conversations: human
conversations:  In goblin warlord tradition, when a warlord would come to a village or town, the two goblin leaders would parley and could agree on any of a number of ways to end the battle before it started. Sometimes this would be a contest (often a one on one duel) to decide the 'winner'. Sometimes, an offering of weapons or provisions (for some warlords, 'mates' for the warriors) was given to the stronger side. In some instances they simply agreed to part ways. Many times the parley was useless, and the battle would soon begin. All goblinoids followed whatever was agreed upon, even the most chaotic and evil one; to deny these traditions was to forget who one way... after all, the turning back on an agreement was something humans did, not goblins. (Though, most chaotic goblin warlords are hasty to find no agreeable terms, evil ones would rarely care how 'fair' the deal was and lawful ones always made sure that they got exactly what they came for.)
  
  On a late spring day, the march of many a goblin, hobgoblins, mercenaries and conscripts came to your village. Your elder went and met the general, a magnificently large and strong goblin. The scared goblin discussed at great length with your pleading elder. You knew no one would be ready to fight someone in a contest, and while the village armed could hold out for a month employing smart tactics, victory would be impossible. The elder came back to you all (all of you ready with your fellow villagers that could muster courage) telling you that there would be no fight. The general only needed a few things; some provisions, a few carts... but most importantly, you. He agreed to not attack as long as he could have the best trained warriors in your village. Everyone else with training was far too old, crippled, or too weak. Your elder explained to the general that all he had was you, and he accepted it. You have been told to gather your things;  it was time to go. 
    
conversations: paladin_carvin:
conversations: human
conversations:  Toxotai  
  
  A lean young Hobgoblin exits the village and takes the first fateful steps towards the encamped army.  Dressed all in brown leather with a shortbow slung over his shoulder and a bulky pack at his back, he walks with apparent calm toward the future, never looking back.
conversations: sonofzeal:
conversations: human
conversations:  As Toxotai walks up, an grizzled hobgoblin walks up with a few bugbears in tow.
  
  ((OOC: actions taken in '[]' boxes are ones that you can resist and then won't happen. They are assumptions taken to speed things up, considering the medium of post by post RPGs))
  
  [The hobgoblin begins looking over Toxotai. He feels over his arm and leg muscles, and pokes a claw in his arm till he breaks skin, then stops. He wags his finger in front of your eyes and snaps without warning]
  
  "Hmm, this is a good one indeed." Came the thick, old voice. He looked over your gear "But this won't do".
  
  [With a snap and a wave to the bugbears, they come over and lift you off the ground. They take off your pack (not hurting it or its contents, as long as you don't struggle) then strip you utterly bare. They throw the torn clothes and worn down armour in the direction of your village, landing in an explosion of dirt and dust. Consider the fact that you are still in clear sight of the crowd of your village. While goblinoids are far from modest (they communally bathe, among other forms of acceptable 'public' nudity, without shame) they are not beast; they don't go around naked without a reason. A few minutes later, you are dressed (not given to put on, the bugbears do this for you) in clothes better than anyone in your village has seen, then fitted with a chain shirt and armoured cap. You look more impressive than you ever have in your entire life]
  
  {Obtain:Chain Shirt, Lose:Leather Armour}
  
  There, that is much better. Don't you agree, Soldier?
conversations: paladin_carvin:
conversations: human
conversations:  Toxotai  
    "Sir.  Yes sir."  
  
  Throughout the whole process, Toxotai had stood stoicly but passively.  Following orders comes naturally to him.  Now he stands expectantly, waiting for whatever comes next.
conversations: sonofzeal:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
   I'm so sorry I didn't see the link,
   
  
  As Svendran enters the camp, he gives off a quick prayer to the Red Knight to grant him strength and rubs the hilt of his sword.  His eyes dart over the inhabitants, picking out threats, escape routes and where power seems to be centralized.
conversations: SilentNight:
conversations: human
conversations:  ((to clarify, this army is not in camp; it is for the most part in formation. If you have seen the movie Troy, you know what this ends up looking like after a small time of leaders talking: a mass of humanoids in roughly a square formation. This location doesn't permit a square precisely, but you have some sense of rank and file.))
  
  The Elder Hobgoblin comes to Svendran next. He looks him over slightly then grins happily. "The Red Knight! Oh what a boon, thank the gods!" He signals his bugbears, but his directions seem a bit different, though inaudible.
  
  [The two bug bears are more gentle and respectful with Sven; still, he is striped naked of his old clothes and then given scale mail armour.
  
  He grabs your sword and tosses it like the rest "They will make better use of that, and you will make better use of this." He hands you a finely crafted long sword in hilt. He then has you fitted with a dull, worn red cloak. "This is something we give to all our workers of the gods. It helps us know where they are in battle. This one has belonged to quite a few good goblinoid clerics. Wear it well."]
  
  {obtain:Chain Shirt, MW Longsword, mundane cloak; lose: mundane clothes, standard short sword}
conversations: paladin_carvin:
conversations: human
conversations:  Svendran gives a nervous smile and bows his head.   "Glad to know there are others who follow the Red Lady.  I'm honored to wear the cloak.  Although hopefully it will bring me better luck than its former owners."  He then turns to the sword,  And you shall be Red Princess." 
conversations: SilentNight:
conversations: human
conversations:  {Sven:Roll Knowledge:Religion}
conversations: paladin_carvin:
conversations: human
conversations:  Spoiler 
  Knowledge(Religion):[roll0]
   
conversations: SilentNight:
conversations: human
conversations:  [SPOILER]Whoops,  Knowledge (Religion) : (1d20+1)[ 19 ] [SPOILER]
conversations: SilentNight:
conversations: human
conversations:  Toxotai 
  
  Toxotai observes the proceedings while trying not to intrude.
conversations: sonofzeal:
conversations: human
conversations:  Originally Posted by SilentNight 
   [SPOILER]Whoops,  Knowledge (Religion) :[roll0][SPOILER] 
   
  
   
   Spoiler 
  You recognize, from the war tattoos on his face the holy symbol of Tempus, God of War (whom the Red Knight serves faithfully). This is a common tradition for those who worship Tempus, especially non-clerics.
   
  
  
  ((Edit: So far, no response from the others, if there are still others... I'll try to see if I can reach them.))
conversations: paladin_carvin:
conversations: human
conversations:  Svendran approaches Toxotai,  "Svendran Heimdall, servant of the Red Knight.  I like to get to know my comrades." 
conversations: SilentNight:
conversations: human
conversations:  Toxotai 
    "I suppose it is fair that you do not know me, for I spend little time at home.  My name is Toxotai, and I am the son of the blacksmith.  I find the prey for the hunters without disturbing it, and watch for enemies who might attack us without being seen.  And you?"  
conversations: sonofzeal: