by GameMaster Thu Jul 19, 2018 1:44 am
The squatters are on guard, but none appear about to open fire unless they need to. You are led to the same clearing WuJen initially met the elven woman, and she is still there, resting against a tree and the squatters appear to treat her with reverence; almost like a deity rather than a leader. There is some grumbling among them about this fight as none are very happy about it. WuJen senses concern over the safety of the elf as well as a sense of fear over what would happen should she perish as a result.
Torpor sees exits in every direction as there is basically nothing but open space everywhere, but the group's insistence that you all stay on the path suggests there is more to this farm than meets the eye. Still, there are paths going both north and south, should the need require it.
As the elven woman sees the three of you approach, she says, "You have come. There will be no turning back for you now. You must see this through for better or worse. I am known as Harumi Yousei and you have come to take from us, that which is not offered to you. The man of the spirit world speaks with conviction, so I offer you the chance to take with minimal bloodshed, provided you follow the rules as I present them to you.
"The first rule is that this shall be a trial by combat. The champion of your choosing shall face me in combat. If one of us is unable or unwilling to continue with battle, the trial shall conclude with victory going to their opponent. Surrender will be respected immediately.
"The second rule is that there shall be no outside interference during the trial.
"The third and final rule; the terms of victory are as follows: Should your side emerge victorious, you will be allowed to harvest as much wood as you desire and then allowed to leave the property, unmolested. However, should I emerge victorious, those who did not battle shall be executed where they stand. The champion, should he still be alive, will be allowed to leave that he may serve as a warning to anyone else who would seek to take from us.
"Let it be known that any who breaks any of these rules shall have their lives immediately forfeit without exception. Let us see how determined you are to take this wood from us. You will be given five minutes to choose your champion and make any preparations you need to before the battle. After that, your champion is on their own."