Karib glowers in the direction from which they came, "They are due a reckoning. It seems that few are untouched by their knavish tricks."

At this, one of the head's chimes in, adding, "Well Bavlorna's probably got it now. Those brigands always shared what they got with her."

Autumnleaf narrows her eyes, frowning at the name. "Brigands and knaves and usurpers abound in Prismeer. I'll see them all routed for my Queen so dear."

Karib nods, "Perhaps these gentle-folk may be able to tell us more about Agdon, so that our next encounter can come to a more satisfying conclusion."

Inif steps forward "We met a friend of yours, Jingle Jangle.  She said you are the best guide in Hither.  Would you accompany us as we seek to restore the natural order here?"

Autumnleaf giggles at Inif's phrasing.

Quote from Faux_Beau >>

Inif steps forward "We met a friend of yours, Jingle Jangle.  She said you are the best guide in Hither.  Would you accompany us as we seek to restore the natural order here?"

It cocks its gourd head a bit, thinking, as something inside seems to rattles, then says, "If you help me get my head back I can guide you from Hither to Thither without difficulty."

Quote from Ereshion >>

Karib nods, "Perhaps these gentle-folk may be able to tell us more about Agdon, so that our next encounter can come to a more satisfying conclusion."

One of the heads perks up, saying, "None of us have had to deal with that brigand! Though I hear his scarf is both his power and his weakness."

"Is there not still a usurper here in Hither? I would seek to depose the despot before leaving for Thither." Autumnleaf says, a confused furrow to her brow.

"Yes, Bavlorna.  We must deal with her first."  Inif turns to the scarecrow.  "What is your name, friend?  What can you tell us about Bavlorna and where the stolen items are kept?"

"Ah. You may call me Clapperclaw. And you all?" the scarecrow replies, clicking his crab claws together as his head rocks back and forth. "Though I don't know much about Barlorna other than that she and her sisters are all quite scary..."

Though he doesn't know much helpful, the heads chime in with three bits of information:

• Sir Talavar, Bavlorna’s escaped prisoner, had help from bullywugs of the Soggy Court. One of his accomplices languishes in prison, awaiting trial.
• Bavlorna is a distrustful shut-in who loathes her sisters, especially Skabatha Nightshade.
• Bavlorna has a pool in her cottage that’s very important to her. She spends a lot of time bathing in it.

Karib thanks him for his help then adds, "We have all suffered at the hands of Agdon; if you could suggest a place to rest and recover it would be most welcome."

And Speedwell adds on, "I also want to apologize to you for those of my race that have wronged you. We will do whatever we can to get your head back."

Autumnleaf nods sharply with a serious look on her face exaggerated by her Fae features.

"You might be able to stay in the palace." One head says, raising it's eyebrows towards a hall built around a giant tree (D11), "Though you will need to speak to King Gullop XIX first of course."

Inif bows politely.  "You've been most helpful.  And what is important to the bullywugs?  How can we earn the king's trust?"

When Inif hears mention of Bavlorna's sister, Inif replies "Chaos is often its own undoing.  Where is Skabatha Nightshade and the third sister?  Could we break the coven apart?"

One of the heads replies, "The king will have a favor to ask no doubt. Always trying to ensure he stays on the throne." As another adds with a laugh, "Though none of us did for long. There is no doubt another coup in the works."

Clapperclaw then adds, "I will wait here. If you find my head I will be able to guide you to Hither any time."

The party then heads towards the king's chamber just past the bridge.

A grand marble gazebo stands atop a mound of soggy earth, its white stone streaked green with algae. The support pillars have sunk into the muck unevenly so that the domed canopy now sits askew.

Short steps ring the gazebo, leading to a raised floor where bullywugs dressed in shabby clothing lounge on pillows. Among them, a harpist sends forth delicate notes that mingle with the murmured croaking of the gathered nobles. On a dais, a flabby bullywug wearing a crown of woven lily flowers sits on an ornate throne with his legs folded under him. He has a large leather-bound book open across his lap and is mouthing the words he reads on the pages. Without looking up, he says, “Have you no herald to announce your presence before King Gullop the Nineteenth?” He slams the book closed as if to punctuate his question, regarding you for the first time.

Sleepy bullywug guards standing around their monarch snap to attention and ready their weapons.

KING GULLOP XIX AND FRIENDS

King Gullop XIX, is accompanied by a baby crocodileand protected by five knights. The knights are stationed around the edge of the gazebo’s interior. Eight unarmed bullywugs lounge at the king’s feet, eating insects from platters as they gossip among themselves. Though they are on guard and watching you, they do not seem threatening, more curious about the sudden outsiders in their midst.

What would you like to do?

Karib straightens his armour and cloak, deeply conscious of his own disheveled state. He clears his throat to speak then thinks better of it turning to the locals, most notably Autumnleaf, in the hope that they might have the right words for such an occasion.

Autumnleaf looks back at Karib, seeing them looking at her.

It's pretty safe to say that Autumnleaf can tell that Karib is waiting for her, or perhaps Speedwell, to speak first.

Autumnleaf gives Karib a big, needle-toothed grin and an encouraging thumbs up.