Suspicion gnawing at her, Aleksara will pull Alfentinius away for a quick confab early the next morning.
"This Tartuk and his yellow-scale sickness has me worried. It almost sounds like some sort of scam to me.
Let's check out that Idol and see if we can fathom anything bout it before we head out."
Aleksara then Casts Detect Magic on the Idol.
What you mean someone in a position of power using lies to control their subordinates? That's hard to believe!
Alfentinius gives Aleksara a wink and chuckles a bit. Then his mouth tightens a bit.
But in reality... It's definitely something we should look out for.
Looking closer at the idol, Aleksara wonders aloud.
"What's this thing made of?"
Roscoe wakes up with a loud yawn. After stepping into the grass for a moment of privacy, he returns and kicks up the fire from it's slumber. Once it is outputting cooking temperatures, he begins to make what he calls a 'Bandit Breakfast'. If you are intent on watching him, you find that he just reheats what was leftover from last night.
Arim wakes from slumber with an immediate alertness born of many nights on campaign. He stretches and heads over to Roscoe's breakfast.
"mmmm haven't had bandit breakfast for weeks, you've got some skill here Roscoe."
Arim had fallen asleep faster than he expected last night, the tension during the mite encounter had sapped his strength just as much as any fight. But during the watch Alfentinious had filled him in on the developments with the Kobold as well as the likelihood that they were walking into a scam, more likely a trap.
"So what's the plan? Roll in full of fire and vinegar? Or are we trying the charm offensive again?"
"Whatever we do...let's be cautious. This Tartuk fellow sounds like the exact sort of guy we may need to remove
in order to win the Kobolds to diplomacy. Our main goal will be the ring first, of course."
The head from the snake... but that would only work if... hmmm
"This Kobold we have here..."
Arim mutters quietly, well out of draconic earshot
"...did he mention his own position in the tribe? What if we subtly remove this Tartuk and have Hange take his place, do you think we could pull that off?. We control the head, we control the horse no?"
Roscoe finds Arim's good nature towards him refreshing. "Thank you sir! This the quickest thing in the woods." By the time breakfast is heated and ready the fire is out and supplies are packed up into the wagon again.
He can ride without me... where he'll be easily seen by other Kobolds... preferably not looking like a captive. We're going to be arriving as heroes to these Kobolds... At least that's the plan. Holding one of theirs captive won't help much with creating that impression. Arim you do make a good point about grooming him to be our contact there... I'll spend some more time talking to him. We'll need all the help we can get if we are going to convince the Kobolds that they shouldn't fight the mites any more.
After Alfentinius and Hange are settled in the wagon Alfentinius will spend time with the Kobold just talking and letting him know about the parties plan...
Jerrik had woken not long after breakfast started cooking. If there was one thing that could rouse the Ulfen man from slumber, it was the smell of food cooking. He sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes before setting about hooking the cart up to Jasper. They had traveled hundreds of miles together and Jasper sure knew how to keep a secret. "Easy there big guy" he said as he rubbed the horse down.
As they traveled, Jerrik couldn't help but listen in. For some reason that he just couldn't figure, he felt some kind of strange kinship with the kobold. The language felt so natural rolling off of his tongue. "Heroes huh? Sounds fine to me."
You set out and travel over the hills for hours at the lead of Hange, the large sycamore tree continuing to disappear behind you.
Ecentually you see an outcropping of large boulders emerges from the weathered face of a nearby hillock. A narrow opening in the rock leads into darkness below. A fallen sign leans against the side of the cave entrance and reads in weathered writting “Oaktop Silver Mine.” A cage made of branches and sticks sits on the other side.
Quickly slowing her horse to a halt, Aleksara will glance around for hidden traps or surprises. Kobolds are notoriously well known for such insidious protections near their lairs.
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Wendell walks beside the cart, bow and arrow still in hand. Noticing some commotion among the others, he casts on himself focuses his effort and peers towards the cave and immediate surroundings. He is looking for traps, signs of an ambush, or anything out of the ordinary.
He hears a mouse's heartbeat nearby, sees the pollen blowing in the wind that makes his nose itch. And the cave...
Remembering that they do not want to appear as captors, Wendell slings the longbow over his shoulder and places the arrow back into the quiver.
"Everyone up. We're here."
As the cart pulls to a stop a distance from the mine Alfentinius stands up and gives a holler towards the mine entrance.
.
In his excitement Alfentinius waving arms accidentally backhands Hange knocking him down. As Alfentinius goes to help the Kobold up the gnome trips falling on to Hange. To a distant watcher it may look like they are fighting.
Aleksara smiles stupidly and keeps her hands away from her weapons.
As Alfentinius wrestled with Hange, Jerrik hopped off the cart and approached the cave.
"We come seeking council with the great Blacksoot tribe. We offer the return of your stolen idol as tribute. Please honor us with your presence."
Admist your amusing slap-stick attempt at diplomacy, a lone kobold pops his head out.
Hange looks terrified at Alfent who now awkwardly half lays atop him, "Y, yes. Yes it is true Nakpik!"
Under her breath, Aleksara sighs and speaks quietly in common so only the group can hear.
"Crap. Now were part of some bleeding-eye kobold prophecy. Just what we needed..."
Alfentinius gets up dusting himself off and helps Hange up as well. He nods at the Kobold trying to reassure him.
Arim remains mounted as niceties are offered
He tries his best to follow what Alfentinius is saying but it is beyond him. He remains on edge, aware that any action will start fast and he won't have any warning.
Hange whispers back to Alfent, "I have no idea.. " He then stands and dusts himself off, then begins to walk slowly towards the entrance to the cave.
Hahaha.... Okay guys, lets go see what's up with this Tartuk and this Hero of Idolescence.
Alfentinius falls into line after Hange. As he passes by the locked up Mite the small gnome whispers to the Mite.
"I will bring up the rear. Aleksara, stay close to Alfentinius."
Getting off her horse, Aleksara ties it to a wagon hitch, and looks at Roscoe who seems a little too comfortable on top of the wagon.
"Let's go get this over with, shall we? Roscoe you know what to do if we don't return. Right?"
Seeing confusion on the man's face, Aleksara can't help but tease the former bandit. Giving it her best look of complete seriousness that
she can, she explains her comment with a pointing finger at the Kobold's lair.
"You draw your sword, charge the front gates, and come running in there to save our pretty little asses. That's what."
Turning quickly to hide her smile, Aleksara winks at Al as she moves to join the group heading for the lair.
"Just mind what you're running into with your sword drawn in the dark, yeah?!"
Arim follows Aleksara, moving with the group, just in front of Jerrik
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Wendell commands Chett to stay with the horses and Roscoe, then moves forward at the back of the group.
"Chett has a bad habit of chasing anything that runs. Try not to look like prey." He gives the bandit a nod - strange how quickly he warmed up to the man.
He does not have a weapon in hand and because of this feels like he is going to battle naked.
As the brave diplomatic envoy approaches the Sootscale's cave with well wishes of social diversity for their budding kingdom, the lone kobold guard chirps loudly and juggles a pair of keys with nervous energy before unlocking the main gate. Nakpik bows as Hange walks through, (Draconic)"The Chieftain will be very excited to talk! I will gather a tribunal!"
When spoken to, the Mite just hisses at Alfent before cowering in the corner of the cage.
As Hange knows the way, Nakpik sprints off, leaving your newly anointed hero as your guide through the halls.
After squeezing through a pair of shadowy alcoves you come to a larger space where the walls of the cave have been smeared with what appears to be charcoal and blood to depict multiple representations in red and black of a looming, sharp-toothed reptilian devil. Two low stone tables sit in the middle of the room, one of which is stained with blood. Hange continues on without a shudder at the gruesome scene of ritual sacrifice.
Around another bend, yet another larger cavern opens up. The air in this large cave feels warm and close, 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 mound of furs framed by dozens of sticks on which are mounted the skulls of many birds and small animals, all smeared with ash.
(Draconic)"Hange? What is the meaning of this?! Explain all the commotion and the presence of these big ones!!" The Chieftain chatters at Hange angrily.
Hange bows and gestures to the group, (Draconic)"Chieftain, I return with the Holy Idol." There are gasps, oos, and ahhs among the kobolds as the Idol is produced. The Chieftain looks at whomever is holding the Idol and watches what they do next with great intent.
Alfentinius steps forward and gives his his normal curt bow and then gives the normal introductions, finishing with the Lady Aleksara Darrkeye.
Aleksara will present the idol with both hands when Hange mentions it.
She will also bow formally in the Tian style when introduced by Al.
Seeing all eyes on her, Aleksara will try her best to remember some of the things the native Lizardmen taught her about themselves and similar scaled tribal types.
"By egg, scale, and fire...we have come to this place, at this time, to talk to you about your war with the mites. Will you sit with us at your fire and discuss possible futures for your tribe chieftain?"
Chieftain Sootscale's eyes shine with excitement, (Draconic)"Yes yes, Sootscales are a fearsome nation, we can talk later. Now, you must hand me Old Sharptooth NOW!" He extends his hands to receive the idol.
Seeing the eager look on the Chieftain's face, Aleksara will move to hand over the Idol...
As the exchange is made Alfentinius makes a loud proclamation in Draconic.
Chieftain Sootscale holds the statue in his hands with a fierce look of concentration, as if he were making a particularly difficult decision. Finally, he shrieks in triumph, holds the statue over his head, and then smashes it down onto the ground, shattering it. The other kobolds in the room freeze in shock while Sootscale, a frantic grin on his snout, shouts (Draconic)“Thank you for freeing us from this curse! KILL THE USURPER!” All the kobolds hold up their tiny spears chattering loudly and the Chieftain turns to grab his weapon from where it is stowed behind him.
Confused as well, Aleksara backs up but waits to draw her sword however.
"He said Something about 'killing the usurper...'?"
Does he means Hange? Are we willing to fight for him
"I am."
Arim draws his mighty sword and moves forward, ready to strike if it becomes clear the kobolds are genuinely attacking.
"Care to explain what's happening here Fenti? Are we back to choping the chief's head off?"
...
I let them know that we will defend Hange if need be.
The Chieftain spins with his decorated spear and shoots Hange a grave look. (Draconic)"You claimed to be Tartuk's Hero of Idolescence, is this not true? Are you not his kobold?"
Hange's face shows that he knows he is caught in a impossible position, not knowing what to do he just follows Alfentinius' lead, (Draconic)"I am here as a member of the tribe, as an ambassador with these tallones, and as the Champion of the mites. We must make peace to live and they wish for me to be their emissary."
The Chieftain then grins mischievously and signals the Kobolds in the area to stand down. (Draconic)"Of course Hange, just prove it by ridding our tribe of Tartuk and his zealots, then I'll believe that you're not one of them."
Alfentinius looks at Arim. It would seem they want us to kill Tartuk and his "zealots" to prove that Hange is loyal to the tribe. So it looks like your going to get your fight Arim.
Turning to Jarik. He of course would be the one sacrificing sentient beings to whatever demon that idol was supposed to have represented.
Turning back to Chief Blacksoot
Catching the gnome's eye Aleksara will nod approvingly at his decision to put their lot in with Hange. Then remembers to remind Al why they were here in the first place.
"Don't forget the Ring Al!"
oh yeah..! the ring!
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"Where are these zealots?" Wendell asks, standing so tall and eager for a fight that he seems closer to four feet tall than three.
He is happy at the mention of the ring, knowing how much it would mean to Oleg and his wife.
Trying his best to be inconspicuous, Wendell casts on himself, whispering the words and making the smallest motions possible.
Jerrik simply nodded as Alfentinius explained everything. "Just remember to stay in the middle of us once the fighting starts. How many zealots do you think this Tartuk has?"
The Chieftain nods to a hallway on his left, it seems to lead around a bend to another chamber. (Draconic)"That is fair request. Tartuk's chambers are there."
Answering Jerrik's question, Aleksara nods at the tunnel indicated by the chief.
"Not many is my guess. The whole tribe is about 20 kobolds total right? Looks like most of them are here.
Obviously this Tartuk is not very popular now."
Finally drawing her sword, Aleksara looks at Henge.