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Sadly there is not picture.
It's an ivory statuette about 30cm tall. It depicts a grinning fanged kobold with wings and horns. It is also spattered with dried blood.
The paper is not a map. It appears to be a tally sheet of some kind. It is divided in two halves with a title at the top of each column, underneath there are a variety of entries. I don't believe anyone here can read this language, but if they are trained in linguistics perhaps they could identify it.
Mikmek creeps up and takes a spear when no one is paying attention. With such a large group he seems to be staying squarely under
Lorald's shadow.
"I agree with Josef and Gareth. We have to wait here for a complete healing, and also I second to meet the Sootscales all together." says Anton, then he looks to Lorad searching for the kobold.
"Mikmek, do you think we should give back Old Sharptooth to the Chief Sootscale or to Tartuk the Shaman?"
Marlani has some experience with the written word; she will take a quick look at the "tally sheet";
Miyuki would ask around if all want to go through the front door, or maybe check for another entrance. And who wants to talk to the the kobolds.
"Does anyone read undercommon?"
White Eagle responds I do not, Our food supply will be dwindling soon, I will go and find food.
He then grabs his spear and heads out for a hunt.
Looking at Marlani.
"It is not among the languages I have learned."
While having no shortage of food, they would be camped and fresh meat would be better for those recovering. He went off to hunt as well on his own.
Later he returned with a number of rabbits and other small game, as well as foraged plants to add to the meat.
In the morning Anton will pray Erastil and meditate nature to prepare new spells
1st Bless (D), Goodberry, Goodberry
0th Guidance, Light, Stabilize
Then he goes to the wounded ones checking the health condition of everybody.
Miyuki start cooking and using prestidigation to add a cinamon-pineapple flavor to the food. Taking 10 for craft cooking
Even though Gareth is not a skilled hunter he attempts to cull some game with his sling and some stones. A few moment later he comes running back out of the brush and warns the others against going in the direction that he came from. Between panting breaths he exclaims "Skunks!"
Survival
He then leads his new horse out to graze while he scratches his neck where it looks like he contracted poison ivy.
Before the evening Anton casts Goodberry spell twice on his nuts provision
Gaining a total of 13 enchanted nuts he gives to the wounded members of both teams.
Valkus, fully rested after the first night, seems much more upbeat. The rest has beaten back his somber mood, and he spends the day sparring with Eusebius and getting to know him better. In the evening he plays a set of folk ballads for the camp, starring a clever fox that outwits his adversaries at every turn. He adds an extra bit of spice to the performance by creating illusions in the smoke above the campfire to illustrate the songs.
In the absence of any solid objections I'm just going to press on. Another night is spent camping. The healers easily provide aid to the wounded, so everyone still injured recovers another 2 hit points.
And all non-lethal damage would be healed, I'll update Hunter.
should have took ten, but okay, trail ration used, no big deal.
"Does anyone read undercommon?"
Where is Zartana when you need her? Most drows learn that language, their team is probably nowhere near us.
Josef shakes his head. "Undercommon wasn't part of my lessons."
Looking to the others, he forces himself to broach THAT topic again. "So, how do we want to present ourselves to the kobold chief? Are we protectors, here to see that all who wish to live in peace can? Are we the imposers of order and taxes, returning the idol as evidence that we provide order and security in exchange for the taxes? Who do we want to be? That question should be answered well before we worry about who says what to the tribe, don't you think?"
Anton answers to Josef:
"If this Chief is different from the purple Shaman, then we could establish some kind of alliance with him and their tribe. We are chartered to represent the law here, at least until some colonies and a more formal government will be developed. So we should stipulate a treaty between our two parts. The recover of their idol will be our part of that treaty.
Looking to the others, he forces himself to broach THAT topic again. "So, how do we want to present ourselves to the kobold chief? Are we protectors, here to see that all who wish to live in peace can? Are we the imposers of order and taxes, returning the idol as evidence that we provide order and security in exchange for the taxes? Who do we want to be? That question should be answered well before we worry about who says what to the tribe, don't you think?"
"I am inclined to the latter. Kobolds are a primitive race, they don't establish civilizations. We should impress upon them that we are heralds of a larger and more powerful nation, or tribe as they might understand things, and that we mercifully offer them peace at the price of some measure of obedience."
When he is finished, Gareth looks to the others for their thoughts on the matter.
If we are to stay an extra day the White eagle will prepare and use his two Cure light Wound spells.
Chief White eagle remains silent as the discussions proceed. He nods his approval of Anton's suggestion. but is not so inclined toward Josef and gareth's suggestions.
I will not be a part of being the oppressor or conqueror of this tribe. It does not sit well with me.
"I asked how we want to present ourselves. Saying 'not like that' isn't really helping. How do you want us to present ourselves? What would sit well with you?"
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Seems like you have an array of positions. At last report Lorald had possession of Old Sharptooth. Riding to the mine where the kobolds live is only about three hours away. The hex to the southeast is unexplored by anyone, but both team antler and Mikmek know the way, so it's no difficulty to find your way there.
"I asked how we want to present ourselves. Saying 'not like that' isn't really helping. How do you want us to present ourselves? What would sit well with you?"
I would prefer your first option. offer peace, each to co-exist, helping each as the needs dictate
Lorald listened for a time then simply turned to Mikmek.
"What can you tell me of your people? Do they seek order and peace or are you warlike and simple? Please tell me of the kobolds and their ways?"
It seemed he alone did not have an agenda.
I will not be a part of being the oppressor or conqueror of this tribe. It does not sit well with me.
"I said nothing of oppressing them. I said we should make them understand that a measure of obedience is expected of them. That is what is expected of all subjects in any land. If all are left to do as they please then we might as well leave these lands in their current state."
"All sovereigns exercise some degree of control in their lands. That is the nature of the law. The kobolds will benefit from the protection of the laws that they are to live under, just as any others would be."
"We put and end to the depredations of the bandits who plagued Oleg's post because we are here to civilize these lands and civilized men do not accept banditry. The kobolds will be made to understand this also. If they choose to live in accord with the laws of the land then they will be improved for it."
She is now full health (at 8/8)
I will not be a part of being the oppressor or conqueror of this tribe. It does not sit well with me.
"I said nothing of oppressing them. I said we should make them understand that a measure of obedience is expected of them. That is what is expected of all subjects in any land. If all are left to do as they please then we might as well leave these lands in their current state."
"All sovereigns exercise some degree of control in their lands. That is the nature of the law. The kobolds will benefit from the protection of the laws that they are to live under, just as any others would be."
"We put and end to the depredations of the bandits who plagued Oleg's post because we are here to civilize these lands and civilized men do not accept banditry. The kobolds will be made to understand this also. If they choose to live in accord with the laws of the land then they will be improved for it."
Listening to the description White Eagle thinks back to the stories told to him by his father and grandfather.
My ancestors lived on the land, and the land provided for them. We lived for countless generations with peace and understanding, and without your laws, or your sovereignty.
tell me then, If I lead my people to these new lands, must we too follow your law. Many of my brothers and sisters have died because of your laws. I guess you would claim that they died because we did not accept your rule. We did not have war until your rule.
His voice and tone are somewhat forceful, there is anger in his eyes, the words Gareth has chosen are probably not the best words he could have chosen.
White eagle goes to tend to his horse. not wanting to be angered further at the memories of what his people have endured.
Chief White Eagle Natalya meets his gaze, her face passive but confident.
Your tribe no doubt lived in peace before others came, seeking your lands. This is not however true with the kobolds. They war with their neighbors, the Mites. From a cultural standpoint, who are you or I to tell them what is right, whether their reasoning is just in avenging fallen brethren, or if they merely seek petty revenge in an ever escalating conflict that can only end with one side obliterated and the winner barely standing?
She gently places her open palm on the Chief's chest, she is very cool to the touch
You know, in your heart, what is right. Your ancestors show you the way, but your heart truly guides you in understanding right and wrong.
She indicates the entire group
Civilisation of one kind or another is coming to these lands, even if we fail, others will follow in our footsteps. You have a chance now to be part of the foundation, to guide the way things are, and to make sure the mistakes of the past are not repeated under your watch. Take heart Chief, that you have found others that share your wish for peace. Though you may not be able to control everything that happens here, your very presense, your moral heart, will enrich these lands and its people, forever.
She turns to walk away, but pauses briefly and looks back over her shoulder
Being your traveling companion for but a few days has already opened my eyes and made me want to seek a better path, think what effect you might have on others over the months ahead, if you but give them a chance to share your wisdom
She returns to the shadows by the campfire, seemingly content to let the night have her back for a while.
The Orlovskys seem to think they are already masters of the land. I fear they only see till the tip of their nose. But maybe we can find a better solution, together
Adressing the others:"I agree to your point, that we should try to find a solution that ensures the peace to everybody. But we cannot force our solutions on them. We have to come to an accord to harmonize their ways with our ways.
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Having had a chance to debate the issue of the kobold you head off towards the oak top mine.
You travel 3 hours across the Kamelands to a hill. In the further distance to the south east you can see the shrike river a few miles away.
For those who have not been here before the hill is a barren rock with a single oak tree growing at it’s summit. It might be three hundred feet tall at most (the hill, not the tree) so it’s not a huge hill, but large enough. It rises quite suddenly, so unless you want to scale the sides of it your only choice is to head up a narrow path, too narrow for your horses.
Near the base of the path there is a fallen sign which reads, in faded common: “Oak Top Mine”
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In response to his earlier question Milmek stares at Lorald. Mikmek clearly doesn't understand human facial expressions, and his own expressions run over him so quickly its hard to tell what he's thinking, or if he's even just having a series of facial twitches.
What is clear is that like a hyperactive daschhound who simply does not know how to behave he's trying to predict what you want without really understanding what it is you want.
He takes his spear and thrusts it into the air: "WAR!" He cries, and then he tries his best approximation of a smile, which, lacking lips, is just ghastly.
Loralds face is unreadable. He did not think Mikmek was being honest, rather he was trying to please. Seemed he would have to find out more from another source if he had the opportunity.
"You should not worry about telling me the truth."
He says nothing more.
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Lorald had let Mikmek ride with him. After dismounting he brought the kobold down off the horse. Whistling he set his dogs to guard duty and advised the bandit to remain with the horses as well as alert. Once properly grounded and preparations were made he had his crossbow cradled in his arms should some surprise greet them rather then the kobolds.
Marlani moves close to Josef and Lorald:
"We set out on the quest, found the mites, battled them, and secured the idol as well as freed their prisoner. While they simple talked, regardless of their late roles. We should see this through not gift others with what they did not earn or deserve. There are other considerations of a personal nature for me as well."
He did not like admitting that last part.
Team Orlovsky
"I agree. Let us make our case and then leave the others to do as they will."
In the next morning Anton prays for new spells and also handles Berego, his horse, for the short journey.
New spells for this day:
1st Bless (D), Deadeye's Arrow (2)
0th Guidance, Light, Stabilize
Also since nobody wanted them, and until this evening, Anton still got 13 nuts (goodberry spell) left to use.
Arriving at the Mine:
Anton, already knowing the way, stays in the vanguard of the big group. When they reached the entrance he dismounts, casts Light on his longbow and look back to Lorad and Mikmek "You are safe at home now, and with a lot of friends. Do you mind to escort us to Chief Sootscale?"
He also looks around searching for the other two kobolds the Unicorn's Antlers already meet the first time they came here.
Hunter responding to Matsu Miyuki says...
Anton answers Hunter
They were first at exploring the hills near the Sycomore and in the Mite's lair, but I don't think they explored this hills too, since they didn't meet the Kobold tribe and know of their wars with the Mites before finding Mikmek prisoner in the lair.
We meet the Kobolds first, following the tracks of the kobolds we find in the forest, and then meeting with Napkip and the purple shaman. Nobody can claim to be the first in this situation.
Hunter ponder Anton's words. He was never told how to handle things if things weren't clear cut as to who got there first. Rarely did that situation ever come up, and even when it did, most of the time one group or the other allying would be dead before they even meet each other, so he didn't have to worry about that conflict. It did come up once, but it was resolved by a 3rd party involved.
Hunter is impressed with Matsu, she is talking to him like she really knows how to talk to a military sergeant, although hunter was never in the military but in wars, his group was more guerrilla warfare like, but still somewhat the same concept.
Team Orlovsky