Khessa didn't understand half a word of the whole exchange, but she is satisfied, at the moment, with the result... The fact that the Lizardfolk put their weapons away seems really encouraging to her.
"Do you understand what they say?" the blonde arcane warrior murmurs, nudging Eric "Looks like Kriv has a future as an ambassador, though..."
Seeing Zale who joins Kriv, the tall adventurer is for a moment tempted to show herself in turn, but she decides not to... Not knowing the language in which they are speaking, it would not be possible for her to contribute in any way. By remaining hidden, however, at least she might be able to intervene more efficiently if things take a turn for the worse (even if she obviously doesn't hope for it).
Snapjaw: Treasury is going to the castle. The Dragon kneelers take it into the castle, and we never see it again. Are you here to drive them out and to slaughtering their cruel Bullywug allies?
L1: Snapjaw, stop! Are you suggesting rebelling against the hated Bullywugs and Dragon kneelers? That would invite retribution! The Half-Dragon promised that Voaraghamanthar would reward us for our labor. SurelyVoaraghamanthar will take care of the Bullywugs?
Snapjaw: Voaraghamanthar has done nothing for us! Or them...
Eric shrugs, and replies to Khessa "Nope, I have no knowledge about the language of the dragons. But, in case of need, there is a spell that can solve this issue, although I would need some time to prepare it" the dwarf nods observing the Dragonborns "Anyway, it seems they are handling the situation properly. We can stay here and just give them time"
Calvin clears his throat to draw attention to him, "Actually, Draconic is one of the languages that I am fluent in. That and Druidic, Elvish and Undercommon."
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“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
“Remarkable…” Khessa looks at Calvin with admiration “As long as I travel in your company, I can procrastinate studying Comprehend Languages, I guess! What are they saying, then? I'm surprised that the conversation seems so friendly - or at least relaxed... I was convinced that the Lizardfolk were in the service of some dragon or the Cult".
Zale snickers, "Them dragon kneeler's ain't ever gonna pay ye rightly for yer labor. They'll use ye till they use ye all up. Don't gotta pay dead workers ye know? Heheh. If you lot wanna get rid o them bullywugs n dragon kneelers, then we be on the same side." She puts her hands on her hips grinning, "Even if ye don't wanna fight em 'till yer sure ye can win, if ye can be gettin us close enough to sneak into their castle, that'd be plenty help. Though it would be nice if ye would give us a clear escape route as well, and maybe help with some disguises."
[I'm assuming Calvin translates for Eric and Khessa]
L2: That could work... The Bullywugs have grown accustomed to seeing Dragon kneelers of many races coming and going around the castle, so when they see strangers, their first assumption would be that the newcomers are more Dragon kneelers.
L1: But... the Elf? He's on our side!
Snapjaw: Of course the Elf knows we are more useful, more reliable, and more appropriate allies than the repulsive bullywugs are. But he doesn't want go against the Half-Dragon's orders. No... we make for the castle with our new friends!
Khessa, listening to the translation by Calvin, smiles smugly. It's nice, for once, that an encounter brought allies, instead of trouble... Or at least trouble plus allies, rather than only trouble.
Khessa comes out, smiling, and reaches Kriv, waving at the new allies and saying in a confident voice: "Khessa Cabbagefield, at your service. It will be a pleasure to fight at your side".
Eric comes out along with Khessa "I'm Eric Bjornstad, humble servant of Moradin the wise, and devoted to the forge of the gods. It will be my pleasure and my duty to protect your people along the way"
After introductions are made Snapjaw and few other Lizardfolk help you with the canoes. Some of the Lizardfolk make for the Roadhouse to keep up appearances. Snapjaw guides the trip to castle by canoe.
In the meantime, he explains the situation: The Scaly Death lizardfolk tribe has no leader. Pharblex Spattergoo (the Bullywug's leader) killed its shaman, Suncaller, and the death left the tribe with an inferiority complex that was ripe for exploitation. When the Half-Dragon promised to reward the tribe’s labors for the cult, the lizardfolk were ready to listen. Through diplomacy and intimidation the Half-Dragon created an uneasy alliance in the Mere of Dead Men. The three-way alliance is unstable. The Dragon kneelers despise living in the swamp and have little respect for the Bullywugs or Lizardfolk; the leader of the bullywugs would like to seize the castle for his own purposes; the Bullywugs in general take every opportunity to push around the Lizardfolk; and the Lizardfolk chafe under the abuse of the Bullywugs and some wonder why Voaraghamanthar (the local black Dragon) doesn’t step in to protect them.
The Half-Dragon left an Elf with purple robes in charge. He is named Dralmorrer Borngray and seems to idolize the Half Dragon in all ways but one: he rues her decision to elevate the Bullywugs in their alliance. In Borngray’s opinion the Lizardfolk would be more useful.
Meanwhile, the Bullywugs boss and bully the Lizardfolk, emboldened by their superior numbers, the Lizardfolk’s instinctive awe of Pharblex’s magic, and the absence of any restraining sign from Borngray or from the lair of the black Dragon. Voaraghamanthar’s silence, more than anything else, makes the Lizardfolk wonder whether fate is punishing them for some unknown transgression. They grumble, and occasionally a few desert, but most of them bear up with reptilian stoicism.
Snapjaw is one of the few who has suggested rebelling against the hated Bullywugs and Dragon kneelers. He hasn’t done so openly, because that would invite retribution from the Bullywugs, but he has spoken to a few fellow tribesfolk he trusts. Their response was interested but noncommittal; they intend to take revenge on the Bullywugs, but not until the omens are right. Meanwhile, they endure—and stockpile weapons. Borngray has only a rough idea of how many Lizardfolk are in the tribe all together, and he hasn’t kept close count over how many swords, spears, daggers, shields, and metal-tipped arrows have been turned over to them. The Lizardfolk are much better armed at this point than they let on to either the Bullywugs or the Dragon kneelers. When the time comes to move against the Bullywugs, the Lizardfolk intend for every Bullywug throat and belly to be slit open with a new, razor-sharp steel blade.
However, it seems now is the perfect time to strike!
“It would be really interesting,” Khessa muses aloud, after what she learned “to further divide the enemy forces. The Cultists have little respect for the Bullywugs. The leader of the bullywugs would like to seize the castle for his own purposes. It might not take much to make these two 'allies' jump at each other's throats".
"I am able to take on the appearance of a Cultist or a Bullywug, with magic..." the blonde arcane warrior goes on "If any Cultists see a Bullywug sabotaging the castle or go away with other Culists, who then mysteriously do not return... And if in the meantime some Bullywugs see a Cultist sabotaging their camp or go away with other Bullywugs, who then mysteriously do not return... I suspect that the two factions would resort to violence rather than diplomacy".
"So, the 'submissive' Lizardfolk" the tall adventuress concludes "could first help the Cultists exterminate the Bullywugs... then help us exterminate the weakened Cultists!"
I would say yes. Khessa doesn't speak Draconic, but I imagine those who know that language are translating between Lizardfolk and the non-Draconig-speaking members of the party. Ella certainly enjoys discussing the course of action with Snapjaw; after all, he is the one who knows the current state of affairs best...
After giving the lizardfolk a flourishing bow, Zale allows them to help her and the party with the canoes. She happily stands at the bow, hand on hips as she listens to the lizardfolk tell his tale.
When Khessa proposes her plan, the dragonborn grins. "HAha! That be a fantastic plan! Though I'd be preferin it if more than just you be disguised. Do ye think I could pose as one o them bullywugs too?" She snickers, then relays the plan to Snapjaw in draconic.
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The Lizardfolk put their weapons away while Snapjaw proceeds: Maybe our objectives allign, maybe not. What help do you need?
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Khessa didn't understand half a word of the whole exchange, but she is satisfied, at the moment, with the result... The fact that the Lizardfolk put their weapons away seems really encouraging to her.
"Do you understand what they say?" the blonde arcane warrior murmurs, nudging Eric "Looks like Kriv has a future as an ambassador, though..."
Seeing Zale who joins Kriv, the tall adventurer is for a moment tempted to show herself in turn, but she decides not to... Not knowing the language in which they are speaking, it would not be possible for her to contribute in any way. By remaining hidden, however, at least she might be able to intervene more efficiently if things take a turn for the worse (even if she obviously doesn't hope for it).
Kriv relaxes his posturing when Zale joins the conversation. We need to know where the treasure is going. And what the cult is doing.
Zale nods and waits for an answer. Kriv's vague explanation may be for the best after all...especially if these folks end up being enemies.
Snapjaw: Treasury is going to the castle. The Dragon kneelers take it into the castle, and we never see it again. Are you here to drive them out and to slaughtering their cruel Bullywug allies?
L1: Snapjaw, stop! Are you suggesting rebelling against the hated Bullywugs and Dragon kneelers? That would invite retribution! The Half-Dragon promised that Voaraghamanthar would reward us for our labor. Surely Voaraghamanthar will take care of the Bullywugs?
Snapjaw: Voaraghamanthar has done nothing for us! Or them...
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Eric shrugs, and replies to Khessa "Nope, I have no knowledge about the language of the dragons. But, in case of need, there is a spell that can solve this issue, although I would need some time to prepare it" the dwarf nods observing the Dragonborns "Anyway, it seems they are handling the situation properly. We can stay here and just give them time"
Calvin clears his throat to draw attention to him, "Actually, Draconic is one of the languages that I am fluent in. That and Druidic, Elvish and Undercommon."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
“Remarkable…” Khessa looks at Calvin with admiration “As long as I travel in your company, I can procrastinate studying Comprehend Languages, I guess! What are they saying, then? I'm surprised that the conversation seems so friendly - or at least relaxed... I was convinced that the Lizardfolk were in the service of some dragon or the Cult".
Zale snickers, "Them dragon kneeler's ain't ever gonna pay ye rightly for yer labor. They'll use ye till they use ye all up. Don't gotta pay dead workers ye know? Heheh. If you lot wanna get rid o them bullywugs n dragon kneelers, then we be on the same side." She puts her hands on her hips grinning, "Even if ye don't wanna fight em 'till yer sure ye can win, if ye can be gettin us close enough to sneak into their castle, that'd be plenty help. Though it would be nice if ye would give us a clear escape route as well, and maybe help with some disguises."
[I'm assuming Calvin translates for Eric and Khessa]
L2: That could work... The Bullywugs have grown accustomed to seeing Dragon kneelers of many races coming and going around the castle, so when they see strangers, their first assumption would be that the newcomers are more Dragon kneelers.
L1: But... the Elf? He's on our side!
Snapjaw: Of course the Elf knows we are more useful, more reliable, and more appropriate allies than the repulsive bullywugs are. But he doesn't want go against the Half-Dragon's orders. No... we make for the castle with our new friends!
Snapjaw extends his hand in a disarming manner.
I am Snapjaw, from the Scaly Death tribe.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Khessa, listening to the translation by Calvin, smiles smugly. It's nice, for once, that an encounter brought allies, instead of trouble... Or at least trouble plus allies, rather than only trouble.
I am Kriv and this is my friend Zale. He turns to the group. “You can come out. We will assist each other.”
Khessa comes out, smiling, and reaches Kriv, waving at the new allies and saying in a confident voice: "Khessa Cabbagefield, at your service. It will be a pleasure to fight at your side".
Eric comes out along with Khessa "I'm Eric Bjornstad, humble servant of Moradin the wise, and devoted to the forge of the gods. It will be my pleasure and my duty to protect your people along the way"
After introductions are made Snapjaw and few other Lizardfolk help you with the canoes. Some of the Lizardfolk make for the Roadhouse to keep up appearances. Snapjaw guides the trip to castle by canoe.
In the meantime, he explains the situation: The Scaly Death lizardfolk tribe has no leader. Pharblex Spattergoo (the Bullywug's leader) killed its shaman, Suncaller, and the death left the tribe with an inferiority complex that was ripe for exploitation. When the Half-Dragon promised to reward the tribe’s labors for the cult, the lizardfolk were ready to listen. Through diplomacy and intimidation the Half-Dragon created an uneasy alliance in the Mere of Dead Men. The three-way alliance is unstable. The Dragon kneelers despise living in the swamp and have little respect for the Bullywugs or Lizardfolk; the leader of the bullywugs would like to seize the castle for his own purposes; the Bullywugs in general take every opportunity to push around the Lizardfolk; and the Lizardfolk chafe under the abuse of the Bullywugs and some wonder why Voaraghamanthar (the local black Dragon) doesn’t step in to protect them.
The Half-Dragon left an Elf with purple robes in charge. He is named Dralmorrer Borngray and seems to idolize the Half Dragon in all ways but one: he rues her decision to elevate the Bullywugs in their alliance. In Borngray’s opinion the Lizardfolk would be more useful.
Meanwhile, the Bullywugs boss and bully the Lizardfolk, emboldened by their superior numbers, the Lizardfolk’s instinctive awe of Pharblex’s magic, and the absence of any restraining sign from Borngray or from the lair of the black Dragon. Voaraghamanthar’s silence, more than anything else, makes the Lizardfolk wonder whether fate is punishing them for some unknown transgression. They grumble, and occasionally a few desert, but most of them bear up with reptilian stoicism.
Snapjaw is one of the few who has suggested rebelling against the hated Bullywugs and Dragon kneelers. He hasn’t done so openly, because that would invite retribution from the Bullywugs, but he has spoken to a few fellow tribesfolk he trusts. Their response was interested but noncommittal; they intend to take revenge on the Bullywugs, but not until the omens are right. Meanwhile, they endure—and stockpile weapons. Borngray has only a rough idea of how many Lizardfolk are in the tribe all together, and he hasn’t kept close count over how many swords, spears, daggers, shields, and metal-tipped arrows have been turned over to them. The Lizardfolk are much better armed at this point than they let on to either the Bullywugs or the Dragon kneelers. When the time comes to move against the Bullywugs, the Lizardfolk intend for every Bullywug throat and belly to be slit open with a new, razor-sharp steel blade.
However, it seems now is the perfect time to strike!
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
“It would be really interesting,” Khessa muses aloud, after what she learned “to further divide the enemy forces. The Cultists have little respect for the Bullywugs. The leader of the bullywugs would like to seize the castle for his own purposes. It might not take much to make these two 'allies' jump at each other's throats".
"I am able to take on the appearance of a Cultist or a Bullywug, with magic..." the blonde arcane warrior goes on "If any Cultists see a Bullywug sabotaging the castle or go away with other Culists, who then mysteriously do not return... And if in the meantime some Bullywugs see a Cultist sabotaging their camp or go away with other Bullywugs, who then mysteriously do not return... I suspect that the two factions would resort to violence rather than diplomacy".
"So, the 'submissive' Lizardfolk" the tall adventuress concludes "could first help the Cultists exterminate the Bullywugs... then help us exterminate the weakened Cultists!"
"Sounds like a good plan"
[ Are you sharing this plan with Snapjaw? ]
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
I would say yes. Khessa doesn't speak Draconic, but I imagine those who know that language are translating between Lizardfolk and the non-Draconig-speaking members of the party. Ella certainly enjoys discussing the course of action with Snapjaw; after all, he is the one who knows the current state of affairs best...
After giving the lizardfolk a flourishing bow, Zale allows them to help her and the party with the canoes. She happily stands at the bow, hand on hips as she listens to the lizardfolk tell his tale.
When Khessa proposes her plan, the dragonborn grins. "HAha! That be a fantastic plan! Though I'd be preferin it if more than just you be disguised. Do ye think I could pose as one o them bullywugs too?" She snickers, then relays the plan to Snapjaw in draconic.