En Route to the Orcish Village

AS THE DM

You have just met Azren, the Earthbending Dwarf, and received first hand intelligence on the Orcish village. You are currently en route to either investigate these supposedly peaceful Orcs, racing against the marauding band of raiders that are also headed to your destination.

AS WILL

Caerdan, did you discover anything while you were scouting? We got some intelligence out of... Mr. Tiddlywinks, but more is always welcome.

Mr. Tiddles, you mean.

Yes I did see what is going on but first...
What is a Mr. Tiddles?

He was a real sweetheart. He and some of his kin were chasing what I believe was a dwarf lady. I introduced myself to him and got to know him better as everyone else slaughtered his companions. He was nice enough to teach me some of his language and told us some interesting things about the area over tea. I'm afraid he had to be put down afterwards, though. He wasn't a very nice person. I still miss him though.

He was put down justly. Its very existence was an affront to the Wardens. Although I will say he did prove useful.

Oh I see. Well I found out that the orcs chasing the dwarf were part of a larger group that consists of about 20. They are on the move to attack the village. I did not get an estimate on the numbers in the village. I suggest we move now to investigate the skirmish in detail.

We must protect the village from the raiding party. Little Nivir can will serve as our emissary to the village. I say we forgo introducing ourselves to the village until we claim the head of the raid party's leader. His head will serve as an offering to the village. I will claim it myself.

懿飛

I'm still uneasy about the idea of protecting Orcs. Personally, I've never heard of anything remotely close to a peaceful Orc, but if that is truly the case, the Yi Fei is correct; we must do everything in our power to protect them.

What are you talking about? Why would we save the village? What do you mean by peaceful orcs?

That sounds like a good idea. I get the feeling that we'll need all the friends we can get in this place. Even if they aren't feeling peaceful at first, I'm sure that I'll be able to change that. Some mounts, equipment, and directions would be nice. Also, I don't know about the rest of you, but even though now don't require food and drink, I can't help but crave some after days without.

Yes- I, too, could use a good meal and some tea. Thank you, once more, for the tea, Little Nivir. Now, we must put aside our prejudices against orc-kind, and focus on the situation at hand. I can not stand idly while a village is sent to slaughter by a band of raiders. Even orcs can appreciate a noble gesture. I do not ask for any of you to join me, but I make this oath: The raid leader will die by my hand.

懿飛

... Mr. Tiddles.... told us that the Orcs in the village had forsaken the ways of war for those of peace, but I can only take this with a grain of salt. Everything that I have ever been taught about Orcs depicts them as vile demonspawn. But there is no justice in allowing the innocent to be slaughtered. If in fact this is a peaceful village, then we must protect it, Orc or not.

What did Mr. Tiddles say exactly? I don't want your understanding of his words to taint his meaning. What does he mean that these orcs have forsaken the ways of war? If he means that this village just doesn't want to be a part of an allied invasion force then we owe them nothing. If this clan of orcs is rebelling because of leadership controversy, I see no reason to intervene. Let their civil wars keep themselves at bay. You humans are blind to take the word of an orc without further investigation.

It may have been a little difficult to understand Mr. Tiddles, but I promise you everything he said to me he believed was completely true. He used their exact phrase for peace, literally "no longer and not planning to be at war." Also, if this village was indeed warlike, Mr. Caerdan, do you believe that a only 20 orcs could take it? I may not know much of the world, but a village strikes me as having many more people than that. Also, Mr. Tiddle's companions could probably have been defeated by Leanar here (gestures to her familiar, who sits up on its hindlegs and makes boxing motions).
And besides, all the best tea will be taken if we wait for the raiders to burn it down.

Yeah, we're going to put this conversation on hold for now. No matter what Mr. Tiddles said or meant, or how you know his exact meaning, we need to investigate and mve now or else there will be no village.

Indeed. And the village could prove useful to us.

Caerdan, can you collaborate with Master Storm, and sketch us a map of the coming battle field. I want to know where this raid is coming from and the position of the village. Make note of any possible ambush positions. The more tactful we are, the more swift and efficient we will be. Once I have the map, I can formulate a strategy. Master Storm and Caerdan, your input on the strategy would be invaluable. Once we have formulated our strategy, we should rest, for we are on the eve of battle.

懿飛

(This is out of character because I don't have the information to tell right now but my character does. I can make a map for us and go scouting for exact numbers and details of the village.)

Caerdan, I'll join you in your scouting. I'd like to see this supposedly peaceful village for myself.

You may join me up to a point if you wish. When we get near enough you will wait for me. I trust you will not approach near the village with me where your armor can be heard.

Sounds reasonable enough to me. I'll wait for you at a safe distance, but if it does in fact look peaceful I'd like for you to fetch me so we can make contact.

Very well, the sooner we head out the sooner we can answer all our questions.

Then let us proceed. (Will and Caerdan leave for the village)

HOLD! Do not make contact yet. It is unwise to approach without a gift. As I stated before, that gift will be the rai leader's head. Please, be patient. Remain unseen.