Lolfi looks to Palag, then to the lizardfolk, and says in Draconic, "I sssupposse that would be alright. I've picked up a great many languagessss in my liffetime, and am hard-presssed to find ssssomeone I cannot communicate witthh." He executes his Ss too perfectly, as if he were a lizardfolk priest of the stars; the air or pretension is obvious to all.
Carther interrupts the group, "Food's up. Want me to pull some tables together for you all? Or, we have a large table in the back I could ready for you all?"
He awkwardly extends his hand in the human gesture of greeting although you think he believes it is sealing this pact he speaks of.
Vess'Sothek mimics the gesture, feeling more at ease with most of the group as they seem to speak his tongue. Speaking of tongues, he felt his longing for that fish; he shot a glance back to the kitchen to see what was going on with his meal.
Seeing Carther say something about food, the ranger fixates his sight on him for a while, wondering where his fish was. Though not looking at Lolfi, the merchant's pretentiousness was not lost on the reptile, and he was beginning to wear on him.
Djatrix nods slowly and smiles a sharp teeth smile that is sincere even if it may look aggressive for non-lizardfolk.
It all comes into place, he says in draconic mostly to himself. He breaths deeply and inclines his head, as if listening to someone. He nods to that invisible someone. He turns to Carther, speaking in nearly perfect common. Please do set us a table on the back. We have much to discuss.
Carther shows you all to a large, rectangular table in the back corner. The edges and surface of the table are well-worn and covered in years worth of graffiti, knicks, and stains. The benches of the booth in the corner enclose half the rectangle, and chairs surround the rest. There is a 4-light lantern, with only two lanterns working, their glass covered in a film of grimy smoke resin.
As Carther shows you all the table, he sets Palag's food down, in addition to a tray of drinks. "Djagu says the fish will be up momentarily," he says to the lizardfolk.
After a minute or two that seem like an eternity to your hungry stomachs, Djagu comes out carrying three great trays, as if they were plates, and sets them on the table.
In front of you is the strangest looking foodstuffs you have ever seen, but the smell is heavenly. Raw and lightly seared fish rolled around an assortment of sweet potatoes, water gourds, kale, carrots, other types of fish, and paste-like fillings. There are 8 different varieties on each plate, each piece looking like a small snack. Some of the rolls are seasoned, some topped with fish eggs,and others with beans. None of you have ever seen anything like it before. There are no utensils of any sort; this is obviously intended for lizardfolk who rarely, if ever, use eating utensils, instead eating with their hands or grabbing food with leaves and flat breads.
The cook says to the lizardfolk in draconic, "My brothersss. Thisss isss my favorite dissshhh. I perfected it agesss ago on the sshhoresss of the Bronssse Issslesss, while ssstudying the waysss of the nativesss." He looks expectantly, and adds, "Of courssse, I only ussse local ingredients for it, ssso it variesss when I travel."
Yochtanl looks at the spread for a while, then looks at the lizardfolk, waiting to see how they eat it. He'll comment to Djagu in Draconic, "It looks delightful. Thank you for preparing this for us." Yochtanl marvels at the size of the lizardfolk, as well as his unusual markings and jewellery. He wonders about where Djagu has been, and what he has done in his life.
Benjamin was a bit jealous when he saw the lavish display for the lizardfolk. It reminded him though that he had ordered some food and hadn't gotten yet. Benjamin turns to the chef and politely asks, "Sir, Djagu was it, can I ask you what is the status on the lamb I ordered? After seeing your display here, my hunger calls for a delicious meal. I cannot wait to see how you prepare it." He meant what he had said. He hadn't had any type of special meal before. He was used to hunting, catching, and cooking his meals on the spot.
"I only have two armsss to carry the food out. It will be out next. It isss good, for cooked fare." Djagu then heads back to the kitchen and returns a minute later with a leg of lamb, broiled and covered in a reddish brown sauce. There are bread, carrots, and sweet potatoes on the side.
For Rsss'tak, food is meant to be enjoyed, not fussed over. He digs in with his claws, eating a little more modestly than he would within his tribe, This is very good. It's best to fill one's belly before a long journey, who knows when another real meal like this may be served.
So do we leave tomorrow and what type of mounts do you have?
Palag grins at Lolfi's manner of speech behind his mask before turning to Rsss'Tak. "Hopefully they aren't malevolent spirits. They haven't gotten you into trouble before, have they?" he says to the lizardman. He accepts Rsss'Tak's and Vess'Sothek's gestures as well as the suggestion to move to a bigger table. He pulls the barstool along with his backpack to the large table.
When Djagu brings the lizardfolk's food, Palag also looks interestedly at it but since he just ate, he's quite fine with just sipping his drink. "Tomorrow already? he says to Rsss'Tak. "I would fine fine with that. But we don't have mounts." Palag zones out for a few seconds, recalling how the last time he rode was right after he lost his tribe.
Djatrix takes his seat next the vesh, watching them with curious fascination. He eats, but speaks little as he watches satisfied his visions become fact.
Taking a seat next to Rsss'tak, Vess'Sothek is again intrigued at the chef's origins, though that curiosity is eclipsed immediately by the interest in the meal being served to him. My thanks to you, master chef. This meal looks amazing!
Though not suspicious of foul play - instead curious at the wonderful food brought to him - Vess'Sothek inspected each morsel before consuming them. Unlike Rsss'tak, he did not attempt to be modest in the least, probably seeming quite primal to the meal-mates at the table, though his pace of eating was somewhat slower than it would've been alone.
Mounts? The lizard shook his head firmly while chewing on a piece of the delicacy. What's wrong with walking? No need to buy or burden yourself with a beast. He swallows. It will just take a bit longer. We might even find some of these... He takes another bite. ... fish on the way. It's apparent talking with food in his mouth is something with which he has experience.
Though his mouth was focused on the food, his eyes are those of a hunter, actively searching. If he sees one at the table looking bewildered...
... with his Draconic speech, he will attempt to use his hands to convey his message; this means all of wiggling two of his claws in a motion to represent someone walking.
Rsss'tak scolds Vess'Sothek a little, You should know the value of nature's allies. Don't the protectors ride marsh Drakes? Don't the Srrrt'kestrak often bond with the beasts of the Trollmires to protect them and our people?
Besides, do you want to be the one to haul out all of those chests of human gold we will find on your back?, smiling a toothy grin at Vess...
Palag follows the lizardfolk's conversation with some interest. He understands the usefulness of mounts and some of the limitations they would bring. "Hmm... I might just have enough money for a mount, but it would be tight."
He doesn't seem to mind the slightly "uncivilised" eating manners since he was rather used to them when he was younger.
Carther chimes in (in Common), "If you're all lookin' for mounts, Garrow's is the place to go. Ezendre is sort of moody, though, so be patient."
Yochtanl knows he can't afford a mount, so he stays quiet and nervously waits to see if the group will decide against it.
He decides to say to Carther (in Common), "Does this Ezendre carry swamp drake mounts? I'd think that unusual in a human settlement..." He makes sure not to point this out directly to the lizardfolk, as he's still unsure how temperamental they are, and they are giants compared to him.
Carther replies to Yoctanl, "Nah, she sells horses, riding birds, donkeys, oxen, and the like. Give her enough time and she could probably get one for you.4"
Swallowing another morsel of fish, Vess'Sothek replies to Rsss'tak. Useful sometimes, but if the land gets tough, they will slow us down. He nods toward Palag. And the little one is right - they would take some coin. If we find coin of our own there, he returns his gaze and a similar grin to Rsss'tak I'm sure I can carry my fair share. The large reptile straightens his spine to make his point.
After a few more bites, he relents a bit. But if you are riding, I must too ... we are safer together than alone.
As you all are conversing and eating, the traull with kobolds pays their tab and leaves, smiling politely at the elderly couple on the way out and waving goodbye. On the way, one of the kobolds picks up any dirty dishes on unoccupied tables and bar counters and licks them clean. One of the other kobolds cuffs him in the back of the head for it. Carther brings a fresh clay pot of tea to the elderly couple, wipes off the table Yochtanl and Palag previously occupied, and check on the other guests.
Yochtanl looks to the lizardmen and speaks in Draconic, "Well, there are no drake mounts in this human settlement; perhaps we could just walk?"
Lolfi chimes in (Draconic), "Any mounts you do have could just walk a little slower until you all get your own."
Five humans come in the door, merry and likely already a little tipsy. They take a seat near the bar and order a round. They're probably carpenters, bricklayers, or the like by the looks of them.
Palag follows the departure and arrival of people lazily while listening to Yochtanl, Vess'Sothek, Carther and Lolfi. "I am fine with mounts or no mounts," he says in Draconic with a shrug.
Djatrix looks around at his companions. His frills raise on the top of his head, denoting excitement. For a few minutes he does not speak, only watching the idle talk about mounts or no mounts.
Finally, visibly nervous, he speaks in common. Why are we making idle talk when our destinies lay just ahead of us?
Djatix places his talons on the top of the table, as if eager to get up and hit the road.
Though not disagreeing with Djatrix's motion to leave - especially after the group of pinkskins entered - Vess'Sothek eyes the others' food not yet eaten greedily. His own remains are quickly stuffed into his mouth. He remains seated and watchful.
I guess we will just have to get there the best we can until we can afford mounts and mine can varry some extra supplies until can get everyone animals of their own.
Do we stay here or move on? This place is supposed to be a place to stay as well right?
Lolfi says, "They have decent enough rooms here, as well as floor space in the common room here on weekends after the fights. I myself am staying at Cardwallo's, as I know the owner and keep a room there in the trade season."
Yochtanl says, "I could leave today, if the rest of you agree. I have nothing to take care of in the town. All I need is some extra rations, and I will be ready to head off. By the way, do any of you have a specific location in mind? I'd like to explore ruins near the Rift, if any of you have an idea where some are located." His snake comes out of his bag and curls around Yochtanl's chest. His scales are a fascinating multicolored array, which match with Yochtanl's mask.
Lolfi offers his thoughts again, "Most of the ruins on the peninsula are picked clean, though one never knows what may be buried. Most of the ruins that I'm aware of from explorers I've traded with in the past are in the badlands and along the coast of the Rift Seas; of course I've never visited any of the far-out ruins. Some say there are ruins under the waters, too, but none that I know have have dared explore them."
Lolfi adjusts his mask and pauses, then adds, "There is also an interesting, and somewhat enigmatic set of ruins along the coast of the Dragon Sea, right near the boundary to the Badlands. There is a series of low walls, carved with whorls and spirals, and a half-destroyed tower, some thirty feet tall, bearing the same patterns. There are supposed to be many square holes in the ground with stairs leading underground, though most are caved in. I've heard tell of it from merchant vessels and explorers unrelated, so I feel the claim must have some merit to it. Everyone thinks it is haunted and stays away from it, though."
Lolfi turns his gaze to each in the room. "While I'm happy to trade in herbs and artifacts, the discovery of a lost culture or mage's keep would be worth a pretty price..."
You're all a little surprised to see Shaygen standing next to the table, as none saw him approach.
"Aye, I seen the ruins, too. Doubt they're haunted, though. Likely gobbers or harpies keepin' folks at bay. I haven't been there for near over a decade, but the ship I was sailin' on had to make port nearby for a few days 'ere a torrential storm rip us asunder. The whorled ruins follow the coast south, to where we portaged, but most were along the rocky beach, and some of the islands had them whorls and spirals on 'em, too. Looked to me and my mates like some lost city, by what we've seen in other lands. Never saw anythin' like those patterns, though." Shaygen, ending his rant, clears empty plates after setting down a new round of drinks and some flat bread.
Vess'Sothek watches Yochtanl's snake as it makes its appearance, momentarily fascinated by the color pattern. He pulls his gaze to the owner after a few moments, noting the similarity in color between the snake and the mask.
This fixation may be when he didn't see Shaygen approach, and the man's appearance out of thin air (seemingly) startled the reptile. Wary of the man - especially since he couldn't understand him, he kept his senses on alert, observant, though his heart had already prejudiced itself to suspicion of the man.
Yochtanl wonders silently about these supposedly haunted ruins, as the descriptions of it sound fascinating to him. He starts to get excited, and says to the rest of the group (in Draconic), "Ah, they describe a set of peculiar ruins on the coast, which seem to be a prime destination to begin our journey at. What say the rest of you?" He looks eagerly at the lizardfolk and human.
Shaygen then repeats what he said in awkward Draconic, adding, "Sorry lads, forget me that not everyone common tongue-speaks around these areas. Old Djagu taught me the Draconic a few years ago-back. Sorry if I'm rusty a bit on it."
They seem a good a place as any what do you say Djat?
He also translates what Shaygen said in common to their tribesmen.
A few rations might be wise in case food is very hard to find, but we have a hunter with us indicating Vess'Sothek, So we should be able to get most of our food ourselves.
Although Benjamin was at the table with the rest, he couldn't take his attention away from his lamb. The tastes and flavor were extravagant and caused him to pay little to what the others had to say. He heard the part about mounts, but he never really got along with animals anyways, something the druids that raised him were quite concerned about.
Benjamin licks his lips and cleans his fingers as he not only finished his meal satisfied, but was now willing to listen in on the conversation. The ruins didn't interest him, it was the creatures that lived there that did. "So you have been to the Rift before, Mr. Lolfi. Tell me, what sort of creatures live in the Rift? I have only heard of druid fairy tales of the horrible creatures from those parts, but have yet to see one with my eyes."
Lolfi turns toward Benjamin and says (in Draconic), "Well, it's been a while, but there were a lot of ravenous goblins, deadly plants that the caravan guards called tetherlings... poisonous vines that drag you underground in quicksand-like pits, a number of strange insects and birds that posed little to no threat, the occasional gith scouting ship glimpsed on the horizon, far above the seas, and we ran into a number of strange, giant snakes that burrowed under the ground, but they didn't attack the caravan. The terrain and weather were more of a nuisance than the monsters, from what I remember, but the goblins stand out in my memory as the worst of it. The blasted creatures were everywhere we turned."
"Well, is that all?" Yochtanl chuckles slightly. "It's a good thing I have all of you with me."
Palag is a little surprised to hear that they might be leaving right now. He would have liked to check out the city some more, but then again, that could be done later as well. The city wouldn't go anywhere. He nods to Yochtanl's words about leaving and listens to what Lolfi and Shaygen have to say.
"Underwater ruins? That sounds very interesting, but that kind of trip would require much preparation..." Palag thinks for a bit after the mentions of the supposedly haunted ruins. "Excellent," he comments on Rsss'Tak's revelation that Vess'Sothek is a hunter. "Even if the ruins are actually haunted, they could be just be restless spirits that need to be brought to rest properly. I'll agree on going there," he says, sounding enthusiastic.
Vess'Sothek finishes the last of his food and sits, surveying the table a moment before standing. Lolfi's account of the environment was of a spot of interest to him, and he wanted to get out of the confining building. However, he would not leave his travel companions. He stood and waited for Rsss'tak or Djatrix to make a move, seeing as he understood little of the speech at the table.
Djatrix listens attently to everything said about the ruins, from time to time inclining his head as if he could hear someone else whispering on his ear.
Finally he shrugs and speaks in Draconic.
"I have seen and heard trapped spirits, some asking for help, some terribly dangerous. It is the only clue I have so far. He stretches his back, his tail wiggling nervously behind him. Do we leave now to the haunted ruins?
Vess'Sothek finishes the last of his food and sits, surveying the table a moment before standing. Lolfi's account of the environment was of a spot of interest to him, and he wanted to get out of the confining building. However, he would not leave his travel companions. He stood and waited for Rsss'tak or Djatrix to make a move, seeing as he understood little of the speech at the table.
One of the traull gamblers stands up and curses, Bile and stirges!! He shoves his chair to the side and picks up a handful of coppers and walks to the bar for a drink. He leans over and sips it and yells back tothe party in Draconic, Hey, I overheard yer talkin' and have a notion to join you. I used to travel the trail betwixt Riftview and Drakenfeyr a whiles back, and now I'm broker than three leged chair.
He walks over with a swagger in his step and smiles and says What do you boys say? I got my donkey loaded up for explorin' already, just need to find folks to go with. He drags a chair over and says Names Tharrek. I can be handy in a fight. Ask Shagen.
Shaygen decides to put his two coppers in to the group, "I'm tellin' ya, those ruins ain't haunted. Inhabited, likely, but not haunted. Go see for yerselves if you care to."
Lolfi whispers, "I'm not so sure about that from what I've heard. May be our patron Shaygen feels safer believing it's just goblins?"
The other gamblers egg Tharrek on and call him a sore loser and an easy mark. Two of them head to the bar, 3 leave (obviously intoxicated), and the remaining 2 start setting up for the next game.
Shaygen overhears Tharrek's remark and chuckls, "Hah! You're usually too drunk to last more than a match or two on the weekends. If you sobered up, maybe..."
If we might encounter caves we should make sure we have the right equipment. Maybe a few additonal sun rods or some torches...
"I've got a few sunrods in my inventory I could sell you reasonably priced, and then the Wizard likely has some. Not many folks around here deal in magical wares," Lolfi says to Rsss'tak.
Djatrix sighs, nodding. "You are right. I am sorry for my eagerness. We must rest and prepare for this journey. It will allow me to confer with the spirits to learn more of our destination.