Trenton turns blinking he had not even noticed Leorn's abscence but now he realized he had missed Leorn voice who would obviously have interjected in the fight breaking out between the dwarves and the relves.
Trenton quickly looks around and grabs Terry's arm "Find Arastil for me, she will know how I can control the water." he says before rushing over to Leorn's side.
"We need to get blankets on him Ashley, it's the only way to help right now he has to sweat it out. Have you noticed any other symptoms? Reginald?"
Snapping out at Trent in her worry she almsot yells "Are you insane?? He's almost on fire! If his temperature doesn't go down immediately die! If you can't help then get out of the way!"
Reginald tries to ignore Ash's outburst, now not being the time for bickering. He says to Trent, "The only ones I can see are the fever and the fainting. We can't know what type of disease it is, though, because the diseases of this world are likely different." He looks anxiously over to Kershak, hoping there's someone else that can do something for Leorn.
Despite her efforts Ash is unable to alter the fevor any. It seems as though her magic is unable to manipulate body heat. Hearing th commotion, Dunnely, Ashal, and Arastil all race over to see whats happening.
"What matter of disease is this?" Arastil asks
Ashal pipes in "I'm not sure. He's deadly sick though. Maybe a bug?"
Dunnely inspects closely. "Manomena, I am sure of it. It is a disese I have seen before. It comes from a bug that lives in Myyrian" Dunnely turns to the group. "Quick! Find a lizard witch doctor or something! Hurry time is of the essence!
Reginald, seeing that waiting for Kershak to arrive won't do any good, rushes off, trying to find a lizardfolk who looks like a healer. Realizing the locals could locate one faster than he can, Reginald goes to the nearest hut and looks inside for a lizardfolk. If he finds one, he'll pantomime grabbing his stomach, and urgently motion toward where Leorn is lying, trying to get the lizardfolk to follow him.
If that doesn't work, he'll simply search around the village for a healer himself.
"Ashley the best way is to help him sweat out the disease, my mother told me that the body raises thetemperature inside of it to purge the sickness. Sweat cools the body it's our natural defense versus any kind of heat. Now get a hold of yourself and get me some blankets." Trent calmly says looking into her eyes. "Please believe me I want to help Leorn as much as you do."
Trenton then quickly turns his head and spies Arastil. "Arastil, I need to know how I can help using my magic is there anything you can think of?" With that he quickly summons whats left of his creation of water spell soaking a small piece of cloth he grabs and and places it on Leorn's brow. before looking back up to the gathered races.
Ashley, knowing what's best for Leorn, gratefully accepts his help with the cooling water. But if he, or anyone else, tries to put blankets on him at this point she will stop them, forcefully in need be.
Terry says, "Cool him down? I can do that if you get water on him. Gust is probably too strong, but if that's the only thing I can do that's what I'll do." Once Leorn has some water on him, Terry will cast the basic elemental manipulation spell to make a breeze in the room, blowing gently across Leorn and cooling him evaporatively.
you are having trouble locating a witch doctor. Main problem is that the lizardfolk don't speak or understand your language and seem quite irritable or clueless to give you any aid. You better keep looking or Leorn could die. You see many places, huts, walkways, longhouses, shacks, treehouses, warrens and dens, and other hovels. This place is huge and you have no idea where to look do you?
Dunnely is observing Leorn. Everyone else in the longhouse has left in search of a doctor. Leorn is now gasping. Your efforts to reduce the fevor are working but Dunnely sighs. "He won't live much longer. If no one finds a doctor soon, he'll be dead in just a about an hour or two. He must of caught this on the first day in the marsh. It usually takes about a day before it gets this bad. Then you don't live. Very bad."
You sit and watch helplessly as Leorn is dying in front of you.
Ashley was beginning to grow desperate. Suddenly thinking of something she begins to check him carefully all over. Making sure there's nothing still on or attached to his body that may still be harming him. She'll undress him completely if she has to to make sure she doesn't miss any part of his body.
Then, turning to Dunnely she begs again "Please come help me. Maybe we can find a tub or bin or even a hole, something we can put water in. Maybe if we can soak him in cool water it will help bring down his temperature at least a little bit." Waiting for a response but whether he agrees or not Ashley rushes out to find what she seeks.
Reginald abandons the idea of trying to pantomime to the regular lizardfolk, instead desperately searching through every building for a doctor. He ignored courtesy, just throwing open doors, looking about the place, and swiftly leaving if he doesn't find some indication of a doctor. He's getting very desperate, and he starts to tear as he rushes along. Sweat rolls down his brow and his breath comes in gasps, but he pushes himself to move as fast as he can.
"Dunnely, how about you find Kershak first and let him find the shaman? Hell, you want to draw some attention? How about four or five rounds straight up? Hey, wait a minute!" If Leorn's temperature is down any, Terry will run outside and fire a lightning bolt up into the air, then get back inside in case he's needed to cool down the febrile elf.
"Wait just move him into some water...I..I can help him." Trenton stammers out when a strange idea comes to him.
Once someone helps him move Leorn out into some water to adequately cover the elf's body he begins to manipulate the water using that basic spell Yalm had taught them so long ago, small chunks of ice forming and swirling about Leorn's body as the water cools dramitically.
Dunnely snorts. "Well at least your course will slow down the whole death thing. Blast I should have paid attention ta where dat lizard went. Problem wit dese folks is only a very small few speak a language most folks know." Dunnely leaves to join the search.
The search is not going well. The lizard city is huge and most of your companions can't seem to figure out where to go in the confusing city. Dunnely seems to have a bit of an idea as he checks every funky looking house he can find. Lizard enforcers are beginning to move in on the commotion and begin rounding up your more unruly companions (Namely dwarves and relves) and arresting them. Again, they seem unable to convey the message.
You find a make shift tub to put Leorn in but for the moment, it seems Trent is unable to reduce the water temperature beyond what he can produce is at. Leorn is still sweating horrible and weazing as though he is having trouble breathing. You saw no sign of any bugs on him and his condition isn't improving at all. Infact he seems to be getting worse, much worse. He has a violent set of the shakes right now.
Reggy is also eventually caught by the lizard security as they tackle him to the ground. His disruptive behavior could only be tolerated for so long.
Now what do you do?
Reginald struggles against the lizardmen futilely at first, then gives in and lets them take him away. He cries a bit as they force him along, frustrated and humiliated and worried sick about Leorn. He hopes that whatever their law system is, it'll allow him to speak with a lizard who knows his language to explain the situation, so that maybe he can get some help for Leorn before it's too late. He hopes beyond hope that one of the others found a doctor already.
When even Trent's Ice Ray in the water doesn't work, Ashley, now almost in complete panic, begins running around the village, looking for a building which stands out from the rest, one that suggests higher status or is separated from the others.
First. Of the 20 some odd people out looking for help, only one of them is capable of doing it the correct way. This scenario depends on you the players and WILL NOT be accomplished by the NPCs.
Second. I should clarify, you are able to reduce the temperature but his is a fast acting virus that is killing him. Lower his temp wont stop it from destroying his system and killing him. You are delaying the inevitabe but in turn you are buying some time.
Third. Reggy came up in a situation I had not yet encountered or considered for this scenario in any of my previous play throughs. Commonly people don't go barging into others homes and so on. Reggy is right, eventually a common speaking Lizard will address this issue. Given Reggy's involvement I may speed up the issue a tad. So If you guys can keep Leorn's temp down, Reggy will be able to bring help.
Now, onto the game.
You are thrown into the lizards jail house and inspite of your screaming, no one seems to understand you. Almost an hour later Kershak shows up quite pissed off. "What iss your intent human!?" He sounds pissed. "You are guesstss here and you are caussing ssso much trouble." You likely give him the story, in a rather upset fashion I am sure. Kershak nods. "I ssee, I will have a shaman look at it quickly." Kershak also hears from Dunnely what the ailment is. You are released as well as the others. Kershak calls for a shaman to join you as you return to the longhouse.
Nearly an hour has gone by and Leorn seems to be getting much worse. As you seem to be helping by reducing the fever, you cannot competely cure them. Then Reggy and the others return accompanied by several Lizards. One of them is bearing several markings and no spines, frills, or jutting scales of any kind approaches Leorn. The lizard quickly begins to administer some kind of salve, pouring it down Leorn's throat. The lizard them hovers over Leorn waiting as if for some kind of reaction.
Kershak emerges. "Thiss iss Real, sshe is one of our besst healerss. Hopefully we have made it in time."
Reginald is more than a little embarrassed by his actions, as he now realizes how bad a first impression he must have made to those he intruded on. However, that embarrassment is now being overshadowed by his anxiety and hope. He quietly thanks Kershak while on the way to Leorn, and says nothing else.
Reginald shows back up looking quite haggard, winded, and distraught. He has tear streaks on his cheeks and his eyes are rather red. He stands clear of Leorn, allowing the lizardfolk to do what they can. His anxiety is fading now that Leorn is getting treatment, though he doesn't allow himself to think that it's all better yet. He knows that it still may have all been too late, but pushes that thought out and just waits, his mind abuzz with thoughts.
As she spots the crowd of lizardfolk and Reggy heading back to where Leorn lies dying Ashley sprints back to join them. She arrives just in time to see the lizard (woman?) give him the concoction and bursts out with a million rapid, worried questions "What did you give him! Is he going to be ok? We did everything we could think of!You don't think there will be brain damage do you? Can you cure him? You can't let him die! Is he going to be ok??"
As she speaks she moves in behind Leorn again, resting his head gently against her breast and wipes his head forehead softly again with a wet cloth.
Trenton gets up feeling slightly drained as he moves away and out of the unfrilled lizards way. He can't help but raise an eyebrow at the information that this was a woman but says nothing as he looks to the still unmoving form of Leorn.
He moves quietly to Arastil's side, "Do you know anything about this disease? And why couldn't I lower the temperature of the water? Maybe I could've helped him if I was better..."He confides to her as he stares on anxiously.
Arastil Shrugs at Trent. "I no little of topside diseases. Perhaps this disease was just that strong. I mean, able to kill a person in just two days? That's pretty powerful stuff if you ask me."
Kershak turns to all of you. "Real ssayss Leorn will make it. He will be weak for a couple of dayss but sshould be fine all the ssame. Real will look after him for now. The four of you need to come with me to meet with the Sshaman. Come now, Leorn will be fine."
Kershak begins to lead.
Reginald breathes a sigh of relief at hearing that Leorn will be alright, giving a small smile in spite of himself. He follows Kershak obediently, because he'd like to apologize again and also meet the Shaman of this lizardfolk community. He wonders at what the shaman will look like.
Torn between wanting to remain with Leorn and knowing she needs to meet the shaman Ashely hesitates in indecision for a few moments. Finally, admitting to herself that Leorn is obviosuly now in much better care than she can provide she caresses his face softly once again and looks implorintgly at the healer Real as she begs "Please. Please make sure he gets better. He has to!"
Then, casting a last look back at Leorn, she follows along behind the others.
Trent smiles at Arastil's words and then bows slightly to her then to Kershak following swiftly behind the others intrigued slightly to meet this mysterious shaman.
Terry pauses on the way out, looking back at the ailing elf. First Yalm, now this. We can't rely on any one person any more--there's no way to know if they'll survive this. Wordlessly, he turns back and follows Kershak to the Shaman.
If Real is with the group, Terry asks Kershak, "Can you ask the healer if there's anything any of us can do for someone who gets that sick?"
At Terry Kershak says. "Ssavelok can tell you. Assk him when you meet him."
Kershak leads the group to an old school, seriously old school elevator to take you up to the trees. The view is spectacular as you go up at least ten stories. Once you reach one of the higher branches, Kershak leads you out onto a walkway. You follow the walkway up even higher, it even bridges across an open span of about 300 some od feet with only a vines as guard rails.
If you look down at any point, you will notice it is a long way down. This lizard city is huge. Bigger than you could have imagined. The fact that it also goes into the canopy itself means that there could be more than 100,000 lizards living here.
Eventually you reach one of the thicker trees. Inside you find a winding stair leading up into the tree. It is a tiring climb as you procede up another five stories. Once again you exit out onto another walkway.
You follow this walkway abit and eventually find a spot with several platforms and sturdy looking bridges between them. You follow one of these wide bridges to what looks like a wall of willow braches. You pass through them into what appears to be a neighborhood in a tree. There are several huts up here and lots of lizards about.
Kershak leads you through this town hovering over 15 stories above the forest floor. It almost no longer feels as though you are this high. You find yourself at a the highest hut in this town. The smell of sweet incense fills the air as you approach.
The trip took in all about half an hour and you are a bit worn out from the hike. Kershak gestures for you to enter. "He wishess to meet with you alone."
If you go inside you see several cushions circling a floor table, one of those tables that is only two feet off the floor. Sitting at the table is a large frilled lizardman with twin crests atop his head. His eyes are pure white and his scales are an arrange of exotic patterns and colors. He speaks. "Please, have a sssseat. Tea will be ssserved. I requessst that you would drink it." As you take your seats, smaller lizardfolk, about two feat in height, scurry about putting wooden cups in front of you and then filling them with an odd smelling liquid. "I am Sssavelok. Oracle and ssseer of our tribe. Pleassse, introduce yoursselvess and your occupationsss if you pleasse."
Do you drink the tea? Do you give him the info he seeks?
As Ashley steps into the room a breeze suddenly causes her hair to fly all about, but strangely it doesn't seem to affect anyone else at all. The beautiful redhead hardly seems to notice though as her eyes are glued to the large sitting lizard. There was...something about him...a power, a sense of self and purpose perhaps, that gravitates her too him. Moving to the table, her long years of yoga and cheerleading make sitting cross-legged on the floor an easy task for her.
Taking the tea cup in her hand she first smells the brew. Then, looking over it's rim at the Oracle and Seer, she says quietly, and, strangely for her somewhat shyly. "I..my name is Ashley. I have been connected with the Element of Fire." She then drinks the tea.
Setting down her cup she continues "Recently I have also been learning how to communicate with those who have passed death's door." As she says this her cup suddenly flies off table, knocking her in the elbow and clattering to the floor. Sighing she bends to pick it up adding in a frustrated voice "And strange things like that keep happening. I think it must be connected with my reading that book. It's getting really annoying."as she rubs her slightly sore elbow.
As the group is escorted higher and higher into the canopy, Terry rubbernecks like a tourist, especially when crossing the walkways. Man, I'd love to do some climbing around here! The views are *excellent*!
At Savelok's invitation Terry sits down, then accepts the tea with a short nod of thanks to the smaller lizard who served it and to the shaman. While Ashley talks, he sips his tea and watches her. After she finishes, he looks at Savelok and says, "I'm Terry, and I've become connected to elemental Air." He takes another sip of tea. "From my life in the world where we came from, I also know many mundane ways to get past obstacles--climbing, picking locks, and the like. Leorn, our guide, has been showing me other things that those ways can be used for." He sits back and looks at whoever speaks next, continuing to sip at his tea.
The tea seems to slide down your throat. The flavor is strong spicy, not hot kind, more a tingle kind. It is followed by a sweet after taste. It is an addictive stuff too. You just seem to get over having this stuff in your mouth. It is gone fast and as soon as you finish you feel as though your mind just got washed. It takes only a second to recover but you know something is different.
Trenton slowly slits down and settles himself uneasily down on the floor. He disliked having to leave Leorn just after giving him that strange medicine but he supposed there was nothing really more he could do. Once the tea is served Trenton sniffs it hesitantly, he had never liked tea in his own world but he had read enough books to know that many cultures put the tea drinking as a ceremony for strangers to introduce themselves. Picking the cup up he sips it delicately but finding the flavor to his liking he goes ahead and drinks it but frowns at the small tingling in his mind. What was in that tea?
"My name is Trenton Dunn, I was given the element of water and now study under Arastil of the Delves." he says slowly to the Shaman unsure of how to proceed and in the back of his mind the nagging wonder of why did the shaman want them here when they needed to be studying under the Elves.
Reginald takes the hike up the trees in stride, enjoying the views and the interesting bits of lizardfolk life that he glimpses as he walks along.
When offered tea, Reginald takes it, nodding his head slightly toward the small lizard who handed it to him. He says to the daunting shaman, "Uhh... Im Reggy, and I've got Earth. I mean, I'm connected to it." He gets a little red as he shuts up and takes a sip of the tea. At first the unique flavor makes him shudder, but the slight aversion is quickly replaced when the sweet aftertaste sets in. He sips a few more times, then takes larger swigs, and before he knows it, it's gone. It leaves a strange sensation in the head, like he's missing something right in front of him, but he doesn't think much of the feeling, and listens to what the lizardfolk has to say next.
The shaman angles his head so he can look at each of you. He speaks but in the hissing and snarling noises of the lizardfolk speech, however "So did you find the tea to your liking?" It sounded lizardy but you understand it. He continues in his native tongue. "What you have just drank is a herb of tongues. It enables you to understand languages you know but it requires certain intellect to work. The smarter you are, the more languages you will understand and can speak. Also, you can further study a language and may add it to your collection of languages in time. It only works if you have heard the language before. Also, when I asked about your occupation, I was curious what kind of work you did in your old world before coming to this one. I want to know more about you so I can understand what it was that Yalm had hoped to achieve by bringing you here to be sorcerers."
"Oh ummm..." Trenton looks around slightly embarrassed before he continues gaining confidence as he spoke. "I was training to become a uhh well I suppose you could say an elite warrior. My people called them Navy SEALS....if that is what you mean. My father commanded small armies so I wanted to be like him."
Trenton falls quiet after saying this and thinks on what else the shaman had said. The ability to talk in another language...well maybe Arastil would teach me hers, would be useful if I ever got the chance to visit wherre she is from.
Reginald pipes in after Trent, "I guess I didn't really have an occupation. I wanted to drive..." He was going to say drive race cars, but he realizes that will mean nothing to the shaman. He instead says, "I wanted to race others in these metal carriages that move themselves." He hopes that'll be sufficient for whatever the lizardfolk's needs.
"Oh!" Ashley pipes up, getting a happy little shock at suddenly being able to understand the Lizardman's language. "Well, in my...old world...like Reggy says, I didn't really have an occupation either. I was a student, we all were, in the same school actually. I was captain though of our...ah, of a group that gave moral support to our warriors and boosted the team spirit of everyone in our school. And one my my hobbies, um, that is one of the things I liked to do for fun was to study the history of my family. I've always found it very interesting to know about and feel connected to my ancestors." as she finishes she looks for the smaller lizard, wondering if she can have some more of that wonderful tea.
Speaking Lizardish with a cup of tea? Oh, now that's weird. Helpful, though.
"Hey, thanks for that tea! It was really hard to deal with only talking through Kershak. So what I was doing before, I was studying to become a...it's hard to say what. You know how there are people who try to break into places and steal valuable things? Well, I wanted to find out how they do that, so I could come up with ways to stop them."