#rattlesnakenest

[nevofthewilds]

Session 14B: The Tournament of Champions (Part III)

Triumph- the Mudwang’s had emerged from the Tournament of Champions alive! As Rucker returned to the staging area, he was joined by Shakan, Taerus, Vax, and Gusten joined him in a circle of celebration. Some fellow arena warriors who’d made it out relatively unscathed congratulated each other, the thrill of survival and success overwhelming anyone’s reservations about mortal combat. 

As the crowd began to disperse, a solemn looking half-elf stepped forward and cleared his throat. Introducing himself as gothi Temloc Orison, the religious leader congratulated them on their success. In light of their performances, he extended an invitation to them along with some other select champions to attend a meeting that evening with Hallehaig. When they pressed for more information, the stolid cleric assured them they would have their questions addressed that evening and departed. Returning to the commander’s tent, gothi Temloc confirmed with the Rattlesnake’s goliath commander, Gnaktuk, the Mudwangs would be attending. With a nod, they both returned their attention to the arena to observe the combatants.

The party returned to the arena stands where they enjoyed the final sets of combat for the afternoon. Some fighters were familiar, either from their short time in camp or from passing them by in the staging area. Most of the bouts did not end in death, as the Wevir were still against the idea of unnecessary death. 

Shakan stepped away briefly to collect his not-insubstantial winnings from the bookie, who’s percentages had been ruined in the goliath’s upset victory against the favored Hugzy. After scaring off some angry bettors with a burst of heat, Shakan donated half of his winnings (260gp total!) to the bookie in exchange for an attentive ear in camp. The nervous man, Shanga Ispaka, agreed to the terms.

After the dwarven Kazrik Boom-Axe held his weapon high above his head in victory, a brief closing ceremony were held, with a traditional Wevir dance held in honor of fallen friends in battle. Afterwards, the Wild Wevir were left to enjoy themselves in the type of revelry that only follows battle.

---

Though the night sky above was dark, with the Moon turning in her eternal search for that which she lost, the Nest was rattling with dance and song. The Mudwangs found themselves amidst the height of the celebration along the lake’s eastern shore. Rucker, intent on not getting distracted by the wine and women, nonetheless found it all but impossible to escape his adoring admirers. Gusten was under no such reservations, and found himself greatly enjoying his first Wevir revel.

Taerus, Shakan, and Vax similarly tried to keep level heads before the important meeting that evening, but the energy of the party was hard to ignore. The three were drawn to a large bonfire in front of a stage with a storyteller and some backing singers. More used to operating in shadows and in quiet, Vax finds himself a bit out of his element amidst the crowd and lost count of the refills in his ale horn. Shakan, moving closer, heard a somewhat dissonant voice over the music, and caught sight of a halfling nearby. Engaged and intrigued, he moved to join the crooner and struck a conversation, trying to learn more about this mysterious figure who tickled his memory. The halfling laughed and brushed aside the genasi’s inquiries, instead encouraging him to enjoy the party, for he had lived long enough to know that dark times always followed good. With a sudden push, Shakan was swept away into a circle of dancing as the halfling cackled in delight.

Taerus respectfully joined the warrior Kijiwan, who has been hard to find the past few days. She congratulates Taerus and his tribe mates over their success in the arena. The two commiserate over the extravagant panem et circes Hallehaig has orchestrated. Kijiwan then asked Taerus his feelings on his experiences since coming to the mountains. Unsure of the question, he does his best to make sense of it, but the leader of the Ikkidor tribe laughs and stops his stumbling response. With a final warning to be careful of the Rattlesnake, she invites the Captain to enjoy his celebration and takes her leave.

After several more hours of celebration, Rucker is approached by an impatient Temloc, who reminds him of their impending meeting. Eager to leave the noise, Rucker calls for his compatriots and they follow the holy man away back past the amphitheatre and into the once forbidden tent. Inside, they see a half-dozen or so Wevir of various races assembled around a circular table. At the head is an older warrior with a balding head, the red-bearded warrior with the wgreat white pelt, and the goliath general they met yesterday. Sensing the gravity of the meeting, the Mudwangs sit quickly and listen as the goliath addresses them all.

Based on their exceptional performances in the arena or their displays of magical prowess and knowledge, Hallehaig has invited them to conduct a personal mission for him. The goliath  is interrupted by the balding human, who giggles briefly before apologizing. By entering into the tournament, they have allied themselves with the Rattlesnake and are expected to serve him. The Mudwangs bristle at this, but do not raise an objection. The goliath introduces Temloc as the commander of the exbhidition, and that he will be in charge of leading them into scouting out and infiltrating a Kjollden scouting post that has been trying to sneak into their camp. They know the relative location after having captured some of these spies, and dealt with them accordingly. 

Gothi Temloc gives them a further few details, and sets a briefing session for the full infiltration party to meet in the morning, and to enjoy the festivities within reason. The warriors are led outside by Temloc and the goliath and his retinue remain seated. While the others depart back towards the party, Taerus and Vax raise their concerns over being ordered around by somehow who’s been said to desire the genocide of all Kjollden in Virpresque. Temloc tries to assure them that this intelligence oriented nature of their mission, but himself does not fully believe the words he is saying. With promises of more information in the morning, Temloc urges the Mudwangs to get some rest and they depart.

---

Temloc returns to the tent, where the giggling Hallehaig seems delighted with the warriors willingness to follow his orders. Temloc speaks up briefly for the Mudwangs curiosity in the missions true purpose, but Hallehaig dismisses them with a laugh before questioning the origins of a tribe called “Mudwang.” Gnaktuk and Reinchen agreed on their peculiar origins, questioning whether they may in fact be spies themselves. Temloc does not go so far as to defend them, but again mentions their evident talents and how useful they may be. Hallehaig reminds the Gothi to mind his thoughts, and to focus on the success of the mission. The concerns of the Mudwang ringing in his brain, Temloc presses the Rattlesnake a final time by asking his grand macchinations in dealing with the Kjollden. He is met with silence and a stare. Understanding, the gothi bows and departs to prepare for his briefing.

[nevofthewilds]

Session 13: The Tournament of Champions (Part I)

With the lots having been cast into the chalice, the Mudwangs waited expectantly. Though only 3 had entered their names- Rucker alone, Taerus and Vax as a team- Shakan and Gusten both shared in the excitement, along with the other tribesmen of Kijiwan’s clan. After some celebration in the combatants honor, they found their rest in expectation for the event to come.

The next day, they found a notice at a local crosspath, notifying combatants to meet at the amphitheatre at midday. With a few hours before the presser, the group again split to attend to personal errands. Taerus joined Vax in going to fetch his commissioned pieces, while Shakan and Rucker aimed to try and gain some intel about the games or the Wild Wevir leader, Hallehaig. 

The knight and the warlock made their way back towards the entrance of the camp, where Vax had met with the armorer the day previously. Finding his tent flap closed, the two tried to mingle with the neighbors. Two leatherworkers, frightened by the drow’s complexion, at first could barely utter a word. After convincing them he wasn’t there to kill them and declining their wares, it was suggested to Vax he try knocking on the tent, which he admittedly hadn’t tried. 

As Vax moved to the armorers tent, Taerus went to speak with vivacious dwarves, who appeared to be preparing for the tournament. A loud and boisterous dwarf by the name of Kazrik Stormbringer teased the knight, recommending he stay out of his way in the arena. Taerus skillfully avoided offending the proud band, and in fact earned their begrudging approval as they discussed strategy in the upcoming fights.

Vax finally roused the dazed half-orc and inquired about his orders. The armorer proffered a specially made targe, highlighting it’s defensive and offensive features. Vax gratefully accepted, but then wondered about his custom rapier. At this, the armorer seemed to shudder for a moment, and then uttered a gravelly warning about his gifts not being appreciated. As Taerus rejoined his partner, and before Vax could respond, the half-orc shook his head and apologized for not fulfilling the order, as he wasn’t feeling himself. With the extra savings, Vax and Taerus purchased matching half-cape and bandana from the leatherworkers.

Shakan and Rucker moved through the crowds, keeping an ear out for any discussions about the tournament. The genasi came across a well armored knight, who was in the midst of wooing a young, doe-eyed girl. Overhearing him speaking about the challenges of combat, Shakan attempted to work his way into the conversation with great difficulty. As the knight grew increasingly annoyed, Shakan was able to glean some information regarding the formats- the single combat (which the knight was entered in,) would be a straightforward affair, while the team events featured a sort of race or obstacle course. Not wishing to press his luck anymore, Shakan removed himself from the courting. 

The four reunited and made their way to the Western end of the lake, where they were joined by several dozen other combatants. A great and brooding goliath, dressed in robes and armor, approached the assembly. Rucker’s attention was quickly grabbed, for he had not seen another of his kind for a great while, and this one was older, heavily scarred, and had lithoderms that had grown and hardened from his previous wounds, giving him an sense of being almost erupted from rock itself.

With the groups clamor quickly brought to silence as he stepped forward, the goliath before without preamble. He made it clear that the Arena was for entertainment, and that whether they fought for honor or glory he cared not a lick. Rather, it should be noted that Hallehaig would be watching, and that he was not looking for good sports. Furthermore, single combatants would be allowed a single weapon and no shields. The teams could carry what they wish, as their hands would be full. With that unceremonious and short briefing, the goliath turned to leave without waiting for questions. 

One of the warriors called out, asking what the rules of combat were, or if they were supposed to hold back at all. At that, the goliath muttered out a single word: Win. As the brute returned to his encampment, Rucker rushed after him and tried to gain the acknowledgement of his kinsman, without much success. Taerus and Vax tried to follow, but were held up by a Wild Wevir barbarian clothed in a heavy white pelt of stinking fur, who laughed and warned them to watch themselves in the arena, for there would be many surprises. With a snarl, the barbarian skulked away. 

The rest of the day, the Mudwangs planned and thought on what they had learned. Taerus looked in vain for Kijiwan, who had not been seen since the day in her foul mood after returning from a meeting with Hallehaig. Vax pondered the meaning of what an obstacle course would entail, while Rucker meditated and focused his energy on the coming battle. Shakan spent his time writing in his new Enduring Spellbook and researching spells. Gusten offered his services to the Mudwangs, hoping to aid them in the coming bouts. As night overtook the Rattlesnakes Nest once more, each of them thought of their own plans for the morrow, consumed with the excitement and fear of what the Tournament of Champions might hold. 

[nevofthewilds]

Session 16: The Coils Tighten

With bonfires still smoldering from the night before, the Mudwangs rolled out of their tents to prepare for their next adventure. The group finds itself in generally good spirits, and as gothi Temloc arrives he catches the Mudwang deep in discussion regarding the various states of turgidity a male can achieve.The half-elf counts to ten in his head, and then announces himself to the group, who quickly finis their morning meals and follow him to his personal quarters.

Inside, they find two of their new companions already waiting. A paired team from the arena, Naliq and Srokka are similarly garbed with furs, leather, and pointy things. The still-boisterous Taerus attempts to break the ice with some japes, but fails to illicit a response. Instead, the silence is broken by the general grumbling and oaths of pain from Ser Caeldwyn. Stumbling into the tent after the Mudwangs, the well-armored knight falls into a chair, loudly demanding for the briefing to begin. Taerus gave a brief toot of his Silent Alarm horn to help the knight wake up.

The ruckus raised by ensuing yelling and finger pointing roused the final member of the party from his drunken slumber under the meeting table. Kazrik Boom-Axe, loud of voice and devoid of clothes, angrily joined the growing fray before a peeved Temloc brings everyone to heel. Settling the various parties down, the cleric takes the opportunity to have everyone introduce themselves, as well as any skills that could be relevant for a recon mission.

Vax starts by delivering a “savage” list of his various spells and talents, followed by Taerus and Rucker. As the rest of the room reveals some of their various skillsets, from message to darkness to savagery to torture, it becomes clear there is a divide in the room on preferred methods of approach and combat. Temloc keeps order by reminding them that he is in charge, and that Hallehaig himself ordered them to keep attention to a minimum.

Temloc lays out a crude map and lays out his plan of action: they are to locate and gain entry to a Kjollden advanced scouting post along a southern river, expected to house 8-10 soldiers. A handful of Kjollden rangers had been captured, with some intelligence giving them insight into their base of operations. The plan was for a small group consisting of Temloc, Taerus, and Ser Caeldwyn to gain entry by posing as harried travelers. The rest of the group would remain outside to provide support or cover should backup be needed, as tensions would likely be high amongst the Kjollden. 

Naliq, who’d been all but silent up to that point, questioned why a room of hand-selected warriors were to waste time and talent by skirting through the Kjollden defenses. Kazrik agrees, as it seemed clear to all that the Rattlesnake’s message was not one of peace. The half-elf commander invokes Hallehaig’s own words to him on the need for subterfuge, as it was not yet time to show their true force. When Temloc mentions the importance of accomplishing this mission prior to the upcoming Festival of the Fall Equinox, Taerus interjects that he’d heard rumors the Wild Wevir intended to start a grand offensive at this time. Temloc is surprised that this information has leaked to the public, thought Taerus does not reveal how he came across this information from Marshall Trest himself. Before Temloc can press the issue further, a bellowing of horns and announcements is heard from outside.

The team moves outside to find most of the camp assembled at the base of the commander’s bluff, where Hallehaig himself is standing. The group recognizes the giggling man from the night before, and realize the Rattlesnake had been hiding in front of them the night before. They then witness first the oratory talents of the man they’d heard described as “intense,” “charismatic,” and “intoxicating.” His speech builds in intensity as he lays out his intent to avenge the crimes the Wevir have endured. Hallehaig then pivots and introduces Temloc and the group as emissaries of peace, who would meet with the Kjollden military commander to sue for an end to hostilities. Both Temloc and the Mudwangs feel a tightening in their stomachs as this new information sinks in. 

As the crowd cheers for their leader and his promise of righteous justice, Taerus quickly corners Temloc and accuses the half-elf of lying through his teeth. The gothi, himself somewhat shocked at the content of Hallehaig’s speech, composes himself and suggests they speak further in private and out of the eyes of the camp. The Mudwangs and Temloc head inside, while a distracted Rucker takes a moment to himself and begins to explore the camp, feeling drawn by something.

Inside the tent, Shakan and Taerus briefly discuss how much they should reveal to one of Hallehaig’s top lieutenants, honorary though he may seem. Shakan, perhaps the most diplomatic of the tribe, approaches Temloc with an offer of forthcomingness: He reveals that the group had orginally come here with an agenda of their own, one concerned with peace for all and not with genocide. Temloc himself agrees with this sentiment, and promises to try and keep them abreast of developments, admitting that he himself may only have a certain amount of insight into the Rattlesnake’s plans. Coming to at least a partial understanding, they break and move to finish their errands before departing.

As he finished packing his few belongings, Shakan is approached by the enigmatic halfling from the celebration. Understanding his direct questions would likely be danced around, Shakan instead broaches the topic of destiny, and how best to interpret it’s nature and pulls. Eliev the Lesser reveals that their new companion Temloc is a student of Bozhoba, god of fate, and is on a similar journey of discovery. He then cryptically mentions how he can see what Shakan’s tutor, Master Gikandi, sees in him. The impish magician then pulls from deep within his bag a pair of gauntlets designed to protect the sorcerer. Shakan thanked him deeply, and both agreed to continue their discussions in the future, presuming of course neither of them expired in the coming conflicts.

After providing a short list of required items for the upcoming mission to some attendants, Temloc made his way to the commander’s tents. Stopped by Gnaktuk in his protestations, the half-elf is curtly told to follow the orders given to him and ignore the speech given for the masses. Temloc resists pushing harder and leaves without resolution. Leaving the bluff, he spies Reinchen preparing a caravan of meat, offal, and leftovers into the mountains. Reinchen did not see the cleric, as he was clad in armor and antlered helm with his odorous cloak pulled high.

Rucker’s walk through the camp, while slowed by cheers and adoration from fans, leads him to a meditation circle, led by a Wevir shaman, or booghelg. Sensing the power and wisdom from the woman draped in string and horns, the goliath bore his soul to her. She listens, and kindly invites him to her private tent. Inside, she sees into Rucker’s face and soul, which allows her to lead him on a dramatic spirit quest. Booghelg Ahnyyee blesses the grateful goliath, imparting a gift and a warning of the evil he is somehow bound to.

As the moved warrior returns to his camp, Rucker finds Taerus, Shakan, and Vax commiserating with the Ikkidor tribesmen they’d grown so close with. After a week together, they had grown quite fond of the Mudwangs, and gave them several gifts and tokens as signs of friendship between their tribes. Their leader, Kijiwan, usually focused and direct, could not help but give heartfelt goodbyes to each of them. Taerus offered his own promise to come back, as he’d promised to aid her peoples in their plight with the Frost Giants. Kissing his cheek, she promised to hold him to it. 

Gusten, sensing they were departing without him, handed them each a bag packed with food and supplies. Taerus told the youth of his great admiration for his bravery, and how he considered him to be like a brother. The young lad, who had endured so much in the past week, hugged the knight. As Gusten pulled away, Kijiwan led her tribe in a great yipping of respect and good luck for the Mudwangs on their mission.

They traveled to the southern edge of the camp, where Temloc awaited with supplies and two horses. Joined by Kazrik, Ser Caedlwyn, Naliq, and Srokka, the ragtag band began their short journey to the south. As they marched in a lightly swirling flurry, each silently considered the implications of agreeing to work with the Rattlesnake, and wondered whether in traveling away from the Nest they weren’t actually approaching the fangs.