Balliol can't help but look disgustedly around at the gathering. His friends had been left under a smoldering pile of former balloon factory. And now some fat toad was was going to act all high-and-mighty towards them. Fatso-the-nineteenth his fuzzy little . . . Bugs topped that line of thinking.
He stepped forward and spoke in a loud and hopefully heraldic voice. "Presenting the Honorable Lady Resmae, the Heroic Chapley Mendle and Balliol Bugglesworth IV of Bugglesworth Downs!" Herald-like introductions done, he stepped forward and added, "We say for ourselves that we came to seek out aid. But when headed here we came upon a disaster at what we assume was your balloon factory as one of your people had apparently caused a fire to start. We attempted to aid but were unsuccessful. Two of our friends, honorable friends, appear to have perished attempting to save your building and the one inside of it." He paused and said quietly. "We come in grief."
He could still see Halei and Wildred in the building. How had it gone up so quickly??!
Balliol, Fatso-the… I mean, King Gullop the Nineteenth looks right at you inquisitively.
”Aid, you say?” He questions, as he looks around at his court. Several of the bullywugs nod in the negative before the bullywug standing to his right, leans down and whispers in his ear. The King listens intently before addressing you again. “You see, we know that fire started as retaliation for one pesky little faerie dragon. Talavar is his name. He, along with one of his accomplices, Mr Wigglewog, who stole one of Lorna’s ballooons with ill intent. We have since sent out a search party for them.” He says before raising his bullywug voice. “But I have it on good authority, that one of your people was carrying Mr Wigglewogs sword!” pausing, he addresses you directly with a glaring stare, “How do you explain that, Balliol Bugglesworth IV of Bugglesworth Downs?”
"Yes, aid. We came seeking aid after one of our friends encountered a problem." Here he pointed toward Aros where she lay on the ground. He was beginning to really dislike this fat toad. He was tempted to let him know it. But looking at Aros on the ground put a stop to that. Two of his other friends were buried under a massive burning building. But Aros was still on the ground in front of him. Alive still, if barely. Maybe, at least, she could be saved. He'd eat some crow if he had to in order to make that happen. He'd even be polite to arrogant fat toads.
The simplest answer was often the truth so that is what he started with. "Yes, Talavar. We met him in the swamp. Apparently the balloon did not serve him well as we came upon the little dragon and his captain crash landed in the swamp. The captain, Wigglewog, was already dead. Talavar was close to it. We rescued him from danger. Why not? We did not know him and had no reason not to. Just as we attempted to aid your balloon maker in the fire. As a reward he gave us the sword. We then parted ways. If this action offends you we apologize for giving offense where none was intended. We only saw someone in need and knew nothing of escapes and stolen balloons."
He had seen his father deal with other arrogant elites before. He could massage an ego if he had to do so. Polite and humble, that was Bugs. Polite and humble. Polite, humble and a sycophant. Just what would it take to get this Doc to help him out?
Balliol, King Gullop, despite his overdeveloped sense of grandeur, listens carefully while you explain your side. At times he even looks like he believes you.
"And what about this one?" the King asks, pointing at the unconscious Aros who is being carefully carried by two of the bullywug guards. "Is she alright?"
Resmae shouts out, "Leave her alone!" and three spears are thrust toward her by her startled guards. She holds her ground and stands tall. Composing herself, she speaks less agressivily, "She has been stung by a smapper and needs help!"
You watch and wait intently while the King consults his counsel. Pondering your chances of success against the twelve guards holding you captive, the five kings knights that stand at attention around the gazebo's perimeter and the eight, lazy nobles lounging at the king’s feet, stuffing themselves with insects from platters as they watch on with interest.
The King fluffs about whispering here and there with some of the others, before announcing. "You can tell it to the Soggy Court! You have until two days tomorrow at dawn to prepare your case." With that he waves his hand with dismissal. The guards are almost about to lead you away when they are all halted by the King. "Wait!" he yells out and points at Aros, "Take that one to Lorna."
Balliol, Chapley & Resmae, Your weapons are taken and you are led at spears tip from the Royal gazebo and marched across the swamp to a sturdy wooden hut where you are locked in one of two holding cells at the back. Thick mangrove roots serve as bars, and a round door closes off each cell. There is a bench across the back of the cell and the floor is covered with several inches of stinking water. The other cell holds a figure in rags slumped against the back wall.
Balliol listen with disgust as the king toad issues his proclamation. The Soggy Court? That sounded about right. Soggy, stupid and apparently connected to a hag. Sadly they needed the bloated idiot and the hag. But at least Aros was being taken to Lorna. Once she was taken care of they could go back to trying to figure out what was going on with the hag. They could . . . They could . . . they. They. Now that he was stuck in a mucky cell and no longer confronting the fat toad it was impossible not to think of his missing friends. He hadn't known them for long but they had gone through a lot. He missed them.
He got a grip on himself. He could do nothing for himself or his missing friends if he wallowed in grief. He stepped forward to the mangrove bars. He looked closely at the figure in the other cell. Could he see anything he about them? What were they? Who were they? After taking a close look he called out. "Hey! Who do we share a cell with? My name is Bugs. Who are you?"
Balliol, you look into the other cell across at the figure. "Hey! Who do we share a cell with? My name is Bugs. Who are you?"
The figure stands and steps toward the mangrove bars separating the cells. As it steps from the shadow, you are taken aback, confronted by a small creature. A Frankenstein's monster of sorts. This two-foot-tall 'thing' looked like it had been stitched together from the limbs and parts of different flora and fauna. Stick-like legs poked down into its oversized and worn-out wet leather boots. Giant lobster claw hands reached toward the bars and clasped them with a crunch. And how can it see with what looked like a gourd for a head?
"Hello, Bugs. I'm Clapperclaw!" came his upbeat response. "Pay no attention to this head of mine," he says as he shakes his head back and forth. The sound of something rattling inside like coins in hollow wood. "It should be a most glorious stag skull. But that damn Longscarf stole it." he says as he looks down. "And so!" he perks up. Trying to reach a claw through the bars as if to offer it for a handshake but without success. "What did you lot do to get yourselves into this pickle?" he questions. If he had a face, you would be sure he was smiling.
Resmea, looking surprised, elbows you in the hip. She looks up at you and whispers, "This is the person I saw in the stream. The one Sir Talavar called Clapperclaw, the scarecrow. He said he is a friend worth knowing."
Bugs looked at Clapperclaw and smiled. Finally something seemed to be looking up. If this was Clapperclaw, then they had at least found someone they wanted to find. Someone who came with a recommendation.
"It is a fine head, doc! No problems there. And if Longscarf took your proper one then something ought to be done about that. That little fellow is obnoxious at best. It is a pleasure to meet you - we were told that you were a friend worth knowing. At least that is what Sir. Talavar told us. We encountered the little dragon in the midst of the swamp shortly after our first encounter with Longscarf's band. He and a friend had crashed in one of the big balloons from this place. We gave him aid. He was in trouble in the middle of a swamp, why wouldn't we? But apparently ol' King Soggy Bottom here decided that helping the little Knight was a criminal offense. And so we find ourselves here in this cell - right next to one who the Knight praised! It is a pleasure to meet you Clapperclaw!"
Bugs reached a hand through the bar (Assuming a Harengon arm fits where a giant claw does not) and offered to shake the Clapper's claw. Sometimes honesty was the best plan. Often it was the best plan. Now he just had to hope that it worked better here than it had with the arrogant fat toad, King Soggybottom.
Balliol, you shake paws with the little scarecrow's oversized claw. The perky little chap perks up even more at your mention of Sir Talavar.
Cheerfully he asks, "How is he? Did he and Wigglewog escape?"
The two of you banter on about your time with the faerie dragon. Clapperclaw is saddened to hear that Wigglewog died in the escape but is glad that their mission was a success and that Sir Talavar could escape to tell the Summer Queen of the happenings in Prismeer. "She may be our only hope."
He discloses that he, too, is bound in this cage for his part in helping Sir Talavar and Wigglewog escape. Continuing, he tells you that the escape of Sir Talavar saw the downfall of King Gullop's XIX predecessor, who was boiled in oil for allowing the faerie dragon to escape in the first place. "King Gullop must be seen to be strong, or he too will face the wrath of Slackjaw." Clapperclaw shrugs his shoulders in a carefree manner. He continues to share that he is to face a trial by combat. A fight to the death, and you three may face the same fate. "But, worry not! These things seldom go to plan," he declares cheerily.
Resmea sits next to Chapley on the bench at the back of the cell, her little bunny legs dangling above the puddles. She quietly contemplates her thoughts, obviously worried about Aros.
Chapley is also quieter than usual. While you have not known him that long, you take his passive response to being taken captive and losing his weapons as uncharacteristic. Could this be a sign of his confusion worsening?
Bugs listened to Clapperclaw and took his optimism to heart. At least that meant the fat toad had a reasonable reason for acting like an obnoxious poisonous slug. He spent a few moments looking at the "bars" that separated the cell. They looked solid but it was worth looking.
He then turned towards Resmae and Chapley. To the small harengon he said, "Chin up Resmae, Aros is getting the aid needed. We couldn't do it, but this is the place we needed to get to. She will be fine."
The he turned towards the big warrior. "What's up, Doc? You doin' ok? Hang in there. Clapperclaw offers some hope."
He then spent some time going around looking at the various tree parts that formed their cell. Up and down the bars he looked. He didn't expect to find anything useful or weak, but it didn't hurt to look.
Balliol, your continued conversation with Clapperclaw reveals to you that the little scarecrow may well turn out to be a valuable ally indeed. He knows the court's hierarchy and political structure, and as a local of Downfall, he also knows the village's layout.
You look around the cell and building. The two cell compartments are constructed inside a large round hollowed-out tree trunk, about twenty feet in diameter. The two cells take up about half of the building at the rear and the farthest point from the entrance, just an opening in the trunk. There is no door. The tangled mangrove roots that form the cell bars range in thickness from about one foot to three feet. As you no longer have your weapons, you estimate it is unlikely even the strong Chapley would be able to break them with his hands alone. Surely not in one go and without attracting attention. The floor, scattered with puddles, makes the structure too moist to burn, and you can smell and taste the mould.
You estimate you have been locked up for about a day or so. Ask Clapperclaw anything you like. He is exceptionally upbeat and chatty.
Bugs continues to talk to Clapperclaw and over some time asks about a variety of topics.
"What do you know about Lorna? I have heard her described as a hag. Hags don't really have a great reputation. Is she in charge around here? Do you think she will help Aros? Does she care about the little folk like us?"
"Longscarf seems like an arrogant little fellow. What does he do? His group stopped us earlier in the swamp but aside from harassing us they didn't seem to take anything -not like your head anyway! Although something doesn't feel right . . ."
"Is there anyone around here that might be helpful in our cause? We just innocently helped someone in need. Ol' King Soggy Bottom might have to keep Lorna happy but it doesn't do us much good if that means hiding us in here."
Balliol, Resmea and Chapley have both fallen asleep on the bench while you continue your chat with the chatty Clapperclaw. He talks so much that you wonder if he should have been called 'Jabberjaw' instead.
At your mention of Lorna, the little scarecrow is fearful. He looks around, almost whispering, hoping no one will hear. "Witch, Hag! Call her what you like. Steer clear." He cups his hand to his mouth, leans toward you and whispers even more quietly so you can barely hear. "I ran away from Granny Nightshade before I ended up here."
He agrees with you about Longscarf. Harbouring a special hatred for the brigand. You get the feeling he would welcome an opportunity to make that harengon pay for stealing his magnificent head.
Clapperclaw, shakes his head. It rattles away as he shakes off his woes. "Chin Up, Bugs!" he announces cheerily, "you had better get some rest," you know, if he had a face, it would be smiling, "my pals will be here soon to break us free."
You retire...
You are all woken bright and early by the sounds of an argumentative voice. "Get your hands off of me, you brute!" the sound of several feet marching is heading your way. "You just wait until Lorna hears how you treated me", the protesting continues, louder and louder. You would know that smart-arse and condescending voice anywhere. It is one you haven't heard since just after your arrival here, and the sound is music to your ears.
Aros is marched into the gaol. One guard opens your door as two others toss her to the floor at your feet. Before slamming the cell door, turning and marching away to the sounds of Aros's protests, "You just wait until I get my hands on you!"
Looking much healthier and more spirited than when you last saw her. The big satyr runs over to Resmae picks her up in her arms, and the two burst into tears as they hug.
Bugs allows Aros and Resmae to have some time for their reunion. Once they finally separate he approaches and gives Aros a hug of his own. It was good - no great - to see the satyr loud and spunky again. The harengon could feel a wave of relief wash over him. At least one good thing had come from their arrival here. "Mission accomplished" as they say. If only there weren't so darn many missions. But at least Aros was back.
"Aros, it is great to hear you again! Please, tell us what happened. It seems you saw Lorna, what did you see?" Seeing the scarecrow (or sorts) in the other cell watching Bugs also remembered his manners. "Hey Clapperclaw! Meet our good friend Aros! No Smapper can stop her! Aros, this is Clapperclaw, a new and cheerful friend!"
Things were looking up. They were still in a treefort cell but somehow things seemed to be looking up. Clapperclaw's optimism was catching, it seemed.
It was a relief to have Aros back to her 'spunky' self again. Balliol introduces Aros to Clapperclaw, who is more than welcoming in his introduction. Plunging his giant lobster claw through the cell bars and announcing, "A real pleasure to meet you, Miss!"
Aros is pretty chuffed with the reception.
"Chapley, hey! Chappers!!!" said Aros to Chapley. Snapping her fingers before his unresponsive expression, "Don't tell me the cat's got YOUR tongue now?" she jests. Concern washes over her face. "What's got into him?" she asks Balliol and Resmae.
OOC: Are you still with us, Chapley?
Balliol and Chapley, Aros tells her story of meeting with Lorna and how the witch hag restored her mouth and thus her ability to throw a good insult again. This made her happy. But, during her telling of her story, you notice some oddities. When she starts to go into detail about her meeting with Bavlorna, she becomes lost in what she is saying, her eyes briefly glaze over before she shakes her head and announces, "What was I saying?" This happens several times during her telling, and all you can ascertain is that Lorna was pleasant, and she has been returned to you, repaired, and ready for a trial by death, like the rest of you.
Kalhala, Halei and Wildred, Please read the PM before this post.
Balliol, the evening becomes night, and for the second night, you and the others find yourselves huddled and dozing on the makeshift bunk, trying to keep your feet dry. All are asleep but yourself as you look around this big old, hollowed-out tree-turned cage. It is not long before you, too, are asleep.
"Bugs, Bugs! Wake up. They're here!" the delighted calls of your new friend Clapperclaw wake you.
"Shush!" he is quickly shushed by a stern-looking foot-and-half-tall gold-coloured, frog-like creature, "Keep it down, Clapper!"
Next to her is another brightly red-coloured frog-like creature. She rushes up to the centre of the room, unties a handmade amulet from around her neck, and holds it in her hands before falling to her knees by the roots/cell bars and chants in a strange guttural monotone voice. It is then you see, behind these two froggy critters, Wildred, his robe adorned, child's frame standing and looking straight at you from the door to the room. And behind him, standing at the entrance to the prison. The back of a large minotaur, to his left, the back of another green frog creature and to his right, the back of Halei's child frame.
Bugs woke with a start to Clapperclaw's shouts. He practically jumped off the bunk but stopped himself as a true rabbit hop would probably have left him with a severe headache and their tree/prison with a bit of a dent. Instead he stood crouched looking around to find what had awakened him.
The first thing he saw was the red frog that seemed to be Clapper's friend. A red frog - not one of King-toad's Bullywogs. This was new. Looking past them he saw . . .
Bug' jaw dropped a little.
His eyes popped open wide.
He saw Wildred.
And then he saw Halei!
But the fire! He had seen the hut collapse on them!
But they were here, in front of him, with frogs and bulls.
He tried to speak but all that came out was a little rather un-heroic gurgle.
All he managed was a (surprisingly appropriate for a jail-break) whisper. "Willy! Halei! I can't believe it. You're alive. You're here. How? The fire. But . . . you are here." he stared for a couple more seconds and then shook his head. "This is amazing! I'd hug you if I cold get out of here!" Those words brought him back to the reality of his situation and the possible jailbreak. He looked back at the red frog and its spell and then looked over at Clapperclaw. He spoke quietly, deliberately this time. "Your friends Clapper? Mine also, it seems! This is good, friend!"
Wildred was elated he had no idea bugz would be part of the rescue! Now the rabbit makes sense he thought. "Bugz!" He whispered excitedly. "Don't worry B'ang'r'ang will get you out!" He looks expectantly at is new found accosiate.
Kalhala hears the excitement behind him and it takes all he has to stay looking forward, doing what he was asked to do. He hopes Chapley is alright and strains to hear his voice as the rest quietly chat.
Wildred, Balliol, Chapley and Resmae, You watch the little green frog alertly look around while the red frog kneels at the tree's centre. Her chanting develops into an other-worldly sound. You watch as the words leave her mouth and transform into mist-like streams of wispy white air floating throughout the room, weaving in and out of the mangrove bars that lock you in and traverse the inner edges of the large hollow tree. You find yourselves stepping back from the strange wispy smoke as it enters your cell. The thick root bars begin to vibrate, and as her chanting crescendos, so does the vibrating tree. Louder and louder. The entire tree begins to shake and tremble with a deafening sound.
Kalhala and Halei, You hear the crescendoing goings-on inside the gaol. You can see twenty or thirty feet around before the fog restricts your view. The noise behind you becomes so loud that you are sure it will alert the entire bullywug village. b'Leep reminds you to remain strong and keep the mission in mind as you stay alert for any incoming bullywug guards or threats.
Halei bounces from foot to foot. Standing still was not her strong suit. She kept glancing behind her, before chastising herself, remembering she needed to keep watch.
Before long, she keeps glancing over to Kalhala. "Psst," she whispers, trying to get his attention. " You think anybody heard all that? What in the world do you think is going on in there?!
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Balliol can't help but look disgustedly around at the gathering. His friends had been left under a smoldering pile of former balloon factory. And now some fat toad was was going to act all high-and-mighty towards them. Fatso-the-nineteenth his fuzzy little . . . Bugs topped that line of thinking.
He stepped forward and spoke in a loud and hopefully heraldic voice. "Presenting the Honorable Lady Resmae, the Heroic Chapley Mendle and Balliol Bugglesworth IV of Bugglesworth Downs!" Herald-like introductions done, he stepped forward and added, "We say for ourselves that we came to seek out aid. But when headed here we came upon a disaster at what we assume was your balloon factory as one of your people had apparently caused a fire to start. We attempted to aid but were unsuccessful. Two of our friends, honorable friends, appear to have perished attempting to save your building and the one inside of it." He paused and said quietly. "We come in grief."
He could still see Halei and Wildred in the building. How had it gone up so quickly??!
Balliol, Fatso-the… I mean, King Gullop the Nineteenth looks right at you inquisitively.
”Aid, you say?” He questions, as he looks around at his court. Several of the bullywugs nod in the negative before the bullywug standing to his right, leans down and whispers in his ear. The King listens intently before addressing you again. “You see, we know that fire started as retaliation for one pesky little faerie dragon. Talavar is his name. He, along with one of his accomplices, Mr Wigglewog, who stole one of Lorna’s ballooons with ill intent. We have since sent out a search party for them.” He says before raising his bullywug voice. “But I have it on good authority, that one of your people was carrying Mr Wigglewogs sword!” pausing, he addresses you directly with a glaring stare, “How do you explain that, Balliol Bugglesworth IV of Bugglesworth Downs?”
"Yes, aid. We came seeking aid after one of our friends encountered a problem." Here he pointed toward Aros where she lay on the ground. He was beginning to really dislike this fat toad. He was tempted to let him know it. But looking at Aros on the ground put a stop to that. Two of his other friends were buried under a massive burning building. But Aros was still on the ground in front of him. Alive still, if barely. Maybe, at least, she could be saved. He'd eat some crow if he had to in order to make that happen. He'd even be polite to arrogant fat toads.
The simplest answer was often the truth so that is what he started with. "Yes, Talavar. We met him in the swamp. Apparently the balloon did not serve him well as we came upon the little dragon and his captain crash landed in the swamp. The captain, Wigglewog, was already dead. Talavar was close to it. We rescued him from danger. Why not? We did not know him and had no reason not to. Just as we attempted to aid your balloon maker in the fire. As a reward he gave us the sword. We then parted ways. If this action offends you we apologize for giving offense where none was intended. We only saw someone in need and knew nothing of escapes and stolen balloons."
He had seen his father deal with other arrogant elites before. He could massage an ego if he had to do so. Polite and humble, that was Bugs. Polite and humble. Polite, humble and a sycophant. Just what would it take to get this Doc to help him out?
Balliol, King Gullop, despite his overdeveloped sense of grandeur, listens carefully while you explain your side. At times he even looks like he believes you.
"And what about this one?" the King asks, pointing at the unconscious Aros who is being carefully carried by two of the bullywug guards. "Is she alright?"
Resmae shouts out, "Leave her alone!" and three spears are thrust toward her by her startled guards. She holds her ground and stands tall. Composing herself, she speaks less agressivily, "She has been stung by a smapper and needs help!"
You watch and wait intently while the King consults his counsel. Pondering your chances of success against the twelve guards holding you captive, the five kings knights that stand at attention around the gazebo's perimeter and the eight, lazy nobles lounging at the king’s feet, stuffing themselves with insects from platters as they watch on with interest.
The King fluffs about whispering here and there with some of the others, before announcing. "You can tell it to the Soggy Court! You have until two days tomorrow at dawn to prepare your case." With that he waves his hand with dismissal. The guards are almost about to lead you away when they are all halted by the King. "Wait!" he yells out and points at Aros, "Take that one to Lorna."
Balliol, Chapley & Resmae, Your weapons are taken and you are led at spears tip from the Royal gazebo and marched across the swamp to a sturdy wooden hut where you are locked in one of two holding cells at the back. Thick mangrove roots serve as bars, and a round door closes off each cell. There is a bench across the back of the cell and the floor is covered with several inches of stinking water. The other cell holds a figure in rags slumped against the back wall.
Balliol listen with disgust as the king toad issues his proclamation. The Soggy Court? That sounded about right. Soggy, stupid and apparently connected to a hag. Sadly they needed the bloated idiot and the hag. But at least Aros was being taken to Lorna. Once she was taken care of they could go back to trying to figure out what was going on with the hag. They could . . . They could . . . they. They. Now that he was stuck in a mucky cell and no longer confronting the fat toad it was impossible not to think of his missing friends. He hadn't known them for long but they had gone through a lot. He missed them.
He got a grip on himself. He could do nothing for himself or his missing friends if he wallowed in grief. He stepped forward to the mangrove bars. He looked closely at the figure in the other cell. Could he see anything he about them? What were they? Who were they? After taking a close look he called out. "Hey! Who do we share a cell with? My name is Bugs. Who are you?"
The figure stands and steps toward the mangrove bars separating the cells. As it steps from the shadow, you are taken aback, confronted by a small creature. A Frankenstein's monster of sorts. This two-foot-tall 'thing' looked like it had been stitched together from the limbs and parts of different flora and fauna. Stick-like legs poked down into its oversized and worn-out wet leather boots. Giant lobster claw hands reached toward the bars and clasped them with a crunch. And how can it see with what looked like a gourd for a head?
"Hello, Bugs. I'm Clapperclaw!" came his upbeat response. "Pay no attention to this head of mine," he says as he shakes his head back and forth. The sound of something rattling inside like coins in hollow wood. "It should be a most glorious stag skull. But that damn Longscarf stole it." he says as he looks down. "And so!" he perks up. Trying to reach a claw through the bars as if to offer it for a handshake but without success. "What did you lot do to get yourselves into this pickle?" he questions. If he had a face, you would be sure he was smiling.
Resmea, looking surprised, elbows you in the hip. She looks up at you and whispers, "This is the person I saw in the stream. The one Sir Talavar called Clapperclaw, the scarecrow. He said he is a friend worth knowing."
Bugs looked at Clapperclaw and smiled. Finally something seemed to be looking up. If this was Clapperclaw, then they had at least found someone they wanted to find. Someone who came with a recommendation.
"It is a fine head, doc! No problems there. And if Longscarf took your proper one then something ought to be done about that. That little fellow is obnoxious at best. It is a pleasure to meet you - we were told that you were a friend worth knowing. At least that is what Sir. Talavar told us. We encountered the little dragon in the midst of the swamp shortly after our first encounter with Longscarf's band. He and a friend had crashed in one of the big balloons from this place. We gave him aid. He was in trouble in the middle of a swamp, why wouldn't we? But apparently ol' King Soggy Bottom here decided that helping the little Knight was a criminal offense. And so we find ourselves here in this cell - right next to one who the Knight praised! It is a pleasure to meet you Clapperclaw!"
Bugs reached a hand through the bar (Assuming a Harengon arm fits where a giant claw does not) and offered to shake the Clapper's claw. Sometimes honesty was the best plan. Often it was the best plan. Now he just had to hope that it worked better here than it had with the arrogant fat toad, King Soggybottom.
Balliol, you shake paws with the little scarecrow's oversized claw. The perky little chap perks up even more at your mention of Sir Talavar.
Cheerfully he asks, "How is he? Did he and Wigglewog escape?"
The two of you banter on about your time with the faerie dragon. Clapperclaw is saddened to hear that Wigglewog died in the escape but is glad that their mission was a success and that Sir Talavar could escape to tell the Summer Queen of the happenings in Prismeer. "She may be our only hope."
He discloses that he, too, is bound in this cage for his part in helping Sir Talavar and Wigglewog escape. Continuing, he tells you that the escape of Sir Talavar saw the downfall of King Gullop's XIX predecessor, who was boiled in oil for allowing the faerie dragon to escape in the first place. "King Gullop must be seen to be strong, or he too will face the wrath of Slackjaw." Clapperclaw shrugs his shoulders in a carefree manner. He continues to share that he is to face a trial by combat. A fight to the death, and you three may face the same fate. "But, worry not! These things seldom go to plan," he declares cheerily.
Resmea sits next to Chapley on the bench at the back of the cell, her little bunny legs dangling above the puddles. She quietly contemplates her thoughts, obviously worried about Aros.
Chapley is also quieter than usual. While you have not known him that long, you take his passive response to being taken captive and losing his weapons as uncharacteristic. Could this be a sign of his confusion worsening?
Bugs listened to Clapperclaw and took his optimism to heart. At least that meant the fat toad had a reasonable reason for acting like an obnoxious poisonous slug. He spent a few moments looking at the "bars" that separated the cell. They looked solid but it was worth looking.
He then turned towards Resmae and Chapley. To the small harengon he said, "Chin up Resmae, Aros is getting the aid needed. We couldn't do it, but this is the place we needed to get to. She will be fine."
The he turned towards the big warrior. "What's up, Doc? You doin' ok? Hang in there. Clapperclaw offers some hope."
He then spent some time going around looking at the various tree parts that formed their cell. Up and down the bars he looked. He didn't expect to find anything useful or weak, but it didn't hurt to look.
Balliol, your continued conversation with Clapperclaw reveals to you that the little scarecrow may well turn out to be a valuable ally indeed. He knows the court's hierarchy and political structure, and as a local of Downfall, he also knows the village's layout.
You look around the cell and building. The two cell compartments are constructed inside a large round hollowed-out tree trunk, about twenty feet in diameter. The two cells take up about half of the building at the rear and the farthest point from the entrance, just an opening in the trunk. There is no door. The tangled mangrove roots that form the cell bars range in thickness from about one foot to three feet. As you no longer have your weapons, you estimate it is unlikely even the strong Chapley would be able to break them with his hands alone. Surely not in one go and without attracting attention. The floor, scattered with puddles, makes the structure too moist to burn, and you can smell and taste the mould.
You estimate you have been locked up for about a day or so. Ask Clapperclaw anything you like. He is exceptionally upbeat and chatty.
Bugs continues to talk to Clapperclaw and over some time asks about a variety of topics.
"What do you know about Lorna? I have heard her described as a hag. Hags don't really have a great reputation. Is she in charge around here? Do you think she will help Aros? Does she care about the little folk like us?"
"Longscarf seems like an arrogant little fellow. What does he do? His group stopped us earlier in the swamp but aside from harassing us they didn't seem to take anything -not like your head anyway! Although something doesn't feel right . . ."
"Is there anyone around here that might be helpful in our cause? We just innocently helped someone in need. Ol' King Soggy Bottom might have to keep Lorna happy but it doesn't do us much good if that means hiding us in here."
Balliol,
Resmea and Chapley have both fallen asleep on the bench while you continue your chat with the chatty Clapperclaw. He talks so much that you wonder if he should have been called 'Jabberjaw' instead.
At your mention of Lorna, the little scarecrow is fearful. He looks around, almost whispering, hoping no one will hear. "Witch, Hag! Call her what you like. Steer clear." He cups his hand to his mouth, leans toward you and whispers even more quietly so you can barely hear. "I ran away from Granny Nightshade before I ended up here."
He agrees with you about Longscarf. Harbouring a special hatred for the brigand. You get the feeling he would welcome an opportunity to make that harengon pay for stealing his magnificent head.
Clapperclaw, shakes his head. It rattles away as he shakes off his woes. "Chin Up, Bugs!" he announces cheerily, "you had better get some rest," you know, if he had a face, it would be smiling, "my pals will be here soon to break us free."
You retire...
You are all woken bright and early by the sounds of an argumentative voice. "Get your hands off of me, you brute!" the sound of several feet marching is heading your way. "You just wait until Lorna hears how you treated me", the protesting continues, louder and louder. You would know that smart-arse and condescending voice anywhere. It is one you haven't heard since just after your arrival here, and the sound is music to your ears.
Aros is marched into the gaol. One guard opens your door as two others toss her to the floor at your feet. Before slamming the cell door, turning and marching away to the sounds of Aros's protests, "You just wait until I get my hands on you!"
Looking much healthier and more spirited than when you last saw her. The big satyr runs over to Resmae picks her up in her arms, and the two burst into tears as they hug.
Bugs allows Aros and Resmae to have some time for their reunion. Once they finally separate he approaches and gives Aros a hug of his own. It was good - no great - to see the satyr loud and spunky again. The harengon could feel a wave of relief wash over him. At least one good thing had come from their arrival here. "Mission accomplished" as they say. If only there weren't so darn many missions. But at least Aros was back.
"Aros, it is great to hear you again! Please, tell us what happened. It seems you saw Lorna, what did you see?" Seeing the scarecrow (or sorts) in the other cell watching Bugs also remembered his manners. "Hey Clapperclaw! Meet our good friend Aros! No Smapper can stop her! Aros, this is Clapperclaw, a new and cheerful friend!"
Things were looking up. They were still in a treefort cell but somehow things seemed to be looking up. Clapperclaw's optimism was catching, it seemed.
It was a relief to have Aros back to her 'spunky' self again. Balliol introduces Aros to Clapperclaw, who is more than welcoming in his introduction. Plunging his giant lobster claw through the cell bars and announcing, "A real pleasure to meet you, Miss!"
Aros is pretty chuffed with the reception.
"Chapley, hey! Chappers!!!" said Aros to Chapley. Snapping her fingers before his unresponsive expression, "Don't tell me the cat's got YOUR tongue now?" she jests. Concern washes over her face. "What's got into him?" she asks Balliol and Resmae.
OOC: Are you still with us, Chapley?
Balliol and Chapley,
Aros tells her story of meeting with Lorna and how the witch hag restored her mouth and thus her ability to throw a good insult again. This made her happy. But, during her telling of her story, you notice some oddities. When she starts to go into detail about her meeting with Bavlorna, she becomes lost in what she is saying, her eyes briefly glaze over before she shakes her head and announces, "What was I saying?" This happens several times during her telling, and all you can ascertain is that Lorna was pleasant, and she has been returned to you, repaired, and ready for a trial by death, like the rest of you.
Kalhala, Halei and Wildred, Please read the PM before this post.
Balliol, the evening becomes night, and for the second night, you and the others find yourselves huddled and dozing on the makeshift bunk, trying to keep your feet dry. All are asleep but yourself as you look around this big old, hollowed-out tree-turned cage. It is not long before you, too, are asleep.
"Bugs, Bugs! Wake up. They're here!" the delighted calls of your new friend Clapperclaw wake you.
"Shush!" he is quickly shushed by a stern-looking foot-and-half-tall gold-coloured, frog-like creature, "Keep it down, Clapper!"
Next to her is another brightly red-coloured frog-like creature. She rushes up to the centre of the room, unties a handmade amulet from around her neck, and holds it in her hands before falling to her knees by the roots/cell bars and chants in a strange guttural monotone voice. It is then you see, behind these two froggy critters, Wildred, his robe adorned, child's frame standing and looking straight at you from the door to the room. And behind him, standing at the entrance to the prison. The back of a large minotaur, to his left, the back of another green frog creature and to his right, the back of Halei's child frame.
Bugs woke with a start to Clapperclaw's shouts. He practically jumped off the bunk but stopped himself as a true rabbit hop would probably have left him with a severe headache and their tree/prison with a bit of a dent. Instead he stood crouched looking around to find what had awakened him.
The first thing he saw was the red frog that seemed to be Clapper's friend. A red frog - not one of King-toad's Bullywogs. This was new. Looking past them he saw . . .
Bug' jaw dropped a little.
His eyes popped open wide.
He saw Wildred.
And then he saw Halei!
But the fire! He had seen the hut collapse on them!
But they were here, in front of him, with frogs and bulls.
He tried to speak but all that came out was a little rather un-heroic gurgle.
All he managed was a (surprisingly appropriate for a jail-break) whisper. "Willy! Halei! I can't believe it. You're alive. You're here. How? The fire. But . . . you are here." he stared for a couple more seconds and then shook his head. "This is amazing! I'd hug you if I cold get out of here!" Those words brought him back to the reality of his situation and the possible jailbreak. He looked back at the red frog and its spell and then looked over at Clapperclaw. He spoke quietly, deliberately this time. "Your friends Clapper? Mine also, it seems! This is good, friend!"
Wildred was elated he had no idea bugz would be part of the rescue! Now the rabbit makes sense he thought. "Bugz!" He whispered excitedly. "Don't worry B'ang'r'ang will get you out!" He looks expectantly at is new found accosiate.
Kalhala hears the excitement behind him and it takes all he has to stay looking forward, doing what he was asked to do. He hopes Chapley is alright and strains to hear his voice as the rest quietly chat.
Wildred, Balliol, Chapley and Resmae,
You watch the little green frog alertly look around while the red frog kneels at the tree's centre. Her chanting develops into an other-worldly sound. You watch as the words leave her mouth and transform into mist-like streams of wispy white air floating throughout the room, weaving in and out of the mangrove bars that lock you in and traverse the inner edges of the large hollow tree. You find yourselves stepping back from the strange wispy smoke as it enters your cell. The thick root bars begin to vibrate, and as her chanting crescendos, so does the vibrating tree. Louder and louder. The entire tree begins to shake and tremble with a deafening sound.
Kalhala and Halei,
You hear the crescendoing goings-on inside the gaol. You can see twenty or thirty feet around before the fog restricts your view. The noise behind you becomes so loud that you are sure it will alert the entire bullywug village. b'Leep reminds you to remain strong and keep the mission in mind as you stay alert for any incoming bullywug guards or threats.
Halei bounces from foot to foot. Standing still was not her strong suit. She kept glancing behind her, before chastising herself, remembering she needed to keep watch.
Before long, she keeps glancing over to Kalhala. "Psst," she whispers, trying to get his attention. " You think anybody heard all that? What in the world do you think is going on in there?!