Episode 23

Episode 23: Birds Of A Feather.

The Shepherd party has decided to go the more familiar path through the Kenai Pass, and is going to visit the cold Borokai village, home to the nearly extinct avian bird race of Borokai people. However, some of the Borokai find them before they even make it to the village. Two Borokai find them that morning, very defensive against a possible invasion. Ajax tries to make peace with them, but the two guards still come at the party very offensively, asking immediately for their reasons for being here. The Borokai explain that their home has been terrorized and almost wiped out by monsters lately, in particularly a large reptilian beast native to the mountains called the Bell Viper. The Bell Viper has been dwindling the numbers of the Borokai for many months, and the Borokai offer a deal: if the Shepherd crew can eliminate the area’s Bell Viper, the Borokai will allow them safe passage through the rest of the Kenai Pass. The Shepherd crew agrees, going with the two guards up to their village to meet the others.

On the way up to the village, it is discovered the party has a secret friend travelling with them: Onyx, the rabbit shopkeep from Ikar, has been sleeping in Taylansta’s backpack, and has been with the party the entire time. With nowhere to go and nothing else to do, Onyx sticks in Taylansta’s backpack from here on out, travelling up with them to the village.

From first glance at the village, it is clearly struck with misery and disarray, with only a few Borokai still remaining, and many of their spirits low. The solemn, dreary atmosphere makes it hard for the party to stay positive, but they attempt to offer solace and comfort while they are there. The next day, the party regains their composure, and goes up against the dreaded Bell Viper. Its massive size and tremendous power prove a strong challenge for the heroes, but not one that overtakes them. With the help of some of Borokai’s own guards, the force of Captain Ajax, and even some healing from Onyx, Taylansta, Wood, Gem, Ganymede, Analai and Callisto all bring the Bell Viper down with a brutal blow from Wood’s faithful blade Raijin Tide. The Borokai are astounded and overjoyed, celebrating the party for their heroic deeds. The Borokai will never forget Wood Taiji and his party, and the people can now begin to rebuild and grow stronger than ever before.