Before Gawa had set foot within the boundaries of the Silvermane Tribe, the name Covenas had been just that, a name, shrouded in the mystery of distant tales. It was only upon his induction into the tribe's army that the veil was lifted, revealing Covenas not just as a figure of legend, but as the chieftain of the Silvermane Tribe.
His introduction to this truth came from none other than Commander Kro, his grizzled superior whose respect for the chieftain was palpable.
Gawa owed everything to Covenas. The chief had extended a hand when Gawa and his brothers were mere vagrants on the unforgiving slopes of Tara Hill, where survival meant pilfering from passing caravans under the threat of the sword. It was Covenas who had steered him from the brink of death, where the spectral claws of the great Beast God hovered ever-near and into a life of security.
Now, as a member of the Silvermane Tribe, Gawa no longer knew the gnaw of hunger. Rumors buzzed through the ranks like wildfire: their numbers had swelled from a mere 10,000 souls to over 20,000. Commander Kro told of a future where their ranks might burgeon to a staggering 100,000 Beastmens. Gawa marveled at the thought. To be part of such a vast collective was beyond his wildest dreams.
Hence, when speaking of Covenas or Chief Covenas, as he had reverently come to call him; Gawa and his brothers spoke with a fierce loyalty, ready to lay down their lives for the man who had been their savior.
During a rare moment of reprieve, Covenas approached Gawa with a hearty laugh, his gaze appraising. "It seems Commander Kro holds you in high regard, Gawa!" His voice boomed across the training field.
Flushing with pride, Gawa responded, "Yes, Chief, Commander Kro has guided us well."
Covenas chuckled, waving away the formality. "Ease your spirit, young boar! How have you settled in with us?"
Gratitude warmed Gawa's words. "We are thriving under your leadership, Chief. Every day, we train rigorously, hoping to prove our mettle in battle for the tribe."
"I have no doubt you'll excel, especially you wild boar folk!" Covenas clapped him on the shoulder, a gesture of camaraderie and promise. As he did, two figures approached, Commanders Kro and Bagen.
Gawa, sensing the moment was significant, made to excuse himself, but Covenas's hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Stay, Gawa. What we discuss next concerns you and your brothers directly."
Rooted to the spot, Gawa watched as the commanders arrived, their faces registering surprise upon seeing their chieftain unexpectedly. They snapped to attention.
"Chieftain!" they saluted, a mix of respect and sudden urgency coloring their voices.
"That's excellent foresight," Covenas remarked, his tone rich with approval as he scanned the diverse array of troops before them, each unit a cog in the vast machinery of the Silvermane Tribe's military might.
Kobolds, with their keen natural prospecting abilities, possess an extraordinarily robust sense of smell. This trait, although advantageous, illustrates a broader point: many Beastmens, though unsuitable for roles as conventional warriors, excel in specialized positions under unique circumstances.
Covenas, pondering the armament of his diverse troops, voiced a concern. "I've been thinking it might not be best to arm our Minotaur, Boarmen, and Bearmen with standard spears," he said. "Unlike the werewolves, they lack the same sleekness and agility. A rigid spear doesn't play to their strengths, making it hard for them to leverage their natural power."
Kro and Bagen exchanged surprised glances, digesting the chief's insight. After a moment, Bagen responded, "Chief, we've recognized this issue as well. We plan to consult with Master Bastos, the blacksmith, to create weapons better suited to the unique build of our Tauren and Boarmen."
This revelation was not entirely unexpected. The commanders had observed during drills that the Tauren and Quillboar struggled with the spears, but Covenas's immediate notice of the mismatch upon his arrival at the barracks was still impressively astute.
"And what alternatives are you considering for them?" Covenas inquired, his interest piqued.
Bagen, reassured that his observations aligned with the chief's, replied, "For the Tauren, given their formidable strength, we're thinking of equipping them with heavy swords or long axes. As for the Boarmen and Bearmen, hammers or axes might suit their combat style better. However, we're still awaiting Master Bastos's input before making a final decision."
Covenas nodded approvingly. "It's clear you've given this considerable thought."
Turning to Gawa, the boar man who wielded a massive double-sided axe with surprising ease, Covenas asked, "Gawa, how do you find your axe?"
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Gawa, caught slightly off guard, responded respectfully, "Master Chief, the axe suits me well, but I hesitate to assume it will be as manageable for other Boarmen."
Kro and Bagen looked on, their respect for Gawa evident; his leadership of the wild boar brigade was no small responsibility. Covenas's high regard for him only affirmed his pivotal role.
"Then let's have your warriors trial the axes as well," Covenas decided.
"Yes, Chief!" Gawa replied, his initial surprise morphing into resolute obedience as he prepared to implement the chief's directive.