Here is a Rollvag sample turn:
I am thinking about the Drogs, and, indirectly, the Systai. If the Drogs are powerful enough to start building permanent structures like the dungeon, then it seems to me that our only chance to give them a bloody nose is to unite the tribes, which goes against their basic cultural structure. The trick is to get them to alter their structure or alter it for them. Some will be easier to convince than others.
We need a standard, a symbol that will instantly mean integrity, honesty, and hope. One that will inspire the oppressed and strike fear in the oppressors. I propose the following:
Rallying cry: "Seventeen Tribes--One Parliament!" or, the shortened form: "STOP!"
Our Standard:
Shape: octagonal
Color: Red background (for the blood to be saved) In the center, a pure white circle (for hope). Emanating from the center are 17 rays in the colors of the tribes. Kip's tribal colors shall be straight up, the rest arrayed equidistantly around the circle.
Pole: We shall attach the said standard to my spear (to symbolize that we mean business).
If there be an artist among us, I'll enlist him or her to make my rough outline into an actual banner.
I shall also start a journal of our travels, using my scribe skill to put down in writing that which we have done. I'll write in Quenta.
BEFORE we do anything in the clearing, have Byc do a mental sweep of the area--if there's Drogs around, then let us meet them on our terms. If there's anything else in the area, we want to know that too.
Plan A:
Rest in the clearing, practice, create standard etc. Send Tato on an aerial sweep of the area. When he returns, ask Cher to do an aerial sweep as well. If OK, have her return. Somewhere in here, I'll use my Scout (minor) skill to sweep the area, making sure that I keep a lookout Up as well as on the ground level. I'll try a little trapping, hoping to catch a little animal to feed Rhap. I'd like to send Rhap up every so often so I can get a bird's eye view of the area. I also would, if there is time, like to practice with the Lutar, first on stationary targets, then on moving targets (hang a log or a large branch from a tree and push it to get it moving). Then shoot while running at a stationary target, then shoot at a moving target while running.
Plan B:
If there be Drog in the area, we'll set an ambush. Cher will have the most difficult job--hit the rear and make sure that no Drog escapes. Since she has wings, if one does try to get away, she can fly and attack. I'll take the front. Tato, Kip, Kuros, and Longsilver the middle. Elkin and Byc and Tara watch our rear. First with arrows (the surprise), then charge for hand to hand. Rhap and the Hawk will harass and attack as they can. All should remember, Dead Drogs tell no tales. We need the training to fight as a group, but we don't need Drog patrols sweeping for us if a Drog gets away.
Option 1:
If any other creature is out there, we should react as it reacts. If it attacks, we fight back. If it (or they) are friendly, so shall we be.
To Kip--Which tribes can we count on? We need allies, now. We need to know who we can count on to stand by us, stand by themselves, or stand with the Drogs. Those that enslaved your tribe, how powerful are they? Did they conquer by force or did a traitor sell you out? I want to know each tribe and your own estimation on population, land, fighting ability, numbers, and command.
I do not fancy walking down main street saying "Kip's here." If you wish to lead your people from under tyranny, you must prepare--and we shall help you.
To Elkin--I want to learn Drog. The language, the customs, the inspirations. Especially the language. To know the enemy, we must be the enemy. Confusion is best served to the uninformed. I shall learn Drog. Also, does not anyone oppose the Drog?
To GM--I shall use the Korikai two handed, if it does more damage than wielding it one handed. If there is no difference in damage, then I will use it one handed and use a shri with the other hand. If, however, my opponent is especially skilled (I don't know how many will have Kar 8, which I assume is applied to the Korikai, but...), I will parry with the Korikai and unsheathe the shri.
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© Copyright 1999 by Abram Paradies.
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