Druk calls for the truce gifts before the march begins. Ogres shift the load, handing over smoked meat, salt, a fur mantle, and a polished iron ring tied in white cloth.
Bruk
These are proper offerings. Not a raid, not a bluff. The giants will see that.
Bruk leads the column into the north pass, with Druk and the troops following in tight order. The trail squeezes between black rock walls, and the wind grows sharp enough to tug at cloaks and beard braids.
A low growl rolls down from above. Five wolves appear on a ledge and path, one of them a huge black dire wolf with old scars across its shoulders, stepping down to block the march.
The dire wolf lowers its head and bares its teeth, while the smaller wolves fan out to flank the column.
Bruk
Hold. If we charge, the giants hear blood first. Let me speak, or show the gifts at least.
The wolves do not rush. They watch the tribute, the pack, and Druk’s front line, as if deciding whether this road leads to respect or ruin.
✓ Quest Accepted
Get past the wolf blockade
“I let bruk negotiate, i hand him some of our marching ration meat”
SUCCESS (Superb Leadership, rolled +2)
Druk breaks off a strip of marching meat and drops it into Bruk’s hand. The giant envoy steps forward with it, chin lifted toward the wolves, while the column stays silent behind him.
Bruk
This road carries your strength, not your fear. Let us pass in words, and the feast can wait until the giant camp.
The Dire Wolf
Your scent says war. Your hands say gift. Which one should my pack trust?
Bruk sets the meat on the rock between them, slow and open-palmed. The smaller wolves ease a little, noses twitching toward the smell.
Bruk
Trust the meat first. Trust the road after. If you let us through, you get no spear in your den and no lie in your ears.
The dire wolf studies Druk, then the tribute, then Bruk. Its ears tip back once, and it steps sideways, clearing the center path by a body’s width.
The Dire Wolf
Go, then. Leave the salt and two pieces of meat. Keep your iron ring, ogre lord. We will remember that you paid the road.
Bruk gives Druk a brief, satisfied glance and gestures the column ahead, the pass opening under the wolves’ watchful eyes.
Quest Complete
Get past the wolf blockade