Assuming the reply gets translated, Khessa suggests: "Shall we send him back to his tribe, explaining that we are only traveling, not invading? And that peaceful passage might be better for both?"
Khessa whispers to Eric: "Well, I didn't understand a word, but Kriv seemed so convinced and confident when he spoke... I really think the lizardman understood our reasons and, at the very least, he will report them honestly. Maybe we will really avoid further unnecessary bloodshed..."
Kriv kneels down to untie the lizard. I want to make sure you understand. We are not here to fight or upset your people, but we will if they force us. Kriv unties the binds and lets the creature leave.
Great! If Nixi is still with us, Khessa will suggest she sends Isidore to keep an eye on the Cultists, just not to be caught unprepared should they leave and go somewhere else.
The work camp is exactly what it appears to be: a supply depot for the road builders. But the party knows it is also something more, however: a transit point for the cult’s contraband coming up from the south. When your wagons arrive, they are brought into the compound one at a time for unloading, then moved back outside for parking. The compound is crowded with food, lumber, and myriad other supplies in crates and barrels.
Briferhew greets a burly Half-Orc who seems to be in charge. Khessa, Kriv and Zale can make a Perception check.
Some of the Cultists help with unloading the first wagon (this one is not theirs). Most Cultists however decide to find a room. When you enter the courtyard you'll notice that the damp climate means that the ground is muddy. A path is kept clear from the gate to the stables (south) so animals can be moved, but during busy times, that path often runs under the balcony (west) in front of the doors to the rooms.
You both notice the Half-Orc's scabbard of his Shortsword, which is decorated with a Dragon resembling the designs on the scabbards you both have taken from the Dragon hatchery.
Khessa, mindful of how good Zale is at cheating people, whispers to her: "Have you also noticed, obviously, the Half-Orc's scabbard of his Shortsword? Is decorated with a Dragon resembling the designs on the scabbards we have taken from the Dragon hatchery... He is most likely a culitst! We could go talk to him and, by chatting with him, try to get him to reveal something... like the final destination, maybe. You're good at this kind of thing... If you take my scabbard, which is like his, and you keep it on display, he should easily believe that you are a cultist. Especially if I come with you and, if necessary, also show my Mark of the Dragon... What do you say, do you feel like trying? Or do you think it's too risky?"
Zale, who was previously looking around aimlessly, turns to focus on Khessa. "Wah?" She starts then glances towards the half-orc. "OH!" She whispers. "Yeah, I do be recognizin that. I have me own one o them for me dagger so you can be keepin yours." She starts to look around, "Normally I'd jump right into your plan, but first do ya be seein any o them cultist around who were travelin with us? I'm not in to high a favor with them as ye know. It'd look mighty suspicious of me to waltz up to another cultist and start askin questions. If there ain't any around, or ye just want to risk it, then let's go talk to that feller."
The Lizardfolk looks at you with fire in his eyes. The flames die a bit after Zale's words.
Well what did you expect? You come barging into our terretority, of course my tribe sends a hunting band to drive you off. More will come!
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Assuming the reply gets translated, Khessa suggests: "Shall we send him back to his tribe, explaining that we are only traveling, not invading? And that peaceful passage might be better for both?"
Eric nods "yes, if they are willing to let us pass through, there will be no more bloodshed"
In need the person translating that to the Lizardfolk to make a Persuasion check.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Persuasion 15+4=19
Khessa whispers to Eric: "Well, I didn't understand a word, but Kriv seemed so convinced and confident when he spoke... I really think the lizardman understood our reasons and, at the very least, he will report them honestly. Maybe we will really avoid further unnecessary bloodshed..."
Lizardfolk: I... can relay your message to the leaders of my tribe. But I can't promise they'll listen.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Calvin feels rather satisfied that the lizardfolk is willing to relay the message to the leaders of his tribe.
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Kriv kneels down to untie the lizard. I want to make sure you understand. We are not here to fight or upset your people, but we will if they force us. Kriv unties the binds and lets the creature leave.
Zale nods to Kriv's words. "That be right. So long as ye don't come askin for a beatin' ya won't lose any more o' ya kin."
The creature nods understandingly to Kriv and disappears into the night. And with that it's time for a good night's sleep.
[LONG REST]
The next day, mid-afternoon, you arrive at the Carnath Roadhouse. Just like Briferhew said.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Great! If Nixi is still with us, Khessa will suggest she sends Isidore to keep an eye on the Cultists, just not to be caught unprepared should they leave and go somewhere else.
That can be done.
The work camp is exactly what it appears to be: a supply depot for the road builders. But the party knows it is also something more, however: a transit point for the cult’s contraband coming up from the south. When your wagons arrive, they are brought into the compound one at a time for unloading, then moved back outside for parking. The compound is crowded with food, lumber, and myriad other supplies in crates and barrels.
Briferhew greets a burly Half-Orc who seems to be in charge. Khessa, Kriv and Zale can make a Perception check.
Some of the Cultists help with unloading the first wagon (this one is not theirs). Most Cultists however decide to find a room. When you enter the courtyard you'll notice that the damp climate means that the ground is muddy. A path is kept clear from the gate to the stables (south) so animals can be moved, but during busy times, that path often runs under the balcony (west) in front of the doors to the rooms.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
Khessa's Perception: 8
Perception 17+3=20
You both notice the Half-Orc's scabbard of his Shortsword, which is decorated with a Dragon resembling the designs on the scabbards you both have taken from the Dragon hatchery.
Player: Any Good Alignment // DM: Lawful Evil
perception: 7 (Of course lol)
Khessa, mindful of how good Zale is at cheating people, whispers to her: "Have you also noticed, obviously, the Half-Orc's scabbard of his Shortsword? Is decorated with a Dragon resembling the designs on the scabbards we have taken from the Dragon hatchery... He is most likely a culitst! We could go talk to him and, by chatting with him, try to get him to reveal something... like the final destination, maybe. You're good at this kind of thing... If you take my scabbard, which is like his, and you keep it on display, he should easily believe that you are a cultist. Especially if I come with you and, if necessary, also show my Mark of the Dragon... What do you say, do you feel like trying? Or do you think it's too risky?"
Zale, who was previously looking around aimlessly, turns to focus on Khessa. "Wah?" She starts then glances towards the half-orc. "OH!" She whispers. "Yeah, I do be recognizin that. I have me own one o them for me dagger so you can be keepin yours." She starts to look around, "Normally I'd jump right into your plan, but first do ya be seein any o them cultist around who were travelin with us? I'm not in to high a favor with them as ye know. It'd look mighty suspicious of me to waltz up to another cultist and start askin questions. If there ain't any around, or ye just want to risk it, then let's go talk to that feller."
Perception to recognize other cultists. 12
Khessa also looks around to see if they are other cultist that arecwsry of Zale, at the moment: Perception: 9