Heat Wave - Flamerule 10th

H 96/L 76, Winds N20 mph, 3/4" of rain

Today is a heat wave as the temperature reaches nearly 100 degrees. Even an afternoon rain doesn’t bring much relief to Rockhammer Hold. Ivan the cook, with his first meal prepared at the stronghold, has put together a delicious meal which everyone enjoys. Lozigee remarks how the man can do so much with so little.

The trumpets blare and you can barely rouse yourself to see what is happening. A sweaty Captain Dominic shouts, “Single female approaches!”.

The Captain checks things out and admits her into Rockhammer Hold. She is a tall, slender human woman with short black hair. She was probably a beautiful woman but from the looks of it, she has been through hell lately. Her clothes are ripped and torn and her face and arms are bruised and scratched. She clutches a book close to herself. She seems relieved to be out of the wild.

Dominic escorts her over to where the rest of you are, “Tian Serpenthelm.” She smiles as tears roll down her cheek.

“Grem das Adole.”

You turn to the speaker of the of those word with the low grumbling voice. It’s Gravaar. You are about the ask what it meant when Althalus translates orcish for everyone.

“Sacrifice for orc ceremony.”

Well, I'm sure that requires some explaining. I understand, at this point, that she was expected to be an orc sacrifice, but by her appearing here, and in such a state, she has, erm... elected not to participate? And that by her presence here, we should expect an angry delegation of orcs demanding to know whither their sacrifice went?


Well, we can't have that, now can we. Come with me, I'll attend to your wounds, and get you fed. We'll see if we can get ya some fresh clothing now to.

Althalus, would you mind speaking with Gravaar about what we might be expecting?

Gravaar, what do we need to know about this situation? You seem to know what is going on with our visitor.

Gravaar stares at the woman for a moment. “She to be Mouth of Aumauthra. Aumauthra lived many, many years ago with Ripped Guts. She dead, then she ghost. Ghost need new body like she was.” Gravaar motions to the woman with his head, “she use magic, no doubt.” The orc points to the books that she holds close to her, “Spellbook.” He says.

You all stand around, not sure of what to make of this. Gravaar continues, “Ripped Orcs find her, den bring to Aumauthra.” Gravaar shrugs his shoulders, “maybe she escape. End up here. If Ripped Guts know she here, mountains run red with orcs. Dey get her back. We all dead. No doubt.”

Shocking news to say the least. Gravaar lifts his massive club and looks up at the sun. “Hot day. Animals need water. Gravaar hunt near ponds. Good day to hunt.” And with the slightest of smiles, Gravaar heads out of the stronghold, leaving you with the dark haired spellcaster.

" This is not good. We need to know if there is anything in the spellbook we could use as leverage. We cannot take on an orc tribe. Once she is tended to I must speak with her, we should prepare for the worst." Umberto follows the dwarf and the woman, hoping to glean some information from her or the book.

The three of you head back inside the stronghold and get Tian cleaned up. Kregnok looks at her wounds. "Aye, not so bad, but she does look exhausted." She still clutches her book but looks up at you with sad eyes, waiting for you to say something.

"Tian, this is important. What do you remember? What has happened to you? Is this book yours, or the Orcs? I know you must be scared, exhausted, and nervouse, but we want to help you as best we are able."

“I…I..I was her. I had no control…just a…witness. She searched nearby ruins…looking for…something. But I got out. And ran. The orcs chased me…I don’t know how I got away. I ended up here…I don’t know how long ago I escaped.”

Kregnok spies the book still clutched to Tian’s chest, “Is that book yours, or the orcs?”

“Mine. It’s my spellbook.” She hold the book in front of her and wipes away some dirt, “I think it was…was why they took me. They needed a spellcaster…a spellcaster of my description.”

Tian continues, “They took me…in the middle of the night…we never had a change…they killed everyone…everyone except me…I was so scared.” Tears start to stream down her face, “May I stay here, where it’s safe?”

(DM Note - Tian is a hirable 1st level wizard)

"I think we could grant her haven for the time being don't you Master Dwarf?" Umberto asks.

"Tian, how far is it from the ruins? How long did it take you to reach us?"

"I...I'm not sure. Days? Weeks maybe? Please master dwarf, I beg of you, let me stay."

Tears continue to pour down her face.

That's enough for now, let me tend to her wounds an you can talk to her more later.

To Tian: I'm sorry for the questions from my comrades. I think they should wait until you get well and then ask whatever they must. You will stay for as long as you need to to recover and possibly longer even if I must put you on my payroll.

Any further words from the President before we move on to the next day?

No. We will need to discuss this in further detail. Melisi is right, we should wait a bit. However, I will attend to her wounds, as that is my responsiblity. Furthermore, until we decide a best course of action, her safety will be my responsibility as well. If it is determined that she will be staying on with us, she will continue to be my responsibility. I strongly dislike the idea of anyone being... used... in such a fashion.

“Thank you Master dwarf, I am forever in your debt” says Tian through the sniffles.

Kregnok takes her away and tends to her wounds. Within the hour, she is sound asleep, and will sleep until the following morning.