"A satyr? I thought those were just a bunch of horny goat men?"
Instinctively, Euphemia pulls her hand around herself, specifically her top region as Frank shoots back down into her shirt, horrified.
Her eyes fearfully shoot from one direction to another, as if she expects all of the fae to rise in a slobbering mass.
"Well, we'd best get to work." she announces, trying to sound dignified as her voice squeaks.
Well there is no way I am going to let that thing screw me. Andrea's lip curls..
One on one fight? I say we just ambush him and take him down quickly. Sneakyness is a virtue.
Andrea looks at the wiggling lump in Euphemia's shirt and grins. I simply must get myself a hedgehog.
"Perhaps you should check with Fiosa before picking up any odd pets."
"As for sneakyness. While I approve of it in general, will taking out the satyr in that way meet with disapproval of the group whose help we are trying to secure for the Mother?'
That is right, would the other Recaps object if we just sneak up and beat Madjaw over the head. I have this very useful sleep poison that could be applied to arrows or knives. Once scratch and it is beddy-bye for Madjaw.
"Challenge is way of redcap..."
Oh joy. I could just use a spell to take over his mind Get a useful minion.
Daniel looks at the Redcap with what could be the beginning of respect.
An you are willing to fight this creature in single combat. If he irks you so and you believe you could win, why have you not already?
Gerard claps down on Daniel's shoulder. I think he intends you're his champion.
Guessing, Madjaw is... big, strong, like our ogrekin friend back in town.
The last two people I knew who wanted to go one on one against a foe are dead. Both hurled themselves into combat for some...reason. Be it honor or sheer bloodymindness and they died like dogs. If you die than this entire mission is in jeopardy since we will be down our front-line combatant and may very well have to retreat since we will have no way to fight an army.
Orsin's mind begins to race and his heart starts pounding at the thought of the lewd forest creature. He slings his handy haversack to the front,
concealing his otherwise evident arousal at the mention of a filthy satyr.
A satyr, eh? Muscular, hirsute, an ear for music...
Wait, no, this is the leader of our enemies we're talking about. Get your head back in the game, Bessatte.
"Maybe the satyr would be open to negotiations...?" Orsin offers. He stands awkwardly, face flushed.
Andrea sighs. Orsin. Please do not suggest that, there is no way I am bending over a barrel if what they say about Satyrs are true.
A stab of jealousy runs through Orsin at the thought of the satyr running through Andrea. "It doesn't have to come to that," he replies, doing his best to sound droll. The bard blushes harder thinking about the satyr in the act.
Comprehension dawns on Andrea's face and she hangs her head. Is that way any better? We've already put ourselves on the line before, in front of an audience even. I'd like to keep the number of times we are getting penetrated to a minimum
Is that your intent, Dogtongue? Would your people accept a leader who has others to fight in his stead. I might fight for you but you would have to be better for the tribe than this saytr. No offense, but you are not my idea of a just or even wise leader. If you wish me to fight for you give me a reason
Daniel is pretty sure but detects evil on Dogtongue.
"Redcaps don't want a wise and just leader, sir. It's not in their nature, I don't think... However, they should respect power, and you have plenty. For now, we must think in the macro rather than the micro. If you do not accept this challenge, sir, I will, and messy results will be had all over."
Grease...
You are serious Euphemia? If you want to fight Daniel, I believe you don't have to worry about needing about leading the Recaps. Des pose Madjaw and then the time is right just hand off to Dogtongue.
...The bigger they are, the harder... Well, the harder they fall.
Witch-Poo is full of gumption. I'd suggest thinking of says to secure Daniel's survival, if not victory. Dogtongue seemed uncertain.
I can place a blessing to help Daniel's aim and have but one spell that can speed his attack. We have to be sure we want to expend much resources on this since we do not know how much time we have to help the Mother.
I have my wand of Divine Favor and my own blessings, do not waste your spells Andrea. IF this satyr is an evil creature I will have all the aid I need. I still am not comfortable with this. I will fight Dogtongue, on your behalf as long as I have your word you and your tribe will bring no harm to the people in and around Westcrown and safe passage for any I so deem to pass through your tribes territory. Give me that and I will give you Victory.
Gerard considers. Daniel, as Andrea says... Westcrown cannot afford to lose you. I should challenge.
Dogtongue, is magic allowed? What are the rules? And the rest of you lore types... What do we know about satyrs? All I know is that they're nature spirits?
A brave offer. You are a DEADLIER opponent than I. But in a one on one with a beastman am I not better suited? Iomedae heals my wounds while I fight and Grants me increased skill when I fight. If you have some ace I will aceed but I think I am up to it. In any event we know not the motives of the Satyr. I may be able to brooch his aid without bloodshed.
Depends... What do we know about them, satyrs?
They like to screw? If we do fight, we need to be sneaky like using poisoned blades. SLEEP poison, Daniel.
I do not use such tactics myself, but if that is what it takes to keep you breathing, I would have you alive with me Andrea.
One life is preferable to many and a larger battle here only weakens us against the Council. If Diplomacy fails I will seek single combat as our means, you are all too much to risk.
Daniel looks at his comrades in turn. He would not fail them.
Daniel looks at the Redcap with what could be the beginning of respect.
An you are willing to fight this creature in single combat. If he irks you so and you believe you could win, why have you not already?
He kicks the dirt, "I lost." Is all he manages to say.
Orsin's companions simply stop, stare and shake their heads.
I have my wand of Divine Favor and my own blessings, do not waste your spells Andrea. IF this satyr is an evil creature I will have all the aid I need. I still am not comfortable with this. I will fight Dogtongue, on your behalf as long as I have your word you and your tribe will bring no harm to the people in and around Westcrown and safe passage for any I so deem to pass through your tribes territory. Give me that and I will give you Victory.
Redcaps respect power as my heart's desire has suggested," he grins briefly at the witch, "Madjaw has fire running through his veins when angry, more so then our last leader or me." It was difficult admission for the blood thirsty warrior. "I respect you tin-can although I can't stand the sight of your holy symbol."
"I will do my best but cannot make a blanket promise is all that I can offer." It is apparent he is trying to meet your request but he is struggling with the safe passage through the tribes territory condition.
Gerard considers. Daniel, as Andrea says... Westcrown cannot afford to lose you. I should challenge.
Dogtongue, is magic allowed? What are the rules? And the rest of you lore types... What do we know about satyrs? All I know is that they're nature spirits?
"Rules?" his eye brows wiggle, "Kill the other."
"No talk ...fight...he will attack once he issues his challenge."
Satyrs are hedonistic creatures of the deepest, most primeval parts of the woods. They adore wine, music, and carnal delights, and are renowned as rakes and smooth-talkers, wooing unwary maidens and shepherd boys and leaving a trail of awkward explanations and unplanned pregnancies in their wakes.
They have magical talents that can be empowered when they play their pipes. The magic usually charms person for delightful pleasures, suggests delights, makes them sleep for their carnal doings. When in a jam they can summon ally's or cause fear in their foe.
The more talented Satyrs can gain abilities like their human counter parts (classes), and since they are fey cold iron works the best.
Daniel, if Dogtongue has that reaction... Maybe all the redcaps will. Why not secret it until the challenge is over.
No disrespect to your Goddess, but rather an exercise in diplomacy. We're entering their house.
"Indeed. Perhaps Andrea's seduction... Or Orsin's... may work better than a challenge? They are hedonistic creatures who love to sleep with pretty much anything... If not, steel yourself for charm spells, pipe music, and summons. Cold iron is your best bet..."
Hair, horns and hooves... Lovely.
Thanks, beautiful. How's Frankie doing?. Gerard looks for the hedgehog to pop his head out.
As the group enters the redcap territory, one of the redcaps looks up, "Dung weasel whatcha doing back 'ere, Madjaw make stew out of you." This gets the attention of two other redcaps nearby, "Toe scum crawl back out before ye be hacked to bloody red pieces."
The redcaps suddenly seem to realize that there are others with Dogtonue, "Aye, ya'bring Madjaw fresh meat!!!"
"Madjaw....Madjaw....Madjaw." they chant. The chanting brings more redcaps out from their little huts. Each instinctively chanting as they appear.
Gerard moves away from the group, so they are not clustered. He reaches for the witch's hand. Come.
I have this magic cold iron hand axe for Daniel to use if he wants to fight
As for safe passage Daniel, I think we should keep requests small such as safe passage for us. Asking for them to just not harass any Westcrani who stay out of their territory is more reasonable rather than a blanket promise.
I will take the handaxe now. Although If I can see he is evil I will not need it.
Daniel puts the weapon in his belt.
Orsin, the featherstep spell would be good now, please.
Daniel steels his resolve.
Survive.
"Frank is still terrified of these creatures. One time they used him as a croquet ball. Well, if you call it croquet." Euphemia whispers to Gerard, though she does seem taken aback by the complete change of demeanor. "And.. well, to be fair, I was hanging upside down at the time from a tree... Ah, childhood memories... You'd think I'd know better than to come back here by now, but... the ingredients I need for my masterpiece abound here."
The witch takes his hand as Frank squeaks something unintelligible within cloth, curling up and accidentally pricking Euphemia, if her face is any example.
Frank, they can't punt you in there. Best stay quiet.
Mistress....! I really, really don't like this place!
What kind of masterpiece?
"You'll know when you eat it. It's not perfected yet."
As the chanting continues there's a dark shadow that appears from the largest hut. The sound of clopping and crunching,
Out comes an incredibly handsome half goat half man. His temple have two curling ram horns and his upper body is exceedingly muscular. His greataxe rests comfortably in his left hand.
He yawns clearing the sleep from his eyes, "Where's my red meat you fools." His eyes suddenly focus on the uninvited and unwelcome visitor. He eyeballs Dogtongue, "Come back for more of my lust," he sneers. He then scans the group, looking at Orsin, "My, my what a pretty thing... care for a go around in my hut."
Not needing a reply he looks at Daniel and Gerard, "Which of you dare fight me!" He stretches his greataxe out shoulder high, "How about you fool" pointing to Daniel, "Your goddess won't protect you against my challenge. I demand you!"
With the challenge issued the red caps hoot, holler and scurry to nearby trees. Bets are taken and odds are given amongst themesleves.
Euphemia lets out a sigh of relief for not having garnered the bulk of attention of the satyr or the redcaps.
Andrea whispered to Orsin.I still have plenty of that mead left to help take the edge off. Plus, um...some divine oils to help make things go easier. If that is what you want.