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Warcraft: A Troll Quest

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Right small update, I apparently can no longer keep word count down to ensure turn results are out in a day, 2 at most, most likely because the quest is off the starting line and becoming more complicate and so I need to outline more...

Three days for turn reports will be my one and only goal so we can keep the quest speedy and because speedy turns are what I enjoy writing.

I'm deeply sorry my turns have seen a 300% increase in time required.
 
Maybe Mike said:
Right small update, I apparently can no longer keep word count down to ensure turn results are out in a day, 2 at most, most likely because the quest is off the starting line and becoming more complicate and so I need to outline more...

Three days for turn reports will be my one and only goal so we can keep the quest speedy and because speedy turns are what I enjoy writing.

I'm deeply sorry my turns have seen a 300% increase in time required.
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All good, quality questing takes time to write.
Struggling to keep the word count down, is that Inspiration bothering you?
You could always send some my way :p
 
Hellteddy said:
All good, quality questing takes time to write.
Struggling to keep the word count down, is that Inspiration bothering you?
You could always send some my way :p
Click to expand...
Click to shrink...
The only struggle is holding back tears as I write four sections of my Report and know I won't make my self imposed deadline again

If you want some fill free, I started this quest to give trolling inspirations by the arms full!
 
Altom said:
*Gives us free writing*
*Promises even more free writing*
*Apologises for giving us more free writing*

Dafaq? :thonk: :V
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It's a matter of 'I used give free writing twice a week. Now it's just one and a half a week :('

I feel bad bout cuttin down the number ya gettin more but less often when it should more getting more more often, ya know?
 
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Turn 8 Results: 1005 AV (Winter)
  • Threadmarks
    • Scheduled vote count started by Maybe Mike on Sep 2, 2024 at 4:42 AM, finished with 13 posts and 5 votes.
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    Gate Vote

    [X] Plan: Prelude to War
    -[X] The Time of Axe and Spear (Free Action) - Military - It is time to set out… You have decided it is time to defend your homeland. Take your army and march against the elves. The Tribe is Outraged at the attack and supports you with all its members DEMANDING war, +4 Successes to all military Might action.
    --[X] Assault the Elves (Free Action) - Combat - Military - You have declared it, the tribe had voiced their support, you must now choose when you will strike out of the Vale and against your enemies. You control the pass, any elves still within the Vale shall be hunted like the rats they are by others, but your Warriors and Headhunters require their order. Choose, Chieftain.
    ---[X] Spring
    -[X] They Shall Not Pass (0 Successes Needed) - Combat - Military - Though lacking in information and unknowing of what exactly you face, Jor'kill has offered to take his Warriors to hold the most likely passes into the vale. You live in high and dangerous mountains that make it exceptionally easy to hold off any ground forces from entering, assuming they enter the traditional way. Whether or not the elves will meet you there is another thing entirely.
    --[X] Jor'kill Delegated (-1 Might Dice)
    -[X] Scour the Vale (? Successes Needed) - Combat - Military - In the aftermath of the battle for Shatterspear Village, the rout and the pursuit of the elves from the vale was a horribly messy affair, as both trolls and elves were caught up in the chaos of the night as they tried to flee the troll's wrath, while the trolls themselves were consumed in their bloodlust. In that rout, the Trolls cannot confirm whether or not the elves were truly forced from the vale. Send out your warriors and headhunters, search the vale high and low for those who might yet be within your jungle. The Headhunter will need assuring the Vale is clear before their new patrol route can properly be used. (3 Might Dice)
    -[X] Lay the Foundation (4 Successes Needed) - Intrigue - The Mask speaks of island far to the north, speaking of them as the origination of your people within these lands… Yet, to reach there, you will need a ship. With a war underway, it is unclear if you can truly spare the resources… No, you are Chieftain. You will command the Tribe to bring you wood and laborers, and you will construct a small personal ship for yourself and some guards. You WILL uncover the history of your tribe. (4 Mind Dice)
    -[X] The Other Side of the Mountain (? Successes Needed) - Intrigue - The elves have attacked, what Zalan said was true to an extent, the Elves have now openly moved against your people. Yet still, the Tribe has no knowledge of what is happening within the Elf lands. Answers must be found, no matter the stance taken. Take some Headhunters and find exactly what is happening. You can no longer allow yourselves to turn the other cheek while they brazenly assault your own homes. Focusing more on stealth and stalking through their lands in exchange for less outright information. (3 Mind Dice)
    -[X] New Friends? Pets?! What?!?! (2 Successes Needed) - Bethekk has filled the Stranglethorn Village and Vale with Panthers, populating both in equal measure. Some have forcefully moved into various families' homes, some have joined Voriya within the Shrine to Bethekk. Already Headhunters report the Panther's ability to hunt is well and true. Spend time with them, play with them, attempt to discern what manner of relationship Bethekk intends for you and your people to have with them. (2 Moxie Dice)
    -[X] Apprentice in Need (? Successes Needed)(You may use any number of Moxie dice for this action) - With the oncoming war and the reveal of your order's legacy, it struck you that you would need an apprentice. Now was hardly the time for such, but you cannot guarantee you would survive this war, even if you stayed safe and sound within the village. Already, an attack has happened to it, and there is no telling if there won't be another. You, being chieftain, are prime material for being slain to sow discord amidst your people. No, you cannot put this off despite how much time and attention an apprentice would take. Find one, teach one, at the very least the basics so your order can continue. (2 Moxie Dice)
    -[X] Krah'ranik, as Leader of the Headhunters, Krah'ranik would no doubt seek to preserve Troll live while doggedly hunting down Elves wherever they are to be found.
    -[X] Pray to Shirvallah - Ask for the Tiger Goddess for her Guidance for an Action (1 Turn Cooldown)
    --[X] The Other Side of the Mountain
    -[X] Attend the Festival of Bethekk - The festival of Bethekk is a time mainly of traditions and ceremonies. Unlike Vale's Arrival or Festival of Shivalah, the Festival of Bethekk is to remind the Trolls their history and their duties to the tribe and their kin. Some who volunteer, even stay up all day and all night in a ritual that honors Bethekk and one's duty to ever be mindful of the future and the state of the tribe, while the rest of the tribe merely stays up until morning, with the exception of children who often are unable to manage the task. As Chieftain, you will obviously be attending, but will you offer yourself for the duty?
    --[X] Attend as a Ritualist
    -[X] Like a Heart Attack (Free Action) - Jor'kill has loudly and blatantly asked you to your face if you would become his mate, he and the tribe will no doubt be awaiting an answer. The Champion marrying the Chieftain is far from unprecedented; many great love stories of the tribe started as such. No, there is no real defense to say no beyond your own personal feelings… Good Gods, what has this world come to?!
    --[X] Accept - Relationship with Jor'kill changed to Paired


    Assault the Elves - Spring - Warleader - Krah'Ranik

    It was during the early rain and sleet storms that you called your Headhunters and Warriors back to you inside your nice and warm home. Being Chieftain was a bit of a saving grace in that regard. You could send runners and messengers out all you liked, and it forced others to come to you instead of leaving the dry and warm confines of your home. It was a small pleasure that was only realized under a mountain of responsibilities.

    A bit poetic, really.

    Krah'ranik and his Headhunters were first, for obvious reasons, being based out of the village, but it was only a small while, and they were sharing heated drinks. These drinks were yet another reason being chieftain was perhaps better than it seemed. You could inquire about the chocolate vanilla drinks for important meetings such as this. They usually were offered up to the Loa or used for special feasts, yet being the Chieftain saw you enjoy the benefits of such.

    Even if you generally did not care for the… acquired taste portion of them.

    Krah apparently enjoyed them brewed strong.

    When the Warriors did finally join you and the Headhunters, it was with the notable absence of Jor'kill. Much to your secret, relief, and consternation. They filtered in with the same troll who questioned whether you would lead the tribe last season. You searched your mind for her name for the few moments it took for the Warriors to find their places surrounding the small table and fire before you… Lih'kur… That was it.

    "Forgive Jor'kill, Chieftain." Lih'kur started apologetically, "Wit' d'em elves at both ends o' the Wall, the Champion t'ought to stay behind encase d'ey was waitin' for 'em to leave. 'E sends 'is regards."

    You mull that over in your mind for a few moments, taking a draw of your drink before nodding. To the surprising relief of the Warriors. Did they think you were going to punish them for choosing not to appear? That was…

    "D'en we ain't gonna be waitin' for 'em. It be good 'Ah chose as 'ah did d'en." Tossing aside your personal feelings, for the time being, you look at the two groups, the Warriors already beginning to warm themselves and take their drinks. "'Ah will be stayin' in the village fer the war, the start at least."

    Krah'ranik actually looked relieved at that, while everyone else nodded as if they expected it. But Lih'kur raised a brow at that. "D'en ya' be choosin' the Champion to lead the Warriors an' Headhunters?"

    This time, you met the eyes of Lih'kur with a glare, surprising them with the heat in your gaze that sent them leaning away from you. "No." You held that stare for a few moments before turning to address everyone; your show of force kept unwanted interruptions at bay. "Jor'kill spoke to me 'fore, 'bout 'is lack o' t'inkin' an' strategy. 'E even be turnin' down 'mah questions o' wantin' to be chief." This had the Warriors looking offended on behalf of their leader… However, you did notice some do their best to hide winces and sympathetic grimaces. It seemed Jor'kill's inabilities had been noticed despite his success.

    When you looked at Krah'ranik, his eyes caught yours, and you received him flickering through acknowledgment, faint surprise, annoyance, acceptance, and then resignation before distracting himself with his cup. "'Ah've chosen Krah'ranik fer who be leadin' the tribe into war."

    There were heated outcries and outrages questions from Jor'kill's warriors, but you dismissed them with a glare that sent them back to their seats. "D'is is not fer discussion. Ya' Chieftain be speakin', an' 'ah 'ave declared Krah'Ranik, leader o' The Headhunters be LEADIN'. D'IS. WAR." You challenged them to speak out against you again, meeting the eyes of several of their members with your glare. When no one did speak up, you settled back down into your seat.

    What followed was probably the most disgruntled meeting you've had since you sat Jor'kill and Krah'ranik down to discuss their feud. It was practically a brawl waiting to happen, but you laid out the warplans for Spring when the flooding and snow will break and allow better movement through the Mountains. Before then, you will be taking some Headhunters to scout out the lands beyond the Vale. Along with this was the winter scouring of the Vale; while it is more risky and more uncertain to catch the Elves, it will still give you time to address the problem before the Warriors and Headhunters leave in bulk.

    There were also discussions on how many Warriors and Headhunters would stay behind to defend the village, alongside questions about food, water, and trophies. These are things you didn't even consider before this, but now you need to give them some good thought. The internal mechanisms of War were throwing you for a complete and utter loop.

    By the end almost half a day later, Jor'kill and Krah'ranik's second in commands left to attend to their duties. But it was Krah'ranik who stayed behind, perhaps predictably, but it did give you a smidge of surprise.

    When the last of the Trolls had filtered out, Krah'ranik sighed.

    "Its not d'at bad." You reassured him, even as you began to clean out the cups your impromptu meeting used.

    "No." The Elder troll exhaled, "Its worse."

    "Worse?" You scoff "Only t'ing d'at be worse be if 'ah died an' ya' had to fight Jor'kill fer Chieftain."

    Krah'ranik grunted at that yet did not disagree with your words. "Wit' all do respect, ya' shoulda' lead the Warband. Or better yet, take me, Jor'kill, an' ya'self on Campaign. Leave the tribe to one o' the others."

    "'Ah'm no warrior, nor Headhunter.-" "We don't be needin' ya fer d'at." Krah'ranik shook his head. "Ya' got me, an' ya got Jor'kill. Wit' both o' us, we ain't gotta worry bout one o' the other tryin' to command trolls who don't be likin' the other."

    The look the Headhunter sent you spoke of the actual matter at hand. Your hands slowed, placing the pottery back onto the table. For once, you actually took in the Headhunter, from his grey hair to the wrinkles on his face and hands and bare arms showed the story of decades to achieve his position. Krah'ranik was one of those trolls who was always there, always assisting or bringing in food, never seemingly to be touched by sickness or his age. Yet now, it's clear how much you just assumed he would be there.

    "'Ah'm old, Jalo'ki. 'Fore too long, 'ah'll be retirin' to the Village proper. Ya' predecessor only be a few years older d'en 'ah am." He rubbed his forehead, seeming to nurse a head ache.

    "An' he was old…" You mutter slowly

    Krah'ranik nodded to your words. "'Ah 'ave Grandchildren, one 'boutta 'ave 'er child. 'Ah 'ave only a good year or two in mah body. Jor'kill be young, strong, 'e 'as the time to be goin' off to war."

    "But ya' the most experienced!" You retort, fighting against the pessimistic attitude "Ya' are the most knowledgeable, ya' can hunt anyt'in' in the vale, ya' accolades be a mile long! Ya' know how to fight elves!"

    "Do 'ah?" Krah'ranik scowled "Face d'em, Jalo'ki. Ain't no one be truly ready fer d'is war. Not Jor'kill, fer all 'e be runnin' d'em 'round at d'at gate 'e made, Not ya', not even ya' Order's knowledge… Maybe not even d'em elves." Krah'ranik sighed, running a hand through his long grey hair. "'Ah ain't ready, Jalo'ki. 'Ah ain't got the strength to be fightin' the Warriors to be fightin' proper an' followin' mah commands durin' battle."

    The Headhunter, once standing strong and fierce even against Jor'kills aggression, seemed to wilt in his seat. Now, looking his age, looking like one of the many elders who you know… Looking like Simjo's father.

    You go over to the old troll, taking his hands in your own, and you two share a moment of quiet warmth as the rain and sleet pounded against your roof. "None o' us be ready fer d'is. But we ain't got no choice. D'ey be needin' ya' out d'ere, just as we be needin' trolls 'ere." You quietly ran your hands along his, exploring the calloused hands and bones poking out through his skin. "But d'em elves won't be content just to bloody us. D'ey be wantin' d'is more d'en we maybe did. But the Tribe be speakin' it wantin' blood… We ain't got no choice."

    For a while, you two sat there, calm amidst the storm. It could have been minutes. It could have been hours. But finally, the Old Troll sighed, recollected himself, and once more, it was the Krah'Ranik you had known all your life, but there was a weariness about him all the same now that you knew. "'Ah will lead 'em, Jalo'ki. Fer the tribe if not'in' else."

    So it was Krah'ranik who left your home, and you wondered just how long you could keep Krah'ranik as leader of your forces.

    [Warriors and Headhunters to Begin the war in Spring]
    [Krah'Ranik warns he won't be fit enough to lead in a year or two before exhaustedly agreeing]
    [Krah'Ranik's War Exhaustion: Medium]
    [Krah'Ranik's Bethekk Blessing Revealed; Alone, But Never Lost - When Krah'ranik is alone, he knows the location of the nearest friendly Trolls and how to get there, if not safely.
    (Awarded During ???)]


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    Scour the Vale - (? Successes Needed) - Rolls; 6, 1, 6 - 2 Critical Success, 1 Critical Failure - +1 Success from Strong, +1 from Headhunter's Spears, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus, +4 Successes from War Footing, +4 Successes from Time of Axe and Spear, +4 from Extreme Terrain Bonus - 14 Successes Total

    When one would imagine a Chieftain leading a Warband around, they might imagine it as leading from the front, triumphantly being the tip of the spear that carved their name into the flesh of their enemies! Not so much for you.

    When you led a Warband, you were more like a scout or guide. You knew the terrain better than some Headhunters. You knew the paths and secrets of this Vale from nearly a decade of study under Master En'don. If there were still secrets left, they were well and truly beyond your order's grasp.

    Beyond the Veteran Headhunters, who did also come along, you could reliably find the holes the elves would most likely use to hide.

    Elves; 2, 5, 6, 6 - 2 Critical Successes, 1 Successes, 1 Failure - +2 Successes from ???, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus - 4 Successes Total - Dug In, Dragged Out

    10 Successes Left

    The first group you found was ready and waiting for any Trolls who would have followed them or their comrades. They had dug into the ground, hunting traps and taking positions in the trees, ultimately ending in a small cave that housed a dozen elves and their supplies.

    But these weren't THEIR jungles.

    You got to watch as your Warband picked apart the elves one by one, ambushing, swiftly striking at throats, or silencing them with blows to their necks before dragging them out of sight to death. Some were lifted into the air with spears thrust into their backs before dragging them below the foliage. By the time the elves realized what was happening and rallied, they were weakened; the Warriors finished them off with only a few wounded.

    Elves; 4, 1, 5, 5 - 1 Critical Failure, 3 Successes - +2 Successes from ???, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus - 1 Success Total - Wounded with Mercy

    9 Successes Left

    The second group was of a much different breed, as the Elves were carrying several wounded and were more towards the west than the others, clearly trying to find a different route out. Perhaps they knew Jor'kill blocked the main pass and so sought alternatives. They found only their deaths in the cold morning light.

    Elves; 3, 3, 5, 6 - 1 Critical Success, 1 Success, 2 Failures - +2 Successes from ???, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus - 1 Success Total

    8 Successes Left

    The third group was very deep into the mountains, nearly bordering the very edge of the vale to the south, apparently preparing to climb the same mountains to escape the Vale. Their guard was up, however, as a guard was posted almost every day while an elf on a great cat was preparing its troops for the climb ahead.

    Sadly, you would never find out how they expected to get the cat up the mountain, as your force fell on them like a lightning bolt, splitting them and their ground asunder.

    Elves; 4, 3, 5, 2, 2 - 2 Success, 3 Failures - +2 Successes from ???, +2 Successes from ???, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus = 1 Success

    Village Defenders; 3, 1, 4, 1, 4 - 2 Critical Failures, 2 Success, 1 Failures - +3 Successes From Village Guards (Intrigue) - 0 Successes

    Elves make it into the Village from the South

    Elves; 4, 6, 6, 4 - 2 Critical Successes, 2 Successes - +2 Successes from ???, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus - 6 Successes Total - The Hunters were Hunted in Turn

    2 Successes Left, Returning home

    The fourth group was hard for both yourself and your Headhunters to find. On the one hand, you caught their trail, only half disguised. Seemingly, the elves were bogged down by something, most likely more wounded. They were making good time as you and your trolls stalked through the undergrowth. You knew you were catching up; the tracks became fresher, and the mud and sleet clearly were not familiar to them as mistakes that were unlike the elves became more evident and more apparent.

    You were nearing the Pass Jor'kill guarded when the leading Headhunter stopped suddenly. For a few moments, no one was sure what was happening until- "AMBUSH!" An arrow took the Headhunter in the chest, and it was chaos.

    From the trees, two Elves riding great cats pounced, each tearing screaming trolls limb from limb, while more elves struck out from the trees and began unleashing their arrows upon your Warriors. For a few seconds, as your warriors were being assailed around you, and you had to duck multiple arrows aimed at you, you worried you would be slaughtered.

    But then the tide turned.

    The Elves had only the surprise assault to aid them, as the trolls outnumbered them four to one. The Great Cats dismissed that advantage by only the slightest margin; it was not enough to make the difference needed. The trolls rallied, forcing the great cats back before swarming over them and the desperate archers who were attempting to fend them off with arrows alone.

    By the end, only three were dead, but almost the entirety of the force was wounded by the end.

    With that, the party turned towards home.

    Elves; 1, 2, 4, 4, 1 - 2 Critical Fails, 2 Successes, 1 Failure - +2 Successes from ???, +2 Successes from ???, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus - 1 Success Total

    Village Defenders; 1, 1, 3, 2, 6 - 1 Critical Success, 2 Critical Failures, 2 Failures - +2 Successes from Prison, +3 Successes From Village Guards (Intrigue) - 1 Success Total

    (Intrigue Tie goes to Defender)
    Elves caught attempting to enter Prison

    The trek home was a bit of a long one, primarily due to the wounded needing to limp or shuffle until their regeneration took care of the problem, or in the case of the Troll holding his leg, needing a shoulder to lean on until a proper potion could be applied to him.

    That was until the sound of the emergency drums sounded from the village, an attack!

    "GO!" You shouted to the Warriors and headhunters, "LEAVE 'ER TO ME, TAKE YA' WEAPONS AN' GO!" You shout, shouldering the wounded Headhunter, and watch as all but the most injured of your scouring squad rush off toward the village. Leaving you with the shufflers, stumblers, and the three dead.

    Elves; 3, 4, 4, 2, 1 - 1 Critical Failure, 2 Successes, 2 Failures - +2 Successes from ???, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus - 2 Failures

    Village Defenders; 1, 2, 5, 1, 6 - 1 Critical Success, 2 Critical Failures, 1 Success, 1 Failure - +2 Successes from Reinforcements +3 Successes From Village Guards (Intrigue) - 3 Success

    You arrived with the others only after the wounded warriors came back even more wounded. They explained how the elves managed to infiltrate the Village a second time, this time making it all the way to the Prison due to it being on the south side of the village. It was easier to infiltrate there, but how they figured that was the Prison is unknown.

    When you returned to the Village, it was to the apologies of the Cage guards, as they had to send two elves splattering across the bottom of the village. Now you had Nyrilin and three captive elves.

    Partly as an excuse to confront him, partly as a genuine concern, you sent for Jor'kill to return to the Village. When you sent for Jor'kill to report on the infiltration of the Village and how the scouring went, once again, Lih'kur arrived instead, as Jor'kill was worried about Elves outside the village but promised to help redistribute warriors back until Spring…. You were deeply annoyed at that.

    [Great Progress of the Scouring done! 2/3rd of the Vale clear. ? Successes Left]
    [Some of the Elves were communicating, when you attacked the first group they sent word to another group who attempted to obtain your Prisoners, but were successfully slain in their attempt]
    [Lost 2 Hippogryph Elves]


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    New Friends? Pets?! What?!?! - (2 Successes Needed) - Rolls; 4, 4 - 2 Successes - +2 Successes for having Bethekk's Blessing - 4 Successes Total

    Not wanting to set out with a few Headhunters immediately, you instead dismiss the band you took, scouring the vale to see healing and turn your attention to another problem—the exact matter of the Panthers, which now populated your vale. At the moment, it mainly was the Village, but already reports of gatherers going into the jungle have seen Panthers slink off. Either they're waiting for Spring rains, or they'll mostly stay around the village.

    The Tribe itself seemed to be slowly warming up to the creatures, mainly because they were a direct blessing from Bethekk, yet there was still a thin wall of hesitation. No one was exactly sure what the Panthers represented; whether they were to be mere guardians, companions, or something in between was uncertain. Everyone was on edge because of a very avid fear of somehow disrespecting Bethekk by mistreating the Panthers.

    Several times, you were stopped and consulted as a Wave-Rider since the incident. Even Voriya, stoic and abrasive at the best of times, had outright refused entrance to anyone who attempted to speak to her on the matter. You'd suspect she'd outright barricade the cave for all but those who seek out Bethekk's wisdom on other issues.

    Since the priestess was not answering questions, Bethekk has yet to answer prayers on the matter, and your order's knowledge about it is very unhelpful beyond some minor Bethekk myths. It would be best if you found an answer as a chieftain. You could have done this by delegating it to a witch doctor, perhaps a Headhunter. But that was below you.

    No, you chose the only sane option.

    It was perhaps a bit shameful, but it was your right of chieftain.

    So you sat with two cubs, rolling them over and spraying their paws to reveal the sharp claws for the purposes of research and clarification. They were incredibly cute and playful, and you got a distinct feeling of amusement from their nearby Mother.

    That was how you spent more than a few days, finding family groups or lone Panthers and simply spending time with the creatures. Every time, it was a joyful experience. Whether it was preparing stories and lessons on clay tablets with one at your side, playing with cubs, or finding the best places to scratch, they were all tranquil creatures. Most prefer their solitude and warm, if dark, places. Yet, some did feud. Mostly over which house they preferred to sleep under, or sometimes seemingly a territorial fight, yet these were tame in comparison to troll or warrior fighting.

    There was a pattern you were noticing. It wasn't until you grabbed some other trolls and an exceptionally calm Panther that you pinned it down. After testing it with a person unblessed by Bethekk and then another not blessed by either loa, you finally put your finger on the cause. Those who Bethekk blessed were… Not trusted, exactly, but given more courtesy than others. They were allowed closer, given more leeway than others. Others had to acclimate themselves to the Panthers before they were given the same courtesy… Perhaps because the Panthers could… Sense Bethekk on a troll?

    In any case, by the end, you learned all you needed to know.

    As for what they were, in truth, It didn't matter. Not really. They could be companions, pets, or friends; you made several who now perk up whenever you wander by, and you've had a couple seek you out when you weren't around another. But there was one clear idea: they were always guardians. You weren't sure if they participated in the Prison defense, but they reacted to rocks falling as if they were a significant threat. If there was a way to offend Bethekk in your treatment of them, you have yet to find out how… Or she is simply waiting for the right time to slay you.

    In any case, you inform the tribe at large the Panther's are to be treated equally and respectfully as if they were family.

    What is the most startling thing you learned? They all, all of them, had deep, clearly intelligent eyes. They understand you. They know what you're doing as a troll would. Patterns as well. They even accept the games you would teach a troll child, so training is entirely in the question.

    How intelligent? You couldn't rightly say. But perhaps there was even more to this blessing than you realized.

    [Jalo'Ki spent time cuddling investigating the Panther's, finding them as many acceptable uses of them]
    [Panther's are startling intelligent, seemingly as intelligent as trolls]
    [Can Now attempt to Train them as Companions of War and Hunting]


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    The Other Side of the Mountain - (? Successes Needed) - Rolls; 4, 5, 5 - 3 Successes - +1 Success from Cunning, +2 Success from Panther's Path, +2 Successes from History Repeats, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus - 6 Successes Total
    Prayer of Shirvallah Active

    After a week and a few days back to cuddle investigate the Panther done with, it was time to turn back to more severe measures. Winter still had its grip on the world, but war was not to be denied its place once winter's grip broke. You gave the Headhunters a few days' notice while you decided to play the matter safe by retreating into your home and providing strict orders not to be bothered by anything sans another attack on the village or gate.

    Within your home, you set about gathering the herbs and incense and began your inward inspection. Thankfully, this one would be less strenuous than the memory search you did nearly as soon as you became chieftain. No, this one was recalling only a few years previous, but the details you needed would no doubt make a significant difference.

    It was the second evening after imbibing the recipe that it came to you vividly.

    You recall it clearer than you might have realized, the marble ruins of a once great city that dominated the eastern elven lands, the trek down past it and deeper into their lands. Beyond the Marble City, beyond the small elven bridge, and on the banks of the other shore held your prize: the Briar's thorn.

    It was not much, in truth, but the fact that you had fresh memories of the terrain would no doubt assist your cause.

    So it was you set out a day later.

    When you stopped at the Gate to finally get this business with Jor'kill over and done with and also to address his concerns about the elves, once again, he was nowhere to be found. 'Out on Patrol,' so you were told, chasing elf sightings within the vale… You were also informed of the training the Garrison had undergone, but you almost didn't hear that as murder rushed through your head.

    No, you truly knew now.

    Jor'kill was avoiding you.

    Beyond what he did to ANNOUNCE HIS LOVE IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE TRIBE, but now he AVOIDS YOUR VERY PRESENCE BECAUSE OF IT?!

    You may or may not have knocked around a few warriors when you realized it, but you most definitely left in a seething rage. If Jor'kill were so determined to avoid you, you would give him a damn good reason why he should.

    It was to the relief of the warriors and the amusement of your Headhunters you left Shattershield Gate. It took you several hours to properly calm down, and it did not help at all as the Headhunters made bets on whether or not Jor'kill would survive whatever you did to him.

    If you had not relied upon them for nearly two years every time you set out of the village, you might have snapped at them… It would be best if you gave them a reward of some kind…

    Anger on your end and hilarity on the Headhunters was the setting as you descended the mountains into the woods. Once there, winter touched the lowlands far harder than the Vale, as snow and ice coated most of the space. But the cold was cold, snow was snow, and it wasn't entirely different from the Sleet storms within the vale itself, so you and your party slipped through it all the same.

    Elf Guards - 2, 2, 4, 4 - 2 Successes, 2 Failures - +1 Success from ???, +1 Success from ??? +2 Successes from ??? - +2 Successes from ???, -2 Successes from Winter's Malus - 4 Successes Total

    The woods outside the vale were much as you thought, the same grand marble city in ruins, the same woods and animals, if in lesser numbers due to the winter. Your band stalked through the lowlands commendably, avoiding two elven patrols before finally coming across their camp. Beyond the ruins and nearer to the bridge you once crossed.

    It was far bloodier than you expected.

    The Elves were disorganized beyond what you had thought. Their wounded were overflowing within their camp. While unable to gain a proper look inside of it, even from the surrounding trees into the clearing they established themselves, the Elves had wounded lying in droves with great fires surrounding them while what seemed like Elven Witch Doctors in blue and white dresses attended them, casting strange magic onto their bodies.

    The Camp was clearly in the process of being disassembled as the elves prepared to leave. Perhaps they intended merely to stay until winter broke and then leave. More than likely, it was to allow those still lost within the Vale and mountains to find their way to them.

    Yet… It was also evident this Warband of Elves was not at all equal in size to the Tribe's Warriors. Not even as you mentally tallied up the losses the elves had suffered and compared them to these warriors still patrolling and guarding. It was sizable, but your Warriors had the edge in pure numbers… Yet despite the numbers advantage, your trolls merely deadlocked them?

    You watched for some time as Elves came and went from the camp, hunkering down and biding time as the sun crossed the sky slowly. Twice, you saw an elf atop a great cat patrol the outer perimeter a few times. It was clearly some sort of leader with the difference given, but they, too, passed. Using the Darnassian you painstakingly cultivated, you picked up some snatches and bits of conversation from the elves, but even then, they were curt and tight-lipped after the battle. Nursing wounds, you'd call it.

    That which you did catch, however, was mainly in the same vein. 'Betrayers,' 'Knives in the dark,' and 'Elune curse them.'

    It incensed you to be called a 'Traitor' when your people did none of the sort. Yet still, you directed the Headhunters elsewhere.

    It took most of the rest of the day, retreating from the camp to take a long arc around to the other side of the camp, putting you between the camp and the Elf lands. Dodging more than two other patrols in your path, yet even when you arrived, you had yourself and the Headhunters scale some trees to look down into the camp.

    Perhaps it would have been better for your mind if you hadn't seen multiple giant trees with arms and eyes and a mouth assisting in the day-to-day labor of the camp. One even had tusks! TUSKS! Regardless of that, the three trees each held duties around the camp: one assisting glowing lights do something with trees, one was seemingly caring for the Hyppogrphs that nested amidst its branches and roots, and the final one was overseeing plans with the elf warriors! More than once, you saw the leader atop its great cat actually seeming to defer to its judgment!

    No wonder your people decided to stay in the vale; the Elves were starkly raving MAD!

    You almost fell from the tree at that revelation, yet just as you were going to order the retreat to the vale, you felt it. A presence you're becoming familiar with directs your gaze back to the wounded. The wounded elves lay on cots or bedding, wounded from slashes, tusks, and javelin wounds clear as day. Perhaps, if not for Shirvallah's intervention, you would not have given them a second glance. It took you longer than it should have, and if she had not directed your attention, you certainly would not have noticed the more minor wounds, smaller details of the groaning, pained elves.

    Your eyes trailed over some, noting the various places the elves were wounded—shoulders and arms mostly, and torsos, in the cases of Javelin wounds you could recognize. But then you noticed something else, lower down on their legs and abdomens, wounds that almost looked like a troll thrust their tusks into them. But that made very little sense, as trolls towered over these elves. It would be rare for those wounds to appear unless they were knocked to the ground and did so in desperation... But they seemed far too frequently on the elves to merely be tusk wounds.

    That's when it clicked in your head. They weren't wounds given by trolls.

    Once you made that connection, your eyes trailed over many others, finding similar wounds, of long raking wounds drawn across their body. Blows that could have been axe wounds in your mind, but as you compare them to the axes you helped make, you realize the differences in blades. These were made by knives, by... Maybe even talons.

    Then, your gaze turned into a glare.

    Zalan went behind your back.

    [Elf presence confirmed in the Lowlands, however they will be gone by the end of winter]
    [Elf Force was merely a strike force of some kind, and not permanent to the area]
    [Elves have sentient talking trees???]
    [Prayer to Shirballah Activated, Additional Information; Satyr's have attacked Elf Force at some point in time, either ambushing patrols or the entire force]
    [Jor'kill continues to avoid you, and it has angered you greatly]


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    They Shall Not Pass - 0 Successes Needed - Jor'kill Delegation - Rolls; 2, 3, 1, 1 - 2 Critical Fails, 2 Failures - +1 Success from ???, +1 Success from ??? +4 Successes from War Footing, +4 Successes from Time of Axe and Spear - 4 Successes Total

    As you returned once more to the gate to find Jor'kill YET AGAIN, finding an excuse to be away from your wrath for the fourth time, you simply received the end-of-season report there from Lih'kur.

    What follows is general maintenance, unburying the gate from a surprise avalanche that was swiftly dealt with to no actual harm. Still, Jor'kill has seemingly decided to focus on drilling the Garrison on a hundred and one different ways to defend the gate from both sides. It was nothing outstanding in comparison to building the entire gate in a single season, but it was sensible.

    You would have commended him if you weren't so angry.

    Instead, you leave a very clear message with that troll Warrior.

    "If 'e not be at the Festival o' Bethekk, 'ah will take Krah'ranik, every warrior, Headhunter, an' Panter to hunt 'em down an' drag 'em back to the village."

    THAT should serve as his one and only warning.

    [Jor'kill has drilled his Garrison in how to properly defend the Gate]
    [Dire Warning delivered]


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    Lay the Foundations - 4 Successes Needed - Rolls; 4, 3, 1, 6 - 1 Critical Success, 1 Critical Failure, 1 Success, 1 Failure - +1 Success from Cunning - 1 Success Total

    Between preparing your revenge at the festival, the information outside the vale, the Panthers, and the scouring, you truly were running out of time to just do everything you needed to do. Nevertheless, you found the time enough to set aside and take a group of laborers out into the jungle.

    There was a process to this, finding a tree that was not only big enough to serve as your vessel, but also able to be properly prepared with the ointment and treatments your ancestors once gave their own vessels. Were this a normal ship, the gigantic monsters which claimed the seas for the Shatterspear, a sole tree would never suffice.

    But you are not building a warship; you are simply building one for transportation across the sea.

    It took you longer it should, admittedly, but it was to be the first ship crafted in nearly a millennium, you had no room for error in this, So it was you who spent almost all the time you had set aside to inspect each and every possible candidate, ensuring the perfect tree was selected.

    And then you had to sadly watch as the trolls went about chopping and sawing it down. Your people very, VERY rarely cut down trees. The Jungle offered its bounty in droves without the need to destroy its own supports, so it was always a tad religious business about cutting down a tree. Nevertheless, after the proper prayers and offerings had been done, and the tree was not vital for this section of the jungle, it was taken down and transported all the way back to the village.

    Ready for it to be worked.

    [The Perfect Tree was found for your ship]
    [Ready to begin whittling, cutting, and shaping your boat]


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    Festival of Bethekk - Rolls; 1 - Junjie & Toljiar - Baby Gender; 4 - Evens Stevens

    You were, for once, not one of the first to arrive at the Festival, for the very real fact you yourself were not even near. You had retreated down the hill to En'don's old home… Technically, he left it to you… Being dressed by your conspirators. Two old wizened matrons who were the only two who knew exactly what you were planning and two of three who knew where you were. The last one was explicitly to ensure Jor'kill was attending the festival and to come and tell you such.

    You wore a beautiful blue dress, an heirloom from an elder you convinced to assist in your wishes to take revenge. It was one of the very few dyed clothes the tribe wore, as the blue dye was exceptionally difficult to cultivate, and only two witch doctors even bothered. Atop that were several flowers entwined into your hair, and your tusks bore paints not unlike war paints but in a decorative design usually meant for great and dire prayer dances to honor Shirvallah. Yet informally, for declarations of love not to be invoked lightly lest you take yourself Shirvallah's wrath.

    You were dressed and prepared as Royalty.

    The moment you appeared at that festival, there would be no disguising your intentions. This alone would no doubt squash his declaration last season into DIRT.

    The last minute preparations were finished, as flowers were placed, replaced, rebraided into your hair to ensure perfection. The knock on the door frame sent you standing from your kneel- Only for Junjie to poke her head into the house.

    Much to your confusion and the shocked look on her face as she took you in.

    "Is she in d'ere?" Toljiar's voice cut through the silence as Junjie embarrassingly ducked back out while you sullenly settled back into your kneel.

    "She in d'ere like 'ah TOLD YA' the first time!" There was a painful-sounding smack before whispered discussion.

    You couldn't exactly let this farce go on much longer "C'mon ya' two. Junjie has seen enough, 'ah can't be havin' ya' ruin what be happenin'." There was an awkward moment as the two no doubt realized exactly the situation they were in before Junjie and Toljiar entered. In a sling across Junjie's chest was a small babe that immediately had the two Matrons behind you chuckling.

    You were ruefully smiling at the babe before you realized Toljiar was standing at the entrance with his mouth opened as he took you in. Clearly, the male of the group didn't quite understand why that was a bad idea until Junjie angrily beat him over the side of the head with a shaking fist. "STOP YA' STARIN'! What am 'ah s'pose to be t'inkin' if ya' lookin' at Jalo'ki like d'at!"

    She would have no doubt smacked him again, the giggling child in her sling clearly enjoying the show, if Toljiar didn't bat her fist away before cracking his neck with a sickeningly snap, "Gah! 'Ah'm sorry! What ya' t'inkin' 'ah'm s'pose to be doin' if 'ah be seein' D'AT! Not every day ya' see Jalo'ki, clay covered Jalo'ki, 'ah ain't be t'inkin' o' mates' Jalo'ki, dressed like she 'boutta shame everybody fer Jor'kill!"

    You scowl until the fussing of the matron has you smooth out your face. "'Ah ain't be sayin' half o' d'at! An' 'ah be knowin' mah reputation ain't d'at bad."

    Junjie snorted. "It do be d'at bad, Jalo'ki. Why ya' t'ink all da' tribe be tryin' to get d'eir elders to approach ya'? Cept fer d'em pride or stupid ones."

    That you couldn't refute that irritated you, so instead, you changed the conversation to a more palpable one. "How ya' be, Junjie?" 'Ah be hearin' it wasn't the best o' births. An' how ya' child?"

    Junjie and Toljiar shared knowing looks before indulging you. "Bah, wasn't not'in' 'ah couldn't handle. We came to seek ya' out 'bout it." The baby was offered, and you accepted it willingly.

    Toljiar smirked, "Yeah, came to see if ya' know any babies d'at be as cute as our lil one 'ere."

    You snort this time, looking down at the child who was half asleep. "'E's certainly somet'in.'" It was an old tradition to not name a child until they rightfully earned their own name. It was simply one of those things everyone did, due to their parents' parents having done it, and so on throughout the tribe. Yours meant 'Arguing Tic' because you got into fights, verbal and physical, with just about everyone and didn't know when to stop like a tic drinking blood until it popped.

    Or so you were teased by your father about it.

    "Well, ya' should know," You mutter, giving him back to Junjie "'ah can't remember a child alike."

    "Ya' couldn't tell a child from anot'er!" Junjie laughed, Toljiar joining in as you grumbled at that. Once again, you couldn't disagree with that notion. It's not your fault. They all looked the same.

    The knock on the door frame was genuine this time, as Shoni poked his head in. "'E's 'ere! Krah got all the guards ready to stop 'em if 'e be tryin' to leave!" Then they left and rushed off to make sure to yell as loud as he could if your mark did try to leave.

    You had a bloodthirsty look on your face as you cracked your knuckles. You stood and bowed to your two… Friends? Maybe. They're certainly attached to you at the hip, seemingly. Your two friends. "If ya' excuse me, 'ah best be goin'. D'at fool might try an' run off now."

    Your bloodthirsty look spread across their faces as amusement danced in their eyes. "Don't ya' be worryin' none." Toljiar finished, sharing a glance with Junjie who continued, "If 'e make a runner, we be draggin' 'im back fer ya'."


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    The Procession up the hill to where the Festival was being held was not a grand one. It was subtle in all the correct ways. In your hands was a two-handed hammer, specifically just one you managed to snag from a Guard to borrow. Junjie and Toljiar disappeared into the darkness while the two matrons retired for the night. All that accompanied you was a hammer, a dress, and all the decorations you adorned before starting this night.

    It was a fitting procession.

    The Chieftain's home, serving as a personal quarter for chieftains, a meeting place for the tribe, and where most festivals were hosted, was shoved open by your hands. The flap slaps back down after your entrance. Not a lot noticed you as you entered, but those who did swiftly took great note of your apparel. Then they saw who you marched towards, paranoid and looking in all the wrong directions as he was, spreading the word to others.

    When Jor'kill's eyes found yours, his jaw dropping, the tribe once again saw you and Jor'kill and not much else.

    You were far more subtle than the Champion, however.

    Within arms reach, you hefted the hammer, and dropped it into his arms. For the first time since you entered, it seemed as if his amazement was broken, into pure confusion as he looked down to it.

    Then your fist found his cheek, sending his head snapping away like he quite literally didn't know what hit him. You grabbed his shoulders and pulled him back into place long enough for him to look at you in confusion before your other fist nearly knocked him on his ass, but your grip on his shoulders kept him standing. Jor'kills focus was now completely unhinged by your surprise assaults.

    The satisfaction offset any pain you were feeling in your knuckles. "D'AT WAS FOR AVOIDIN' ME FER THE ENTIRE WINTER!" You screamed. In the heat of the moment, instead of the actual plan of simply accepting, you did something far worse. You ripped the hammer out of his hands and tossed it to the ground before grabbing his head and dragging it down so your lips would meet.

    To the adulation of the tribe, cheers, and laughter, you held that kiss for a long few heartbeats, your eyes meeting Jor'kills with pure surprise. When you finally let go, he actually fell onto his ass, confusion, surprise, pure and utter pandemonium going across his features, as if he can't believe that just happened.

    He looked up at you, and you smiled a triumphant grin as you put your hands on your hips. Ignoring the cheers and laughter around the two of you, you had but one thing to say. "D'at was me sayin' 'ah accept ya' proposal."

    Your hunger for glory was solely composed of the lost history of your people. You did not often care about what the tribe did unless it was pertinent, or really since you became chieftain… But at this moment, to the roars of the tribe and the pure genuine happiness that spread across Jor'kills smile, you think to yourself…

    This was a good kind of history to make.

    [Jor'kill's Smitten Heart successfully claimed before all the Tribe, gaining you revenge.]
    [Junjie and Toljiar Relation Revealed: Great (Friends?)


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    Garrison Report

    Garrison reports all clear and no signs of Elves anywhere around the Gate or Pass.

    Patrol Report

    The Patrols have found signs of more Elves attempting to leave the Vale but are unable to confirm if they are gone or not.

    Krah'Ranik War Preparations Report

    Krah'Ranik has successfully earned the begrudging respect of the Warriors, though Jor'kill has yet to weigh in on any case, seemingly allowing the Warriors to do as they wish.

    One of Krah'Ranik's first decisions was to turn the Headhunter squad you used to go on missions assigned as your personal guard, alongside a few Warriors who were obstinate about also participating.
    (Krah'Ranik personally warns he doubts they will last if you continue on leaving the Village for intrigue as you do)

    Krah'Ranik also recommends you finally make a decision about Junjie & Toljiar so he can prepare to train them while at war if that is your wish.


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    AN: Interlude vote Is next
     
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    First off, congratulations are in order for managing to survive two years as Jalo'ki, Wave-Rider, Historian, Chieftain, and Newly Wed. I didn't doubt for a moment you couldn't do it!

    So every 2 years you survive, I am going to give you an Interlude vote. Mainly so we can see the fun things happening in your area* that you might not nominally see in a normal turn. If you hadn't noticed, almost every turn is from Jalo'ki's pov, and thus interpreted as she sees things.

    So with that in mind I offer you your first true Interlude vote!

    *Continent more like

    Please Choose One to Vote On:
    [ ] Old Bones
    [ ] Mauler
    [ ] Mother
    [ ] Bodyless
    [ ] Fury
    [ ] Wrath
    [ ] Shadow
    [ ] Tides
    [ ] Moon and Stars
    [ ] Ivory Throne
    [ ] Hoof and Claw
     
    Zasch said:
    Panther's Path Blessing and Glory motivation wasn't included here
    Click to expand...
    Click to shrink...
    Thats not a mistake, Panther's Blessing wouldn't trigger because its not an Intrique... quickly checks- Because it was wrongly labeled as Intrique... god dammit mike...

    Glory doesn't always apply the +2 Success rolls to actions that pertain to Jalo'ki's Glory Motivation, you can have actions that trigger your Motivation's failure mechanic but might not qualify for the +2 Successes part of the motivation.
     
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