Nye groans at the decision to go to the village but trudges along after the rest of the group. Seeing the dynamic of men and women in the place, he is sure to keep his tongue.
The Drow steps foward and speaks in her very fluent common tongue. "You come before me and explain why you are here but fail to mention who you are. I will introduce myself, I am Adaime, the head speaker of the tribe Guraise, the elf to my right is Sheila, our seer, and to the left is Lilica our general. You are all a rather motley crew I might add. So many different descents present. Of you all there is but one human, I presume you are the "Joe" my daughter Kaime speaks of. Typical male quick to anger and violence but as my daughter has explained, it is that violence that saved her life. I too have no delusions that we as a people have also become rather defensive of late. That spider has consumed many of our tribe and though we have tried to subdue it in the recent week, I feel we were unsuccessful until you all showed up. Now it is no more. This is a great favor and we will shelter you as a result."
She then pause and looks at Joe. "However, there is the matter of my daughter's rather unusual and blasphemous request. She wants to make you her husband. This is highly irregular as our tribe is rules solely by women, but what she seems to be purposing is to give you the right to rule over her. This is detestable to me on many measures. First, before I say anymore on the matter. What is your opinion, Joe, on my daughter and her desire to make your her husband?" She winces at the word husband as though it were a curse she didn't want to utter. She waits for Joe's response.
Taking the opportunity to give Joe a second to process that little gem, Jivaji steps up and presents himself with a deep bow.
"Our sincerest apologies. We have been so rude not to introduce ourselves. My name is Jivaji Varesh, and you are correct, I am Tengu. I come from the city Katapesh, but have not seen its streets in just over two years.
I have since spent my time perfecting my craft and my trade, for you see, I am a trapsman, hunter, and guide. I understand survival in the wilderness, which is the main reason I agreed to enter your fair village; this jungle would kill us in a week, being as unprepared as we are.
If I may make so humble a request, is it possible for us to tend our wounds and wounded while we discuss details? One of our companions is still under the effects of the spider's venom, and he really should be made comfortable for his recovery."
"Please miss, my name is Tam, and they're right. Men killed my friends, my family. Please don't enslave me."
Taking 10 on Bluff to appear innocent (childlike feat) = 14
Joe thinks on that a moment, not sure on how to answer that one. "Well, your daughter sure is a might pretty, that's for sure!" He starts as he scratches the back of his head, still trying to think of something. Finally deciding to lay it all on the line, "Alright, here's the thing. I got no problem with being Kaime's husband and all but we ain't gonna be able to stay here. We are gonna have to keep movin'. This Mormont fella, he's gonna keep destroying towns and villages and peoples families and it's up to us to stop 'im. I won't rest until this dadgum fella is dead. Now, I'm not normally a violent fella, but this fella has gone too far. I just can't stand by and let 'im kill innocents across the land. One way or another, he's gonna pay, and I'm gonna die tryin' to make 'im." He pauses a moment to let that sink in. "I know she's real important to ya and to this village. And I sure don't wanna take that away from ya. Now don't get me wrong, I like Kaime. She's a real good girl and like I said, I got no problem with marryin' her. I just hate to drag her through this mess that me and the fellas have no choice but to find a way to clean up." He tries to think of something else but can't. "I guess that's all I got. You and Kaime go on and talk about it and whatever y'all decide, will be good enough for me." He smiles.
"Oh, before y'all talk about the marriage stuff, I'll introduce the others to ya real quick. That fella that was talkin' to ya, that's Eltumal. That one over there," he points to Silent, "that's the quiet fella. At least, that's what I call 'im. He don't talk, ya see. He speaks with his hands. Now that fella there," this time pointing to Nye, "his name is Nye. You met Jivaji and Tam. Course, you know me. Welp, that's everybody. Y'all go on and talk now. I'll just be on over here with the fellas." He says, still smiling.
The Adaime narrows her eyes at Joe for a moment. She looks at Tam and Jivaji and then back at Joe. She then turns to the rest of you. "You will be allowed to stay, but I have a job for you men. I know of this Mormont of which you speak. If what you say is true, he has somehow " She looks back at Joe. "You seem to hold no real feelings towards my daughter and therefore I refuse you as my some in law." She turns to Kaime and starts shouting in their strange tongue. Soon both Adaime and Kaime are arguing. Then Kaime runs off in tears. Adaime turns back to Joe sharply. "I will not have such an witless and indescive man be her husband. Your vengeance is obviously more important to you and rightfully so. Mormont is a powerful foe and there is no time for love in it. My daughter was foolish to try and make a husband out of a man such as you." She turn and begins to move towards her hut. "Come! We discuss what I need of you." You follow her into the tent. If you have anything to say, now is the time. She will answer each of your questions now that the matter of her daughter is dealt with.
Silent, still leaving the talking to those who… well… can talk, makes sure to watch these villagers for any signs of deception or aggression.
He stays near Eltumal and Tam if he can help it, giving Mac a reassuring clap on the back when the opportunity presents itself. Easy come… easy go.
He stays near Eltumal and Tam if he can help it, giving Mac a reassuring clap on the back when the opportunity presents itself. Easy come… easy go.
Joe turns to Silent and shrugs, seeming to understand what he was saying through that gesture. "Thanks buddy. I'm gonna be alright, don't you worry none. It's not like this is the first time this's happened. Ol' Joe has seen his share of commitments float right on down the river." He then thinks a moment on the other women in his past, comparing them all. "O' course, this time was a bit different than the others. This time I didn't even get to sleep with her first, and I still got the ol' heave ho by the mama." He shrugs again as if saying, 'Oh well.'
You all quietly follow the three tribe leaders into the main hut. There you are all seated. Adaime address you. "Now, men. I have a favor to ask of you. Our land is being plagued by the undead. We don't know why exactly by we have a theory. The undead, and the unnatural fog that has imprisoned us here for almost a century have to be related somehow. They both showed up together. We believe that this is an act of a necromancer. We do know there is a family of vampires living somewhere in this part of the forest but we don't know where. Our explorers never return. So now you six get to be our eyes and ears. We ask that you adventure forth and seek out the source of this fog and destroy it. Or at least the source of the undead if there are not one in this same. We will allow you to stay in our village while you conduct your search. To the south of us is a camp made by a large lost caravan that has been stranded here for near fifty years. They have managed to construct a small settlement there. If you need to buy and trade. You should be able to do so there. You can live here in the guest house but do not make any.....manly behaviors towards the women here. I know how you men view us. This is a great gesture on our part to let you stay here so make sure you are on your best behavior."
If none of you have any further questions, then feel free to leave the tent and talk amongst yourselves to decide what to do next.
"Well, hang on here. Unless I am mistaken, and correct me if I am, the only thing keeping Mormont's armies from stampeding over this entire jungle is that fog, along with a fair amount of enormous lizards no doubt. However, if we bring down the fog your entire village will be overrun. We will all be on the run again."
Jivaji rests his considerable beak upon a fisted claw.
"But your village is also being slowly wiped out by these undead. I am convinced that the battle against the walking dead is simply a losing one. We lost two of our number in the last battle, and it was but a small skirmish." Jivaji sighs deeply, as his hands fall to his lap.
"Well, that's life, I suppose. Always running from one problem, and into another. I suppose we should at the very least learn more about what precisely is going on. And I think our first stop should be this market that our good host, Adaime, mentioned. It will be a trying journey."
Jivaji pulls a half-built contraption out of his backpack and begins to fiddle with it while he ponders.
Tam nods at Jivaji's words. "That's true. What if the fog goes away and Mormont comes here? He'll kill all of us!"
"Well then, we've come to the conclusion that we have to choose from the lesser of two evils. Now, which of the two that is, I'm not sure."
Silent shake his head, his fingers flashing.
Adaime looks at Jivaji with a puzzled expression. "The fog keeps no one out. People wander in all the time. Usually to their deaths. Everyone who passes through the fog gets trapped in this....location. No one can escape. If Mormont's men were truly after you, the fog would not have stopped them." Adaime looks at Silent as if she is listening. "I can understand three forms of hand speak. We won't kill you if you don't help us but you cannot stay in the village. I have no delusions that men are stronger than women and you all may have a better chance of finding the necromancer than we do. Also, if you die, we have lost nothing. Though we can provide healing when you need it and a place to stay but you have to agree to help us to benefit."
"We all could use a bit o' healin'. I'm still feeling that nasty bite that big critter laid on me." He then looks to the others. "What'cha think fellas? Wanna kill us some more walkin' dead? Gives us somethin' to do." He shrugs.
"One foot in front of the other" Jivaji says resolutely.
"Well it doesn't seem we have any choice now do we. We can go wandering about in the fog, sleeping in caves waiting for the living dead to eat our brains in our sleep, or we can stay here and sleep in the village and go out and dare the living dead to eat our brains. Either way this darned fog is not gonna let me see the sea until something is done about it so I am in. I say we let the injured heal, and all of us get a decent nights rest then we go see if we can find source of this problem."
"Oh, and a real meal? And a bath? Can we have a bath? And a meal? Please?" Tam looks even more childlike as he begs for the finer comforts in life.
"Well, I suppose we'll just have to get rid of them. I don't particularly fancy sleeping out there with them if we can avoid it."
"Good then we have an agreement I hope. Now first the Healing." Adaime gestures to Sheila the elf. Sheila approaches you and Begins to heal each of you weather you need it or not. "Here, let may ease your suffering"
Healing on Eltumal:
Healing on Tam:
Healing on Joe:
Healing on Nye:
Healing on Jivaji:
Healing on Silent:
Adaime speaks up. "Lilica please show them to the guest house. There is a wood pit there for you to prepare you own food. We will bring you food for today but I must request that you hunt for anything else you may desire for food. As for bathing the young one can bathe with us but there is a waterhole located east of here where the rest of you must bathe." She marks it on a map and hands it to whomever the leader looking member of the group is. "Now that that is settled. Come with me young man." She says to Tam. "The rest of you go with Lilica." Lilica looks at the rest of you bitterly and leads you out of the hut as Tam is escorted by Sheila and Adaime somewhere else.
Lilica leads you to a shabby but sturdy looking hut on the south edge of the village. "This is yer place." She says in a gruff voice. "Now doncha be goin anywheres y'all don't belong now ya hear?" With that she leaves you to explore the hut. Inside you find a quaint little place with a wood pit in the center and a stack of animal hides and furs in the north corner. There are enough animal hides for you all to make beds on the floor. There is no sign of food yet.
You will notice that Lilica is NOT an original member of this tribe. She is physically fit and very attractive but her mannerisms and accent tell that the tribal language was not her first.
Silent gives a concerned look over to Tam, catching his eye.
He then lets himself be led out, watching everything on the way over, even their escort. He grabs Eltumal and Jivaji as they approach the hut...
Joe smiles real big, as he steps out of the hut to catch her before she gets too far. "Hang on a sec. Ya know, sure as shootin' you ain't from round these parts, are ya? That sure don't sound like Kaime and the rest of her people. Where ya from?"
Lilica looks back at you guys. "Guess dere's no hidin it huh? Well I'm from a cozy little place far to northwest called Andoran. I used ta live out on da farms out dere. I get a might strong feelin ya might be from a farm yerself da way ya talkin. I got here bout a good coupla years ago after Mormont dun mopped up my home like a mop on spilt milk. I lost everthing. Wounds me to the heart it does, but I gotta new life here an I ain't gonna let a fella like ya mess it up fer me. Now behave an I wont hafta get rough wit ya er nothin. Y'all take care now. See ya." Lilica turns to continue away.
I forgot to mention, You notice a little blue soul floating over her head too but it wasn't on anyone else you met in the village.
Before Adaime takes Tam along, Jivaji pulls Tam aside, and speaks to him softly, out of earshot of any of the women: "Tam, friend, um. Odd question; how likely is it that... these women here would... notice your ...manhood... should you bathe with them?" Jivaji seems distinctly uncomfortable asking this question.
"What I mean it, they might take it in a very wrong way if they were to discover what was going on ...down there... and thought it was a deviant ploy."
Tam grins like an idiot, probably the first time he's smiled since the invasion. "Oh, I'll keep everything under the water and well clear!"
Joe grins real wide. "Whooo! Well alright! But you know where I am if ya wanna talk. I'm from the outskirts of Andoran, myself. And let me tell ya, I grew up with four sisters, so, all I know is rough. Boy howdy, they would team up and work me over real good. Black eyes, busted noses, bite marks, broke fingers, you name it! Whooo! I had to get big and strong so they'd stop whooping me real good." Still smiling real big as he relates the good times. "Well, 'night!" He finishes by waving at her and then re-enters the hut.
Scratching the back of his head as he walks back in, "You know fellas, you don't think there gonna eat our little buddy Tam, do you? I like that little fella. I'd sure hate to lose him. It shor' is funny when he turns into that ol' hairy monster and he goes crazy and starts a clawin' and a bitin'..." Joe interrupts himself with his own laughter. "Whooo! Man that's just funny right there, I don't care who you are." Joe then takes his pack off and goes and sits down.
Adaime and Sheila take you with them into their private bathing chambers. I am going to need a will save and a stealth check out of ya little fella.
Lilica chuckles at Joe. "Heh so y'know all bout da women of Andoran dontcha? Good. Den you understand what'll happin if ya cross me den. Honestly, it sure is nice ta know I wasn't da only surviver of da place. Well met an g'night." with that Lilica leaves in a seemingly better mood than before.
Suddenly you hear a screaming coming from one of your pack animals. You hear. "OH GODS! OH GODS! WHAT IS GOING ON!?!? WHERE AM I!?! YOU'LL NEVER TAKE ME ALIVE!" For those of you who go to investigate the commotion, Levi has finally awoken. It is early evening and Levi is wide awake.
Jivaji, having slid off his heavy backpack, working the kinks of of his shoulders, was investigating the new holes in his shirt when the halfling came to. Rushing over to soothe Levi, "Calm, my friend, calm. You may not remember us, but we saved you from the spiders. You wandered into our camp, assumedly in a fever dream, and passed out almost immediately. You were bitten by the giant jungle spiders. We were able to make an antidote. You are safe now."
Will:
Stealth:
Joe walks over to Levi, "Don't you worry none, other little guy, you gonna be alright. We're all safe here and we'll watch on out for ya." He winks and slaps him on the back.
Levi looks around all panicked for a moment. "Where are we?" He climbs off the horse shaking violently. "Where? We're not in a village are we? Please tell me we are not in a village!?" His eyes are wide and completely freaked out.
You are unable to control your hormones but are at least able to hide it. The bath goes well and the view is spectacular. Eventually Lilica joins you. Sheila takes care in washing you and making sure you are clean. "You must have had a most difficult time. Losing all your family and being forced to flee home. At this age you are so innocent, even for a male."
"Well, shor' we are! What's wrong with that? And we're gonna go fight some more dead critters tomorrow. Ain't that gonna be some fun!" He tells him with a big smile as if that makes everything better.
"We shouldn't be here! These people are crazy!" Levi huddles into the fetal position and begins rocking back and forth. "Crazy, crazy, crazy, we are gonna die, gonna die, gonna die." He continues this rather bizarre behavior for the next three hours before he finally starts screaming uncontrollably.
Once he starts screaming, I'm going to try improvise a gag with whatever I have at hand. "Could someone help me with him. Tie him up, if you could. I don't want to just dismiss what he's saying necessarily, but he's going to ruin our chance of staying here."
Nye is uncomfortable with the whole situation and is feeling much like he is caught in the web of the spiders they killed earlier. When Levi starts getting restless Nye tries to calm him down. "Easy there friend, you've got to calm down." Popping the cork from his ale jug he takes a swig, notices that is getting very close to empty and offers the halfling some. "I agree these ladies are a bit on the strange side but right now this is the safest place we can be. You've been hurt and so have some of our people. Once we rest up we are headed out of here to try and find out the source of the living dead that plague this place. You'll come with us, it's better than staying here but until then you're gonna have to trust us to keep you safe. Can you do that, can you trust us? They talked about another trading settlement that has established near here, have you been there? Do you know if it would be a safer place to hold up?"
Tam enjoys his bath, playing up his "innocence" as much as he can.
"I'll help ya." He moves over to help Eltumal with the crazy halfling. "I'll hold him if one of y'all wanna tie 'im up. Just don't tie 'im up too hard. We don't wanna hurt 'im."
You finish the bath with the ladies and Lilica offers to walk you back to the others. You and her dress and she leads you to the kitchen where she orders two servants to bring some food with. You head to the hut where the others are staying. When you get back, you notice Levi all tied up.
You manage to contain Levi but he seems none the happier and seemingly more panicked than before. Shortly after Lilica returns with Tam and two other womens with baskets of assorted foods.
Lilican approaches and looks at Levi. "Well I see y'all havin lotsa fun I reckon. I brought yer little buddy back and some food fer your starvin bellies. Enjoy y'all." The two women set down the baskets of food. The two leave but Lilica sticks around. "I know da ladies wadn't sound'n to grateful but I am buzzed as bells that y'all is helpin us out. I'm tired of losin ma girls to this jungle and I got a feelin ya boys are more capable dan any of my own. Seriously. I'ma countin on yer survival an iffin ya be need'n anythin, jest ask me. I gotcher backs." If nobody has anything to say, she will leave.
As soon as all the Amazons leave, Tam sinks to the floor with a contented sigh. "Joe, all I can say is you made the wrong choice, my friend. Jungle living agrees with these women in a big way. A big, happily jiggling way. I can die happy now."
** spoiler omitted **
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Lilican approaches and looks at Levi. "Well I see y'all havin lotsa fun I reckon. I brought yer little buddy back and some food fer your starvin bellies. Enjoy y'all." The two women set down the baskets of food. The two leave but Lilica sticks around. "I know da ladies wadn't sound'n to grateful but I am buzzed as bells that y'all is helpin us out. I'm tired of losin ma girls to this jungle and I got a feelin ya boys are more capable dan any of my own. Seriously. I'ma countin on yer survival an iffin ya be need'n anythin, jest ask me. I gotcher backs." If nobody has anything to say, she will leave.
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Lilican approaches and looks at Levi. "Well I see y'all havin lotsa fun I reckon. I brought yer little buddy back and some food fer your starvin bellies. Enjoy y'all." The two women set down the baskets of food. The two leave but Lilica sticks around. "I know da ladies wadn't sound'n to grateful but I am buzzed as bells that y'all is helpin us out. I'm tired of losin ma girls to this jungle and I got a feelin ya boys are more capable dan any of my own. Seriously. I'ma countin on yer survival an iffin ya be need'n anythin, jest ask me. I gotcher backs." If nobody has anything to say, she will leave.
