Indrani looks to the masked man, then back to the dark woman and raises an eyebrow, "I have only heard your requests for reward. Not an offer from him."
She shrugs, "To my people, those that live outside of the Calim are barbarians. Women do not show their faces to barbarians casually. It is also practical in the Calim, when the Djinn storms come upon us."
"Do you have any idea where we might start looking for this redeye?" Merle asks "Also with him currently missing how friendly are the locals likely to be?"
|
"Do you have any idea where we might start looking for this redeye?" Merle asks "Also with him currently missing how friendly are the locals likely to be?"
"Redeye, The Chief Shamen of the Lizard Marsh, seems to have resided in a farily large Lizardman settlement called Ss'athlek or S-town as our diplomat called it. From what we were told, the majority of his tribe fully supported him, yet like all who seek change, there is a fervent group that was firmly opposed to him. The Leader of this group was a more militant Lizardman called 'Brown-Scales', for the red-brown tint the scales around his jaws. Some say it was bllod that had stained them that color. Hes larger and stronger than the normal Lizardman. He has an advisor that is a Bullywug called 'Booorpep'. Booorpep is reputed to be a stealthy spy type....rumors abound of who they are really working for...Everything from Sahuagin to a Beholder. Aboleth to The Zhentarim....Even the Red Wizards have a rumor. There are far too many for me to even begin to advise....Scrying attempts have failed as well. I wish I had more to tell you...but That is all I have been able to find out."
Taking another swig of his mead, Eremus purses his lips once again and nodding, speaks slowly, "So this Brown-scales might or might not be happy for us to show up then? Hrmm. Makes things a bit more ... interesting. Especially if we are looking for someone he might not want to be found."
Looking to the rest, "Sounds like we might have to be real careful when we show up. I have a few ideas but what does everyone else say? We go in nice and diplomatic maybe under the pretense that we are there to confirm the alliance with Waterdeep still holds?"
Grinning at the gold masked man,"I don't suppose you want us going in swords raised, magic fire dripping from our fingertips do you?"
Indrani nods to Vergor, "If it is our decision to make, the elder knows the swamp. I believe he would be the best leader for this task."
"Im okay with doing things Eramus's way" Merle pipes in "and Vergor seems to be the best choice for being in charge since he can actually talk to all of them."
Nods as well, "I was going to say the same thing. Vergor seems a good candidate for leading this foray. Of course, our employer may have something to say about that ..."
Looking at Vergor,"That is of course if you want to do it. And if that is all we need to decide upon, I say we get directions, gear up and head out in the morning."
|
|
The Lord nodded and replied "No, I will leave the details to you. If there are no further questions I will be off. Should you need to contact me here are 2 methods. 1st..."He places a scroll tube on the table...." This scroll has been magicked to make anything written on it invisible to any but someone wearing a Lords Mask. You mae wite on it, seal it back into the tube and have it sent to the palace. It will find its way to me. and i will find a way to get back to you.... 2nd, and use these one carefully, Here are 6 Message rods..." he places 6 4" glass rods with a metal filament inside on the table..."There is one for each of you...break the rod and say 6 words....they will reach my ear within an hour...however they have limitations common to most magicks. Inability to travel through blocked passage. Lead, some steel, a bit of stone or wood and much dirt all stop the message from travelling."
"Anything further?"
Taking a glass rod and slipping into his pack, "Six words you say?"
Counts on his fingers as he recites, "Help! They are trying to eat me!"
Grinning at the gold masked individual, "Well... at least you'll know what happened."
"Vergor? Do you know how to get there? Otherwise we'll need a guide."
Vergor nods laconically "Oh, ah kin gett'ya there straigt-way 'nuff. An' as she goes, ah don't mind leadin' this ragtag inna tha marshes, bu' ah don' know as how ah'm tha man ta be leadin' tha group. May be ta work better if ah do tha translatin' for someone else ta be percieved as tha leader. In tha' case, ah'd suggest Eremus t'be tha leader, at least in name. Ah may be uh known quantity as uh guide ta'otha parties, an' sometimes tha lizardfolk in this region tend'ta be on tha patriarchal side, so's tha reception of wimmin leaders is sometimes not as serious as tha men. Tha' goes doubly as fer as any bullywug advisors might go."
The swamper looks at the masked man "D'jyer diplahmat say anythin' about any villages 'er clans sympathetic tah Redeye in tha area? Any names'a folken we might try'ta palaver with?"
|
Accented Common:
Chuckling, "No he won't know your fate, that was seven words." Dusk Smiles. "Better choose those words carefully if you use it."
Dusk takes a glass and tucks it into a belt pouch.
"Accepted Gold Lord. I will be here at the appointed time.
Dusk then addresses the swamper Vergor.
"So even the Lizards and Froggies under the sun are the same, men running the show. Perhaps that is for the best. Under the ground where the matriarch is in power there is much cruelty, sorrow, and pain in their twisted hands.."
"So much -sorrow."
Picking up one of the rods Merle cant help but shiver slightly at Dusks mention of sorrow. She had a fair idea what she meant when she said that having been on the recieving end of it in the past. "So what are all of you planning to do between now and tommorow?" she asks trying to hide her nervousnes.
Arennea smiles at Eramus. "Could I have some more ale?" is softly spoken into his head. She laughs out loud at her own mirth, hoping the man will agree. She picks up a tube and looks at it.
The desert woman picks up the tube gingerly. Looking at it for a moment, she hands it to the druid, not trusting magic that does not come in a controllable weapon.
She shakes her head at the talk of patriarchs and matriarchs and the way it should be. The elders were right, those that live outside the lands and do not listen to the wise people of the tribe are barbarians.
She turns to Merle, "I plan to sleep, eat, and see to my horse. Fareedah has work ahead of her and she must be well tended for the journey."
|
|
The Lord pauses and looks at Vergor and said "easily a bit more than half are very supportive of Redeye. There has been an unusual prosperity among the various tribes and clans in the marsh. Many see his wisdom as the guiding force behind it. Redeyes home clan of Sharp Claws are 100% supportive and could be allies. They reside about a days walk into the northern area and are lead by Short Tail, a Male Warrior who lost half his tail to a crocodile. Hes a grizzled older lizardman who wants peace and follows Redeyes words. Redeye was a Shamen for Chauntea, or as they call her "The Earthmother" He cant stand up to Red Scales, but he does have some experience.
I wouldnt trust any other of the clans or members....unless they are priests or worshippers of The Earthmother. Does that help?"
Vergor nods thoughtfully "Aye, it be givin' us uh place ta start off. Since they Sharp Claws are supportive'ah our quarry, an' they be situated tah tha nort'o tha city, I conjure we need tah be stoppin' there to palaver wi' Short Tail. May give us dry groun' tah retreat tah if tha need be desprit."
He lapses into silence for a moment the starts with a rememberance. "Ah almos' fergot tah introduce y'all tah mah dear associate an' companion fer goin' on 6 year now. This's mah good friend Ol' Pitch." Reaching into his haversack, the swamper draws out a black pit viper, a cottonmouth, as thick around as his wrist. As he pulls,the body of the snake keeps uncoiling out of the bag. Finally, fully withdrawn, the 5' long serpent coils on the table in front of Vergor languidly flicking his tounge into the air. The man rubs the viper between his eyes casually as he speaks. "Now, Ol' Pitch an' ah're a team. Ah raised 'im an' his mother before'im. Ah look out fer mah team, an' that now be y'all. But y'all jes betta unnahstan' he be mah firs' teammate. Out en they swamp, we may see alotta snakes in tha' water, an you jes' betta be sure you ain drawin' down on my Ol' Pitch." Vergor nods at the Cat woman "Don' you worry 'bout yo li'l friend. I be lettin' Ol' Pitch know he ain't no kinda prey tah be stalkin'. I unnerstan tha relationship an' so'll he."
Indrani narrows her eyes as she looks at the snake. It was very different from the ones where she's from, certainly not as sleek and without a rattle on it's tail. She knew the signs of snakes in the desert, but how would they know these...
"This is a swamp snake? It is very different from the ones Fareedah and I are used to. Perhaps it would be a good idea to introduce...your friend to her."
Vergor nods at he Calishite "Yeh, they many snakes in tha swamps, some venomous, some not; some constrictors, some not. Make matters worse, some that ain't got tha venom look jes like they that do. Dis Fareedah yo mount? I kin palaver w'im so's they know where Ol' Pitch stan' in relation to tha group. Like ah say, reason I bring my fren' up now is so he no issue later on."
Indrani nods, her manner seeming even more formal and proud suddenly, "She is a prized mare from my father's stable and was given to me upon completion of my first warrior tests." She listens to his suggestion, "Many of the elders of my tribe can speak with the horses as well. Your intervention in the matter is much appreciated, Elder."
She repeats the forehead, lips, heart 'salute' to Vergor.
Eremus is about to call for more ale as Vergor lays out the snake and his voice is cut off in mid-sentence. "Waitress, another ro.....uhm..."
Pushes just a little back into the booth from the snake, looking uncomfortable, "Snakes aren't my most favorite of animals but if you say this one is your pet well, ok."
Flustered slightly,"Anyways...Siama[the waitress], another round of mead here please?", handing her a few silver with a wink before turning back to the gold-masked individual,"Last question I can think of then is is there a time limit on this? Other than that though I'd be ready to go by tomorrow afternoon. After the dusky lady here sees her Pelorite."
"And Vergor, I don't do too much travelling in swampy marsy areas so if you can recommend the appropriate gear to everyone that would be a big help in getting everyone outfitted."
Vergor shakes his head at Eremus. "Ah nevah say tha' Ol' Pitch was mah pet. He mah frien' and partner. Likewise, I don' think Indrani would think'ah her horse as pet. It be ah important relationship tha' means somethin' deeper tah both parties. No offense intended by you, an' none taken by meh, just helpin' yah unnerstan'."
When the barmaid starts to come over, Vergor casually scoops up the snake and gently dumps him back in his backpack. "Mos' people don' shine to seein' cottonmouths on tha table. Anyway, gettin' aroun' in the swamp ain't always fun ta those not use ta it. Yah be wantin' to get good and sturdy boots if ya don' got'em already. Prolly wanna get a 10' pole tah probe aroun' in the murky water if ya have to get cross it. They's lotsa niceties ya can get if ya of'a mind ta have 'em... thin's like bug nettin', a hammock to string up twixt branches if'n ya not wantin' to sleep on tha groun'. It never a bad idea ta have a scroll or two tah make pure water, but Ah'll prolly be able ta find food an' drink fo' tha lotta us during most'a the trip."
|
|
handing her a few silver with a wink before turning back to the gold-masked individual,"Last question I can think of then is is there a time limit on this? Other than that though I'd be ready to go by tomorrow afternoon. After the dusky lady here sees her Pelorite."
"And Vergor, I don't do too much travelling in swampy marsy areas so if you can recommend the appropriate gear to everyone that would be a big help in getting everyone outfitted."
Almost sliding out of the booth, the Lord hesitated and looked at Eremus, "only in that the length of time you take probably has a profound impact on whether Redeye will be alive or dead....I would think time is of the essence. I shall return here at dawn tomorrow should any wish to receive Pelors blessing with Dusk here."
with that he moved out amid the tables in the common room, mush faster than his bulk should have allowed, and shortly thereafter he was gone.....
The waitress returned with the drinks and the group had the booth to themselves. The waitress said "Your rooms have been paid for, and a tab has been run for your libations...on The Lord"
Vergor nods "Sounds as though twas meant fer all'ah us. Ah'm gonna take one more mug'ah happiness an' then ah'm gonna head up ta bed."
Looking at the Calishite woman, Vergor says "Ah'll hold a meetin' betwixt your fine horse an' Ol' Pitch tamarrah. Give 'em tha lowdown that they ain't agin' each other an' need not be afeared'a tha other'n."
After he enjoys his ale, the heads upstairs and casts Speak with Animals for a chat with Ol' Pitch about the mission and how he plans on introducing the serpent to the horse tomorrow.
Merle will Head to her room to get a good nights sleep.
//Ooc I take it we all have our own individual rooms? or are we sharing?
with a shy smile at the rest of the group Arennea heads to bed.
Merle will share a room with Arennea and if she's up for it ask her some questions like where she's from and the like.
Arennea begins to answer by speaking into Merles head, then stops, smiles, and answers her vocally.
"Sorry. I don't talk a lot. I'm from the Chondalwood, to the south east. Are you familiar with it?"
"cant say that i am." Merle replies "Oh and if your more used to talking in people's heads go right. I do it all the time with Seph"
Indrani nods, "And I can learn about your people. But I must check Fareedah before I rest."
Indrani heads to the stables to check on the care of her horse before heading up to the room.
"Guess that leaves you and me Vergor. I'm probably gonna stay up a bit more though... I think the minstrel in the corner has a few more songs I want to hear. "
"And I need at least one more mead in me." Gripping his mug in hand and drinking deeply, Eremus nods as well, "but I will be here in the morning as well for the blessings of Pelor as well as performing one from Shanudakul as well."
Nodding to the women as they head off to bed," Goodnight fair ladies. Sleep well."
|
|
Indrani nods, "And I can learn about your people. But I must check Fareedah before I rest."
Indrani heads to the stables to check on the care of her horse before heading up to the room.
Accented Common: "Ah, well then let me walk with you. I also have a horse stabled there. At least I assume so, I tasked a young man to stable him for me here earlier in the day, in case things went sour and I needed to leave quickly."
Indrani nods, "I will see they are caring for your horse properly as well."
They head off to the stables to check the horses, Indrani taking time to inspect the build of Dusk's horse while she's making sure it's well cared for.
|
|
Indrani nods, "I will see they are caring for your horse properly as well."
They head off to the stables to check the horses, Indrani taking time to inspect the build of Dusk's horse while she's making sure it's well cared for.
Dusk pulls her hood close over her head, an unconscious habit walking through town.
Accented Common: "I have a lot of free time at night, and sometimes during the day. She gets a lot of attention from me. Sadly she gets a lot of attention when I ride her too, hence the barding. I fear someone trying to hurt me someday will hurt her instead."
Arennea smiles at Merle and whispers in her head, "Thank you. Its like... breathing for me." She gathers up her things, and goes to sleep.
|
|
The party gradually finishes up what they were doing and slowly make their way to their respective rooms...The food was good. The drinks better..and the entertainment adequate. The night speeds along quickly with no dangers manifesting..for some anxiety slowly gives way to sleep..for others excitement...
Some have neither and sleep claims them immediatly...but for all this is the beginning of a new life.
somewhere in the city night turns to early morning...and the streets gradually begin to come back to life as ship capts make to their ships to catch the danws first lifht on their sails...Hawkers head out to take up their places for selling their wares to the morning crowds...
Lamplighters move to begin extinguishing the street lamps in the false dawn of the morning....
nd a single priest of Pelor, accompanied by the Heavy set Lord of Waterdeep arrive at the Wild Boar Inn and prepare to greet the new day....
Merle as soon as she awakes is going to make herself presentable looking then head downstairs to await everyone else.
Arennea joins her, ordering some devils eggs for breakfast.
Waking with a start from a dream of far distant travels, Eremus sits up in his bed, the heavy cotten fabric having left a solid impression on his face as he rubs feeling back into his cheek. It is still dark and just the faintest of silver-grey light is shining into the room. Unsure if Vergor is awake or asleep, he feels around for his boots and his tunic.
Slipping them both on he quietly makes his way out of the room attempting not to rouse the swamper if he can. Making his way to the hot water basin at the end of the hall, he nods briefly and smiles his trademark grin to one of the hostesses who have brought warm water for the basin.
Whispering,"Good morning miss."
The hostess, half asleep herself, nods a greeting and setting the heated bowl of water in the counter, stumbles her way to her room.
Dipping his hands into the warming water, Eremus splashes his face and runs a wet hand through his tousled hair a few times before wiping them off lightly on a towel nearby and then heads downstairs.
He begins morning rituals as he steps outside the inn into the early morning light and holding his holy symbol begins walking as he faces the sunrise,
"Shaundakul,
I set my foot firmly on the path,
Where you lead me I do not know,
wonders or dangers may lie ahead,
but wherever it is, however far,
let your humble servant revel in
the simple joy of a well worn road."
"A journey is begun to places unknown and this humble servant would ask your boon and blessing on those who undertake it.
Keep them safe and hearty, and provide them the strength to prevail from any challenge that they might meet. "
Finishing his rituals, Eremus sets off to the market to purchase walking sticks and rope and heavy oiled canvas for sleeping off of the muddy ground. [I'll deduct or you can however much those are. I should have plenty since I didnt buy a lot of magic items.]
Vergor lay not quite awake in his bunk, Ol' Pitch curled up on his chest absorbing his body heat. He heard the cleric moving about, but didn't rouse himself. When the door to the room closed, he stroked the cottonmouth and started to raise him off chest. "Well, Pitch, ah reckon we bes' be gettin' our affairs set straight, alsah.
He lay the snake on the bed and knelt beside him reflecting on the majesty of nature and the spells he would be seeking in the Red and Green lines of natures magic today. The blood and bodies, fur and feathers, stem and sap that course through the whole of nature...feeding it and feeding on it. Eventually, his spiritual reflections finished, he puts the serpent in his magical knapsack and heads downstairs.
In the common room, he gets a little bit of food... a nice sausage and bread, if available, and makes quick work of it. He hangs around at the periphery of any group assembling, saying little, mostly just listening.
|
|
I thank them both for coming and tell the priest my desire to join the ranks of Pelor.
Accented Common: "I thank you for even coming, I hadn't expected to be humored, but I have Pelor's song already on my lips, and his warmth in my heart. I wish to not only celebrate him, but serve, I ask for the blessing of your...what's the word, church? temple? to attend prayers and learn how to better serve the oath i already follow."