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Drusilla will step up next to Argyri and bow respectfully. Using her voice she will translate in Draconic.
The queen nods to the translation making Argyri's comments sound better, "Since you are not the persons who we gave our treasure in exchange for the weapons, one might first assume you to be theives or bandits. However, they or any merchants of war do not ask why weapons are required."
"Before I entertain your question, please tell us where our brothers are, since I see Bimz with you."
"I am sorry. I'm afraid the people you gave your treasure to were cutthroats and pirates. I do not know if they ever meant to bring weapons to you, but I doubt it. At any rate, they refused to surrender when justice caught up with them...and I'm sad to say that your brothers stood by them.
"That said, as you see, we found Bimz. He took an immediate liking to our companion Blacklock here and they have been looking after one another." Well, Bimz has been looking after Blacklock, at least...and the poor guy really needs it right now.
"We discovered papers wherein the smugglers agreed to bring you arms, and we wanted to approach you, and better understand your needs and goals. We come not to fight, but to learn and discuss. If you are in need of allies, perhaps we can offer a more trustworthy alliance?"
Badger's eyes move about counting doors, corridors, guards on the way in. He looks to see if the warriors are already using steel weapons or the weapons the lizard folk are more known for. He notes the kids and who is minding them and looks about for more signs that this is a full and permanent village and not just an encampment. The decoration of the queen's hall suggested a long term place.
Tarn didn’t understand what was being said, so he stood by and just watched the lizardmen out of curiosity. They were all so exotic looking, and he wanted to see how many individual differences he could spot. He didn’t really feel like he was in danger, as he had blind confidence that if trouble began he could end it.
”Aye! Much better to deal with our town than pirates. Got plenty of ore, and me kin make the finest weapons and armor! Dwarven steel be world renown, aye? More n’more it seems that this was a misunderstanding.” He added, as it hit him like a hammer that they were speaking common.
"Othokent, your tribe and our town are like two travelers that have met on a road in the wilds. We have a but a thin shell of distrust keeping us from seeing our common path."
"Perhaps it would help breach that shell of distrust if we speak plainly of our fears, and the paths that we could walk together."
"We came as only a few from Saltmarsh, rather than an army, and we disarmed to meet with you when we could have fought our way through your home. You met with us to speak rather than just having us put to death. Both lizardfolk and townsfolk are clearly hoping to come to a peaceful understanding."
"We regret the loss of your people who fought with the pirates. But they died with honor, for they refused to break the commitment they made, even though it was misguided."
"For our part, we came because we were alarmed that your tribe sought so many weapons of war. Your people are so formidable with claw and tooth alone, and we feared you may be preparing to attack our town."
"We see much to gain from alliance with you. Your scouts know this region well, and could serve to warn us of threats coming from the south and east. You also can procure goods from the swamp and sea to trade with us for those items we can craft and forge."
"So, that is our motivation, laid bare. Are we right to fear aggression from you? Is there another reason you arm yourselves so? If you fear the town to the north of you, you should know that we do not covet your territory; the hazards that it holds are too daunting for all but a few explorers, and it is not someplace we would consider settling ourselves."
Badger looks about trying to judge the room. Lizard folk are usually further into the swamp. Even being here and seeking better weapons suggests expansion or even eyeing Saltmarsh as target.
Badger looks toward Kwin and then starts judging where the first attack will come from if this pushed things too far.
The queen listens to you companions without reaction. "Alliance? Because we ordered weapons?" She barks rhetorical questions.
"Our people do not trust your people."
"If there was trust, we would have ordered our weapons in this Saltmarsh."
"Trust is not built on words but by deeds. You could have delivered us our weapons. You could have brought home our dead warriors. If you feared giving us weapons, you could have returned our chests of electrum. Did you do any of those?"
"What actions would earn our trust?" She asks you and your companions.
”And ours? We’ve been under attack by pirates, who by all accounts ye be working with. And yet we came to talk.” Tarn responded. ”Is that nay a first step? That we have put our very lives on the line on the hope that we can have peace?”
"No dwarf. It is not." The queen barks a quick reply.
Badger speaks up, "Its to you, yer grace, if you desire peace. You can make it so." He let's the words sink, "We were sent to learn the disposition of yer people. We can return knowing you mistrust the folk of Saltmarsh and know that you desire weapons likely to raise against us if that distrust is so strong. You can kill us and our absence will be marked in Saltmarsh as an act of hostility I guarantee. Or you can send us on our way, tell us that you've no intent to harm the people of Saltmarsh. Tell us what terms would be a show to yer people that could show we desire peace. Perhaps from there knowing that you and yer folk have a desire to trade a future relationship can begin that will lead to greater trust."
" It was unfortunate about your mighty warriors Your Highness. I tried to plead with them to at first help us. They said no., I then sought to have them just take no side, but the refused." Drusilla said in a somber tone.
" I did upon my return plead with our leaders to see what noble Lizardfolk needed with the weapons." Drusilla stood looking directly at the Queen. She had learned much of Lizardfolk from her master and a few from her interactions near the swamp.
" I don't nessecarily think a tribe like yours would seek to raid our home, So I wondered what would prompt you to need these weapons if it were not a raid on Salt Marsh Itself? So I am hoping that,if Salt Marsh is not your target, that whatever target it is that warrants such weapons, then it may threaten not only you but also my home of Salt Marsh." The elven woman said before she finally let the idea hit home
" I came in hopes that should the need for weapons be something other than the Salt Marsh then We may with talk come together to aide you in the fight for the region" Drusilla said delivering the message as neatly laid out as possible
" I don't necessarily think a tribe like yours would seek to raid our home, So I wondered what would prompt you to need these weapons if it were not a raid on Salt Marsh Itself? So I am hoping that, if Salt Marsh is not your target, that whatever target it is that warrants such weapons, then it may threaten not only you but also my home of Salt Marsh." The elven woman said before she finally let the idea hit home
" I came in hopes that should the need for weapons be something other than the Salt Marsh then We may with talk come together to aide you in the fight for the region" Drusilla said delivering the message as neatly laid out as possible
Kwin listens to his fellow elf speak eloquently on the situation, and then looks earnestly to the queen for her reaction.
"Thank you for that information, elf. It will please the clutch to add that our warriors were tempted to break their oaths and held firm. They died with honor." The queen replies to Drusilla.
After a long pause, she continues, "you are empty handed, and you keep speaking empty words."
"You keep asking and asking, but are not giving. You admit to defeating the merchants who took our treasure in exchange for weapons. So, you possess both our treasure or our weapons."
"Yet, you stand before me asking for more. This is how we see this Saltmarsh."
Badger speaks up, he raises his hands in an honest shrug"We came without your weapons and your money. In part because we did not know your plans. Aside from dealing with those who are our foes. Yet the Dwarf has already offered more." He points to Tarn, "He offered further possibility of open trade with his people. Folks who would treat with you face to face. Not sail away with your warriors and treasure. Also not sure what you think we are asking for beyond 'is there any hope o' peace between our folk and yers.' Ya tain't kilt us yet so I'd like to think there is. We're here to learn. Tell us what you want Saltmarsh to know we can bring that message home. We came to see what was here, we'd know idea we'd meet the queen."
Badger speaks up, he raises his hands in an honest shrug"We came without your weapons and your money. In part because we did not know your plans. Aside from dealing with those who are our foes. Yet the Dwarf has already offered more." He points to Tarn, "He offered further possibility of open trade with his people. Folks who would treat with you face to face. Not sail away with your warriors and treasure. Also not sure what you think we are asking for beyond 'is there any hope o' peace between our folk and yers.' Ya tain't kilt us yet so I'd like to think there is. We're here to learn. Tell us what you want Saltmarsh to know we can bring that message home. We came to see what was here, we'd know idea we'd meet the queen."
Kwin nods as the sage ranger speaks, then he adds "We can return your wealth, if we know it won't be used against our community. We can deliver the weapons promised, if we know they won't be used against our community. Perhaps more, if there is a common threat we should be worried about."
"We have made mistakes. We have stepped into something we have no understanding of. You speak of our empty hands and empty words. What could we do to earn your trust. Not completely, I understand; that can only come with time and work. What could we do to earn enough trust to learn your intentions, so we can take the next step?"
"This is bloody stupid. They sent warriors against us, buy weapons against us, and spit at our offers of peace." Tarn grumbled. "And I'm tired of being insulted. If they want it to be like this, I say we just leave." He crossed his arms in annoyance. He kept his voice down, so that it wouldn't carry. But he was clearly not happy.
"It is unfortunate." Drusilla says stepping out in front of the others and beginning to look at the Queen.
"We came here to be diplomatic. But I see many of my companions growing impassioned. As for the situation, it's simple. We found your merchants caught in illegal activities. We passed judgment on them, which in the fight your warriors fought valiantly to the death. In our investigation, we found that your tribe needed weapons. Weapons that were seized when the ship was turned over to our leaders due to the process of our laws." Drusilla paused and then looked back over her shoulder then back to the Queen.
' After that, our leaders conferred with us than with each other. It was in their conclusion to send us to see why you need the weapons. If we the emissaries see that you need the weapons for a threat, then we will take that back to our leaders and see to their return. If it is for a threat that also affects Saltmarsh then they will ask to join together so the people of Saltmarsh and its resources. However, should these weapons be used to arm you against us then it is a non sequitur" Drusilla at that time was pacing in a tight little circle.
" I must confer with my compatriots but if you wish us to prove ourselves and our mission, then we could possibly do some sort of task for you. That is if my group agrees and it is something you think we can handle as well as prove ourselves earnest in our mission. Then we can have an actual discussion as to what is going on with the weapons and hopefully further a positive relationship going forward with your tribe" Drusilla said looking at her friends before looking back at the Queen.
After an uncomfortable silence, the queen finally replies, "would you like to confer with your companions in private to determine what you are willing to do to earn some measure of our trust?"
Drusilla curtsy again " At your leave Your Majesty" She then stands and turns back to her companions.
When BLackrock speaks she shoots a glare then speaks to her group.
"I think if we can do some tasks, we may decern the secret of wether the seek Saltmarshes destruction or not. It will also so how capable and willing to aid the Lizard folk that we as representatives of Saltmarsh seek peace and cooperation" Drusilla says in a logical tone, as if stating facts.
Argyri sighs. Before stepping back to talk to her companions, she says "Queen Othokent, I ask your leave to clarify. You say we 'keep asking and asking, but are not giving.' I am not here to ask you for resources, but for knowledge that might help us understand any common cause we might make. While it's not my decision alone, I'd happily recommend that the weapons you ordered be delivered to you...if I could say to the leadership of Saltmarsh why you need them.
"You speak of earning trust. From my perspective, perhaps we should earn at least some of yours by coming to you to learn and understand. If our goal was to abscond with your money and the weapons you ordered, we'd have had no reason to come here at all. The leadership of Saltmarsh reclaimed them after an illegal smuggler was caught in their waters, and that could have been the end of it...but my--our--goal is for justice to be served for all.
"So: to help me and my companions to consider if we would be willing to offer you our aid...first please let me know what ends you are pursuing. If you seek to right a wrong, say so. If you're under threat from a foe, tell us who that foe is and give us some evidence of their threat. Otherwise you'll leave us--or those we report to--to assume your intent with the weapons is ill."
Tarn nodded along to Tagyri’s words. They were his exact thoughts, though he’d have cursed more while saying so. He was almost to the point of just reporting them to be a threat based on their attitude alone!
The queen pauses and then finally says, "interesting. Tell me. How would the leadership of Saltmarsh react if a band of my warriors told them they would return cargo if they made an alliance with us? All the caravaneers were killed, because they broke our laws."
"How would your leadership react to that offer?"
Tarn raised an eyebrow. "Honest-like? They'd probably find a way to strike a deal. Better to trade with neighbors than to fight them. Especially if ye came to us in peace to explain what FOOKIN' happened! They'd take it much better than finding their neighbors be secretly working with our enemies." He raised his voice, anger bubbling within him at the situation. With an angry grunt he turned back to his companions. "It's be BLOODY OBVIOUS that these here people hate us and mean us ill. Let's damned well leave before-" Getting control of his anger he held his tongue long enough to fold his arms and grunt angrily, turning away from the queen lest he say anything else out of line.
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Argyri stifles a chuckle at Tarn's answer. "Please forgive my companion's show of frustration, but perhaps it's understandable given that you keep declining to answer any questions at all about why you, Saltmarsh's neighbor, need these weapons.
"We–and our leaders–are trying not to make assumptions about why a neighbor who has not announced themselves to us is seeking to gather arms...but it would be foolish to deliver them to you if you mean to use them against us, or to engage in piracy on our shared seas. Now I will say more pointedly, if you don't need to hide the reason you hired smugglers to bring weapons here, please prove it. Understand that earning trust has to go both ways. On our part, we've given you the courtesy of coming to learn from our newly-discovered neighbors. We have told you, truthfully, that we learned of you when we found illegal smugglers in Saltmarsh's waters, and confiscated their illegal wares.
"If you are prepared to return the courtesy of honesty, let us begin again. If you are not ready to be honest with us, I believe that–with sadness–there's no reason for us to stay and we should go our separate ways."
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Badger speaks bluntly and plain, "You seem to think that we have wronged you?" He lets the question hang a heartbeat, "You sought allies that could not hold their word, you chose degenerate scoundrels to keep yer goods safe, and their own crimes and their own recklessness brought disaster on their mission, which ended yer own plans, because YOU joined YER cause with THEM." He gestured with his palm down emphasizing that in his view that the Ghost Guard and Saltmarsh weren't responsible here. "Our actions sought to keep our own people safe. We had no idea until after that they had yer goods, until after their villainy forced our hand to act. Yer choice to trust them was yer action and your mistake. I guarantee."
He looks up almost begging for a simple glimmer that the queen doesn't mean the death of friends and family. "You seem unwilling to dare suggest that you weren't gathering these arms to use against us, our families and our children. I mean we'd understand if you said you wanted them from protection from anyone and ya don't yet trust us. So be it. But you seem unwilling to even offer that you have no hostilities intended for our people. If you can't even muster a cold 'we won't harm you if you won't harm us.' Then you have spoken quite clear. If that's where we are." He shrugs, "Then by yer leave we return to our own and deliver the messages. BOTH what you have said, and what you leave unsaid. But I tell you know its what you leave unsaid, I guarantee, that speaks far louder."
Badger shakes his head and speaks with more compassion, "I know the swamps. I know what might drive folk from a home to a new place more than most." A pause in his momentum notes a memory of some lost pain. "If some danger drove you from the Hool to the shore and closer to our lands you've my sympathy. If you mean us no ill then I wish you well." Badger's mind races over the last few moments, he points to Argyri "She probably said it better." He looks a little awkward putting his hands down to his side, then pulls them together and puts one hand over the other wrist trying to find a more comfortable way to stand while eyes are on him.
The queen straightens up while Tarn speaks. Insightful people will notice a flaring of her scales. She holds her tongue until Badger's comments.
"One more word from that dwarf, and I will proclaim you all thieves for taking our treasure. And I will take your weapons, your treasure, and your lives in compensation!" Half the lizardfolk in throne room who probably understands Common bristle. You notice that you are outnumbered at least three to one with only one exit.
"Elf. I am honest. Since you and Saltmarsh are not willing to do anything to demonstrate trustworthiness, I have no reason to trust you and share anything with you."
"Gnome. We exchanged treasure for weapons. These merchants did not break any of our laws."
"Go. Take your leave before I change my mind." You are dismissed.
Badger shakes his head.
Badger hangs in the back of the group of companions on the way back to the rowboat. As he moves he tries to get more of a clue to the number of lizard folk beyond what he has seen so far might be around. He looks to see if any of the tunnels lead toward the outside.
There seems to be way more going on than your visit.
The basic idea that you get from Bimz is disappointment.
Tarn didn’t say a word. Rather he have an annoying smirk mixed with a cold look in his eyes, before turning his back on the Queen. When they got back he planned to report exactly how the tribe were an immediate danger to their town.
Kwin puts a hand on Drusilla's shoulder. "We should go. I don't think we can break through here." A burdened sadness is obvious in his tone.
"If we leave, We give them the motivation to get the weapons back. They know we have them. THus will go after Salt Marsh. We must do something aside flee. The question is what?" Drusilla says as she taps her chin in contmeplation.
"She did say we could prove ourselves. We could also try and fight them, though I doubt that would be good, and fleeing now may prompt them to attack us as well." Drusilla continued on not really talking to anyone right now just trying to place pieces of the puzzle together.
”Fook them. Let us go. They’re our enemies it be clear, they mean us naught but ill. Working for them is like mining in sand. Too much work to get nowhere.” He said, bitterly.
You are escorted back to your boat. You don't see any obvious exits outside beyond your boat. However, maybe exits are beyond the many doors and corridors that you pass.
You also pass dozens of lizardfolk who come out to watch the outsiders leave. You see over dozen in scale mail armor who seemed to be in charge when you arrived in the cave. And a handful of lizardfolk who squeeze into the tunnels and tower over the others.
You find your two guards still in the boat watched by several more lizardfolk. After you pile into the boat, you slowly paddle out of the torch-lit cave.
When you clear the cave opening into the sunlit bay, the guards exhale in relaxation. You see the Sea Ghost where you left it with your crew waving that everything is alright with them. "Holy crap! What happened in there? There were monsters in the water, too! Couldn't get a good look, but they were big!"
"What happened in there? The fooking fookers showed their true colors. They be our enemies, right 'nuff! Let's leave them and their watery monsters behind us and go back to town. Tell everyone that we need to make sure that the town's defenses are ready for when they inevitably come to slit our throats, like the cowardly sons of bastcihes that they be."
"I think they are hiding what they fear Tarn. The lizard folk I mean. I don't think they are friendly but if they were our foes 30 or so warriors would have killed us rotten without thought. That queen is worried about more than us. There lands are deeper in the swamp why come here. Why so close to ones they trust so little."
He sighs, "I don't think we should head back yet. We were sent to get a number, find out their purpose. Other than a few dozen lizard folk are they ready for war, are they set to march, was that a home or a war camp? We'd be rotten scouts if we can't answer some of those questions."
"They let us go because they want to attack us." Tarn said, stubbornly. "The town sent us, so if we don't come back then it would be a dead giveaway. So they send us off like this, so they can attack us when we aren't watching." He added. "Do ye have an idea of how we get back in there to find out when they plan to do it?"
"Maybe you've got their motives better'd me. But we didn't get answers to the questions we were sent to find. Are their 30 warriors, 70, 700? Do they have magic? Does their home have vulnerabilities or is it just a single cave on the sea?"
"Saltmarsh hasn't done anything to indicate that they were expanding in this direction. I don't know what could have changed that they suddenly consider the town a threat. But they know now that the town is alert to their presence and their gearing up for aggression, so they wouldn't have surprise."
"Maybe we can find another source of information? Perhaps Oceanus's people may know something?"
"Maybe but them being this close to us and this close to the coast is new."
"Seems to me that they'll be on alert now that we've had this meeting. If we sneak back in, they'll certainly kill us. And with fifty to a hundred of the fookers having already been seen, I don't have much hope of us winning this fight. So..." Running his fingers through his beard, in deep thought, he continued "I think that Kwin be right here. We should find a different source of information and then head back to town, to make sure that they be aware of this thread."
"We could see for ourselves what could drive them this far east?" Drusilla says as she continues to think.
"It is strange that they would move so close to a city, Also one would assume the swamp to have twice the amount of lizardfolk. though I am no expert." She says looking up and acknowledging the group instead of being in contemplation.
Critzible
