Toki pulls his arm away from Rilkus, understanding full well the dwarf golem's intent, but is still fuming... He turns and steps away from the group for a while to collect himself...
"That's better. Now take us to your prisoners." Dackanr commands as he slips the flask back into his pack.
Grumph bobs and ducks his head to Dacknar and turns with a gesture toward the hut where the earlier screams came from. "Yes, *croak* yes, Slayer of Verrack. Right this way. You wish to examine goods re-captured by loyal Grumph. *groak*" He says rubbing his wide hands together as he follows the elf and others into the dilapidated shelter. "All are still intact and are being disciplined. And the traitorous kin have been shackled *croak* as usual for such a act. *croak*"
Stepping inside the hut, the air is foul and smells of blood and filth. The smell mingles with the sound of the moans and soft sobs of some of the tightly bound prisoners. As eyes adjust to the dim light inside, all can see that most of those you rescued are here. The captain of the Delightful Rose his mates and most of the other escaped prisoners. Captain Torremark is bound and tied to the one lingering support post of the hut. His shirt is torn open and his back bleeds from several long gashes obviously caused by a whipping. He hangs by his bindings barely conscious from pain, thirst, and hunger. The other prisoners are in similar states of exhaustion, but all are alive. The frogkin who led them out of the cavern are the worst off. The two have been whipped, beaten and had their thumbs removed. They sit curled in the darkest corner of the hut eyes closed and shaking in a semi delirious state.
Following a brief count, it is clear only two of the rescued prisoners are not here. One is likely the poor victim of the massive pitcher plant back in the jungle. Knowing what happened to the other will have to wait until one of the others is in a better state to talk.
"Get them down. Treat these men and those you once called rebels as GODS for we will execute their judgements against you and those who served Verrack in swift measure. For your sake I hope they are more merciful than you have shown yourself." He nods to one of the translators waiting to hear his indignant threat go out to the frog kin.
Toki keeps his distance, watching the party and the frog-kin carefully as he cools off...
Seemingly unnoticed by the frogs, and the rest of the party, Dur decides to go exploring around the area a little bit.
Lil looks at Beordt, and then approaches Grumph. "There have been many changes since you came here. We have defeated your opressors... but there are new people in charge of your tribe. I would suggest you go pay your respects, and your life while different will be longer".
Grumph and the others bob their heads and backs up and down in cravenly acquiescence when the clearly upset bearkin's words are translated. Two of the blue skinned warriors lower the captain to the ground and do their best to bind his wounds. The others see to freeing the other prisoners while Grumph bows his head clearly a bit taken aback and confused by this sudden regard for the potential slaves.
Hearing Lilly's word the former chief's eyes narrow slightly before he quickly schools his face back into a submissive and mostly passive expression. "*croak* Many thanks to you great one." He says to Lilly. "Grumph will take your offered advice and hurry to *groak* pay my respects *croak* *groak* and offering congratulations...*groak* *croak*to our new chief."
He turns to the other warriors and waves them over once they are finished aiding the recaptured prisoners. "Quickly now my friends. We must return home for *croak* we are remiss *croak* in paying our respects to the new chief. *groak*"
Assuming his ominous message was relayed Beordt rested the big scimitar on his shoulder.
The gearforged watched the conversation silently. It all smelled of 'politics.' And if there was one thing he hated it was politics. Little people squabbling over scraps of power without caring who was harmed along the way. The groveling Grumph reminded him far too much of the people that he once worked for when he was flesh and bone.
Seeing the look a of a betrayer many times before onboard a pirate ship. He yells out to Grumph, using a translator. "Now is the time to work with the new leader Grumph. We will be returning soon. And if we find that someone tried taking the leadership by force, We will make their worst nightmares come true." Giving Grumph a hard look. "Be sure to pass that along, got it."
Insight (WIS)
"Make sure you do what you say then. I'll trust you for now... please don't disappoint me".
Grumph casually nods, grovels, and shrugs off the scowls and threats offered by the growling Beordt, the cold glass eyed Rilkus, and Lilly's tall, horned frame. But when Dacknar's voice echoes in the hut backed up by a casual flick of his knife and a cold, cold gaze that sinks deep into the depths of the former frog chiefs soul, Grumph takes an unwitting step away from the elf. His wide throat bobs up and down multiple times as he *croaks* and *groaks* in fearful thought.
For a moment the frogkin considers disregarding the elf's words as well, but Dacknar's steady gaze causes what little courage within Grumph to twist and turn in the wind until finally it simply blows away completely. Any thought the former chief may have had of harming those back at the fortress evaporates faster than spit on a fire lizard. Completely and utterly cowed, the frogkin bob and ducks as he slowly backs out of the hut.
"Yes. Yes. *croak* I will certainly *groak* see all get the message. New leaders, yes, yes. *croak* A most wise decision O' benevolent one. *croak* Grumph is your humble servant, and will *croak* follow your orders at all times. *groak*" He then ducks out of the hut and with his other warriors begins to scurry back along the high path and back toward the jungle and the frogkin settlement.
As the gist of the exchange is translated. The bearkin turns his head to the side in thought. Beordt asks of his companions. "Did we just send the warlords lackies back to the ruins with fresh warriors. That was full of a recently freed slave population that needed quite the push to take action. Do we trust this?"
We stay the night, to make sure that our allies are fresh, and aware of the possible coup. Put them on even ground, Toki replies with a determine look painted across his face. As much as I would like a nice bath and a dry bed, I do not relish leaving our friends on uneasy footing.
Saying out of ear shot of the frog men
"Remember all we need is a few days, then we can push on. And what ever happens to these frog men will no longer be our concern. But for now we have wounded to tend too."
Upon and initial glance all of those who fled the fortress look pretty poor shape, especially the captain. All seem to be suffering from exhaustion and hunger, having not really eaten since the brief rations were shared prior to escaping down the hidden path.
The captain and these two will need immediate treatment, Toki looks to Lil, Is there anything that you can do for them? I can tend their wounds, but the fever will take them if they do not get some divine intervention...
The Northman goes to the two in the worst condition, calling to Frigg and Freya to heal them in his mother tongue... and
That is the extent of what I can spare for now...
After a bit of debate and looking over the wounds of those rescued from the rather harsh hospitality of Grumph and his warriors, it is decided to stay put and rest here for the night. Toki and Lilly go about tending the wounded as best they can while others prepare camp and a decent meal.
The sun sinks below the horizon and the sounds of the jungle change from a cacophony of birds and primates to insects and night prowlers. But it seems the boggy land that made your own passage to the hut so difficult also keep other creatures at bay.
Although there is a moment of concern as a bone chilling roar of some towering creature breaks into the night from only a few hundred paces within the jungle. It's footsteps rattle the earth and cause dust and grit to fall from the rickety ceilings of the hut. Branches and trees snap as it passes. Each piercing break like a giant ballista firing across a battlefield. Another roar as you huddle warily within the thin walls of the huts, but eventually the creature moves on in search of an easier to reach meal.
Finally the long night passes and a new day dawns fresh and clear, the sun rising, its rays filtering through the jungle trees.
Lily awakens and steps aside to complete her morning prayers, then comes back into the hut area just as the sun is rising.
"Well, perhaps today we escort these folk back to the main encampment, then make our plans for the next step in our journey"?
"Agreed, we will see what has befallen the frogmen. And keep a weathered eye out. That Grumph named one had a look of a betrayer, and could set an ambush on us." Dacknar advises.
Toki shakes his head, He won't move until he is sure he has the upper hand. It is the coward's way. But you are right, it would be folly to underestimate him... we will watch.
"He would be a fool to try. But if his heart is so foul, then I hope that he does. It would be worse for his treachery to be revealed after we leave." Rilkus intoned.
"They were fresh. Those who we left behind where slaves and battered when their freedom won. . . That might be opportunity enough for these cowards."
Toki looks at Beordt, We come from a culture where the strong rule. They are of ilk, as well. Wouldn't you want a strong leader? Let us do what we can for them, and make sure that we are leaving the right ones in charge. If you want to train them and make sure that they are prepared, that will take time...
Toki looks at Beordt, We come from a culture where the strong rule. They are of ilk, as well. Wouldn't you want a strong leader? Let us do what we can for them, and make sure that we are leaving the right ones in charge. If you want to train them and make sure that they are prepared, that will take time...
Beordt sighs. "Strong is but one attribute I would seek in a leader." He is quite for a long moment, "I've no desire to adopt these people into my care. But having killed their enslavers I don't want those who betrayed them to those slave masters to run in kick wounded and lay new shackles on them."
Toki nods, Fair enough, but what I am saying is, how is that different from where we come from? If we want to make a real change, we need to put in the effort. So, what's it going to be? Do we commit?
"Not sure about the rest of you sea dogs. But once we are fit to head out with a course set. Ah will leave this place in my wake and not look back. With that said I would prefer not to have to keep an eye over my shoulder as we walk away as well." Dacknar says.
With the new dawn comes renewed strength and vigor for those who had been recaptured by Grumph and his warriors. With the aide of Toki's magics and a good meal, the captain of the Delightful Rose and other wounded are back on their feet and eager to find other shelter from the near constant dangers lurking within the jungle.
Once back on the trail, Beordt and Toki continue to talk back and forth with others adding their thoughts as to the benefits or dangers of helping their frogkin allies. As the conversation continues, the hours pass. Soon enough the high peak of the now familiar pillar of black rock with its small fortress atop can be seen through the rare break in the jungle canopy.
"I have no desire to babysit this situation, nor stay here. Perhaps some of the crew might want to settle here until we can find a way off this island. I'm all for getting things settled, then heading off towards the other end of the island. I believe we saw things there that might hint at other presences on the island".
Toki nods at Lil's wisdom and Dacknar's practicality, Rilkus?
You reach the now familiar trail that runs along the beach and to the frogkin fortress. Climbing the path the ever present cool breeze blowing off the southern sea feels refreshing after the humid warmth of the inland jungle. Two frogkin you recognize from the rebellion against Verrack guard the open gate. They bow and greet you all warmly and with welcoming smiles.
Inside the clean up from the battle continues. Several frogkin are busy lifting the heavy remains of the ogres up and over the wall with a rickety, makeshift crane. But it seems to be getting the job done as half of the corpse of the former enforcer is unceremoniously dumped over the wall where it tumbles down the cliff and into the sea below with a splash and the waiting fins of several circling sharks.
Qwerbrac comes rushing up to greet you offering a friendly smile and a bow of his head. His eyes take in those who were rescued and he gives them the briefest of nods as well.
"Welcome! Welcome *croak* back, mighty friends of Schaphigroadaz." He says. "I see your *groak* mission was a success *croak* and that you discovered your companions save amid the dangers of the jungle. A most blessed occurence. *croak*"
Toki watches to see what Grumph attitude toward Qwerbrac is...
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"Yes it was a blessed occurence.
So and issues with Grumph or his group?" Dacknar asks.
Toki looks around for Grumph, but does not find the blue skinned former chief. Although the frogkin fort is fairly small, it is possible the treacherous Grumph is either in one of the second story chambers or perhaps doing something in the tunnels below the fortress. But as the bard scans the frogkin working away at the various tasks of restoring things following the massive rebellion against Verrack, he notices that there are no blueskinned frogkin among the workers or the warriors who guard the gate and other key areas.
Finally when Dacknar mentions Grumph to Qwerbrac, the frogkin swallows and starts to rub his hands together. "*croak* Yes, yes. Grumph. *groak* Our former chieftain did return to us last night. He says eyes watchful even as all of you watch him. "*croak* Grinda has honored him and all of his clan. They have been taken to serve Schaphigroadaz in the great temple. *groak* With their bounty, he will go strong and with his strength so will grow the strength of the Bobogluup."
Toki nods to Qwerbrac, then turns to the others, Let us leave this place. They have everything under control...
As he walks past his party members, he gives them each a look, as if saying, Don't ask...
Rilkus tried to shrug, though the motion wasn't exactly easy. The sound of gears turning was signal enough. The gearforged stomped after Toki. He fully expected the frogkin to be plagued by the same politics that ruined every other civilization. The greater evil seemed to have been eradicated, though, and that was what was important.
Beordt looks to Toki and nods grimly. "Where to next."
Lil, can you ask them which way to other settlements? Settlements of our folk?
Once hearing about Grumph, Dacknar just gives a small smile and fallows Toki out.