Expedition: Blackjack/Emmisaries to the Orcs - 01 Oct 2021

[Marullus]

Akkara hangs back, unnoticed in the shadows and moving with stealth along the base of the wall to where the timbers space out at the cliff-edge so she can peer around it. She sees a half-dozen orcs moving out of the tower, leery and staying away from the dragon themselves, as they come to reinforce the four orcs on the wall now that strangers have presented themselves. They don't seem hurried or concerned... more curious and nosy. The dragon is near at hand and she is very cautious to avoid its gaze. The chains are massive and thick - she now sees they are steel and stronger than the iron she expected, but showing age and rust from lack of care. The dragon is gaunt, its flesh puckered with scars beyond counting. It is clear its wounds were left to fester and never tended until their healed on their own. The wings do not have fresh wounds, but appear to be healed in mishappen shapes from past breakages. It seethes nothing but hate for all around it. She whispers to it in Morlock - a glint of recognition appears as it pauses in its seething. This language is familiar to it, but how much the rageful beast understood is not clear.

Issachar and Amistad speak to the orcs on the wall, Issachar doing so in their own tongue and invoking the name of Balagos. The orc looks the group over and sneers as they speak of 'peace' and 'treaties.' "You can await within," he says with false sweetness, in the orc tongue. "We welcome peace. Place your weapons on the ground and enter."

Date: 09 October 2021, 3:40pm
Light: Sunlight
Weather: 39-52 F, moderately breezy, no rain, overcast skies hidden by tree canopy
Sunrise 7:28am, sunset 6:30pm; Gibbous moon waxing
Effects: None
Injuries: None

[Spearmint]

'Blackjack' Amistad

"You treat guests with suspicion. We come in peace not surrender. My men will sheath their swords but we pass your gates with our lance pennons high or we pass not at all. Should we take our formalities to the advantage of the Red Eyes? But you are here at the head of the Orctongue River. Should that named be Blackened in the southlands and be the Forktongue because you act to play us false. These waters should be an umbilical between our races. Open your gates then so the Blacktongues may prosper under Balagos."

Amistad is not really a statesman or wordsmith but he be lives to entered disarmed would be trouble and we need to act positive.

[Stirling]

Brother Issachar

"My kin, my half bloods. Sir Piers and Amistad are nobles and guilds men of the Duke's
Court. It was with grace that the Red Eye scout was spared in the ancient forest and commissioned with a message of peace to all the tribes, not just the one. Respect for my commanders' position also reflects in the character of yourselves.

Look around, you have a skill to craft and forge yet suffer under the hands of the giants. Amistad has brought peace to their near kin and can advocate to them on your behalf. Your rule can extend not only from the root of the mountains but to its' peak."

The 1/2 orc makes an impassioned speech. I agree, we do not lay our arms down. In our small number we might be overwhelmed anyway.

sorry checked out 'speak with animals' abd it doesn't include dragons.

'The Emerald Queen' Lisseth or 'the Impending Blitzkrieg' Galgathael in defeating those minnow mages of Monoc.

We know the first is a green dragon, Akaara wears its' skin. By deduction is 'the impending Blitzkrieg' a Blue dragon? Or black? It may help if this captive dragon was a cub/kitten of the named one?

[Jernau35]

"You have a mighty hold here" Sir Piers flatters, "and it would be most fine to enter and treat with you. But though our hands may be empty, our heads are not. Our weapons we would prefer to keep at our sides".

"Come now! If we came to make war, would we not have brought warriors by the hundred?"

Piers makes sure that the orc gets a view of his red dragon scale armor. "Conflict will benefit neither side. We have come to talk of peace, profit and how we can each help each other".

Perhaps we should suggest an initial meeting outside their gates, if they insist on us entering unarmed. Something where we can retreat speedily and so can they if something goes wrong.

Did we bring anything to use as gifts to flatter leaders by any chance?

[Spearmint]

Meanwhile, Sgt Danzeiger organises the fortifications of the camp and Bera the ranger and Trick see to the horses. Wary of a counter attack by the orcs or anything emerging from the river.

[Marullus]

The orc on the wall chortles, but seems less dubious as you respond. He looks long on the red and green dragon scale armors you wear in your group. He seems to respect you more as you make effective argument and don't pay down your weapons.

"Bulak will treat with you. At dusk."

You have about four hours until then, at least. The soldiers settle into their camp on the riverbank, you stand below the gate. The chained dragon paces the cliff edge, feral and staring outward at your camp in the distance.

Actions?

Date: 09 October 2021, 3:50pm
Light: Sunlight
Weather: 39-52 F, moderately breezy, no rain, overcast skies hidden by tree canopy
Sunrise 7:28am, sunset 6:30pm; Gibbous moon waxing
Effects: None
Injuries: None

[Spearmint]

'Blackjack' Amistad

"We shall be waiting in our camp. Bulak should receive us there and be honoured to lead our procession through your gates."

With that Amistad swings his horse around. "We should make sure it is not our heads on a pike that is celebrated through the gates. What is our best strategy? To wait below until they unleash the dragon upon us or trust their word that we can enter peaceably?"

Akaara passes by the tower again on her way down, seeing the dragon beast. She waits until its attention is focused away from her and then calls the name "Bulak", addressing the dragon, again in Morlockian, hoping the dragon adjusts its gaze in recognition of being named.

Certainly it looks as though the dragon is obviously straining at the leash to get at us and the camp, but we might be able to turn that anger to our favour? Suggestions, raid the tower to free the dragon in the hope that it will aide us to overcome the orcs or sit and wait for the 'trade delegation' to happen and hope we are not attacked or bluffed?

[Stirling]

Brother Issachar

"We shall anticipate our entreaties with good faith." he says in return to the guard on the gatehouse wall. "Perhaps I may use the time to share of divine favours and grace with my blood cousins."

The priest Fellowship of the Grim Reapers will try to talk to any of the orcs wandering by the tower. He has a two fold aim, one to ascertain how many orcs are in the tower and learn more of the dragon and secondly to evangelise a little bit these unreached people group.

He approaches a guard by the tower, "My cousin, we set our feet upon god's creation but sometimes our souls are far from communion. Do you pray, have you any need to call upon the ministrations of Gwanwen? I can fill your cisterns with water and tell you how never to be spiritually thirsty again?

[Jernau35]

"Since we come in peace and friendship, let us not be too hasty in ascribing sinister motives to these...folk" Piers says. "However, their idea to meet at dusk does concern me a little".

"As orcs, no doubt they prefer to deal during the hours of darkness. But distracting us while they launch an attack on our camp might also be their aim".

"I'd suggest that at least during our initial dealings with them, we don't go out of sight from the camp. Out here in the open should suffice. Do we have any thing we could use a table? Or some chairs?"

Sir Piers also comments that whilst the dragon is certainly the orcs' not-so-secret-weapon, he doesn't think they'll try to use it immediately. It might be something they'll bring into play later when they have a better idea of our strength.

"Now, what about the wagon and our campsite? Are there any ways we could make it more secure? Cut down a few trees to make barricades? A line of sharpened stakes? Tripwires with noisemakers?"

[Spearmint]

not sure we can fortify the camp without suspicion or indeed what resources are available to do that. The camp has it's back to the river and presumably an attack from orcs would come straight down the hill or from the sky with the dragon. We can only be ready, plated up and the men in formation. Amistad would be happy to go one on one with a champion if that is what is needed, hopefully it won't come to that.

Probably we are waiting on Marullus to see how the dragon reacts to Akaara's approach or what success or information Issachar can gather from orc guards before we decide on any defensive or offensive actions.

[Marullus]

Akkara finds an opportunity to sidle once again under the cover of the palisade to its end, observing the rage-filled feral beast on its chain. She discretely calls out "Bulak", trying to throw her voice and not give up her position as much as possible. The beast pauses, giving an apprehensive look skyward. Not seeing what it expected, it resumes its pacing on the cliff face.

Issachar confident in his faith in Gwanwen, wanders calmly outside the great gates, Barra staying to protect him. He finds, first, that there is little traffic this afternoon. "This outpost must be farflung," Barra opines, "The tracks here are predominantly north and northwest up the mountain slope with only a tiny portion continuing down to the riverside. It is also not highly traversed, more akin to Beith's Watch than Gaul or Frogmorton." Your vantage shows no farmland or habitations outside the palisade - this post seems to have room for a few dozen at most, and at that would not be self sufficient.

Four orcs eventually come down the road, heading towards the gates. They outnumber the pair of you and seem confident. They drag a large sack behind them, something within struggling. "My cousin, we set our feet upon god's creation but sometimes our souls are far from communion. Do you pray, have you any need to call upon the ministrations of Gwanwen? I can fill your cisterns with water and tell you how never to be spiritually thirsty again?" asks Issachar.

The orcs are curious enough to converse. "We are faithful indeed, Balagos lead us to immortality," is the orc's practiced and formulaic response. He doesn't seem familiar with Gwanwen, but his existing faith is clear and you soon realize that he's not likely to convert to or be receptive to your beliefs. While you are initially hopeful that your sect might appeal, you find a few things that dissuade you. Gwanwen teaches the orderly death in the cycle of things, and your sect has a role in seeing that happen. As these orcs tell you of the faith preached by Balagos, you realize that the orcish high-priests are engaged in necromancy pursuing the promise of eternal life for their faithful, diametrically opposed to Gwanwen. They supplicate to the "Dark One," an unnameable diety (at least for this layman), and you find that the tribes are cooperating to awaken the Ancient King who slumbers in a valley above, whose millenial rule will be re-established when his magical arts are shared with the worthy. You manage to not alarm the orcs to your difference of opinion and they continue on into the gate.

The others went on to the camp, resting and enjoying a dinner. Akkara offers that she can set snares easily enough if that is desired.

Actions?

Date: 09 October 2021, 5:30pm
Light: Sunlight
Weather: 39-52 F, moderately breezy, no rain, overcast skies hidden by tree canopy
Sunrise 7:28am, sunset 6:30pm; Gibbous moon waxing
Effects: None
Injuries: None

CHA Check [3d6] = 13

[Spearmint]

'Blackjack' Amistad

The response from the Dragon suggests he isn't Bulak, so that might lessen any fears he will attack us at dusk. His glance to the heavens might suggest this orc leader will fly in? Could make sense if the distance between strongholds is not easily travelled.

I don't think traps are necessary. We should prepare to be received by the leader and be deceived too. Our horses will be an asset worth risking lives for so I do expect trouble of some sort.

The tribes co-operate, okay that is valued knowledge, they have a common cause, fed by religion. We should look to exploit that.

[Stirling]

Brother Issachar

"They pray to a dark one (usually Grummsh or a derivative of orcish deity) and hope to awaken an ancient king. My first suspicions are one of the Dreadlords for I know not of a legendary king of orcish legend."

Pleased at least we are at least ignored and tolerated not attacked, the priest will share his views on any strategy.

If they were going to attack us with the Dragon it would have been done by now. If we wait until dusk, Bulak receives us. My guess is he is not here now or busy with other things. This tower is an outpost at most and has no discernible way to supply itself bar the river. Balagos the priest must be elsewhere, perhaps at their main camp. So we should look to get an escorts from these guards to that main encampment of the Black Tongues or deal with the Red Eye group.

A question, how dangerous to Gaul and the civilized folk if the orcs unite behind a 'dreadlord' and seek to conquer not trade?

[Jernau35]

"Most likely not this trip," ventures Piers, "but I foresee it will eventually be necessary to explore that valley and deal with their Ancient King".

[Spearmint]

'Blackjack' Amistad

Well for weal or woe, better or worse and all that, it seems we are waiting on Bulak to appear and grant us audience. Though we should be prepared for a fight and trickery. One thing I remember was that an orc patrol had manufactured potions of human control so we should be aware of charms and mind games.

I suggested the orcs send a delegation to the camp to formally invite us all past the gates so we wait upon them arriving.

The other suggestion is just to bypass the stronghold and keep riding if we can somehow sneak past guards and the Dragon should we be kept waiting.

[Spearmint]

During the waiting period then, the party assess their weaponry and armour, feed the horses and prepare to enter the stockade when this Bulak arrives.

If the time passes with no introduction we will move to plan B.

[Marullus]

Akkara asks Issachar thoughtfully, "What kind of creature do you think was wriggling in that sack the orcs were dragging? It was no bigger than a child." Her voice trails off, her concern obvious about orc snatchers.

The party considers what they've learned of the orcs and the new revelation of the tribes seeking to awaken the Ancient King in the valley above on the mountainside. "Given the predelections of the orc shamans, I think that guessing he's another necromantic dreadlord is reasonable... not what I want awoken," offers Bella with a sour expression.

The group settles in, preparing for the unknown in their riverside camp and expecting an invitation through the palisade at dusk. Under two dozen humans with platemail and dragonscale armor, you're visibly imposing, at least. As dusk approaches, the dragon roars skyward and then a horn sounds at the palisade. Two dozen orcs exit in formation, marching down the slope to the river and then slowly to you. With a shouted command, they stop about 100 yards from your camp site, remaining in formation. There is a long uncomfortable moment of silence before you hear another roar in the sky above the mountain. The orcs thump their spears on the ground twice in response to it, but otherwise remain in formation, limned only by moonlight.

A moment later, a great buffeting of wings heralds the arrival of what must be Bulak. A second black dragon, young like the first but not broken and scarred, lands on the riverside halfway between you and the orcs. It is just large enough to bear a single rider - a tall orc drops from the dragon's back and steps boldly forward. She wears black-enabled steel platemail formed to her bosom and pulls a helm from her head, tossing her long red hair once to free it around her. "You sought my attention and you have it, invaders from the south. Speak." She speaks your common tongue, regarding you dubiously but unafraid. Her dragon mount, unchained, crouches obediently behind her.

princess-fiona-shrek-forever-after-46_6.jpg (10.26 KiB) Viewed 1483 times

Date: 09 October 2021, 3:50pm
Light: Sunlight
Weather: 39-52 F, moderately breezy, no rain, overcast skies hidden by tree canopy
Sunrise 7:28am, sunset 6:30pm; Gibbous moon waxing
Effects: None
Injuries: None

[Spearmint]

'Blackjack' Amistad

Rides out to greet the chieftain. "Bulak of the Black Tongues, we bid you peace and prosperity. We have come as envoys and ambassadors not invaders. Our mutual strength lies in trade and collaboration. We seek to venture your lands, to meet with the chief priests, Balagos
and others to find ways to grow alliances. You have strong veins of ore, we have abundance of crops and knowledge. Do you have a heart to trade or shall we pass by and enrich the Red Eyes?"

[Stirling]

Brother Issachar

"You honour us Bulak of the Black Tongues, displaying your position of authority over warrior and beast. We can see your strength. Now I trust your wisdom too will be clear. We seek an audience with the Wise Ones. Let us pass beneath the shadows of your tower and dragons in peace."

[Jernau35]

Sir Piers

"Greetings Bulak of the Black Tongues. I represent the Duke of Gaul. He proposes a treaty based on trade and mutual respect between our two peoples. There is much to be gained for both sides with such an agreement. If you will hear us out, I believe you will see this too".