Ganit reaches inside his rucksack and retrieves a handful of crumpled papers. Folding through the top two he cycles one to the front of the stack, folds them in half and hands them to Carina. "We must 'eliminate the threat.' Vague tasks leave room for creative solutions. This cave, the prisoner, the statue. Right now we have a pretty decent hand to see that threat eliminated peacefully. Besides we've done enough damage, sweetheart. What kind of message do you want your colony to advertise?" He sneers playfully at the sorcerous knowing her hot-headed nature and sets out of the cavern with arms full of the loot Lukan had gathered.
I'm not the lawyer, but I agree that the goal here is to make the land safe for inhabitation. If the Sootscales are willing to live within the laws we establish. Then we can come to an understanding. If they are unwilling, there are two options. Move or be eliminated.
Lets go find these kobolds and see what happens.
Mikmek follows the group in whatever formation the group wish to trust him in up and out of the mite lair. Once outside you see him look up at the sun and sigh with a smile on his face.
"Light, so bright. Feel good." he looks back to the group and then after spending some time looking at the area he points to the south. "That way. In cave filled with shineys. Follow." he says as he's clearly enthusiastic in wanting to return home, but doesn't want to leave you. It's obvious he wishes for you to find his home and get a reward.
Yup - we have to map the areas. But definitely lets get the Kobolds out of the way first.
We keep Mikmek toward the front in case we run into any of his tribe. Also so that he can direct us as necessary. Since we are generally riding, I think we should keep him on a horse with his hands tied. He is not truly a prisoner, but also not one that I would trust.
Mikmek suggests they return the statue to Tartuk, but he seems to have a look of dislike upon his face at suggesting this idea.
"Tartuk shaman. He say statue magic, require great sacrifices." he then mutters in a sickening tone "Death to Tartuk." as you continue on you have been travelling for an house and stll have a little while to go with Mikmek taking his time to be sure of where they are going.
As you look at the statue you can't recall any deity this could be. None from civilised world or uncivilised.
The more you look at this statue the more you think that it looks like a imitation of a demon and not a real demon. It's basically just a kobold with horns and big fangs. It may look demonic, but it certainly isn't of any demon or devil you can recall of.
He appears to visably be in fear whenever he speaks of Tartuk and somewhat disgusted too. He holds strong with what he says though.
Mikmek seems disgusted at what you just said about him being the leader.
"Tartuk not Leader. Clan Sootscale. Chief Sootscale lead clan." he explains but sighs. "Tartuk our shaman. He say statue protects us. Dead Kobold was yellow. He make sacrifices. We lose many kin. Few left."
Riding up next to Ganit and Mikmek:
If you are being truthful and your tribe is peaceful, then you have nothing to fear from us. Are you telling me that Tartuk is attempting to control the clan with his shaman magic? Why is Chief Sootscale not exiling him?
Diplomacy: 1d20+4
"Why fear saviors? Statue back mean no haunting and no curse." he explains "Tartuk have mighty magic. He bring spirits and monsters from nowhere. Tartuk claim statue stop curse. Statue magic of Old Sharptooth."
What curse is this you speak of? Do monsters haunt your clan? Do some of you get killed or get sick?
"Tartuk found a kobold dead. His scales were sickly yellow. He says it a curse." he explains to Carina. "At sacrifice ghosts appear. He say it the spirits that haunt us. If Chief Sootscale get statue. He might save us. Tartuk say we need statue or sickness return."
You make your way and come towards what you can see as a outcroppping of large boulders, emerging from the weathered face of a nearby hillock.
A narrow opening in the rock leads into darkness below with a fallen sign leaning against the cave entrance which only bears a few faded words "Oaktop Silver Mine" across it.
Mikmek leads the group aread to an alcove to the west where there is a stick cage containing a mite, whose eyes strain in the light and whenever anyone gets close he hisses at them. There is a bowl where he has been fed. A Kobold yelps in surprise seeing the group and nervously comes out of a outcropping where a gate is positioned with a padlock.
The Kobold puts his spear down and raises his hands up in the air.
"Wait! Want to talk-" he is cut off when he sees Mikemk. "Mikmek? You bring statue? Tartuk need it!"
Mikmek shakes his head.
"No, Take to Sootscale." he says as he thinks that's where the group would like to go. The guard nods and opens the gate, but before you enter he grabs hold of three rope nooses and pulls them down to a hook on the floor. Mikmek turns to the group. "Stop traps. We no fall." he explains with what can pass for a smile.
From your history in these lands you remember having come across or even killed a few kobolds in your time, but only in defence. Unlike the mites, the Kobolds were only a minor trouble when they couldn't get food anywhere else and you even remember seeing them swim in the Shrike River and catching fish in their teeth. At a young age you drew your bow, but was stopped by your mentor/father as at that moment you were taught that the these creatures may be a danger at times, but they do it to survive where the mites do the evil they do for fun.
This species of Kobolds have been living here for as long as you remember and there have been incidents between them and other fellow hunters, but never an outright war.
With your decision you make your way through the ex-mine. Unlike the mite lair, the walls here are big and high enough for medium creatures to walk around with ease. You pass a pair of alcoves where two kobolds were hiding, but they put their weapons at ease when they see that Mikmek is leading you through.
You are then lead through a area with a stone alter, covered in dried blood. Mikmek shutters as he looks at the alter and quickens the pace through into a large cave with a warm feeling air, thick with a reptilian stink mixed with smoke and burnt meat. Numerous beds of furs lie scattered throughout the room amid smoldering cookfires while to the south a ten-foot-wide alcove contains a large mount of furs framed by dozens of sticks on which are mounted skulls of many birds and small animals all smeared with ash.
There are a mere ten kobolds in this room, small compared to other tribes and a mighty-looking kobold decorated in many different charms and trinkets. He rises him his throne as he sees the group and Mikmek explains the situation to him, which he smirks and looks at the group.
"What do you want in return for the statue? You killed mighty blues, but you didn't kill Mikmek. Why?" he asks as he seems confused as to why you didn't just kill Mikmek when you found him. Sootscale has a club in one hand and a makeshift sceptar in the other hand and a skull on his head for a helm.
Stepping forward: We are not here to destroy all who live in this land. We are here to make this land safe for all those who live here. Humans wish to return. If you and your tribe can agree to live within the human lands, then we have no quarrel with you. If you and the great Sootscale tribe can live peacefully with humans and other demi-human races, then your tribe will benefit from the trade and wealth that are likely to come soon.
I pause. On the other hand, if you and your tribe plan on stealing from others and harassing those who would live here peacefully, then I do not see a long life for the Sootscales. As Mikmek will tell you, the mites chose to oppose us. They chose poorly.
What is your choice?
Diplomacy:
He contemplates what Carina says for a few moments, rising off a stone throne and nods.
"Yes, we can live within your laws and we see your strength. None of us could take become victorious." he says and takes a step forward, putting out his hand for the statue. "I Chief Sootscale or clan Sootscale give you my word we will live in peace with you big people. We won't attack trade carts, now with blues gone."
This is good. While we are quite capable of those who cause harm in our land, bloodshed is not our preferred method.
And, Mikmek has told us that you lost a sacred statue. We recovered this statue from the mites. What would you have to exchange for the statue to show your goodwill and as a start to peaceful trading between our peoples.
And as one familiar with your tongue, I ask that you send any news that you may receive so that we can protect you and your tribe just as we shall the other settlers of this land.
"Good," Ganit says with a tired voice. "In return for this statue we're going to need to see the supplies you've stolen from trade caravans for the past few weeks returned to us. Also, we have reason to believe your tribe is in possession of a ring belonging to a friend of ours. You would have gotten it from the mites." The ranger displays the statue as he awaits Sootscale's response.
After handing the relic over to Sootscale Ganit continues, "One more thing, what happened to push you into militarizing against the mites and travelers? It seems out of character. Does Tartuk's proclaimed 'curse' have anything to do with it?"
Sootscale nods as Carina explains how bloodshed is not perfered, but they are willing to get rid of those who cause harm to the land.
"We will exchange everything, to save my tribe." he seems a little surprised that Carina is able to speak in his tongue.
"We are a strong tribe and shall fight off any danger, but if we do run into danger I shall tell you." for a moment when you say settlers he doesn't seem to understand right away and searches his mind for the meaning. "You want to rule like the other big people? You want us to keep living here? I am honored and will do all I can for my tribe to grow strong with you."
Taking the statue he looks to Ganit.
"Tartuk said with the statue gone, we would all die. The blues had statue, so we went to war. War needs supplies, so we attacked any big people we saw. All to save my tribe. I will save it now!" he proclaims as he shrieks in triumph, holding the statue over his head and then smashing it down to the ground, shattering it into a million peices. The other Kobolds in the room recoil in fear, but Sootscale has a frantic grin on his face as he examins his body. "No yellow. You have freed us from this curse! All that is to do left, is to kill the usurper!" as he says this he raised his club up and the other Kobolds get ready for battle. "Saviors of Clan Sootscale! Join me in combat to kill the one who cursed us. Old Sharptooth shall no longer harm this tribe!" he proclaims as he leads the charge for the group, through the area down the tunnels where you can see some vains of what you assume to be silver in the walls, unmined for centuries.
"So much for a peaceful visit," Ganit sighs as he massages the bridge of his nose between his thumb and pointer finger. "I suppose we may as well join them. It would be a shame to see the chief die after making this deal seeing as our golden ticket is in pieces on the ground. Who knows how his successor while rule on the matter should it turn out that way."
Yes, I speak the tongue of the Wyrms. And I hope that your kobolds can live in peace with the big people. Trade is much better that war, Together we are far stronger than separate.
Yup, looks like the chief does not have strong feelings for this shaman. Lets make sure that the one with whom we just made peace is still alive to keep the peace.
I follow behind the crazed kobolds ready to cast sleep should it be necessary.
Bronwyn looks peacefully at Carina while she talks with the kobolds, glad at the chance to see her words in action. Using one of the pauses in the conversation, he leans near Carina, smiling, and whispers:
"You'll have to teach me that someday, Carina dear."
When the talk degenerates about the shaman, he takes a quick look at the others to measure their resolve and says:
"It seems we have one more fight before us today, friends. Time to lend a hand to our newfound allies."
"Whatever that creature may be, it's still their shaman and commands spirits. They will be terrified of facing it."
The knight joins the kobolds, trying to bolster their spirits in facing this strange enemy. He starts a simple shout, designed to provide them something to rely on and smother any kind of intimidation the shaman may offer.
"No more Sharpooth! Death for Tartuk! No more Sharpooth! Death for Tartuk!"
As you are making your way, the kobolds are following, all far too glad to get rid of Tartuk for the many members of their tribe that have died at such a evil kobold.
Entering the room you see many strange and mystic symbols inscribed on the walls with many various trinkets and other peices possibly used in spell casting. In the centre of the room appears to be a purple coloured Kobold with a raven swooping around the room and alarming as everyone enters. The Kobold looks up from his cauldren filled with bubbling red liquid and leers at the group before looking at Sootscale. He also has 2 kobolds that appear to be serving him in looking over the treasure pile in the corner and other duties.
Kobolds come in various different colours that grant them certain abilities over others, however you have never heard of a purple coloured Kobold. Either he is part of a new species undiscovered or there is something very odd about him.
Tartuk growls, raising his sickle and points it at the party.
"Why do you bring big people here? Old Sharptooth will be displeased you brought them here without warning." at this Sootscale laughs.
"Old Sharptooth statue destroyed. I did not die, you usurper! Big people will join me and kill you!" he says triumphantly however Tartuk now appears enraged, his eyes burning with the fire of an infinate anger.
"You dirty, filthy, scaled kobold! I will cut out your heart and kill you like so many of your tribe!" Tartuk seems to take great pleasure in insulting a member of his own race and having killed many other kobolds.
Round 1
Iniative:
The Hermit Ganit D'Artain
Telias Markan
Sir Bronwyn Raslov
Carina Stigard
Lukan Swane
Jameson Addercop IV
Sootscale:
Tartuk:
Kobolds:
Order:
Tartuk
Kobolds
Jameson Addercop IV
Chief Sootscale
The Hermit Ganit D'Artain
Lukan Swane
Sir Bronwyn Raslov
Telias Markan
Carina Stigard
Tartuk makes his first move by drawing a wand, aiming it at Sootscale and then two orbs of energy fire out of it, one aimed at Jameson and the other at Sootscale, slamming into both.
damage: on Sootscale
damage: on Jameson
The other Kobolds under his command move in the way, making sure no one can enter and get close to Tartuk as they attack both Jameson and Sootscale. The attack misses Sootscale, but manages to nip Jameson with it's spear.
attack:
attack:
damage:
the other Kobolds wish to make their way though, but can't due to how full this way is, however one manages to use his sling against Tartuk, however he overshoots it and it lands against a wall far out of the way.
attack:
HP: 16/16
AC: 19 (Temp +3 to Nat Armor from barkskin potion)
CMD: 16
Saves: 2/7/2
Speed: 30ft
Equipped: Cold Iron Battleaxe
Quiver: 20/20 Arrows, Cold Iron
10/10 Arrows, Silver Blanched
Conditions: none
Base +3/+3, inspire courage +1/+1, Flanking +2/+SA, Nonlethal -4; Total: +6/+4
Ganit squeezes through the crowded tunnel and dives between Sootscale and the guard to his left. Knowing that there would be no way for any of his allies to make it into the room without fear of this beast lashing out at them, he removes the threat with his axe.
----------------------------------------------
Lukan follows the lead of the others, finding a position he can get at the purple scaled voodoo dragon. He attacks the creature forcefully with his trusty scimitar.
Ganit manages to cut down the Kobold with ease and Lukan manages to land a hit on the scaled creature who hisses in pain and leers at Lukan.
"We offer you one last chance to surrender, Tartuk! Throw that wand down and you may survive!", the knight offers, even knowing at his heart this opponent won't let go. He throws a half-heartedly swing of his sword to further emphasize his point.
HP = 14
AC = 17
Weapon Equipped = Bastard Sword
Speed = 30'
Bardic Performance = 7/9 rounds per day
Status Effects = Inspire Courage (+1 atk and dmg), Arcane Strike (+1 dmg)
Tartuk takes a horrible wound on his body from Sir Bronwyn's blade. The Knight here makes swordsman-ship seem as natural to him as breathing. The blow has winded him, but the Kobold remains standing.
Tartuk grunts and then mutters something in Draconic to Carina.
"I welcome it."
Carina starts casting sleep, focusing her energies.
Round 2
Order:
Tartuk
Kobolds
Jameson Addercop IV
Chief Sootscale
The Hermit Ganit D'Artain
Lukan Swane
Sir Bronwyn Raslov
Telias Markan
Carina Stigard
Tartuk takes a 5ft step away and then casts a spell that completely makes him dissappear and his bird remains flying high on the ceiling, sqwarking.
The Kobolds can't see anything and don't know how to act this round.