RECAP
The group boarded the ship and set sail for the Orcish Empire. It came to our attention that those sailing with us were only crew and warriors answering a call for non-lethal gladiatorial combat in the Empire. Among the warriors was a Common Human named Artur who was especially skilled in the martial arts.
We made it about halfway to our destination, when in the middle of the open sea, we spotted dancing lightning patterns that warned of impending danger courtesy of Laizeye. After another day passed, we were boarded in mid-sail by a Cloud Giant enforcer of Laizeye who demanded a toll of 210 gold to pass through the trade route. The captain slowly went to retrieve the gold while offering it to us if we were to drive the creature off. The giant made an off color remark about Tyrogatore which set off Artur. He used his lightning fast reflexes and powers of teleportation to assault the giant before he knew what hit him. After landing three blows to the giant's knees, he stumbled and was left reeling by the sudden assault. The rest of the group jumped in the best we could with magic, ranged attacks, and buffs. After a surprisingly successful barrage of attacks, the giant fled and leaped off the boat into the dark waters of the night. The captain, impressed with our skill, promised to pay us when we landed.
Several more weeks passed and the crew was particularly respectful of us after our little display. Artur took a liking to our group and spent a little more time with us as well, although he didn't talk much. When we were about a day or two away from our destination, we were pursued by Barbarian pirates. They commanded a very fast longboat and were able to overtake us with speed, however our group and several of the crew were able to frustrate and delay them with long range spells and ranged weapons. Eventually, they gave up the pursuit and retreated back into the ocean depths.
At this point, we reached the Empire and met with a diplomat on shore. He told us we were to be taken to a neutral location and quarantined until they were satisfied we weren't infiltrators. We agreed and let them guide us after paying a small toll which Yoshi generously paid for and then some. Our guide was impressed with Yoshi and his faith in The Oldest Orc. The two exchanged tales of Oldest Orc lineage and regaled the group with chants based on family trees and old-timey respect. It took six hours to reach our destination and the two of them were still in the throws of monotone storytelling. A sight to behold for sure.
Once at our location, which turned out to be the old shrine of Lakius in the previous era, we were told to remain here under guard until their investigation of us was complete. We agreed to follow the rules and that was that. Some of the other combatants with us were grumbling under their breath, but nothing violent happened, likely due to the good mood the Orcs were in thanks to Yoshi's verbal ninjitsu. They also agreed to have Akrah stay at an adjacent building if she wanted in order to separate male and female. That's where we left off.
