"Regardless of all else, I can only see this as being at least in part a sign that joining your company and heading to Kelmarane is my true course; wagons, have wheels, and a burning wagon has flaming wheels, the flaming wheel is manifestation of Saerenraes emissary Bryla whom I see in my dreams and who reveals unto me her teaching. Fire is the breath of the Dragon, a secret I believe I am on the verge of discovering."
"Look at the other coincidences, Saerenrae is a beautiful woman, and here we have the Lady as the one in command representing Saerenrae, whom we were drawn towards by a beacon of fire. The burning wheels I have remarked upon being Bryla, and..." Aurichalcum turns to look directly at Talahel "A sword with a curious history, a symbol of the emissary Mystmorning, an intelligent sword... we miss only the canine symbology of Charlabu otherwise we have signs of her complete Heavenly host."
"So much significance....so many signs"
"Able, quickly, record it all!"
As Talahel and Tahlumilali continue to search, Talahel whispers to Tahl in elven,
"Don't turn around now, but that man who cried out Pugwampis is watching us. Shall we confront him now, or work are way apart to flank him? I think we need to ask him some questions."
He whispers back while working his way towards the right side of the wagon.
Talahel continues his search toward the left, trying to be as inconspicuous as possible.
When Talahel and Tahlumilali have worked their way onto to either side of the scruffy man watching them. They confront him.
Hello there not a good night to be out alone. Tahl says with a predatory grin on his face that in no way reached his eyes. Arms folded over his weapons the picture of barely contained violence.
INTIMIDATE
"Well. Whaddya want?"
Talahel puts his hand on the hilt of his long sword and address the greasy man.
"We can very well ask you the same question! First, you yell out Pugwampis, then you stare very intently at Lady Almah the whole time she is speaking, now you are suspiciously watching us conduct our investigation. If you have information to share, I suggest you start right now! Who are you, why are you here, and what's your interest in this mysterious fire?"
If the man is uncooperative, Talahel will repeat his query and try to intimidate the man into answering his question. Intimidate
Able turns to Azten, keen to discuss the bizarre exchange. "An interesting man, our sage there - and interesting creatures, these pugwampi. I'm intrigued by the short shrift our friend seems to hold amongst his traveling companions - no one else payed his seemingly reasonable suggestion of a common desert animal any mind at all. Layers of machinations that we are unaware of, hmm?"
"Given that pugwampis are usually around gnolls, and there is a lack of gnolls at the moment, I think it's safe to say people think he's a few shields short of an armory. No offense meant, sir." Azten says to the man.
And you had better answer truthfully human.
Tahl growls already dangerously close to losing his patience with the smelly unwashed man.
Talahel continues to question the man.
"If what you say is true, Pugwampis are the cause, and Pugwampis live around gnolls, are you suggesting that gnolls may be very near at hand? How do you know so much about pugwampis and gnolls? Are you from around here?"
"Given that pugwampis are usually around gnolls, and there is a lack of gnolls at the moment, I think it's safe to say people think he's a few shields short of an armory. No offense meant, sir." Azten says to the man.
"Which raises the further question of why are there no gnolls in an area that is known for the large numbers of gnolls. Clearly further investigations will be required to make the whole picture seen," Able prattles. His tome has appeared in his hands again, and he makes a few chicken-scratchy notes on an unused page.
Talahel's hand moves away from the hilt of his sword as hears the man's story.
"I have encountered my share of gnolls in the darker places of Katapesh. I agree they are not to be taken lightly and I have killed my share of them in the past in pursuit of some noble's child taken hostage to be sold into slavery. It is quite clear, the gnolls have treated you far worse. Lady Almah is very wise to hire you. My name is Talahel Zstelian, what is your name, friend?"
Tahl turns to Talahel and whispers in elvish.
If he really knows so much about these pugwampis creatures should he be shown the tracks?
Talahel acknowledges Tahl's question with a slight nod as he talks to Dashki.
"Well Dashki, we can certainly use your gnoll expertise right now. We found some tracks outside of the wagon that burned. Can you take a look at them and see if your pugwampis made them?"
If Dashki agrees, Talahel leads the man to the tracks that Tahl had discovered.
When I hear his story I watch him closely to see if he might be fibbing
Sense Motive -
"It's bad luck to lie to a Dragon, human..."
"Dashki, it would be best to tell us everything, as trying to withhold information is a sign of guilt. I wish only to get to the bottom of the matter, not to persecute and lay blame... tell us the whole story and we can help you. It's the best offer you are going to get".
Diplomacy
You wouldn't be trying to lie to us would you?
Tahl asks offhandedly while shifting his weight to find more secure footing in case Dashki decides to run.
Talahel turns to Dashki and says, "I agree. Lead the way, we will follow. Let's find these pugwampi and figure out what is going on."
"So the plan is to follow the tracks and end this particular pugwampi threat?"
"This man, Dashki, is holding information back from us - I can't be sure of what, but his eyes and his manner tells me he has been less than completely open...I don't believe he has lied, just that hasn't told us everything"
"Perhaps he is embarrased by his lusts for Alma, perhaps he is a traitor. He seems very determined to withhold his secrets"
Talahel glances at Auri, gives the pseudodragon a slight nod and puts his hand on the hilt of his longsword.
"Dashki, remember, trust is not given freely, it must be earned. I hope for your sake that you are what you say you are and that you are not withholding anything that will put us or this caravan in more danger. The consequences could be dire."
Tahl's eyes widen slightly when he receives Auri's message. He just manages to keep his hands from drawing his blades.
Do you think he is likely to betray us?
He thinks back to Auri.
Diplomacy:
"Look we are here to help just like you. My husband here lost his parents to gnoll we understand what has happened to you. So if there is anything anything at all that you are holding back for any reason could you please tell us."
Lofnaiali says to Dashki in response to Auri's telepathic message.
Do you think he is likely to betray us?
He thinks back to Auri.
"He'd be a fool, but then if he was sensible he wouldn't have tried to lie to a Dragon, eh my fine Elven friend?"
---
"What is a Rombard?"
"Anyhow, I believe we must at least tell Alma that we will be off across the desert in search of further evidence to prove whether Pugwampi's are the culprit, if you want to start now, I can explain it to her then catch you up quickly!"
Talahel tells Auri "Good plan Auri, you tell Lady Almah what is going on and we will leave now to track the Pugwampi's, then you can catch up to us. I agree with Dashki that time is of the essence if we want to catch these culprits."
Tahl stays silent as the party decides on their actions his gaze stuck on Dhaski, watching his every move.
With a flap, Auri is off to inform Alma
"Let us be off then. Auri will catch up after he has informed Lady Almah. Dashki, lead the way."
Talahel begins following Dashki as he follows the alleged pugwampi tracks.
"I am familiar with Rombard - we have spoken, briefly, though I haven't seen him since the fire." Able says. "I shall keep my eyes and ears open, and find him if he is to be found." Given his new task of goat-hunting, Able turns towards the rest of the party. "Away, friends and companions, and let us hunt the pugwampi, as heroes of yore!"