Now knowing what to look for, Katherine will aid Isagoras in his watch.
I think it's unanimous to go around their territory.
[ooc]OK, since Isagoras is the new ogre expert, I'll run it like this. Everyone can make Notice support rolls to help him...
Sorry. I missed that it should be a Notice check, but Katherine's Notice is the same as her Common Knowledge, so if the GM permits, just use those rolls.
Keeping a close look-out for marks left by the seemingly competing ogre tribes, Isagoras leads your band of adventurers around their territory. You spend the next few hours slowly picking your way through this swampy land, occasionally stopping when someone in your large party steps in a watery hole and plunges up to their waist or neck into the muck.
Later that day you begin to see an enormously tall tree in the distance. Although you can't see its base from your current vantage point hundreds of feet away, it appears to be shaped like an enormous triangular conifer, hundreds of feet tall. The ground around here seems drier than in other parts of the swamp, and there is the noticeable smell of a wood fire coming from somewhere nearby.
One of the more observant men-at-arms points to movement in the upper branches of the tree and gestures for everyone to quickly find a place to hide before you are spotted (if you haven't been already).
Once hidden, Wolfram puzzles at the tree. "Are lizardfolk known to inhabit the high reaches of unusually large trees?" he ponders out loud.
Alas, he has no answers. "Karl, what say you?"
The obese guardsman chews his face. It's impossible to tell if he's thinking or working out a booger. Maybe that's what he does when he's thinking. Finally he lets out a loud fart, and a smile crosses his typically confused or disinterested face.
"Well, that's not helpful," observes the Reverend, thankful to be upwind of the steward. "If they didn't see us before, they're sure to have heard that. We should go out and present ourselves. We are here to parlay, not to fight."
Grace tries to see what's causing the movement in the tree :
= 14, 2 Raises
And sees...???
The movement in the tree seems indeed to be coming from a lizardfolk lookout crouched on one of the larger branches. Studying the tree a bit more closely, MwG notices that several ropes have been attached to the tree, allowing the scaly swamp-dwellers to climb the tree with ease. From what she sees, the scout seems not to have notice the group.
"Well they can climb ropes, that in itself is fascinating. Why don't we approach and ask them to join us in diplomacy. That's my vote. What say the rest of you?"
After describing what she sees, Grace says "We are a highly armed and armored force. Given that there's been aggression between the lizardfolk and humans (on both sides), what do you think their most likely response would be?
Perhaps if a few of our less-threatening members would approach, they might not be inclined to attack first. And if they do attack, the rest of the group won't be far away."
"A fine plan. Katherine, would you care to join me to have a conversation with them? We'll bring Karl too. If they're hungry they'll eat him first."
Swallowing hard, Katherine summons up all her boldness and replies, "Sure. I'll go."
"Very good. Should we have a panic signal? How about, if I punch Karl in the arm, come running."
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Isagoras simply nods at the father's plan. He knows it's impossible to dissuade the man once he's got a bit on the bridle, and it's always easier to talk -before- fighting anyway.
At least he's willing to back up his offers of diplomacy with his own actions. Nothing is more grating than someone who wants to do diplomacy but is wholly inept at it.
"Should I go? I know I'm wearing leather armor, but I can keep my sword sheathed on my back to conceal it it little bit. And it couldn't hurt to have a decent fighter right on-hand."
Father Argyle, Katherine, Karl, and Moves with Grace step out from behind were they have been hiding and walk toward the enormous tree. They are quickly spotted by the scout in the tree who immediately pulls out a large shell from a satchel and blows it three times. He then takes out a spear and screeches loudly at the intruders in a threatening gesture.
For the moment, nothing else can be heard.
Wolfram responds to Grace. "I recommend against subterfuge, but however you are most comfortable presenting yourself."
The Reverend and Karl lead the delegation into the clearing beneath the great tree.
"Ho there!" he shouts up the tree. "My name is Wolfram. I'm a Priest of Procan from the Temple in Saltmarsh. These are my associates. We are emissaries sent on behalf of the local communities, here to inquire about conflicts between your clan and the human population. We are not warriors, and only seek to learn your grievances, so that we may assess the nature of this tension in hopes of brokering a solution agreeable to all sides.
"I'm afraid I'm too old and fat to scale a lengthy flight of stairs, much less a rope. I request that the leaders of your clan join us on this less elevated surface so that we may speak easily. Come armed if you feel you must, but know that we have no quarrel with your folk."
= 10
As the group gathers in the clearing before the giant tree, the sound of the movement of many forms can be heard coming from bushes behind it. Within 30 seconds a large band of lizardfolk warriors, at least 30 in number, step into view, led by a chieftain wearing an impressive bird-skull headdress and a black spear made of either metal or wood.
They look at your party with great suspicion and many make threatening gestures toward you. When the leader holds up his clawed hand, they all grow silent.
"Whhhyyy do you ape-people invade our swamp? You are not welcome heeere," the leader hisses in heavily accented Common.
Wolfram glances back at Isagoras, whose s%$+ty attitude is counter-productive. By the furl of his brow he conveys that it was the wizard and the others that insisted on this foray into the wilds, against Wolfram's counsel.
The Reverend raises his hands in a non-threatening gesture, and affects a calming smile. "We enter into your territory uninvited, and for that I apologize. In truth, I would not be here if not for the insistence of others who view your activities in the neighboring communities as a continued threat. As we have aggrieved you by our trespass, so others are aggrieved by yours.
"I understand this to be a simple dispute of territory - the townsfolk's claim against your own. Now that I see the ingenuity with which your folk have mastered the lofty reaches of this great tree, I sense, to the extent that I am capable as one carries the burdens of others, that your connection to this swamp is akin to a living relationship, no different from the feelings one has toward his deity or sovereign.
"We recently visited a nearby farm where the matron claimed to have lost her men in an attack by your kind. I know not if her words were true, only that she spoke them. Similarly, a lone ranger complained to have lost her company to an assault by warriors of your race. It was her story that roused my associates to take on this errand. The abduction and killing of people in the surrounding communities cannot continue.
"I have given you my name, Chief. Will you offer me yours and explain to us the nature of your grievances against the people in these neighboring lands, in hopes that we can arrive at a common truth from which to assess reparations?"
= 12
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The lizardfolk leader hisses after Wolfram finishes his artful speech.
"You were lieeeed to, hhhhuman. Nonnnne of my trrrrribe have attacked the valleyfolk. If you were sent to find us and kill us here at our tree we will happily indulge you. My young warriors are begging to prove themselves."
At this, a half-dozen younger lizardfolk armed with wooden spears and crude metal knives step out from behind the tree and begin making threatening gestures with their fangs and weapons.
The leader blurts out a command in their tongue and the young warriors step back a few steps and lower their weapons.
"The young know nothing but tribe and blood, but the wise must teach them to not waste their lives on stupid thingsss. I see by your white hair that you may be old, hhhhuman, but are you wise?"
= 8, a Raise
Grace stresses one word to show the leader that she understands him :
"We also do not wish to fight with you. You claim that the humans we talked to have lied to us. Shall we sheathe our weapons, sit down, and talk about this? If humans are lying, there must be some reason for it. Perhaps we can figure it out together?"
= Success
Wolfram picks up on Grace's keen eye and declaration. "We who grow old were once young. Indeed, daily do I witness not only the joys but the tragedies of youth. Men - boys - with naught but stubble on their faces, scattered to the bottom of the sea by Procan's will. To prove oneself is a fine thing; a wild boar, a cougar, or a bear, these are exceptional foes. A company of stray soldiers, all the better! But children and farmers? That's not sporting.
"I believe you understand that as well, Chief. You do not seek to bring dishonor and strife onto your tribe, and any of these young ones who cross the line would be disciplined, no?
"We are strangers in this parcel of earth, but you must have many scouts. I am prepared to bring the charge back to those who sent us, but we need to know what truly happened to that farmstead, and why the townsfolk are so disheveled and alarmed. Those who are distressed may speak untruths for sympathy and retribution, but their pain is no less real. What do they fight against, if not you? For what reasons?
"Tell us your story, Chief, the whole of it, and we will trouble you no longer."
= 15
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Martina nods a number of times at Isagoras' tale, especially when he tells her about clearing out the Haunted House.
"My order had heard about the haunted house on the coast but never investigated. We tend not to involve ourselves in the machinations of undead, unless they present a greater threat to the community. The ghosts in the house always seemed to keep to themselves. Our focus is more on the various tribes of humanoids that make their home in this area."
"You are correct in assuming that a bear a heavy burden. A few of my companions and I were investigating the lizardfolk in the nearby Hool Marshes. In the past they largely stayed in their swampy home and rarely bothered the good people of the Salt River valley. This changed several months ago when a large group of lizardfolk warriors ambushed a caravan between Saltmarsh and Kimberton. The Baron's men stepped up their patrols along the trade road, but the Wardens of the Stag decided it was time to speak with the chief of the lizardfolk. We had treated with him in the past and felt he would hear us out. We were terribly wrong."
"A group of a half-dozen of us traveled along the secret swamp paths only we know, around the Frostfens, skirting the territory of the Great Wyrm Nuzyandrus, but we were ambushed a half-day from the main lizardfolk settlement. There were more than 20 of them, and they came at us in waves until each of Wardens fell before me. When I realized none of us would survive unless I ran for my life, I tucked my tail and escaped. I only barely managed to reach Sandpoint yesterday, and I plan to drown my sorrow in the brown ale until it is the end of me."
The ranger then sighs and looks down at her beer.
`Did Martina lie to us?' he thinks, silently shocked by this turn.
The lizardfolk leader once again speaks quickly to his followers and a few of them leave momentarily before returning with several large, carefully wrapped leaves. Each leaf is placed in front of the chieftain who beckons for the leaders of your group to sit on the ground across from him.
When all have gathered, two lizardfolk open the leaves, revealing dozens of different types of food ... at least food as far as the lizardfolk are concerned. Before you is an assortment of living grubs and other insects, small lizards, bird and reptile eggs, fish, fruits, and the meats of several larger animals (most likely wild pigs). Nothing has been cooked.
The chieftain grabs a few of the grubs and gulps them down before gesturing towards all of you to dig in.
"These kinds of talksss between peoplesss require that customs are followed."
The leader then sits back and waits for you to partake in the food they have provided.
Wolfram and Karl settle in the circle. The young guard looks confused, but he always looks that way.
"You honor us, Chief," says the Reverend.
The meal is a test, of course, of sincerity but also of mettle. Wolfram begins with some fruit, but then goes more boldly, plucking a small handful of grubs and filling his mouth. He finds that as long as he doesn't chew, it's not terrible.
= 9
After the initial shock of it, he decides he's actually quite hungry from the long and stressful journey. Soon he's assembled several eggs of different sizes, a cut of fish and a filet of pork. Though uncooked, the flavors are earthy and generally mild. He eats his fill.
Not to be outdone, Karl takes what appears to be an entire quarter of a wild pig and begins to gnaw at it as if his life depended on finishing it. He's covered in blood but his appearance has improved for the mess.
"How may we address you?" Wolfram asks the chief again.
Katherine takes a sidelong glance at Wolfram before gingerly selecting the smallest grub she can find. She closes her eyes and drops it into her mouth, swallowing it whole. With a grimace, she tries her best to smile and says, "Mmmm. Delicious."
Grace stoically eats some of everything in the bundle. She shows no signs of squeamishness.
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Isagoras had had some raw steaks in his life, but those had at least -seen- fire, and had been accompanied by salt and sauces well flavored.
He sighs internally and fills his leaf with two fish (acceptable) a goodly amount of fruit of whatever kind, with a few he even recognizes...and brace of the small lizards, securing them by their tails so they don't squirm away.
Bracing himself, and bowing to the reality that he'll need to eat these first before they run off, he pops them into his mouth and starts chewing before he has time to reconsider.
Surprisingly they go down well, their natural flavor being something of a combination of chicken and frog legs.
He chokes them down, bones and all, and rewards himself by tucking into the fruit.
"So, chief, tell us your side of the story. Why might these humans name your kind as attacking them?"
The chieftain seems satisfied by your eating of the foods their people have prepared.
"You may call me Seeesaaala. I am the leader of this ssssmall family of Folk. In your tongue we are called the Treewalkers."
They point to the massive oak behind them before continuing.
"We are not the only family of Folk in the Land. There are many of us, but the one who hasss been causing problems are known as the Makers. They were alwayssss the cleverest among us, the bessst at adapting to the waysss of the ape-people. They had their place and were respected among the families of the Land, until they delved into the lair of the Witch Queen. After they began exploring that unnatural hole, their ways became ssstrange and they driffffted from the wayssss of the People. Their minds have become closed to othersss and we have seen the ape-men among their kind, but for what purpose I do not know."
Wolfram considers if he has any knowledge of this Witch Queen.
"Seeesaaala of the Treewalkers, we have charged ourselves with finding a resolution to this dispute. And in truth, this land is near to my home as well, and I would see peace renewed between the varied Folk and peoples of these parts. Your invocation against the Witch Queen makes sense; why else would an otherwise peaceable accord be breached, unspoken as it were, but nonetheless understood.
"I must ask your permittance: Should we cross paths with the Makers, we may be roused to defend ourselves. We are not soldiers, but if it comes to battle, we will fight for our lives. Some of your kind among the Makers may be returned to the earth by way of the sword, but only if we are threatened unjustly first.
"Let this warning accompany a pledge that we will investigate the lair of the Witch Queen and take necessary action. What say you, Seeesaaala? And do you have warriors to guide us to her lair, and take up arms alongside us if the time for words comes to an end?"
2 day rule invoked.
The chieftain of the Treewalkers considers Wolfram's words for several minutes, taking more food from the leaf trays in front of him as he seems to be considering his proposition. Finally he swallows and gives you his answer.
"I think we can reach an agreement. We cannot ourselvesss move against the Makers, for we have long-standing truce that they have not broken. You are not of the People, however, so if you move against them it will not reflect poorly on usss. We cannot help you, but will give you clear directions on how to find them. If the warriors of the Makers must leave this earth as a result, then it must be so. We only ask that if you come across their younglings and those who care for them, you do not kill them. Can you agree to this?"
"I see no problem with that. But though I have spoken on behalf of our group, they have equal say in the matter. What say you? Any concerns?" he directs to the others in the company.
"By 'those who care for' the younglings, do you mean the females? Do all females care for younglings, or is it just a select few? In either case, how can we recognize them? Should we just leave them alone, or bring them to your tribe, since they might not have any warriors left to protect them?"
The chieftain listens intently to MwG's question before answering. "This is common error among ape-peoples. Folk do not have two kindssss. We all females, but different Folk are better at different tasks."
"What about recognizing them, and what should we do with them?"
The chieftain nods at MwG's question. "They all now carry the sssssign of the Witch Queen: a necklace or armband depicting a hand pierced by a thorn."
Moves with Grace and Isagoras instantly recognize the symbol. It is that of Ma Belladonna, the witch who haunted the nightmare of their former companion, Allysen.
Not showing any impatience, Grace asks "What do we do with them? Leave them on their own, or bring them back here?"
"Leave the younglings and their caretakers. If you do not attack them, they will leave you alone, gather their numbers, and flee as quickly as possible. The Folk are brave but we know how to survive."
Looking at everyone else, Grace asks "Anyone else have any questions?"
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A great many questions buzzed in Isagoras' mind. Chief among them was how the reproduced without males. Indeed, if they only have one sex, how do they even know they are all females? Why bother with the word if there is no distinction? And how do the eggs get fertilized if there is no way to....
All this curiosity mingled with a mild hint of arousal. He had always considered the idea of a lizardfolk mate an attractive option, as they were so close to being human. However, learning that they had no use for males seemed to dampen the prospect. Still, if they were to be seen what a real man can do....
Realizing that none of this would be helpful to the matter at hand, and that if he started talking there would be no way to stop, he simply nodded at Moves and Wolfram.
"Hopefully without the more belligerent members, those that flee and survive will learn more peaceful ways," he mused.