~Roland's Giantslayer IC~

[RolandDeschain]

~Giantslayer~

Book 1: The Battle of Bloodmarch Hill

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PART 1: MYSTERIES IN TRUNAU

Jubilation fills the cool evening air in the normally staid community of Trunau as nearly all of its eight hundred-odd residents pile into the overflowing amphitheater at the heart of the fortress town. Even those who might prefer a solitary meal or a drink in one of the settlement's taverns find themselves forced to attend, as all homes and business are closed and locked for the duration as everyone who isn't deathly ill or on active guard duty is swept up into the feast celebrating Chief Defender Halgra's daughter, Ruby, as the girl passes into her twelfth year.

But it's not all spitted boar, sweet potato bread, and honeyed ale--which are consumed in massive quantities, as the locals take their feasting as seriously as they do their defense. In Trunau the passage into adulthood is not a marker of freedom from parental rule or a signal of marriageable age, both of which are years away for young Ruby. The twelfth year is instead when each citizen accepts responsibility for his or her own life and death, and takes the Standing Vow embraced by all Trunauans since the initial mob of stubborn refugees claimed the cliff-ringed crown of Bloodmarch Hill and held it, even as the orcish hordes of Belkzen devoured the surrounding lands until the nearest civilized settlement was nearly a week's march distant.

The buzz of the crowd subsides as Helgra of the Black Blades, tonight both Chief Defender of the town and proud mother, leads Ruby up onto the amphitheater's stage for the ceremony. She raises her hand to signal for quiet and addresses the crowd with booming voice of a veteran commander used to shouting over the cacophony of battle.

"Thank you all for joining us this night. I take immense pride in my responsibility as Chief Defender, especially when it comes to the honor of the hopeknife ceremony. It is always a great privilege to bequeath Trunauan youths their hopeknives as they come of age.” Halgra stops speaking long enough to open an ornamental case and retrieve a slender, ornately decorated dagger hanging from a silver chain. She pulls off the tooled leather sheath to reveal that the petite weapon is no simple adornment, but a scalpel-sharp blade of watered steel with a deadly serious purpose.

“But tonight is a special occasion, for the recipient of this hopeknife is none other than my youngest daughter.” Once again, Halgra pauses, but this time she turns to talk to the child beside her. “Ruby, by the traditions of our town, you have come of age. This hopeknife represents your responsibilities as an adult and defender of Trunau. You must be willing to use it on yourself, your fellow Trunauans, and your family—even me, should it come to that. It will be a far quicker death than that which the orcs will offer, and providing it is your duty. Do you swear to guard Trunau from all comers, and to use your hopeknife only for its intended purpose?”

Ruby—dusky skinned, black haired, and painfully shy—nods her head in response to her mother’s question before offering up a squeaky "Yes!" Just loud enough to carry out past the first few rows of the hushed crowd. Halga nods solemnly in response, and continues in a lower, graver tone. “If the orcs come, and there is no other option, this is where you cut—here, here, and here.” Halgra demonstrates which arteries to sever while Ruby watches. When she is finished, Halgra sheathes the hopeknife and places the necklace around Ruby’s neck before turning back to address the crowd. “Tonight, Ruby becomes a full member of our community! Let us welcome her, and celebrate her passage into adulthood! Trunau forever!” The crowd echoes Halgra’s last words in unison, signaling the end of the ceremony and the beginning of the real festivities.

A contingent of three town guard storm the stage with a coil of rope as thick as a grown man's arm. Their leader is Rodrik Grath, Patrol Captain and rising star in the Trunau militia. He drops the rope at Ruby's feet and issues the traditional challenge with a wink and grin. "Hold everything!" He shouts jovially. "The people of Trunau can't accept the word of a tiny whelp like you until she proves herself worthy! We, the strong right arm of Turnau, challenge you and a team of fate's choosing to prove your strength in a traditional Trunauan tug of war!"

Ruby must have been expecting this, but the shy girl looks flustered as she scans the crowd for likely-looking teammates. She strides to the center of the stage and picks three batons off of a simple wooden table. With her back turned she lofts one of the batons over her head into the crowd. Espy has no choice but to catch the baton before it hits him in the face....and the crowd cheers. Moments later Ruby launches another baton into the crowd, but her launch angle is much too steep and it barely clears the edge of the stage landing among the smaller folk of Trunau. Snuke raises the baton in her diminutive hand for all to see and the crowd falls silent before bursting into waves of laughter. Not making the same mistake twice, Ruby leans back and launches the third and final baton far the back of the crowd where the recently reunited Taegen and Eldryn catch opposite ends of the baton simultaneously. The crowd *GASPS* as the brothers share a look over their hands still gripping the baton. A cry goes up from the crowd, "Omen! Omen! Fortune! Fortune! TWO for one!"

The crowd roughly but playfully begins pushing each of you towards the stage.

Spoiler: OC

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Please post a small description of yourself and what has brought you to the ceremony here in Trunau. I'll pick back up when you're all on the stage joining Ruby for the ceremonial game of Trunau Tug O'War!

[Lioslaith]

Scowling grimly at the baton and then following it up to his brothers countenance Taegen switches to a questioning look as the crowd begins to move them forward. He was still in his armor and his weapons hung from his back and sides. All greens and greys, dark colors, exceedingly hard to see in the harsh mountain terrain but not as effective, apparently, in the village. His long flowing white locks hung straight an uncut about his face helping to conceal his albino nature. Naturally this would be the day I picked to need supplies. he thought to himself as he made his way towards the stage.

[paradox26]

Eldryn maintained a stoic expression as the baton came to him and his brother simultaneously. He wore the forest green of his homeland, but highlighted with silver trim, as befitted the entertainer he often acted as in order to earn money, since sorcery wasn't a surefire way of making gold. He would normally have kept the hood of his voluminous cloak up, covering his face. But in such a defensive-minded town, he thought it safest to show his features. His blonde hair stood out among the mostly darker humans, though not so much as his albino brother. But he was perhaps even more distinctive, due to the savage looking scar that crossed his face. His beauty should have been otherworldly, even for an elf. But this mark reduced his looks to merely extraordinarily handsome. He had been using his wonderful voice to sing songs of ancient elven history, deeds committed by mighty elven heroes of the past. He placed his quarterstaff, crossbow and backpack in a corner of the stage, where he could keep an eye on them without them getting in the way.

He took his place on the stage, offering the crowd a wave, then he quietly said to the newly named young woman, "I fear that I will be of little use in this struggle, young warrior. But the fates seem to dictate that I assist, so I shall offer my best efforts."

[Ancient]

Snuke is dressed in her full dress, it is the best clothing she owns, and the simple dark smocks she wears in the sanctuary seemed a bit drab for a celebration. A small but colorful patchwork satchel is at her side, filled with herbs, bandages, and other such sundries. The only weapon she has on her is her cold iron dagger, which seldom leaves her side, the rest are stored in the Sanctuary. She is small, only 3'3", but fiery and fiesty, her eyes orange like glowing embers. Snuke bristles under the laughter from the crowd, she was no dwarf, but by no means infirm, she had dragged many of the big folk off the battlefield in her time, hard bloody work. Their rough shoves as they push her towards the stage and jeers further put her in a foul mood. She gives Ruby a knowing wink, and bends the baton slightly. Let them laugh, their silence would be sweet when they won.

[Triskavanski]

Epsy Kismet blinks as the baton lands right in his hand. The man wore a decent enough tunic, with several pouches and bags over himself, carrying the various tools he needed for his trade. His hair pulled back into a pony tail, he quickly moved to stage, "Ah How wonderful fate is to have brought us together here?" he asks, "Though I'll admit I'm not sure how well I'd do to help in this.. contest. "

[RolandDeschain]

While the four of you gather on the stage, Ruby offers each of you a firm handshake and confident smile in turn. Her earlier shyness seemingly gone, the girl now seems to be brimming with confidence. She lingers a bit longer with Snuke, having recognized her and grins, "We'll give 'em a show, won't we?"

Spoiler: Snuke

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As a resident of Trunau Snuke is familiar with the infinitely capable warrior and leader, Helgra and her youngest daughter Ruby. "Familiar" as in recognizing each other but not much beyond that, it's possible they've exchanged greetings in the streets but not much more than that.

Rodrik Garth catches Taegan's eye, tilts his head for a moment, then recognition lights up his face as he chuckles softly. The Patrol Captain then leans over and taps his younger brother Kurst on the shoulder and points at the elf. Kurst nods at Taegan then they both go back to flexing their muscles and scowling at the crowd.

Rodrik Garth

Spoiler: Taegan

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Taegan recognizes Patrol Captain Rodrik Garth and his younger brother Kurst. They are the sons of Patrol Leader Jagrin Garth. While Jagrin has never seen any real value in news from outside Trunau, Rodrik has gone out of his way to befriend Taegan and a handful of other 'ranger types', making certain to meet with them whenever they come to town. Taegan and Rodrik are quite friendly, even if Taegan knows very little of Rodrik's personal life. Rodrik is a rising star within the Trunau militia.

While the guards are busy uncoiling the rope and muggin' for the masses, buckets of table scraps from the feast filter forward through the crowd to be dumped in between the opposing teams. By the time the contest starts there will be a respectable pile of refuse to greet the losing side.

Ruby shares another look with you as you each take up your positions and grab the rope. As each of you grip the thick, rough fibers of the ceremonial rope you see a crudely painted circle on the stage. Approximately five feet beyond the circle now filled with leftovers and half eaten food is a black line where Ruby now stands, and across the stage Rodrik stands on his mark with his team behind him.

Rodrik raises his hand high, and a hush falls over the crowd. He holds it aloft remaining perfectly still for several seconds, playing up the drama then he drops it quickly back to the rope........and the crowd ROARS!

Spoiler: Trunau Tug O'War

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Snuke and Taegan know this from local experience. Epsy has read about it in a book, but has never witnessed it let alone taken part. Eldryn presumably has no idea, but the others may clue him in:

Centuries of experience in fighting a larger, stronger, more monstrous foe has taught Trunauans that fair play is for suckers, and this attitude is reflected in the 'rules' of the traditional Trunauan tug of war. Anyone who has seen or heard of this game before knows that all manner of subterfuge and chicanery is allowed, even encouraged, so long as no one gets hurt. The locals consider it a sign of good fortune if the birthday child's side wins the contest.

HOW IT WORKS:
1. There will be three "tugs", each representing five feet of movement. Lose two and your team lands in the pile of garbage.
2. Both sides roll initiative, with winning side gaining a +2 on it's combined strength roll. Ruby is first in line so she rolls against Rodrik, the rest of the order is up to your team to choose who goes next.
3. To win the "tug" your combined strength roll must beat the guard's combined strength roll.

Describe what you are doing and make the appropriate rolls. Remember I'll roll the first initiative to determine whose side gets the +2 for this round.

[paradox26]

Eldryn takes his place at second in line, from where he can both add his paltry strength to the challenge, as well as be close enough to be able to use his magic to corrupt this strange yet solemn occasion. He quietly murmurs a few words as he prepares to take the strain, gesturing with his hands while also pretending to loosen himself up ready to undertake the challenge. He focuses his gaze on Kurst, and attempts to use his powers to charm him, so that he can corrupt the other side's attempt.

Spoiler:

Show

Eldryn casts Charm Person on Kurst.

[Lioslaith]

Taegen takes his place at the end of the rope, casually looking for a crack in the stage he could covertly wedge the rope into with his foot. As he picks up the rope and gets himself set he gives a brief and gruff nod to Rodrik.

Spoiler: Rollz

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(1d20+4)[21]

[Triskavanski]

Epsy Kismet takes his own area of rope to hold onto. It was going to be hard for him to do too much in trying to keep his side of the rope, other than some subtle slight of hand tricks with how the rope was pulled.

Spoiler: Spoils

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(1d20+6)[7] Slight of hand to try and weaken the grip of the foes.
(1d20+4)[18] strength check

[Ancient]

Snuke wraps her hands in bandages and dabs in some wound adhesive from her healer's kit to give her some extra grip. Then she takes grip of the rope. The rope is almost over her head, she takes advantage of this and reverses her grip, putting the rope over her shoulder and pulling it in an unorthodox fashion.

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Strength Check: (1d20+2)[22]

[paradox26]

Confident that Kurst is now secretly under his control, Eldryn starts to feel better about his own contribution to the struggle. He takes the strain, and starts to pull with all of his inconsiderable might.

Spoiler:

Show

Strength check (1d20-1)[19]

[RolandDeschain]

Ruby issues a guttural *ROAR* as Rodrik drops his hand and strains mightily against the rope, turning and hauling it over her shoulder in much the same fashion as her gnomish teammate. The crowd goes wild as the guards lurch forward, Rodrik's toes seemingly catching purchase just before the red circle mounded up with garbage.

The crowd cheers their pleasure, tossing more refuse on the pile while jeering the guards. Rodrik's little brother Kurst appears to have a rather blank look on his face very unlike his teammates who are still making mean faces to the gathered Trunauans.

Rodrik, "Ho Ho! Now we've taken your measure Ruby! I hope you and your new-found friends are hungry for leftovers! 1-2-3 PULL BOYS!!"

Spoiler: Tug O' War - Round 2

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Guards Initiative 23! SEE HERE

[paradox26]

Eldryn is pleased with how things are progressing so far. He can see that Kurst is not being much assistance to the opponents, so that is going even better than hoped for. He shifts his grip on the rope, having done a mighty job so far, far beyond what even he thought he was capable of. He then started to strain once again, as he tried to finally pull the other team into the muck.

Spoiler:

Show

Strength check, round 2 (1d20-1)[2]

[Ancient]

Snuke is impressed by her initial tug, beating these blowhards is going to be easy....but she starts to feel an uncomfortable itching in her wraps, and a mocking chitter in her ear, distracting her just a bit....BLASTED FAERIES! Snuke grits her teeth and puts her back into it.

"Come on Ruby! Lets show this deadwood how saplings PULL!"

[Triskavanski]

Epsy continues to pull himself, abandoning his feeble attempts to manipulate the rope for just pulling strength. Next time he'd learn some proper tricks to try and win a match in which one was suppose to 'cheat'.

[RolandDeschain]

At the front of the rope Ruby and Snuke are nearly hauled over backwards, before turning and bracing their legs against the guard's mighty pull. Ruby's feet chatter across the old, worn boards of the stage before finally coming to a stop. Taegen, Eldryn and Epsy take a couple of long lurching steps but the teams quickly fall back into a momentary stalemate back in their starting position.

The crowd *BOOOS!* before a slow chant begins to fill the Trunau amphitheater - *Ruby! RUby! RUBy! RUBY!!*

Ruby, the spindly and seemingly shy young lady turns her head to look at the rest of you, "Together now! Give 'em hell!"

Spoiler: Tug O' War - Round 3

Show

All Rd 3 rolls are HERE
LoL Team Guards rolled terrible you might be able to end this thing right here; you can substitute a standard action for a Strength check...but not ALL of you because somebody's gotta pull!

[paradox26]

Eldryn grunts with displeasure at the loss of ground. He heeds Ruby's call, and doubles down his attempt for an all out effort.

Spoiler:

Show

Strength check: (1d20-1)[10]

[Ancient]

Snuke is nearly bowled over by the last tug...Fine if you want to be THAT way. With a miffed look on her face, she let's one hand off the rope to wiggle her fingers a little.

"I can't lie, I can't lie, I've never seen a pig fly, but a GREASED pig, oh my! oh my!"

Spoiler: OOC:

Show

Casting Grease on the opposing team.

[Triskavanski]

Epsy continued pulling the rope, trying to fight against the pull towards the center

Spoiler

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(1d20+2)[13] + any other bonuses we have

[RolandDeschain]

The crowd roars its approval as the gnome summons a grease slick beneath the guard's feet moments before Taegan, Eldryn, and Epsy give a mighty tug on the rope. The three city guards fly forward, arms flailing, to land in the heap of table scraps with a loud squelch and a tsunami of creamed spinach (not a favorite in Trunau, apparently, as there was plenty left over for the refuse pile).

Rodrick hauls one of his guards out of the mess, carefully wiping the mashed parsnip from his hands before declaring, "Brute strength was no match for you, Ruby! You and your champions have proven clever and resourceful in the face of overwhelming odds, like any good Trunauans. We accept and confirm your vow! Trunau Forever!"

The crowd roars again and rushes forward, bearing Ruby up on their shoulders for a celebratory round of crowd surfing. You're left on the stage when they retreat, with three very messy militiamen who all grin at you. Rodrik and his fellows shamble over, gleefully clapping each of you on the shoulder with creamed spinach-y hands.

Kurst approaches Eldryn and smiles warmly, "I feel like we know each other, but I must admit I...I...I can't p-p-place your face."

Rodrik approaches Taegan, "Great to see you friend, I didn't know you were in town. What do you say to a drink, eh? I know some of you but some of you must be new to the town. I'd thought Ruby was a little unlucky when with some of her choices," He nods toward and Snuke and Eldryn, "but I see know that she's got her mother's eye for talent. Maybe I should trust her judgement on this. Something that needs looking into...well, we'll talk about it more later. How about that drink?

"Huh? Oh, um, r-right, Roddy," stutters Kurst Grath, Rodrik's slightly younger fraternal twin. He's not as strapping or quick-witted as his (minutes) older brother, but everyone around town knows he's a better rider and murderous with a bow. Both serve under their father in the patrol wing of the Trunau militia, a position that many seek to have as serving in Rodrik's rangers is a position of honor in the town.

"See, Kurst can see your potential in the militia, even if my Pa can't see it in him. The way the old man prattles on about push-ups and chin-ups you'd think we were having an arm-wrestling competition with the orcs." Rodrik chuckles as he leads you to the nearest tapped barrel.

"He should take a lesson from the tug of war. Not every battle is about crushing skulls the fastest. Even the orcs can be tricky if they put their minds to it. They're not as dumb as we like to tell ourselves, don't you think so?" He glances at Taegan for affirmation, knowing of the elf's running battle against the orcs.

As he speaks you notice him surreptitiously scanning the crowd, especially the foreigners to Truanu. "Have a drink - then we must speak. There are things afoot here in Trunau. Even things you don't know little brother."

[Lioslaith]

Taegen leans forward slightly to minimize the contact and the mess as the shoulder slap comes in. He mostly just lets Rodrik talk as usual because that seemed to be the direction their relationship had gone. He also allows himself to be led towards a drink and answers questions as he feels the need. "Eldryn is my brother, recently reunited, and I believe you may have heard of Snuke. She gets me a lot of the herbs I need." Rodrik mostly just gets derisive snorts when the mention of Orc's comes up but he has managed to get Taegens attention with his hints that something else is afoot.

[paradox26]

Eldryn realises that Kurst is still under his power. He decides not to take advantage of the fact, so he treats him normally, so he can save face. "I am not sure if we know each other, but I suspect not. You may know my brother, though. There is some resemblance between us, though he lacks my handsome scar. But now that I am here, I would like to settle in for a while, so I am sure we will get to know each other better." And with that, he claps him on the back, and moves over to his own brother, for a long awaited catchup that was paused by the contest. He sees that Taegen is in deep conversation, though. So he pauses, hanging back a little so that he can't hear what is being said, as politeness demands. He can see, though, that whatever is being discussed must be important, judging by the expressions on the faces of his brother and his friend.

He kicks his heel in the dust, holding his hands clasped behind his back and casually glancing around as he waits for a break in the conversation.

[Triskavanski]

"Name is Epsy Kismet, when you seek fortune, seek Epsy Kismet." says the dashing, almost rogueish like man. "Orcs are quite the interesting mixed bag to be certain. Some lay with human women. Some lay human men. Creates the half breeds out there.. " he pauses to look around trying to see if anyone nearby was half orc themselves. "They get some of the best of both world there. The intelligence and the strength.

[Ancient]

Snuke bows graciously at the introduction.

"The guards know me well, I have often provided them with tonics and salves."

[RolandDeschain]

The two twin brothers, the confident eloquent Rodrik (who is even a noted playwright!) and the stuttering and quiet Kurst soon manage to move away from the center of the commons to the outer edges of the crowd. The two brothers dragging the four of you with them. A few locals looking with interest at the two of them, the well-known sons of the Patrol Leader.

"Your return to Trunau is indeed auspicious Taegan, and I had no idea you had a brother! Well met Eldryn....well met. Epsy is it? You cut a dashing figure on the stage....quite heroic....the crowd loved it! Ha! I know things look good but we are in trouble. We in the militia see it more, and we are always looking for more members. Snuke can tell you we've had a couple of skirmishes with the orcish tribes. She's treated some of my men."

"We've a problem recently. More orcs raiding closer, we're losing men and even more half orcs in the town than usual Epsy. We don't know if they are what they seem or a prelude to something else. I know others like Sara Morninghawk are loyal and vital but we've had strange orcish graffiti in various areas of town and trouble of late. I'm investigating and am close to something, I can feel it!"

Kurst looks at his brother, "Rodrik is right. Lots more greenskins, it certainly more dangerous now. As some of you well know from the roads."

Before more can be said Chief Defender Halgra strides over arm around her daughter Ruby and smiling widely at her youngest. She is a towering women with arms as thick as most men's legs and long black hair plaited down her back. Even dressed in a long pleated woolen dress she moves like a warrior, the intricate tattooing peeking from her wrists and shoulders describing the orcs and giants she has slain. "The brave champions who welcomed Ruby into adulthood. I thank you all. Come boys, mingle, speak with the young ladies."

She grins at the newcomers. "Are the boys trying to recruit you? We are welcoming to those willing to risk their lives for the town. Think on it. Until then enjoy the rest if the ceremony. The Mindspin Ram is almost ready and the mead is free flowing " she points at the center of the commons where the long trestle tables are laden with food, a small but very loud halfling women organizing it - Cham Larringfass- who runs the Ramblehouse, Trunau's only lodging house. By the tables a large mountain goat turns on a spit, its massive and sharp antlers proudly on display.

Before you can really speak much more Halgra drags Rodrik and Kurst away, both are well known in the town. Rodrik widely expected to join the council soon.

Spoiler: Free to party

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Feel free to RP any party stuff. Its a night of drinking and eating with games of boulder throwing, boxing, belching and wrestling.

All road should lead you to the Ramblehouse for the night where you'll be feted and granted free lodging for your part in the ceremony.

[Lioslaith]

Taegen takes up a position on the fringes of the crowd, someplace he can see most if not all of the people and out of the way. He stands quietly watching the humans frolic and play thinking the whole time he should be out hunting.

[RolandDeschain]

All the revelers that have come to the Trunau commons to celebrate Ruby's coming of age, give the elf a wide berth, largely ignoring the brooding figure.

[Triskavanski]

For the night Epsy goes about partaking in the festivities, though always careful not to feast or drink to the point he'd fall into a stupor, even if he has to pretend through the night that he is eating and drinking much more. The archaeologist was always light on his feet, never know when danger could come at a moments notice. That said, he does also make sure to eat his fill, as one can't go delving into ruins starving.

[paradox26]

Eldryn tries to partake of the festivities as much as possible, but this coarse crowd is not really anything he is used to. They are more rough and ready than his elven homeland, and he finds that as much as he wishes to involve himself, he really can't gather the enthusiasm. EVentually, he stops procrastinating, and gathering his courage, he cautiously approaches Taegen.

"Hello, my brother." he says. "It has been some time. Have you had any luck in finding out anything about the deaths in the family? I have been searching, but have found little in the way of signs of what may have caused them. If only I had not been knocked out, I may have seen enough to identify the culprit. But they took me down first. May have been fortunate for me, though. If I had been upright still, I would likely have been among those killed."

He then pauses, and shifts the conversation deliberately, and fairly noticeably, to another topic. "And what do you think of these orcs that are in this area? Do you think it is something we should try to help these people with, or are we better off slipping out of town during the night and moving somewhere both safer and quieter? Maybe back to the elflands."

[Lioslaith]

Taegen blinks slowly and turns his eyes upon his brother, a slight smile crossing his features, "Slow down young one, we are el-ven, we have time." As he thinks back over the barrage of questions his brother just issued he takes a moment to realize that Eldryn is merely excited to be reunited with family.

He answers the questions as they were given.

"I have not looked for who killed them other than the fact that they were Orc's. As short lived as they are most have likely already died." He pauses for a moment, his attention turning back to the crowd. "I thought you dead with the others or I would not have left, Tan." (Elvish for brother)

"The information Rodrik told us gives me pause to stay to see what the pigs are planning but it is not out of a desire to help the stubborn humans who choose to live here."


After that he falls silent again, back to watching the crowd.