[HQ Ignorance] Scene 14: A man's best friend is his dog

[Lev Lafayette]

Start: Clayday, Stasis Week, the 31st day of Sea
Season,
1622

After rest and recuperation the Fellowship prepared
for the 20-league journey to Zorakarkat which skirted
the lands of southern Vustria and western Delelea. On
the third day of their journey they encountered a
troll caravan which had journeyed with many fat gaint
bettles all the way from Corolaland. Upon sighting a
bolg's of friendship carried by Anzhur however, the
trolls took the party under their wing and informed
them they would assit in their journey.

Zorakarkat itself is an impressive sight. Nestled in
the shadow of mountains, this temple and fort complex
is lined with lead had been for many years the
spiritual centre of the spirit of Zorakarkat, the
troll incarnation of the great hero from the Dawn Age.
The massive gates can only be opened by trolls
themselves, and it was by this entrance that the
caravan entered. Otherkin are required to use the
second gate which did not permit admission to the
inner keep, which provided the greatest aegis. 

Even the presentation of the third bolg of goodwill
did not provide an immediate audience with the Hero
Arkat Chaosbane. Some were suspicious, especially the
warriors of Zorak Zoran - whereas on the other side of
the scale, the Argan Argar trade cultists were the
most friendly, encouraging their trollkin to ensure
that the obviously powerful and wealthy strangers were
well cared for.

On the third night audience was granted with Arkat
Chaosbane within the inner keep. Under the cover the
deepest darkness they met him, an enormous troll of
extraordinary size and strength and eyes that seemed
to pierce from a distance. An even deeper darkness
surrounded him, like a halo, and as he sat on his
throne, across his lap lay a great mace of the dullest
lead. Truly this is the an incarnation of the old God.

Anzhur unfurled the Red Banner, but Arkat was not
moved [Marginal Failure]. Jareena offered words of
diplomacy, explaining their plight and the capturing
of their friend and ally, Karala
Walks-With-The-Great-White-Wolf by the Mystic of
Vustria and the Telmori. Anzhur mentioned how this
seemed similar to the rescue of Makla Mann, King of
the Otokorini, and how a HeroQuest may assist her
escape from the clutches of the werewolves, and who
better to help than Arkat Chaosbane, who led the
original rescue so many years ago himself!

Arkat considered the tale carefully, and spoke with a
deep, slow and impressive voice.

"A HeroQuest can indeed help the rescue of your
friend. But it is not to be taken lightly. A failed
HeroQuest empowers enemies and slays allies. It
requires great magic and knowledge; the recreation of
ancient tales. So let me tell you the story of the
rescue of Makla Mann, King of the Otkorini."

"When the rule of wickedness in Tanisor fell, Nysalor
brought in Deringos Pistol, a Dorastoran general of
skill into the region of Vustria and Telmoria. He
employed skilled guerilla tactics against the more
formal armies of Makla, and was thus able to capture
him."

"Arkat" - you note he appears to be referring to his
past self in the third person - "Gathered together a
small force of human, aldryami and troll scouts and
rangers to locate Makla. First they plotted a complex
path between them that would confuse the skilled
Telmorian scouts. 'Pure Doggerel', is how Talor The
Laughing Warrior would refer to it."

"The second part of the journey required entrance into
the lair of the Telmori themselves; many calming
magics were cast with peaceful webs of darkness to
ensure that they were not alarmed as we rescued the
would-be King. 'Let Sleeping Dogs Lie', Talor called
this chapter.

"But of course the alarm was raised, and many Telmori
came forth to hunt their former prisoner. Unable to
outstrip them in their own land, sacrifices had to be
made. A band of trollkin stood firm and bore the brunt
of the assault as we made our way to safety.
'Doggone', said Talor."

"If we are conduct this HeroQuest we must travel into
the lands of the Telmori and re-enact these scenes and
adapt them to the circumstances that you encounter.
Many Troll Priests and Initiates must sacrifice Power
to enter the Godplane, where Time becomes...
different. You will encounter these experiences in
their modern form. Do not fail."

"I myself will not be attending. This risk is too
great, and you speak of the Mystic knowing that the
land is alive and beginning to reawake. It is my fear
that he seeks to revive the Spirit of Deringos Pistol.
If that is the case I must be prepared. In my stead, I
summon one known to us as 'Beast'. He can take the
role of Arkat The Troll in this HeroQuest."

"You will also need one or more of you to act as the
Aldryami and Human scouts who mapped the confusing
path. You will need one or more of you to cast the
magics of calming or sleep. And", Arkat pauses. "You
will need one or more of you to act as the Trollkin
who die nobly to ensure the escape of your friend."

"Can you do this?"

Deadline: Sunday 13th May for part 1.


       
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