Trills Journal Session 11

[Matt Nickolette]

Flamerule 29

Continued… In the distance we saw a large force. Amrielle was taking
a closer look as Kieran, Ashley, Kimiko and some guy named Hans stood
around me. Ashley is very beautiful, but for once in my life I think
I will not go after this woman. Trust me when I say this is not an
easy task. Kimiko is fair game though. That woman never seems to
look me in the eye. I don’t know if that is her way or she sees
something she likes. I will assume it is the latter. Far off in the
trees we saw three flashes of lightning and the crackling of thunder.
It is odd to see this on a clear day. Odd, frightening, and more
importantly this is the calling card of Hoar. Not a god known to make
many friends. I knew some in Griffons Nest worshiped Hoar but could
not be certain it was them.
Off in the distance as I was speaking briefly to Kieran I saw Amrielle
engage the Orcs. I can only assume she did her Amrielle thing and
told the Orcs she was going to kill them or blood shed or blah blah
blah. Kieran and I looked at each other and knew that we were going
to have to bail her out. We rushed towards her as we saw her emerge
from the trees atop her first love star. Behind her was a large Orc
wielding and equally large blade, atop a Dire Wolf. He didn’t act
like he was there for a good conversation. Even if he was let’s be
honest, Amrielle doesn’t exactly chat with Orcs. It’s hard enough to
get her to not stab first. Baby steps I guess.
We rode hard towards Longsaddle looking back periodically to see if
the Orc force was behind us. We eventually lost them, or they gave
up. Either way I don’t care as long as I don’t get in a fight with an
Orc Warband. Last time nearly cost me my life, and I’m not ready to
pay that price just yet.
Once in Longsaddle we headed directly for the Harpells. We seem to
include them in our plans often. Without them we would not survive,
so I am not complaining. Plus there is never a dull moment in the Ivy
Mansion. Aldanac Harpell, the overseer of the town, and really the
only Harpell that can stand speaking with the people of longsaddle,
met with us when we reached the Ivy Mansion. We explained all that we
had seen of the Orc Warband and he invited us to join some other
Harpell in the meeting room. We explained the situation again to all
of the Harpells and they asked of Clayton. Clayton spoke of leaving
Longsaddle, but I did not know if that were true yet. Morrister
Harpell left the room to go check on Clayton and returned shortly
letting us know that he was at the Horn and Hoof. Morrister also used
some magic to scry on the Orc Warband. He was able to see that the
force was of the griffon tribe, and that they carried no banner of
Hoar. That eased my tension a little more. I knew that I could get
the Griffon Tribe to hear us out. I really do not wish to go to arms
with them. This would only cause pain and trouble for all of us.
We met up with Clayton at the Horn and Hoof. He was just sitting by
the fire staring into its warm flames. We explained the situation to
him and told him to suit up for a battle. He took off for about ten
minutes and returned with two sacks of Holy Water. That fool never
seems to surprise me, but I am glad to have him on our side. Late in
the night we ride out for the Griffon Tribe encampment. Amrielle’s
Orc friend was there to great us. He had four gold teeth, a scar
across his face, and four Lightning bolts across his chest, a handsome
fellow indeed. We were escorted by the Orc with two other riders into
the encampment. Looking around this encampment we saw the most battle
hardened warriors of the griffon tribe. They were definitely not here
to trade. Mercario, the wizard employed by the Griffon Tribe spoke to
us first. We asked him what this army was about and he explained how
we had upset the Barbarians. He seems very indifferent when he speaks
to us. Ashley and Kimiko were asked to stay behind as we entered the
tent of the great and fearsome Kralgar Bonesnapper. After waiting in
one of the rooms for Kralgar to call upon us we came into a larger
room in the tent with two globes of fire burning. The large Barbarian
Chief stood before us with his mighty hammer in hand. Enraged he
smashed it down on a table blasting splinters across the tent. This
was off to a bad start. He told us of our dishonor and how we had not
returned to him to check in. We explained of Rodericks death and how
we wished to keep our mission a secret. He knew of the Griffon Statue
of Ocho Orendo. Kieran gave it back to him and as he did you could
see the awe in Kralgar face. This relic means much to his people. I
wont write our entire conversation, but I will tell you that it was a
very important conversation as the Barbarian Chief was on edge. I was
able to calm him down and come to an understanding. At this point
Clayton, who had said nothing dropped to the knees of the Chief and
begged for his forgiveness. Kralgar lifted him up by the hair and
whispered something in his ear, which none of us heard. After a bit
more conversing, Kralgar understood that he shouldn’t kill us. I call
that a victory. We then told Kralgar of all that happened in the
Shining White, of Trump, and the Crown, and the remains of Ocho
Orendo. Kieran spoke of the Giant Ravens that gave us trouble. Maybe
there is a connection to the Raven tribe. Perhaps it is mere
coincidence. The conversation that happened next, well I don’t even
know what to say.
A month ago, when we had visited there last, I laid with a barbarian
woman, the most beautiful in all of Griffons Nest. Let it be known
journal, that she was very beautiful, beautiful and vigorous. In our
throws of lust, something I did not expect happened. She now… she now
carries my child. I do not know what to think of this. Kieran seemed
to find it amusing. For once I do not share his amusement. What in
the hells am I supposed to do with a child? I do not even know what
to do with myself. I pray that Oghma can give me the insight as to
what I should do. I asked Kralgar if I could take the child. He
explained that if I wanted rights to my offspring, I would have to
prove myself. Trill what you have gotten yourself into. Kieran even
suggested that if it is a son, I name him Roderick! I wish to think
of no such things.
Changing the subject Kieran asks Kralgar if he has seen any Yuan-ti.
His face turns grim. He says he has encountered none and wishes to
keep it that way. Kieran tells him of the Yuan-ti and their dealings
with Trump and the Grimbones. He takes note and we continue to drink
with the fierce Barbarian Chief. Not as good of a party as Midsummer
will be, but the fact that this night is ending in drinks instead of
blood is a good thing.
As we leave the encampment Kieran flicks a coin to the Scared Orc that
could not keep his eyes off Amrielle. He said if we meet again he
will kill us. Such a nice Orc.



Flamerule 30

Today was Midsummer! The entire town was joined in merriment,
drinking, and dancing! Kieran and I played for the entire town and I
must say we brought down the house. Not literally like before
though. The weather did bring a damper on our spirits though as it
did drizzle continuously though out the day. The town’s people see
this as a bad omen, as do I. During the evening I pulled Kieran and
Amriell aside. It was time for me to tell them of my plans, plans
that I would not be able to accomplish without them. My family is
going into hiding again and we must head to the Moonwood to find and
hunt a Dark Naga. His hide will be strong enough to re-forge my drum
head and restore the power of the Zelorrgosz drum. Only then can we
keep the Yuan-ti at bay and protect my family. Also, the Moonwood
holds Allonna and this particular Dark Naga has been pestering her.
Maybe with my music and removing this blight from her, she would see
how I really am, and feel for me as I do her. I just hope she doesn’t
care that I have a baby mama. By the hells that sounds so weird to
me. I am not ready for this. I wonder if the Harpells know of a
spell that would stop this from happening again. Anyways, Kieran and
Amrielle agree to go with me. I knew they would! After speaking with
them I speak to Ashley and Kimiko and convince them to join as well.
Until we leave, I will fortify the Zelorrgosz Ranch! Any vile
sharmuta snake that steps foot on my land will perish before his
second. Of this I vow!

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[DM]

As always, an entertaining read!

Minor corrections:

Clayton was at the Night Cloak, instead of his usual haunt the Horn
and Hoof.
The symbol of Hoar (and that on the chest of the orc Doombringer) was
three lighting bolts, not four.

Thank you sir!