Looking at the tree, Mola asks in druidic, "can you understand me, and speak?"
The druid's face is calm, serene, even, as the storm rages overhead, lightning flashing within the swirling cloud. But his muscles are taut, rigid, with the effort of keeping control of all that power. He looks at Denrdros and Rixton. "Dendros, can you speak with the Grandfather Tree, and ask it what's going on? This lightning storm took a lot out of me. If you can't, I can try to awaken the Grandfather Tree for a while, to speak with it, if it's not already awake. I think I'm going to keep this storm going for a while longer to see if the Tree Ghosts want to start a fight. I think we should ask them what their intentions are, and what's going on here, and if they know about the yikaria. We've come to their aid, it seems. Hopefully that wasn't a mistake."
The threat of another lightning storm keeps the Tree Ghosts at a safe distance. Their weapons are drawn and their faces are fierce, but, for now, they seem content to watch the five unexpected visitors. The attacking horde of barbarians continue their retreat, briskly making their way northward into the shadows of the High Forest.
"Speak with the Grandfather Tree? Yes, I will do that,'" responds Dendros."What things might it have to say, I wonder?"
The treant utters the necessary words, granting the Grandfather Tree a bit of sentience. After a short while, Dendros explains, "The great tree is strong. A hundred strikes of lightning would not kill it. But it understands that there are those who wish for the great tree to be destroyed. This is a new thing. This is a mystery. It protects Faerûn from the danger that lies deep below."
As Gwin reaches the rest of the party, she dismounts Steveaustin and sends him off to graze in a nearby field. Upon hearing the words of the treant she asks, What danger, Dendros??? What is it that lies deep below?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Before responding to Gwin, Dendros turns to the Tree Ghosts, speaking in Common. "We are no threat to your great tree, Uthgardts. I am Dendros of the High Forest. Your great chief Boorvald Orcbane knows this to be true."
The Tree Ghosts exchange puzzled looks with each other as Dendros turns to the party members and elaborates on his communication with the Grandfather Tree. "It protects an ancient place. For millennia have the roots of the great tree done so, since the golden elves of Aryvandaar summoned it for that purpose. Of the ancient place, the great tree says nothing, for it does not wish for any others to learn of its secrets and dangers. Those who seek to destroy the great tree seek access to the ancient place."
"Well, consider my curiosity piqued," Rixton says ruefully. "But more importantly, the threat to the Grandfather Tree is gone, at least temporarily. If there is something they badly want, they will come back and probably in greater numbers."
Rixtongives a stiff wave to the Tree Ghosts. "How is everyone feeling here today? Feel like yourselves?"
Warily taking a few steps toward the members of the party, one of the Tree Ghosts--wounded and bloody from the battle--responds to Rixton. "The Tree Ghosts are well, stranger. This battle has ended. You have our gratitude. The blessing of the great tree is upon you. I am Therevan."
Therevan glances at the other Tree Ghosts, his facial expression indicating that everyone should remain on their toes. Motioning toward Dendros, Therevan adds, "If you follow the treant, then the Tree Ghosts will have no quarrel with you."
Rixtonnods. "Greetings, Therevan. We certainly do not come to quarrel. We are investigating a new threat to our lands and, it seems, yours as well. A race known as the yikaria are here and they are not friendly. Dendroshere says that they desire what the Grandfather Tree protects. They will continue to try, unless we can root out these yikaria before they grow too great in numbers."
Mola watches their faces for any obvious or quick reactions to mentions of the yikaria - trying to look for what a yikaria in Tree Ghost skin would do if confronted like this.
From what Mola knows about the powers and limits of his dispel magic spell, as well as what he saw of the yikaria departing the other Tree Ghost shaman, would he assume a dispel magic would work to exorcise the yikaria?
He does not let go of the call lightning spell, still very aware of what we have been told about the Tree Ghosts, and thinking the yikaria May push them to conflict, or a Grandfather Tree-inspired world conquest.
”Thank you, Therevan, for the welcome. We have indeed been following Dendros for some time now. Two questions. One, we heard a story about a a Tree Ghost shaman who got into a fight with the Hand, some orcs, along with two city folk from Yartar. This fight was not exactly what the shaman, or the city folk, wanted. The shaman survived and escaped, but the city folk got captured. Did the shaman make their way back here, with that story? And two, why were those barbarians attacking the Grandfather Tree?”
Moladoubts that a dispel magic spell will be effective in such a situation. A dispel evil and good spell seems like a better fit.
Molastudies the faces and reactions of the Tree Ghosts but detects nothing to suggest that one of them might be under a yikaria's control
Therevan's face briefly flashes a look of puzzlement at Rixton. "What the Grandfather Tree protects? The remains of our dead? -- as he motions toward the outer ring of raised earth that encircles the great tree.
Rixton and Mola's remarks about the yikaria, the barbarians that just attacked the tree, the fight with the Hand, and the escaped shaman prompt an unexpected exchange between Therevan and two other Tree Ghosts. Therevan seems content to avoid any further discussion with Rixton and Mola, but one of his fellow tribe members chimes in, a sense of urgency in his voice. "Do you see, Therevan? Bendrigar is not the only one to speak of the yikaria! These strangers have knowledge of them as well!"
Therevan shoots a sour look at the Tree Ghost. "You wish to be silenced as Bendrigar was?"
A second Tree Ghost remarks, "Silenced for speaking truth it seems."
Therevan ignores this last remark as he turns toward the party. "The Tree Ghosts have many enemies. It has been so for as long as we have existed. To attack the Grandfather Tree is to dishonor that which we hold dear. That is why those cowards came here today."
Regarding the attack on the Hand and the shaman who fled that battle Therevan says nothing.
"Cowards. Interesting. Well, anyway! We helped drive them off, so that's nice."His gaze stills a bit, half grin fading as he looks in the medium distance and scratches the back of his head. But before it gets awkward, he snaps back to himself, and looks over at the two Tree Ghosts who spoke up about Bendrigar.
"What now? What were you doing before they attacked? My name's Mola, by the way. What's yours?"
He's still keeping the call lightning spell going, so there's an angry stormcloud above. He's ready to pop if anyone gets out of line, but first he's trying to figure out what's going on here. He'd also like to have a chance to chat with the two who spoke up, and he'd also like to check the bodies of the barbarians they killed -- a bit of confused guilt is starting to creep in, wondering if the barbarians were trying to help the tree or at least attack possessed Tree Ghosts. But first the conversation or whatever the Tree Ghosts have planned.
Rawley just silently walks closer to Therevan. Looking him straight in the eyes he says, "Threatening others is the sign of a weak man. Are you a weak man, Therevan? Or are you a strong man - a man who is not afraid of the truth and not afraid of others speaking it?"
He then turns his back to Therevan and takes a few steps closer to the other two. "Please do continue."
Gwin steps forward and addresses Therevan. You and your people are in the gravest of danger. We have seen the yikaria with our own eyes. You are fierce, but they call upon dark magics and elementals. They WILL NOT STOP until you are all dead and the Grandfather Tree is at their mercy. Had we not come along, I have no doubt you would've seen that shaman shed its skin and become yak-man. Standing on her tiptoes so she can wag her finger in Thervan's face, Gwin continues. And NO ONE should be silenced who brings warning of the yikaria. Why would you do such a thing?
Insight: 24
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Therevan locks eyes first with Rawley and then with Gwin. Neither the fighter nor the cleric succeeds in swaying the apparent leader of this group of Tree Ghosts. He merely takes a step backward, heaves his greataxe over his shoulder, and says, "I have no fear of the truth, graneek."
The Bothii word graneek, clearly aimed at Rawley, causes a few of the other Tree Ghosts to chuckle slightly. Therevan continues, "The truth of the Tree Ghosts need not be made known to others..."
He is interrupted by his own tribe member (the one who spoke of Bendrigar a bit earlier), one who seems inclined to be a bit more cooperative. "Standing watch. Guarding the great tree. That is what we were doing, Mola, I am Denevald, and..."
Therevan erupts, shouting at Denevald, angrily and in Bothii. Denevald responds similarly, and seconds later two factions emerge from the eleven Tree Ghosts. Weapons are drawn and Bothii curses are exchanged, but no blood is spilled. Therevan and two of his loyal warriors find themselves outnumbered as the remaining eight Tree Ghosts surround them.
Denevald speaks, this time in Common. "It is enough, Therevan. As these strangers have said, something foul has come to be among us. You know this to be true. Bendrigar would not deceive the clan, but his blood now stains the ground. Many strange and foolish things we are asked to do of late. All of them increasing the number and strength of our enemies. No more! It is time to..."
Therevan spits violently into Denevald's face before muttering something in Bothii. Denevald, full of constraint, smiles broadly and says a few calm words in reply while motioning to the seven Tree Ghosts behind him. Denevald's words--whatever they are--bring an end to the trouble. Therevan and his two companions lay their weapons on the ground and begin to walk eastward.
Denevald looks to Mola,Rixton, Rawley, and Gwin and says, "This shaman that fled the battle with the Hand. He has been the source of our troubles."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rixtonwatches these exchanges with a passive face. Eventually, he interjects. "Let us investigate for you," he says. "You do as you would and we will find out what troubles you. If Therevanis right, we will be the ones who pay for it. If Denevaldis right, we will uncover the truth and set things right."
He pauses to let these thoughts sink in, then he looks at Therevan intently. "Just tell us where to start and we will leave you to protecting the Grandfather Tree."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
NOTE: Edit (in blue) made to my last post (#634) to insert omitted words.
Therevan, refusing to look at Rixton, stares sullenly at the forest floor as he walks away. "The traitor..."--referring to Denevald--"...has spoken enough. You seek the shaman."
"Needletongue," mutters Denevald, nodding his head. "Betwitched many of our clan he has, including Great Chief himself. And now we have young ones without fathers because of him."
Therevan and his two companions do not slow their stride. They are content to leave their weapons behind and disappear in the shadows of the High Forest. Denevald and the others seem content to permit it. Turning his attention to the party, Denevald muses, "Maybe it is better that Needletongue be found by outsiders. It is hard to know for certain. If he is to be found, it will be done between here and Ascalhorn."
The name Ascalhorn is familiar to Gwin, Mola, and Rixton, for it was mentioned to them days ago when they were in Everlund.
“What clan are Needletongue and the rest? Where is Therevan headed with his two friends? And does Bendrigar still live, minus some blood, and you mentioned he was silenced? What happened? If he lives we would talk to him to see if the story we heard about the Tree Ghost shaman and the two city slickers is true. I’m sorry about your dead. I’d also be curious to know about the strange and foolish things you have been asked to do - perhaps this is also explained by the yikaria.”
He tries to describe the look and bearing of the shaman and the other Tree Ghost hunting group that ambushed the party at the tower to see if he recognizes them, and he will also explain what happened with the yikaria rising out of her body and attacking the others. One escaped right? It’s possible they will arrive back here at sole point?
“What clan are Needletongue and the rest? Where is Therevan headed with his two friends? And does Bendrigar still live, minus some blood, and you mentioned he was silenced? What happened? If he lives we would talk to him to see if the story we heard about the Tree Ghost shaman and the two city slickers is true. I’m sorry about your dead. I’d also be curious to know about the strange and foolish things you have been asked to do - perhaps this is also explained by the yikaria.”
He tries to describe the look and bearing of the shaman and the other Tree Ghost hunting group that ambushed the party at the tower to see if he recognizes them, and he will also explain what happened with the yikaria rising out of her body and attacking the others. One escaped right? It’s possible they will arrive back here at sole point?
Again, Rixtonrolls his eyes at Mola'sprobing. "They didn't exactly announce it. But they are walking away. The real question you should ask is whether or not they will warnNeedlietongue."
“And does Bendrigar still live, minus some blood, and you mentioned he was silenced? What happened?”
Rixton, still listening too loudly to the conversation is picking at his nails as he again answers where he has no right. "He's dead. Needletonguemade an example of him."
"If he lives we would talk to him to see if the story we heard about the Tree Ghost shaman and the two city slickers is true.”
The rogue holds his hand to his chest in mock offense. "You don't believe me?" he says. "I am fairly certain you will need a Speak with Dead spell if you want answers from Bendrigar."
“I’d also be curious to know about the strange and foolish things you have been asked to do - perhaps this is also explained by the yikaria.”
"Now you finally ask a reasonable question. Understanding what Needletonguewants you to do might explain inform us about his intentions," Rixton says, before plopping down on the ground and listening to Mola'saccount of their encounter with the yikaria.
(I may be reading things wrong but... Needletongue isn't a Tree Ghost, right? He's an Uthgardt barbarian, and there are lots of clans of those, I thought. Also we just know Bendrigar was silenced and lost blood, we're not sure he's dead. He could have just lost... a part of himself.)
Mola just grins at Rixton. "All the answers, right ones and wrong ones... I'm not angry, I envy you. Must be nice."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Looking at the tree, Mola asks in druidic, "can you understand me, and speak?"
The druid's face is calm, serene, even, as the storm rages overhead, lightning flashing within the swirling cloud. But his muscles are taut, rigid, with the effort of keeping control of all that power. He looks at Denrdros and Rixton. "Dendros, can you speak with the Grandfather Tree, and ask it what's going on? This lightning storm took a lot out of me. If you can't, I can try to awaken the Grandfather Tree for a while, to speak with it, if it's not already awake. I think I'm going to keep this storm going for a while longer to see if the Tree Ghosts want to start a fight. I think we should ask them what their intentions are, and what's going on here, and if they know about the yikaria. We've come to their aid, it seems. Hopefully that wasn't a mistake."
Rawley pulls up next to Mola and stands guard.
The threat of another lightning storm keeps the Tree Ghosts at a safe distance. Their weapons are drawn and their faces are fierce, but, for now, they seem content to watch the five unexpected visitors. The attacking horde of barbarians continue their retreat, briskly making their way northward into the shadows of the High Forest.
"Speak with the Grandfather Tree? Yes, I will do that,'" responds Dendros."What things might it have to say, I wonder?"
The treant utters the necessary words, granting the Grandfather Tree a bit of sentience. After a short while, Dendros explains, "The great tree is strong. A hundred strikes of lightning would not kill it. But it understands that there are those who wish for the great tree to be destroyed. This is a new thing. This is a mystery. It protects Faerûn from the danger that lies deep below."
As Gwin reaches the rest of the party, she dismounts Steveaustin and sends him off to graze in a nearby field. Upon hearing the words of the treant she asks, What danger, Dendros??? What is it that lies deep below?
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
Before responding to Gwin, Dendros turns to the Tree Ghosts, speaking in Common. "We are no threat to your great tree, Uthgardts. I am Dendros of the High Forest. Your great chief Boorvald Orcbane knows this to be true."
The Tree Ghosts exchange puzzled looks with each other as Dendros turns to the party members and elaborates on his communication with the Grandfather Tree. "It protects an ancient place. For millennia have the roots of the great tree done so, since the golden elves of Aryvandaar summoned it for that purpose. Of the ancient place, the great tree says nothing, for it does not wish for any others to learn of its secrets and dangers. Those who seek to destroy the great tree seek access to the ancient place."
"Well, consider my curiosity piqued," Rixton says ruefully. "But more importantly, the threat to the Grandfather Tree is gone, at least temporarily. If there is something they badly want, they will come back and probably in greater numbers."
Rixton gives a stiff wave to the Tree Ghosts. "How is everyone feeling here today? Feel like yourselves?"
Warily taking a few steps toward the members of the party, one of the Tree Ghosts--wounded and bloody from the battle--responds to Rixton. "The Tree Ghosts are well, stranger. This battle has ended. You have our gratitude. The blessing of the great tree is upon you. I am Therevan."
Therevan glances at the other Tree Ghosts, his facial expression indicating that everyone should remain on their toes. Motioning toward Dendros, Therevan adds, "If you follow the treant, then the Tree Ghosts will have no quarrel with you."
Rixton nods. "Greetings, Therevan. We certainly do not come to quarrel. We are investigating a new threat to our lands and, it seems, yours as well. A race known as the yikaria are here and they are not friendly. Dendros here says that they desire what the Grandfather Tree protects. They will continue to try, unless we can root out these yikaria before they grow too great in numbers."
Mola watches their faces for any obvious or quick reactions to mentions of the yikaria - trying to look for what a yikaria in Tree Ghost skin would do if confronted like this.
From what Mola knows about the powers and limits of his dispel magic spell, as well as what he saw of the yikaria departing the other Tree Ghost shaman, would he assume a dispel magic would work to exorcise the yikaria?
He does not let go of the call lightning spell, still very aware of what we have been told about the Tree Ghosts, and thinking the yikaria May push them to conflict, or a Grandfather Tree-inspired world conquest.
”Thank you, Therevan, for the welcome. We have indeed been following Dendros for some time now. Two questions. One, we heard a story about a a Tree Ghost shaman who got into a fight with the Hand, some orcs, along with two city folk from Yartar. This fight was not exactly what the shaman, or the city folk, wanted. The shaman survived and escaped, but the city folk got captured. Did the shaman make their way back here, with that story? And two, why were those barbarians attacking the Grandfather Tree?”
Mola doubts that a dispel magic spell will be effective in such a situation. A dispel evil and good spell seems like a better fit.
Mola studies the faces and reactions of the Tree Ghosts but detects nothing to suggest that one of them might be under a yikaria's control
Therevan's face briefly flashes a look of puzzlement at Rixton. "What the Grandfather Tree protects? The remains of our dead? -- as he motions toward the outer ring of raised earth that encircles the great tree.
Rixton and Mola's remarks about the yikaria, the barbarians that just attacked the tree, the fight with the Hand, and the escaped shaman prompt an unexpected exchange between Therevan and two other Tree Ghosts. Therevan seems content to avoid any further discussion with Rixton and Mola, but one of his fellow tribe members chimes in, a sense of urgency in his voice. "Do you see, Therevan? Bendrigar is not the only one to speak of the yikaria! These strangers have knowledge of them as well!"
Therevan shoots a sour look at the Tree Ghost. "You wish to be silenced as Bendrigar was?"
A second Tree Ghost remarks, "Silenced for speaking truth it seems."
Therevan ignores this last remark as he turns toward the party. "The Tree Ghosts have many enemies. It has been so for as long as we have existed. To attack the Grandfather Tree is to dishonor that which we hold dear. That is why those cowards came here today."
Regarding the attack on the Hand and the shaman who fled that battle Therevan says nothing.
"Cowards. Interesting. Well, anyway! We helped drive them off, so that's nice." His gaze stills a bit, half grin fading as he looks in the medium distance and scratches the back of his head. But before it gets awkward, he snaps back to himself, and looks over at the two Tree Ghosts who spoke up about Bendrigar.
"What now? What were you doing before they attacked? My name's Mola, by the way. What's yours?"
He's still keeping the call lightning spell going, so there's an angry stormcloud above. He's ready to pop if anyone gets out of line, but first he's trying to figure out what's going on here. He'd also like to have a chance to chat with the two who spoke up, and he'd also like to check the bodies of the barbarians they killed -- a bit of confused guilt is starting to creep in, wondering if the barbarians were trying to help the tree or at least attack possessed Tree Ghosts. But first the conversation or whatever the Tree Ghosts have planned.
Rawley just silently walks closer to Therevan. Looking him straight in the eyes he says, "Threatening others is the sign of a weak man. Are you a weak man, Therevan? Or are you a strong man - a man who is not afraid of the truth and not afraid of others speaking it?"
He then turns his back to Therevan and takes a few steps closer to the other two. "Please do continue."
Gwin steps forward and addresses Therevan. You and your people are in the gravest of danger. We have seen the yikaria with our own eyes. You are fierce, but they call upon dark magics and elementals. They WILL NOT STOP until you are all dead and the Grandfather Tree is at their mercy. Had we not come along, I have no doubt you would've seen that shaman shed its skin and become yak-man. Standing on her tiptoes so she can wag her finger in Thervan's face, Gwin continues. And NO ONE should be silenced who brings warning of the yikaria. Why would you do such a thing?
Insight: 24
‘The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.’ - Buffy Summers
A few rolls to see where this little chat might lead...
Meant to roll w/ advantage provided by Mola's lightning storm. Second roll for each of the above: 8 and 14
And Persuasion for Gwin: 10
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Therevan locks eyes first with Rawley and then with Gwin. Neither the fighter nor the cleric succeeds in swaying the apparent leader of this group of Tree Ghosts. He merely takes a step backward, heaves his greataxe over his shoulder, and says, "I have no fear of the truth, graneek."
The Bothii word graneek, clearly aimed at Rawley, causes a few of the other Tree Ghosts to chuckle slightly. Therevan continues, "The truth of the Tree Ghosts need not be made known to others..."
He is interrupted by his own tribe member (the one who spoke of Bendrigar a bit earlier), one who seems inclined to be a bit more cooperative. "Standing watch. Guarding the great tree. That is what we were doing, Mola, I am Denevald, and..."
Therevan erupts, shouting at Denevald, angrily and in Bothii. Denevald responds similarly, and seconds later two factions emerge from the eleven Tree Ghosts. Weapons are drawn and Bothii curses are exchanged, but no blood is spilled. Therevan and two of his loyal warriors find themselves outnumbered as the remaining eight Tree Ghosts surround them.
Denevald speaks, this time in Common. "It is enough, Therevan. As these strangers have said, something foul has come to be among us. You know this to be true. Bendrigar would not deceive the clan, but his blood now stains the ground. Many strange and foolish things we are asked to do of late. All of them increasing the number and strength of our enemies. No more! It is time to..."
Therevan spits violently into Denevald's face before muttering something in Bothii. Denevald, full of constraint, smiles broadly and says a few calm words in reply while motioning to the seven Tree Ghosts behind him. Denevald's words--whatever they are--bring an end to the trouble. Therevan and his two companions lay their weapons on the ground and begin to walk eastward.
Denevald looks to Mola, Rixton, Rawley, and Gwin and says, "This shaman that fled the battle with the Hand. He has been the source of our troubles."
Rixton watches these exchanges with a passive face. Eventually, he interjects. "Let us investigate for you," he says. "You do as you would and we will find out what troubles you. If Therevan is right, we will be the ones who pay for it. If Denevald is right, we will uncover the truth and set things right."
He pauses to let these thoughts sink in, then he looks at Therevan intently. "Just tell us where to start and we will leave you to protecting the Grandfather Tree."
Persuasion: 20
NOTE: Edit (in blue) made to my last post (#634) to insert omitted words.
Therevan, refusing to look at Rixton, stares sullenly at the forest floor as he walks away. "The traitor..."--referring to Denevald--"...has spoken enough. You seek the shaman."
"Needletongue," mutters Denevald, nodding his head. "Betwitched many of our clan he has, including Great Chief himself. And now we have young ones without fathers because of him."
Therevan and his two companions do not slow their stride. They are content to leave their weapons behind and disappear in the shadows of the High Forest. Denevald and the others seem content to permit it. Turning his attention to the party, Denevald muses, "Maybe it is better that Needletongue be found by outsiders. It is hard to know for certain. If he is to be found, it will be done between here and Ascalhorn."
The name Ascalhorn is familiar to Gwin, Mola, and Rixton, for it was mentioned to them days ago when they were in Everlund.
History check for Rawley: 13
The place is not familiar to Rawley, but Dendros says bluntly, "A forsaken place. A massive scar on Faerun it is."
“What clan are Needletongue and the rest? Where is Therevan headed with his two friends? And does Bendrigar still live, minus some blood, and you mentioned he was silenced? What happened? If he lives we would talk to him to see if the story we heard about the Tree Ghost shaman and the two city slickers is true. I’m sorry about your dead. I’d also be curious to know about the strange and foolish things you have been asked to do - perhaps this is also explained by the yikaria.”
He tries to describe the look and bearing of the shaman and the other Tree Ghost hunting group that ambushed the party at the tower to see if he recognizes them, and he will also explain what happened with the yikaria rising out of her body and attacking the others. One escaped right? It’s possible they will arrive back here at sole point?
(Doggear, is that you?! :- D )
Rixton cannot resist himself and interjects, perhaps a little snottily. "Their clan," he says, pointing at Denevald. "He just said so."
Again, Rixton rolls his eyes at Mola's probing. "They didn't exactly announce it. But they are walking away. The real question you should ask is whether or not they will warn Needlietongue."
Rixton, still listening too loudly to the conversation is picking at his nails as he again answers where he has no right. "He's dead. Needletongue made an example of him."
The rogue holds his hand to his chest in mock offense. "You don't believe me?" he says. "I am fairly certain you will need a Speak with Dead spell if you want answers from Bendrigar."
"Now you finally ask a reasonable question. Understanding what Needletongue wants you to do might explain inform us about his intentions," Rixton says, before plopping down on the ground and listening to Mola's account of their encounter with the yikaria.
(I may be reading things wrong but... Needletongue isn't a Tree Ghost, right? He's an Uthgardt barbarian, and there are lots of clans of those, I thought. Also we just know Bendrigar was silenced and lost blood, we're not sure he's dead. He could have just lost... a part of himself.)
Mola just grins at Rixton. "All the answers, right ones and wrong ones... I'm not angry, I envy you. Must be nice."