Chapter 1: The First Hunt

The short, lithe gnome beams a smile, hands behind her waist. Lotus tilts her head to one side and leans in a pose of flattered embarrassment.

Krenq bares his orcish underbite and fangs at the dragonborn, and growls lowly. He grabs the top of his head with his left hand, under his chin with his right, and makes a swift twisting motion with his head, an audible crack filling the tent. Krenq then looks down at the gnome and reveals a toothy, amused smile, patting the gnome on the head. He chuckles, having forgotten the chip he had on his shoulder from the previous moment.

"I'm a lover not a fighter, perhaps we could talk about who will be making what over a bottle of wine?" Markus says winking to the dragonborn adjusting his elegant clothes and his rapier that seem to be incredibly in contrast with his muscular build.

"Hallo!" Brunhilde curtsies to the dragonborn who she can only assume is the director, and inclines her head at the others in the room, probably fellow cast members. "I'm so honored to be here!" The dwarf hefts her shield and axe, setting her fat jowls a-jiggling. "I must say I'm very impressed by these incredibly realistic props and costumes!" Her eyes widen as realization washes over her. Suddenly embarrassed, Brunhilde whispers to the gnome beside her, "Isn't this a company call? Is everyone in character already?"

Lotus stage whispers, "I think everyone is a character, yes."

Brunhilde nods. Oh my, what a horrible first impression I've made, messing up the opening scene! But I never received a script! I wasn't told this was improv! Well, there's nothing I can do but put my best foot forward and win them over! Brunhild strikes her most heroic pose: straight back, stance strong but feminine, dimple-backed hands gripping her weapon and shield with confidence, chins up and face held in profile. She takes half a step forward to catch the best available light. "I am ready." she intones in a well-modulated voice.

Krenq looks up, baring his fangs and smiling big, ready for a fight. He pulls out his greataxe and looks around for the combatant.

Brunhilde prepares for the battle scene. Her voice rings out, a rich full-throated soprano battlecry
"Ho jo to ho!"

Lotus waits until Krenq and Brunhilde pass, then follows the dwarf. She clasps her hands behind her back and, on a whim, steps in the same footprints as trilling singer.

"Well my abilities are more in the ways of seducing the opponent so I don't see how a man of peace like myself would make himself useful here..."

He says fumbling with his rapier and "accidentally" bumping into the dragonborn, who should feel lighter now that he has been relased of the annoying weight of his gold purse.

Before the Dragonborn reacts, Markus throws him his purse back, "Careful mister, you've dropped that."

"Now, let's go about besting this challenge eh? Teamwork? Now, as your leader, cunning strategist and handsome advisor, I think the big Guy there and our Glorious Maiden should charge whatever they throw at us while me and the little girl here go around it to flank... You stay behind me little girl, and try to kick it in the nuts."

Lotus is happy enough to remain behind the flamboyant one.

"Stay behind me little one!" Markus says drawing his mighty Rapier. Onward companions to glorious battle!"

Krenq analyzes the animal, standing in front of the crew, ready to charge.

Looks like that one is the comic relief. Brunhilde thinks, glancing at the flamboyant half-orc. I'm just glad he's not the romantic lead! "Glorious Maiden" yes, that's me!

Adjusting her horned helm she steps forward and comes abreast of the other half-orc, the brawny one. She sets her shield and raises her axe as her voice soars to a heroic refrain. "Ho yo to HOOO!!!"

My, that's a realistic looking giant wolf! These props are so impressive! I'm so lucky I landed this gig!

I grab the top of my head aggressively and bellow a deep, raging roar. I then dash across the arena, closing the distance between me and the wolf.