Krokkin wobbles a little bit but is starting to feel better and by the time Sorogar turns back around he is trying to stand normally even though he is leaning over a bit.
As the group heads back to their hut, Rissitui meets them. Dinner will be ready in about 30 min. You have time to clean up.He looks at Krokkin, and maybe healed up.I was told it was quite a fight between you and my older brother. He leads you back to the hut and motions for Grifg. Fetch Hirssta and tell her we will need her spells to heal.
"Hm. Seems like we might be dragged into this tribal conflict regardless, then. Better make sure we're ready to fight off an ambush when we leave the village," Sorogar concludes after listening to Brek.
Meanwhile, she traces a whiteish and stinging ointment over Krokkin's remaining wounds. "Sorry. This might not feel all that great, but it helps against it getting infected."
When Risstui mentions getting another healer, Sorogar hesitates for a moment, then nods. "I'm sure I could handle this myself, but I am very curious to see how your tribe's medicine women work. I'm sure it's a worthwhile learning experience."
Before contuining, she frowns, suddenly remembering something. "By the way, Risstui, we heard you were the tribe's strongest warrior. But... that you were responsible for someone's death in these practice fights? I'm having trouble imagining it - you seem very soft-spoken. What happened?"
"Keep an eye on that magical caster for me then. Make sure they are not preparing an ambush for when we leave the village please. If they are, let me know beforehand. Just, keep your distance and hide."[/b]
With orders given to her familiar, she will return to the group as evening sets in.
Even before she arrives, she can hear talking in the hut. A trail of blood leads to their home and she takes in a breath before entering. Inside, she sees Risstui and the others.
"I'm finished," she will announce in a singsong voice. "It was a wonderful experience. I see you had a good bout," she will comment toward Krokkin.
Hearing that food was about to be served, she leaves Sorogar to speak with Risstui so that she can get ready. That doesn't mean she won't listen in. In the meantime, she will brush her hair, clean her fangs to a pearly white, and will even apply some tribal makeup of the vishkanya to appear even more herself. The makeup seems to heighten her serpentine features, and in a way, makes her look even more beautiful than before. It is clear that she takes this event seriously. All in all, it will take her about 10 minutes to get ready.
A few minutes later a venerable lizard folk comes back supported by Grifg. She comes forward and checks over Krokkin’s wounds and examines the ointment carefully.
In a humble old voice, she says I can heal this with the blessings of the great one but it will leave a scar. Scars are the great one’s way to teach us our follies and fate. Shall I heal it young one?
She waits for assent and then with a chant she places her hand on Krokkin’s chest. It glows briefly and hurts a lot. When she pulls her hand away, only a puckered scar remains where Sorogar’s ointment had just been. Grifg and Rissstui catch her before she falls spent from the effort. They help her over to the bench just outside the hut and Grifg runs off to fetch something for her to drink and eat to regain her strength.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Well truth be told I don’t like to discuss the murder I committed. Rissstui states It was about 2 years ago when one of the Fringe folk tribe came to visit us. She was bragging about how strong their fighters were and being generally cocky. It came to a head when she degraded multiple of our fighters and challenged them to do something about it.
She was large, much larger than Tirisss and so many of the warriors simply tried to ignore her. She pushed through the crowd one day and knocked over several of our elders. She refused to apologize so I challenged her. The stakes were set and the battle commenced. Though I was much smaller my training gave me much advantage over her. It was easy to see where the tide of the bout was heading. Then she threw dust in my eyes.
While it was dirty trick it didn’t violate the rules, we had set. She lunged for me and we grappled. I however still could not see. I hefted her over my head and in my pain and frustration I launched her through the air. I did not see that she would contact with the door of a hut. She did and was seriously injured. Prissterica was here and first on the scene.
He ordered everyone to stand back and cast a spell. The tribesman was past healing though for we saw energy move between her and Prissterica. It was a matter of minutes and she was dead. The neighboring tribesman said that she would have died even with his help.
I was given a blood debt and a mark against my name. All tribes know me as a killer now and I am not good for my tribe because of it. I have a wife and child though so cannot just banish myself and the council won’t banish me. I therefore am a scout for my tribe. I stay away and try to reduce the shame I have caused by my actions.
There have been several times that tribesman have had close calls or even lost limbs and mobility due to these bouts but mine was the first one in centuries that resulted in a death. The one thing I can’t figure though is how Prissterica connects with many of these. He has been at many bouts in our village when there has been a permanent injury. He is quick to help but just as quick to assign blame when he can’t heal them.
Rissstui finish his story looking down and injured yet again from the telling. Prissterica never lets the story go untold. Any time he is near a bout or hears of one he brings up my murder. It is interesting though that the bouts go worse when he is around than when he isn’t.
Now, Mother Matrissse is waiting for us in her hut. I hope you are hungry as she always makes plenty to feed her guests. She just doesn’t often visitors or atleast let those that visit converse with her. She must need something from you or want to feel your story. Either way, make sure not to offend her or the council will not look kindly upon you or your desired treaty or enterprise.
You are to meet with the council tomorrow afternoon to present your case. I will be the translator if you need one although I think Brek speaks Draconic well enough for the Elders.
You should not be punished for your actions. Accidents happen. However your actions afterward speak of your honor. Thank you for sharing with me. I would be grateful if you would help translate.
Krokkin bows to Rissstui.
Brek's eyes narrows as he hears the tale and by the end of it one could swear that the mild mannered quiet gentleman of the group is nearly about to spontaneously explode.
"That lizardman." he fairly hisses.
"He was casting a spell during Krokkin and your brother's bout. I'm sure it wasn't a benign spell at all and seemed fear based. It might explain why all these bouts seemed to get worse. I dare say that the death of the fringe member may not be of your doing after all."
He points to the air.
"Prissterica. Who is this lizard folk and from which tribe does he hail from?"
He is a magician of some renown among the tribes. Though that renown is probably as equally tinged with fear as faith. He seems to either bring the goodwill of the gods or the curse of the winds. He is from the southern tribe that live at the far edge of the great waters. They are mostly warriors and very prone to war even among the other tribes. ONly a shallow peace has stopped them from attacking other tribes. They know that the weight of the council would set all the tribes against them.Rissstui states. But come mustnt keep mother waiting.
You arrive at Mother Matrices’ home and are bidden to enter. There are tables set up along the drier side of the hut. Matricce herself is adorned in simple garb of a rustic deep red fringed with dark blue. She has a detailed motive of waves and river creatures painted on her face and up her arms. Her hair is braided and held in place with combs inlaid with mother of pearl. She appears to be dressed quite ceremoniously.
Soroga,r daughter of the tribes, I greet you in peace. she intones.
Krokkin, Beast of the jungle folk. I greet you with arms open. Her voice becomes harsh.
Ohime, lost from the fair folk. May the mother serpent grant your eyes beauty. this greeting slides off her tongue accentuating the sound of a snake.
Brek. Rising phoenix, son of none but father of faith. May the fires of all burn in your soul. Her voice takes on a fervent tone as she says this final greeting.
Welcome. Risstui father of none, light of the star, you are welcome as well. Come sit partake and we shall talk when we have feasted.
She motions to the tables which are spread with simple meats and breads. Honey’s and jams also abound. She waits until you have all moved to the table and then follows.
Risstui merely bows then walks to the tables and begins to eat hardily. He makes no talk as he eats but partakes of most of the items in small amounts until he has filled himself. Then he walks to the far side of the hut, still dry, and sits cross legged waiting patiently for Mother and all to finish and gather.
Greetings Mother, Krokkin says lifting his chin to expose his throat while showing teeth, in a gesture of respect and a willingness to fight if needed.
He moves on and sits down. Once eveyone is seated and reaching for food, Krokkin begins to eat trying different things a little at a time. However his hunger from the fight earlier and the sweetness of the honeys and jams ends up causing him to make sandwiches that seem to contradict themselves. He rips a small bread loaf along the side and scoops out the soft inner bread. He then puts some jam into it. Then he stuffs slices of meat from a couple of different meat piles into the opening. He turns the opening so it faces up and pours a general amount of honey across that. When he takes his first bite the bread almost pops light an over ripe fat grub. Tendrils of meat and globs of jam and honey dripping off of it. The taste is so unique and flavorful that he does not even notice how the others are eating or if they are giving him sideways looks.
Ohime listens to their new ally communicate about this magician. To her, he sounds similar to a necromancer; causing death and fear. She keeps this in mind as Rissstui shows them the way.
The ceremonial dress is not lost on Ohime. She recognizes a similar fashion to those on the isles of the coastline who bear similar face paintings, but theirs usually are of sea animals and waves. Perhaps the traditions are related?
With her greeting, a smile spreads over her face, as it is a kind blessing to bestow upon one who is cursed. If only the mother serpent cared more than Yig, perhaps her life wouldn't have been so much in shambles.
"Thank you for your kind welcome, Mother Matrice. We are honored to sit at your tables."
Her eyes go wide at the fine display of food.
"It all looks so good!"
Of course, anything will look good after many weeks of rations. She will be eating heartily tonight. For the time being, she too waits for Mother Matrice to begin. She will also not eat voraciously, but as one with a healthy appetite. Quite possibly she may outdo even Krokkin.
Brek considers the greeting from Mother Matrice and is at loss on how to respond.
Father of Faith? I've never had any exposure to any except that insane god they kept trying to drill into our heads. Brek thinks.
"I am grateful to be invited to your table to share your meals." is Brek's hasty answer not knowing any other proper answer to this.
He waits till the rest has started before trying out the grand feast laid before him. Like Risstui, he doesn't speak until he's had his meal. The others might also notice that Brek has a sweet tooth as even the pieces of meats he had has jam on them too. In fact they have both honey and jam on them....
It's like he's never had much experience with sweets or such. Then again he's one of those who seems to enjoy field rations no matter how bland and hard they are.
After listening to Risstui's story, Sorogar ponders the revelations. "Is this Prissterica from the same tribe as the one you accidentally killed? And... what is the Council, exactly? How does it hold so much power over the different tribes? And forgive me for speaking plainly, but your punishment seems exceptionally harsh. Especially against the light that this 'warlike' southern tribe exists, of whom I assume most members are kinslayers, but are still allowed to roam freely whereas you are nearly banished from your own village? It appears to make little sense."
She looks at Risstui, hoping for at least some answers before the meeting.
Sorogar takes her designated place at the table and gives a deep bow to the matron of the tribe. "Mother Matricce. I offer you the same greetings. May you ever walk and swim in Kuraderi's warmth."
Despite the delicious smell, she restrains herself until the Mother herself starts eating first, and takes a moment to observe the room, paying extra attention to potential trophies, clan heraldry or items she suspects have a strong spiritual connection. One particular huge scale that glowed an iridescent red against the wall commanded her rapt attention.
'Is that one of hers...? But it couldn't be, right? Kuraderi would be ancient...'
Meanwhile, she tries very hard to ignore the slurping sounds from Krokkin and reaches for a bowl filled with... eels? Then she attempts to eat one with two... sticks of wood in front of her, and hopelessly fails to grasp one as it simply slips through.
She looks up to catch a nearby guard grin at the sight and she huffs, determined to try again!
"Thank you for this generous meal, Mother. I assume you heard of our reason for coming. Was there anything in particular you wished to discuss with us?" she eventually asks.
Risstui shrugs off Sorogar’s questions with a Perhaps mother Matrisse will fill you in with what you need about the council and the Southern Lake Tribe. I will forebear answering for her,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------
After you all have eaten, Matrisse returns to sitting in the rivers water but at the edge this time and begins to speak
Yes, I have asked you here for a reason. You have been invited to the council to discuss your proposal for a trade agreement. They will ask you to undertake a quest or task for them. I have one that I would like you to accomplish as well while and if you accept theirs. Prissterica, whom you have known and after hearing Rissstui’s story, which I asked him to tell, may be suspicious of his motives. I have seen and heard many things that lead me to believe that the death and injury of many of the Redcrest or fringe Clan especially have involved him. My circumstantial evidence is all I have but listen and you can hear what I have pieced together.
About 20 years ago, the council was formed to stop the tribes from warring. There are 12 people on the council. Eleven may speak and the 12th may only listen. If the 11 have a unanimous decision then the 12th tries to poke holes in their logic and reasoning. At this point the 12th may enter the discussion. The vote still has to be unanimous for it to become “law” for all the tribes. The 12th man is rotated among the tribes each year. The council is hosted or housed in the village of the 12th person. This tribe is the 12th this year. I have proposed that the council listen to your proposal but the tribal elder cannot enter in the discussion even though he agrees with me that the treaty should be put in place. I will not be at the meeting either because I don’t want to appear as if I may sway their votes.
Now, Prissterica is here to seek permission for his tribe to absorb another group that is starting to form in their territory. This 13th tribe is a composition of all the outcasts and misfits of the other 12. They are petitioning for a place on the council and as a tribe instead of a band of misfits. Many of the 13th clan as I shall call them are from the Redcrest or fringe clan. They have been traditionally rivals of Prissterica’s tribe and so the absorption of the 13th into the Cresent clan would most likely make a war between them, the 13th, and the Crescent or Prissterica’s clan. The 13th can’t hope to win because of numbers and supplies and training. This would mean death or enslavement for the majority of the 13th.
This is not a viable solution in my book. I have done what I can to help their situation but even my influences over the water and swamps in the area have only granted me so much influence. If it weren’t for the scale of the great wyrm I wouldn’t have as much as I do.
So, because of the 13th position, they have had to rely heavily upon the other tribes generosities and Prissterica always seems to be where many of them gather. Almost always this leads to a challenge and he refuses to heal those of the 13th. This has led to much discontent and dislike for him among all the tribes. He was the 12th voice when Risstui was banished and it was much his persuasion and arguments that turned the tide. He wanted Risstui to die because it was his younger sister whom he had accidentally killed. I believe it was a true accident caused by a distasteful fighting tactic. However, Risstui has heavy influence on the 13th and has been a huge help in training their warriors and teaching them survival skills. This has only heightened Prissterica’s hatred toward him.
Almost everywhere a 13th member or Risstui visits is visited by him and his cronies as well. It almost always results in a challenge and a great injury. Many of these injuries are permanent and have lasting effects on the whole tribe. I have observed many of these fights and several times I have been almost positive that Prissterica has cast a spell towards the combatants. It has always been after this suspicion that the bout has turned extremely rough. Those who are known to have even tempers become enraged while those who are cautious become aggressive to a fault. These are just examples of the things I personally have observed. Risstui has the same suspicions for many of the same reasons. He feels his shame over the accident and his current standing among the tribes make it so that he can’t challenge Prissterica to a bout or atleast to jury by council. She pauses to catch her breath and think for a second.
Risstui speaks up I would see him punished and if found guilty I would challenge for the right to execute by combat. I think I would be granted this but I cannot bring him to jury. You observed him casting a spell and identified it as a fear spell. This may be enough to force the council to take action. I have posted watchers of many of the children and several of the adults to see he doesn’t leave before his meeting with the council tomorrow.
Matrisse takes up the conversation again as Risstui breaks small sticks into a fine pile of kindling. Prissterica rarely seems to be around when the full depth of injury is discovered but almost always seems to be around when one dies of wounds or complications from the bout later. Death by complications after a bout is acceptable but until the last 5 years or so, rare.
Prissterica disappears for days on end in the swamps between the bouts and the village visits. What I desire of you is to follow him when he leaves and find out where he goes before, he enters the next village. I think he has a shrine to a god of death and destruction that he derives his magical powers from. I wish to know where this is and anything else you can learn. If you can catch him in the act of interfering with another bout, then one of you could challenge him to council jury. This may stop the incidents from continuing.
Risstui picks up where Matrisse leaves off, you catching him in the act may damage his reputation some and slap him on the hands. It won’t do much more than this because you are outsiders. I wish it would do more. You will have to bring testimony against him for what you saw. Will you do this and follow him? It could mean the lives of many saved. Think it through carefully it is a dangerous thing we ask of you. Meet the council, present your case for trade, and accuse Prissterica tomorrow. Then come to Mother with an answer. Is that fair? If you chose not to we won’t hold it or our friendship against you.
Silence follows this for a few minutes while you begin to digest the depth of what is being asked. The lap of the river and the breathing of all six of you seems to punctuate the seriousness of the options ahead.
With a mouth full of bread, Ohime is listening to the Mother's story and she will stop chewing and cover her mouth in sympathy for Risstui at the tale of his sister. Her eyes sympathetically begin to water at the thought of what he has experienced. As their tales come to an end, she clears her mouth of food.
"Risstui...Just because it was a fear spell, doesn't mean he meant to strike fear into one of you. Fear spells and their like are necromantic and could be even used to instantly kill someone if higher in power. They can manipulate the mind in many ways. Some necromancers feed off the dead by taking the final moments of life from them. This is what you describe. Despite all of this, we can only accuse Prissterica of what we saw, not what his intent was. That may not satisfy your needs, but he will surely make a mistake underestimating our group."
She will nod to her friends and continue eating some juicy meat. At occasional times, you may see her fangs come out, but it is rare. It is as though she hides them as an act of being proper.
"I'll do it just because I don't like him and he tried to cast a spell during Krokkin's bout. His actions speaks too much of the one so called god that I was educated on while in my youth." Brek answers.
"Too many cases and coincidences? It must have emboldened him. He might have reason to target Risstui because of his links to this 13th tribe. I am of the opinion he wants them for more then just to enlarge his own tribe. Since this bout has he made any impression that he might want to leave for his next walk?" Brek continues.
"Also if he commands fear spells, he might likely attempt a getaway using his spells as a distraction."
"After hearing of your exchange, I've had my bird follow him. He will report back after dinner I'm sure." she smiles to Brek as one who has had victory already.
"That is indeed a good thing." Brek smiles at her.
The bird was a great idea. says Risstiu as he grins in a feral manner.I haven't seen any preparation to run from him since the last "attack" I think him presenting his case is so important that he doesn't dare ruun. I agree several successes has made him emboldened.
You speak of following him. 1 to 1 following or tracking can be difficult and the advantage goes to him. 4 people tracking will never go unnoticed to someone who knows the terrain.
Krokkin pauses for a moment considering his next words.
If we were discovered and an altercation started, are we to hold back and disengage. What would happen to us and possible agreements is he were to be dispatched during the altercation?
Both Mother and Risstui glance at each other before speaking almost in tandem We can't tell you to kill him but if it happens we can't say we are sorry either.
They both give kind of a chuckle when realizing they are talking simultaneously.
I think we are of the same mind on this then. Matrisse continues.
I would like to know where he goes though if this could be arranged. THink things over and let me know tomorrow. Now I know that Risstui has some things he needs to take care of and I have a few more things that I would like to finish before night falls.If you have no more questions for us....
Matrisse waits a few moments after Risstui slips out the door before she bids you good night and retreats to the back room of her hut.
Meanwhile, Sorogar keeps eating and, though looking at the speakers, doesn't join in, apparently lost in thoughts.
'Am I seeing signs in things that aren't signs...? Thirteen witch doctors from my village who rotate in number, twelve or now thirteen lizard tribes whose speaker rotates in number... A caster dressed in skulls and death, a god my village fears associated with death. I carry a rat Skull on my staff to ward against the god of death. So... is this Prissterica a servant of the One Who Rots From Below...? What does it mean?'
"So... I must admit I don't entirely understand the politics of the lizard tribes and Prissterica's exact role, as it rather much to take in at once. For that, I apologize," she eventually says, bowing her head towards the Matron.
"However, the request seems clear and just. We simply have to find him, find links to a Dark God he worships if any, and if possible discredit him to the council?" She then summarizes. "Actually, I do have one more question. Why is he allowed to perform these healings? Wouldn't his reputation lead the villages to use their own healers instead?"
Many of the tribes don't have their own healers and even those aren't very skilled. His abilities have been seen and noted through the tribes. His tribe is also the most apt to take provocation at any little thing. SO, in part he is allowed to heal and perform magic in the villages out of necessity and out of fear both. Other villages haven't had the same issues with him that we believe have been happening and so then if I speak up I again am tolerated as an oracle but still an outsider. the mother speaks in reply to Sorogar.
"So with him missing, if he were banished or...killed...it would be a detriment to all the tribes. Perhaps we can partially help to fill that void? I could teach someone how to make some alchemical goods that promote healing and ward off diseases or poisons based on local supplies you may have. Perhaps Sorogar can teach someone how to mend wounds? In time, perhaps your God will bless you with another healer. Until that time, perhaps the other tribes can benefit from these teachings and hate you less for this action?"
She will continue to eat. After a harrowing escape and rowing hard to help out, cooking with acid or with molten heat all day, she is exhausted. As her stomach begins to fill, she will get sleepier and sleepier. She will not be waking up this night.
First, she must get a report from her birdy, and this time, the others will hear it express its words in a song-like form of common. Strange as it is, the bird will inform them exactly what it saw Prissterica doing.
"To remove such, the roots must be taken out as well." Brek declares.
"Removing him might provoke his tribe but removing the whole tribe might make it better for all the tribes in future. If a trading outpost be setup here, they'll be subjected to attacks from such an ornery tribe."
"Letting them know that magical or alchemical potion are available for trading should an outpost be setup would be sway their opinion towards us then."
"I agree with my companions. Knowledge of healing could be easily spread, and we would welcome trade for more rare medicine and the like."
As if to demonstrate, she cuts the head off of a caught herring with her eating utensils, then channels a wave of positive energy through the fish's body. When she hold it up, the head is re-attached to it. "Of course, healing wouds can't unmake death. But everyone can learn to harness this power. It has many names and different tribes attribute access to it as granted by different dieties or supernatural powers. I believe it comes from a reservoir tied to the spirit realm."
Afterwards, she looks back at the matron. "This task may prove difficult. Are we allowed to trade in the village for supplies and other things we might need? Can you provide magical assistance of some kind?"
I have a few things that might be of use. You are also welcome to look around and visit with the tradesmen in the village to see what they have available.
Here are these she hands you 4 ornately carved rings that resemble waves of the ocean and two potions that look kinda fuzzy in content.
Also if you accept the task from the council they may have additional supplies for you. Negotiate with them.
I have a few things that might be of use. You are also welcome to look around and visit with the tradesmen in the village to see what they have available.
Here are these she hands you 4 ornately carved rings that resemble waves of the ocean and two potions that look kinda fuzzy in content.
Also if you accept the task from the council they may have additional supplies for you. Negotiate with them.
"Can you tell us about the council members and what their personalities are like? Do they have any leanings towards each other tribe such as alliances, warriors or magic users for example?" Brek asks.
Sorogar waits for the matron to answer Brek's question, then glances down again at the rings. "You would freely give us these items of considerable protective power?"
I am not part of the council but will give you the information I have gleaned piece by piece. I am afraid it isn't very much. She pulls out a journal and hands it to Brek.
2. Wer Ilache = the Fringe folk (southern tribe) = pristericas = leader is Waginn - war like, no liking for wer Yoaral or Odadi, some trade agreements with the marshal (arytiss Caex)
3. Wer Fueryon Iejir = the beast bloods = leader Terisli = shapeshifters and wanderers no traditional “wer’s”(homes) very nomadic
4. Wer Xurwkar = The maker tribe = leader Mother Pria = Most apt to benefit from long standing trade as they are the artisans of the People
5. Wer Arytiss Caex = the sword warriors = leader Marshal = some trade agreements with the fringe folk
6. Wer Marfedelom Arcanissar = the necromancers = leader there are no names ever used = almost all claim rulership should be theirs over the whole people because they descended from the great mother herself.
7. Wer Nurocuirgarh= The unseen = leader Virssstul = smallest number wise, harshest environment. Volcanic lands that are very active.
8. Wer Odadi = The druids =leader Old fellow = Almost all are divine casters and most are the druids or Nature keepers of the people.
9. Wer Pab Xurwkar= the water callers = leader Blue = gem work mainly although they also produce many food stuffs for trade
10. Wer Ixen Ominak = the namers of fire = Leader the First = Protectors between the northern ogres and the People. Fatalists but very strong in morale.
11. Wer Dask Svih = the mother clan = Leader Mother Krisssstil = Dominate matriarch over all people. Has held her “seat” for over 50 years. Has heavy influence in all tribal ceremonies and gives permission or denial for most marriages or unions throughout all the people. Travels with retinue of almost 200. Closest thing to a queen they have.
12. Wer Sjachi = The shadow = Leader "the several" = Rarely seen outside their lands. Their lands are plagued with undead and the blame it on Wer Marfedelom Arcanissar (the necromancers) They claim that the other tribe experiments with undead and then turns them lose along the borders or in the wastelands that the Sjachi maintain. Would do almost anything to see them fall or be absorbed into another clan.
13. Wer Yoaral = the outcasts/13th tribe =leader Hohst = the negotiators of the groups due to their indigent status. Mostly young males that have been disgraced or cast out for one reason or another.
You will forgive me if I ask that you keep that to yourselves. I do not want it known that I am "documenting" the workings of the tribe. Risstui knows and has helped with that so if you must discuss it discuss it with him.
----------------------------------------
[ooc]sorogar Yes. These are freely given whether or not you take my task or the councils. They are given in good faith that they won't be used against the people/tribes.
Now I really must finish some things before I retire for the night.
"I think a good leader documents what happens with their tribe. I know every king or lord in our land does so. Although usually, they have what are called scribes or chroniclers. Sometimes even bards like me do so."
She reveals her skillset to the tribe for the first time. Up until now, they may have thought of her as an alchemist, save Risstui, who saw her bird sing at the river.
"We will keep it to ourselves though."
Ohime will hold out her hand for the rings from Sorogar to observe them herself.
"Pretty. Thank you."
She looks with arcane eyes to see what their abilities are, as well if there are any unknown curses upon them.
If they are clear, she will slip one on first and pass them along for the others to do so if they wish.
Brek studies the Journal intently as he nods towards the Matron.
"This would come in useful. In fact this is a big step towards us pushing forward our proposal and highlighting what trade could do for both sides."
He accepts the ring and queries its nature and upon being told of its protective properties, he puts it on.
Thank you, Mother. We will wear it with honor." Sorogar, deciding to trust the speaker, slides on the ring. "And any information is better than none at all. We will make due."
After the mother retreats, she turns to the others. "Should we discuss our plan here or in our own hut? We need some way to covertly follow this Prissterica tribe member, first of all, and then prepare against presumably evil and fear-based magic."
"We can talk in our own hut, but I will explain my idea on how to track him."
Before they talk, Ohime will attempt to craft some Mellowroot for the group so that they would not be as subjected to his fear-effects.
Later that night, when alone in their hut, she will explain how her bird will follow Prissterica from a distance enough to keep an eye on him, and they will follow at a distance enough to keep an eye on her bird. That way the two groups will never have to interact with each other. Her bird is excellent at hiding as well if he ever looks its way (not that anyone would suspect a thrush anyways as there are thousands of birds in trees).
Krokkin takes the ring and looks at it. He leans over to Sorogar, what is it supposed to do again?
After Sorogar explains he starts trying it on different fingers finally settling on is left pinky finger.
After the mother leaves, Krokkin turns to Ohime'.
So what happened with the star metal you were working on? I might have been hit one time too many, he chuckes at that, but did you process all of it or just some?
Brek is certain that he has gleaned certain insights from the journal but it is time to wait and share with the group once they have decided on their next course of action.
"It is being forged. It was mostly done when I left, but yes, we used it all. An armor for you was being made, a quarterstaff for you, and there was a few pieces left so I had him make some bolt tips. Not many. That was all we had."
Krokkin takes the ring and looks at it. He leans over to Sorogar, what is it supposed to do again?
After Sorogar explains he starts trying it on different fingers finally settling on is left pinky finger.
"Supposedly, it projects a minor forcefield that can slightly deflect incoming strikes and projectiles. Honestly, I don't know how the ring knows what to consider an incoming attack. But magic is weird like that." Sorogar smirks and, as a test, pokes Krokkin!
...And she pokes him squarely in the flank. "Huh. Apparently I'm not considered a threat? I wonder if I should be offended."
After Brek puts down the manual, Sorogar gives it a second glance. "Hm. About this southern tribe, they are called 'the Prissterica's'. So... does that mean our target isn't actually named 'Prissterica?' Or are they all named after him?" she wonders, and if any lizard remains nearby, she'll ask for clarification.
"Well, good to know that the forging process is underway, at least. Well done, Ohime. Shall we withdraw to our tent and discuss how to trail this lizard, then?"
Once back at the tribe Brek opens up on the discussion about the proposal they should come up with.
"From what I can gleaned from the journal, we can establish that this region is not only a great stopover but the potential for both sides to reap benefits is enormous." He begins pointing out the names on the journal.
"We can expect opposition from these two, Wer Marfedelom Arcanissar and likely Wer Arytiss Caex. What we should propose that we introduce trade and the prospect for the respective tribes to hire out as guides and mercenaries. Providing them other tradeable goods like weapons, armor and alchemical goods as well. They seem to have a rich resource ground as well as skilled crafters. With their access to the precious metals and knowledge of this land, forming a trade fort here might actually be useful." he pauses.
"We could also off the chance that other adventurers might flock here to seek out work and aid in culling these undead beasts that prowl the land which might endear us to the tribes, provide employment to wandering adventurers and also protect the outpost as well."
"From what I see, trade should be something they'll be interested in. I daresay that we just have to present these to them but I'm not sure from what tribe does this Pristericas belong too now."
Brek explains his points and waits for the others to give their opinion.
"Thank you," she responds to Sorogar's thanks and will nod in response, taking some food with her. Her lithe form has a bit of a potbelly shape going on at the moment. Every once in a while, on the way back to the hut, she sighs happily and does a little wiggle dance as she continues to eat. Like a serpent, one might think she can eat and eat, growing with the shape of what is in her belly. That or she's just had bigger eyes than her skinny form can handle. Clearly, she was missing full meals.
As Brek lays into what they should offer, she thinks of what he says.
"Let us not forget that we have a whole continent behind our camp. Most of the camp's trade will come from there, so everything we have to muster and transport by ship can be something we can offer in time. Troops, help, fortified cities and supplies from a fully functioning, mostly domesticated land. Spices, I think, would be particularly welcomed here from what I've seen of their food. They do have some, but not like what we have in mass production. We also have crafters, historians, scribes, as well as education in realms that perhaps they have not heard of."
She thinks about the various tribes.
"I agree, trade should be something they are interested in, and each tribe may be different. Do you think we should offer to these more difficult tribes, who perhaps don't want to deal with us, for us to be intermediaries between those they hate? Diplomats can be helpful in many trades--to not look at us as enemies for trading with those tribes' enemies, but as friends to eventually bring steady growth to all of the dragon-kin?"
"For an initial reaction, that is an impressive plan," Sorogar agrees, nodding thoughtfully. "However, perhaps we should wait with discussing these trade arrangements in such depth until we've given the tribes a credible reason to listen to us? I'd also like to meet more lizardfolk, at least some of the other tribes, to get an idea of their temeperament and ways first."
She slowly rises and stretches her muscles, sore for being seated so long. In the dim light, her starsign birthmark shone its blue light dimly through her tunic. "Let's go back to our hut for now and make a plan. And... I could really use some sleep, too."
Unable to suppress a loud yawn, she quickly clamps a hand over it. Somewhat futile, but it was the thought that counted.