives of purpose and privilege. They are the masters of their territory. As the party passes through, they are studied with casual curiosity, as opposed to anxious concern. You get the feeling that it would take a lot to shake these people. They are hard people, living in a hard environment, and as a result, they have grown strong.
When the party reaches the tent, they are shown inside. At the entrance are two tables. On one table, in its center, is a carved, jade statue, some 18 inches in height, and some 6 inches in diameter, a column with bas-relief depicting Zuoken of the Striking Fist, the Baklunish Deity of Physical and Mental Mastery. Normally, Zuoken's followers are known for favoring weaponless, hand-to-hand combat, although there have been said to be sects of worshipers who use weapons; the Uli, it seems, are one of those sects.
The statue itself is composed of enough jade to make it priceless, to say nothing of the exquisite artistry of the sculptor. Having it in an open, accessible place is testament to the confidence of these people in their ability to protect it.
Scattered on the table around it, are weapons of all sorts, all with peace strings tied around them. Swords, spears, daggers, bows, and axes are only a few of the many weapon types represented here. The Lead Horseman motions to the table, and says a word that everyone can understand, despite his thick accent: weapons.
On the second table, there are many bags and boxes, as well as cups, plates, goblets, statuettes, and loose gems. This is obviously the tribute table for the camp's chieftain.
THALLOK: What do you do?
When the party reaches the tent, they are shown inside. At the entrance are two tables. On one table, in its center, is a carved, jade statue, some 18 inches in height, and some 6 inches in diameter, a column with bas-relief depicting Zuoken of the Striking Fist, the Baklunish Deity of Physical and Mental Mastery. Normally, Zuoken's followers are known for favoring weaponless, hand-to-hand combat, although there have been said to be sects of worshipers who use weapons; the Uli, it seems, are one of those sects.
The statue itself is composed of enough jade to make it priceless, to say nothing of the exquisite artistry of the sculptor. Having it in an open, accessible place is testament to the confidence of these people in their ability to protect it.
Scattered on the table around it, are weapons of all sorts, all with peace strings tied around them. Swords, spears, daggers, bows, and axes are only a few of the many weapon types represented here. The Lead Horseman motions to the table, and says a word that everyone can understand, despite his thick accent: weapons.
On the second table, there are many bags and boxes, as well as cups, plates, goblets, statuettes, and loose gems. This is obviously the tribute table for the camp's chieftain.
You, as your party's perceived leader, should leave a proper tribute, as I mentioned in the private message. But all of the party members will be expected to leave a token tribute as well, worth at least 10 gp. in value. Coins are acceptable. Now is probably a good time to mention this to everyone. You can feel the eyes of everyone in the tent, watching you.
THALLOK: What do you do?
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