With the king slain, all the remaining Lizardfolk on the island flee. The surviving humans, elves, and halfling let up a cheer!
You release the final captives, and there are plenty of rafts to ferry everyone back, and even some of the livestock!
After releasing the dragons, you destroy the drums, and the swamp becomes dark and quiet for the first time in over a week.
With the loss of the clan leaders and the king, the remaining lizardfolk don't have the will or the numbers to reasonably recapture the escapees. The large group scares most marsh predators away. It takes many hours, but you eventually escort the rafts out of the marsh and up the river.
The captives who understood draconic relay the story of what happened.
A dragon named Throstulgrael is stirring up trouble in the marsh. He killed the previous leader and displayed his head on a pike. Then he assigned tribal leaders to the three tribes and had them run a contest - who ever could capture the most prisoners would become the new tribal king and their tribe would reign supreme. Live warriors were worth the most. Live non-warriors next. Livestock worth the least.
None of the tribes wanted each other to win, so they didn't help each other.
The guy who was supposed to be king after the previous one died - before the dragon came - was who you fought. He was trying to run a coup of the whole thing and take back the three tribes for himself. He hated the dragon.
The dragon was due back at the end of the contest, in a few days, to declare the winner and feast on all the spoils.
But now that you've destroyed the tribes, the dragon will come back in a rage and kill off any remaining Lizardfolk in revenge.
Woo hoo!!! Is there anything of interest in the camp? Rav makes a cursory check before turning to leave, making sure that all captives are accounted for.
Me too. I am sure he will show up when he is able. Thanks for taking up the mantle!
Yes, thanks AL. Stepping up like a true hero there.
And if Kip happens to read this, well wishes to you too. We've all had life get in the way and won't hold it against you.
Glenda retrieves the gloating Fynn and stuffs it back into the water pouch.
"Oh no.. the poor lizardfolk! Flee! Flee! Get out before the vile dragon returns! And now we killed their would be leader... sigh. Maybe Ravvek could be their new leader; but for now we have to bring the prisoners home," Glenda says.
"This hero business is tough," Glenda says, as she heads back to civilization.
Rav looks at Glenda, a sad look in his eyes, I am no leader...
He genuinely looks crestfallen at the result and looks over the dead lizardfolk before continuing, This dragon must be stopped.
"Maybe Ravvek can guide them against the Dragon. But be careful! A dragon isn't something to be toyed with!" she says.
Aye, you have a point. But who will do it, if not me? Will you stand by me, little one? Rav turns to Rakish and Krissina, in turn, Or you? Or you?
He lets out a sigh, Your help would be welcome, but I would not expect you to walk into the jaws of death with me.
A smile creeps onto his scarred face, Come, let us worry about that later. These folk need to be brought home and I could use a warm meal in my belly.
"I meant Rakish... he has the makings of a great lizardfolk leader!" Glenda says. "Sorry... the fish messes with my mind."
"A warm meal sounds good! I'll cook one for you... once we find a place with a clean kitchen!" Glenda says.
Krissina smiles, "You know I'd follow you right down it's gullet if it would make a good story, but I don't know what use I'd be. I just follow around and make commentary."
"Regardless that is for another day, another chapter, and I too would like some food and a good night's rest. As would most of these folk."
Rav laughs, Yeah, I can see the resemblance! We could be brothers!
Then he looks to Krissina with a smile and responds, Well, you have slain a lizard king, landing the killing blow.
Krissina laughs, "I have finished off a badly wounded lizard "king", but very well, I will take your praise."
Rav joins in laughter, C'mon, I'll buy you an ale. Let us get these people home.