Gadrick gives everyone a once over.
"Wounded? Any ill? Adaar was quite in the thick of it, though not the only one."
He walks over to the great snake's side and lays a hand upon it softly.
"Can you tend him Karaas or shall I see what I can do?"
Karaas smiles at Gadrick, kneeling down next to Adaar's head, checking his wounds.
"I have a wand that will eventually take care of his wounds, but currently can not heal him. Also, I am unable to remove the poison from him. He will have to let it pass naturally or wait until tomorrow, when I can do it magically. I would be very grateful for any assistance."
The druid gently pats Adaar's head.
Can I take a nap yet?
"Well, neither poison nor snakes are my specialty, but I've learned a thing or two in my travels. Let's see here...."
Bloom in the Garden, you are making this up as you go along aren't you? Well, old boy, you've got your work cut out for you.
Gaddy begins humming to himself and the snakes while running his hands along its sides.
"So, Adaar, is it true that your favorite dance is the Mamba? No? Oh. Ever consider working for the mayor as a civil serpent then?"
Gaddy casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Adaar.
"That should resolve his immediate concern, but I'd advise against trying to absorb bug men through the skin. It seems rather hazardous. The mouth might work better. Jaws and swallowing. Then again, are they even edible? I'm not going to find out. As for the kick in their barbs, let me see what I can see. As I said, not my specialty, though I should be able to ease the recovery in time at the worst."
Myself and Kaepora took some attacks, though Kaepora less so. He should be ok after a night's rest, assuming we get that opportunity."
Gaddy looks to the sky, shielding his eyes slightly at the setting sun.
"The sun wanes or my eyes are cheated. Perhaps, we had best find a place to camp and I can see to both you and Kaepora at there. It might give us time to plan how we shall address this in the morning as well. I, at least, have no knowledge of these bug men save what I've just seen."
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Drat! No Thriae... that might've been something useful.
Atajinn hops down the incline to rejoin his companions.
"Well. It looks like those menacing Formians have been dealt with at last. I'll send my raven back to the oasis spirit and inform it that its troubles are over…”
He sets down his pack and begins fumbling through various trinkets while continuing to speak.
”What should we do now Kaaras? Go hunt some gnolls or maybe squash some slavers? Our new friend Gadrick here needs to see some excitement if he is to become my traveling apprentice.”
Dahrani lets a whistle out to Kaepora and he takes off into the air.
"I will have Kaepora scout the area for us to ensure we are out of danger, at least anything immediate."
Karaas seems lost in thought for a moment when he finally realizes what the gnome has just said as the owl takes flight.
"Come now my little friend. You are surely much too smart to know that's not all of them. Bugs live in hives. We need to find out where they are coming from."
He looks up to the owl again.
"Can he spot tracks, Dahrani? I'm curious what direction they came from."
The druid turns his gaze back to the gnome.
"You are not getting out of this one that easily. Prepare for more bugs. I believe those were just scouts."
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So close! Why are we chasing these creatures for a silly old spirit anyway? I bet Jaal's having more fun on his journies.
Atajinn's head droops as he lets out an arcane sigh. One tiny blue firework launches above his head several feet but fizzles out before it can explode.
He puts the raven figurine back in his pack and stands up to face Kaaras.
"As a matter of fact, these are Formians, not "bugs", Kaaras. Highly poisonous as well as telepathic, I thought you knew that... and speaking of hives, if these three were scouts, the whole hive probably knows we're here by now. Are we gonna crunch em all? I think that spirit sent us here as a funny joke. It's probably watching us and laughing itself silly right now!"
Atajinn starts looking around suspiciously.
Gaddy's head perks up at this.
"If they are telepathic and know we're here then we've got two choices. Grab the high ground, prepare to defend ourselves and try to avoid getting our soft bits punctured is the first. The second would be to quit this place before they arrive to somewhere less conspicuous so that we may reengage them in battle at a time and place of our choosing."
He looks around the bodies.
"Have we gone through their pockets for information? If they're telepathic they probably aren't carrying written orders. Do formians have pockets? Do they have loose change? If they don't have pockets, where do they keep their loose change? Regardless, could they have anything on them?
Gadrick approaches the nearest two and begins eying them for any pouches, clothing or places to store information.
+4 vs. Gnolls
+2 vs. Earth Outsiders
Kaepora lands on the rock outcrop to the north and screeches. She waits for Dahrani to look over and then flies off to the north, leading the way towards something.
"Gentlemen, let us move swiftly. It appears Kaepora has found something."
Gadrick hastily grabs the two pouches and puts them in one his side pockets in his backpack without going through them at this time, before jogging over to the third formian. He checks there for a similar pouch on that formian or anything different about it.
"These might be useful information.... or coin. I'm actually hoping for the former today."
As Gadrick comes over the rise he notes that the three formian seem to have been waiting here for at least a few hours. There are tracks leading to the north and Kaepora is circling about 40 feet above the trail waiting for the party.
Kaaras smiles up at Kaepora and starts to head over the rise, meeting up with the ranger.
"Looks like he found something. Dahrani, if you will take the lead?"
Gaddy grabs the pouch and adds it to the other two.
"This was no chance meeting. More may lie in wait. Be on your guard, avoid javelins, stingers and other pointy bits in your soft spots."
He hurries along with the group.
Dahrani leads the group in following the tracks. After about half a mile the tracks lead into a shallow canyon. The walls range from ten to twenty feet high at times, and winds north west into the hills. After just three or four hundred feet the canyon comes to a branch in the path, offering to go north and south from here.
The tracks you are following enter the new trail and blend in with the increased traffic that is evident on this path. The new trail has tracks heading in both directions, but the lack of wind in the canyon means tracks do not wear away as quickly here.
Kaepora lands on the canyon wall to the north side of the trail and screeches.
I also get +2 to Track
To the south the tracks are older, seeming to show that most of the recent traffic was between you and the north arm of the canyon. While there is sign of both types seen to the north, additionally you see signs of a familiar track. A party of at least a dozen gnolls passed to the north from the south, but the newer traffic shows it has been some time since they passed. Among the gnoll tracks is sign of a Hyenadon as well.
"Friends, the creatures we are tracking appear to be to our north, accompanied with a similar insect creature of smaller size. There are some older tracks of gnolls coming up from the south to the north, and they appeared to have a large hyena with them.
I wish I could say whether the insects and gnolls were working together or fighting each other, though I suppose we shall find out soon. Our journey takes us north as both tracks lead that way. Let us prepare for battle and push forward.
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Atajinn slinks over to Gadrick and whispers softly.
"Dahrani always shows us the best way to go. Do not worry, young Gadrick. It's perfectly safe."
Invisibility prepped? check... Alter self prepped? check...
After a few small calculations he jumps up and exclaims.
"Yes! To glorious battle!"
A small rock flies off the ground and strikes Kaaras harmlessly in the arm.
Gadrick raises an eyebrow to Atajinn, before smiling comfortably.
"Oh, good. Experienced trackers are invaluable to trod safe paths. Lost one once in the Whisperwood...That was ruinous. Still, best to take Dahrani's advice and be ready."
Gaddy draws his staff and shield to walk with, eying the ridges for anything out of place.
The group moves forward, Dahrani leading the way and following the tracks. Kaepora takes to wing again and flies north, then immediately screeches and heads back.
As you follow the tracks to a bend in the trail, you once again see the older gnoll tracks. Though this time they scramble up the left hand side of the cliffs, and yet the Formian tracks continue along the trail.
Dahrani pauses for a second and looks around. Kaaras also looks up as well.
Kaaras lifts his hands in a show of non-hostility and takes one step forward.
"My name is Karaas, and I have come to investigate why formians have been attacking. We were attacked on site and unable to start a parlay. May we have a chance at communication before resulting to more primal instincts?"
Each member of the party hears a slight buzz in their head and then a deep buzzing voice speaks to them, again in their head.
Kaaras, please step forward to the corner where you can address our taskmaster. He has been summoned and will be here shortly. Beware, do not approach further than the bend of the trail ahead. The consequences will not be pleasant should you fail to heed this instruction.
Karaas turns to Adaar before moving, hissing at him.
The druid steps forward to the mentioned spot. He stands, waiting the arrival of the taskmaster. The large anaconda stays by the ranger, his gaze locked on Karaas.
Adaar slides up next to Dahrani and brushes against him. Somehow the snake seems to have a smile in his eyes. He hisses back to Karras and then remains alert.
Two minutes pass and then a confident formian steps forward from the hole dug into the group at the back of the canyon. He walks easily among the smaller minions as they part for him, as well as his companion, a large gnoll.
The formian stops at the opening of the path and looks at Kaaras. Shortly the same buzz starts in each members head.
I am Bratto, taskmaster of this site. You are unwelcome here and should simply leave. But you have asked to speak, and I am willing to listen.
The gnoll steps up behind Bratto. His hand rests on a set of iron bars tucked into his belt, strung together with a chain. This weapon is the signature weapon of the superior caste, the flinds. It is safe to assume this gnoll is some kind of leader among his people and probably not alone.
Warrior 2
Gnolls?!? We're parlaying with GNOLLS?!?!?
I'd like a Perception check to see if I see signs of slave trafficking.
Another +4 if my Favored Enemy bonus against Gnolls somehow applies
Taskmaster? And with a gnoll...Slavers? Slavers mean slaves. If they're slavers this either ends in blood or infiltration tonight.
Gaddy grips his arms tighter, expecting trouble.
Kaaras nods, looking to Bratto.
"Travelers are being attacked by your troops outside of your site. Why are they making advances? These travelers pose no threat to you."
I was not expecting gnolls to be involved
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Kaaras is so brave and wise but... why is he still talking to the Formians? I've never heard of a bug that negotiates. Maybe they do!? In either case, it may be time to get a better view of the situation.
Atajinn whispers a quiet word from his hiding spot, snaps his fingers softly above his head and vanishes from sight.
Bratto looks straight ahead at Kaaras, no emotion showing on his face.
"The colony must grow. To grow, the colony hunt. To hunt the colony must expand. This is how we live. This is how all life lives to some extent. Your travelers are our prey."
After Bratto speaks, the gnoll leans forward and whispers low to the taskmaster. Bratto turns slightly to the gnoll but says nothing. Then he turns back to Kaaras.
"You now have the answers to why we are attacking your travelers. I believe your investigation is over."
Since they have diplomats, it is a safe assumption they can be negotiated with, but only if they have something to negotiate for.
Also, taskmasters have a few minor spell-like abilities, specifically Detect Thoughts. They can also use Sending to communicate with the queen of their colony.
Last, Atajinn recalls hearing taskmasters are also minor spell casters. They receive training similar to bards, though they are not artistic in nature.
Kaaras nods at Bratto.
"I respect your answer and thank you for the explanation."
The druid takes but a moment to think and then confidently makes eye contact with Bratto.
"I'm sure you are aware that these roads are being traveled a bit more frequently. While I have no personal dispute with you or your colony, your neighbors are less welcoming to the natural order of survival. They may retaliate, or hire someone to come do it for them. Even if you are not personally familiar with the more "civilized" races, I'm sure you've heard of their tenacity. I would like to discuss a border of sorts that gives you plenty of hunting ground, but also provides safe travels for those needing to use the area."
Now I remember why I let Atajinn do all the talking...
Using a Hero Point after the roll to add a +4 Luck Bonus for a 17 total.
I wish I'd had time to go through those pouches, I wasn't quite expecting a parlay so fast. By the Bloom, Gaddy, get your head on straight. You might have needed the information in there. You can't check them now without drawing attention or finding yourself out of sorts if they don't take kindly to borders. First chance, you check those. Convince them to return if need be.
As for hunting, usually this is done by groups of warriors and workers. Often taskmasters are assigned to oversee larger groups further from the colony as it expands.
Bratton looks at Kaaras, a nearly blank expression on his face as before.
"Neighbors? I am not sure what you mean by neighbors. But I am willing to discuss negotiations. You wish us to stop attacking people using this area for travel, yes? What do you offer in return for this request?"
"Before you answer we should meet on better terms. Please do not continue forward on the trail, for it is trapped. Rather climb up an over the cliff. If you need assistance my workers can help you. I will await here and promise you safety while we negotiate."
With that said, the formian taskmaster turns away and you hear more activity around the corner. The gnoll behind Bratton snarls slightly and barks to someone unseen.
"Makamu wathu ndikufuna kuti ndiyankhule ndi anthu hairless. Kubwerera ku una wa kwa tsopano."
Then the gnoll turns and heads towards the opening leading, you assume, underground.
DANGER! DANGER! DANGER!
+4 vs. gnolls
There are also an undetermined number of gnolls now heading into the tunnels, probably to hide their numbers.
Dahrani takes a step towards Kaaras and whispers to him.
"I don't like this. I fear that working with gnolls is bad news. The taskmaster has been pleasant, but we don't know how many are underground. He was nice enough to inform us of the trap, but if we follow, we are then stuck on the other side of said trap with an undetermined number of enemies.
However, this is a cause that you care about and I will not sway you from such. If nothing else, I suggest extreme caution if we are to do this."
Gaddy moves over to the other two before speaking in a hushed tone.
"I don't like this. We have no avenue of retreat if we climb unless we leap the cliff. I've a rope to climb it and I suppose I can affix it to the top for an egress but there's no guaranteeing that it doesn't get slit. Also, I'm a lousy climber. It's on my to-do list right after planting a better garden and tea time next Thursday but I need to be alive next Thursday to even consider getting around to that. I also haven't a clue what the other 'fellow' said. I can perk my ear up a bit if we need. Just say the word. They won't perk long, but I can get us some time there.
We're six. Our position here is lousy, but so is up there with a reduced escape route. I've done that before...
Besides, what's our leverage? He can be talked into something I wager, but we need something to talk him into. Anyone have pull with the guard or that mercenary company?"
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Atajinn completes his ascent to the top of the cliff and looks back down at his companions.
I wonder why they're all still down there. Isn't this what we came here for? To talk? I said we should give up and turn around after the first 3 bugs but NOOO! Kaaras insisted we press on...
With a few points of his fingers, Atajinn targets his 3 companions and whispers softly.
"Hey guys! I can see soooo many more bugs from up here. It seems like there's a whole hive of them. Kaaras, I hope you've got a sweet deal lined up for these Formians... remember that time Adaar tried to eat a bee's nest?"