Lam is enjoying watching the baby Harpy, but he quickly turns towards the source of the rustling. He brings out his greataxe. He strains to see what is there, but can only catch the motion of the water.
Sha stares out in the direction of the rustle (perception 24). "I see it... its its a doe. A beautiful feast for our little ones." Without hesitation Sha reflectively uses a sacred flame to bring down the deer. DC 14 Dex vs 7 radiant damage.
Saoirselets out a relieved breath when Shareveals the source of the rustling and stows her weapons as quickly as she unseathed them.
When he casts his magic upon the doe, she glances at Hemlock, thinking the druid probably won't like this. But then again, they do need to feed the hatchling and the mimics until they figure out if there is an alterntive way that does not involve killing. If there is one.
Hemlock finds it difficult to concentrate on two conversations at once, with Hamza in his mind and the others trying to plan and care for the small harpy. With Hamza pushing to read his thoughts, he instinctively puts up his defences, just managing to keep her out but at the expense of following the conversation going on outside his head.
"We are on the trail of the crown. We know more now than we did, and yes we have made some noise. But our mission is also to help the people of the valley, and our friends. The more allies we have the better our chances, even if we cannot share everything", he sends back to her, emphasising the last two words a little. "You have knowledge of Vince. And of Sylvia Strixwell. What more can you tell us? And what do you know of Jeremy, the young holder of the crown?", he asks politely, wondering how much the ancient dragon knows that she isn't telling them but not demanding answers of this powerful being.
The others would likely notice his fingers go to his temples and him close his eyes as he concentrates.
Wis Save (against Hamza): 10+7=17 (Success...just!)
(OOC: He will auto fail the perception to see the doe due to being distracted. Does the harpy effect have a save, or does anyone who hears it want to help feed it? Not sure what the deal is with it in truth. Not sure how long the conversation with Hamza will last, so whether he should respond to the other conversations and the attack on the doe)
Lam is about to relax upon learning that the rustling only comes from a deer, but he freezes when Sha uses his magic on it. He glances at his friends, but does not lower his greataxe. If the deer looks like it is not taken down by Sha’s magic, he gets ready to run after it.
The Doe shimmers with light for a moment, then cries out in pain as it falls onto its side, splashing dead into the ankle-deep water among the reeds. She is enough meat to feed everyone for a day, though cooking it would take several hours. Sombra probably doesn't care if its cooked, but needs someone else to chew it for her.
OOC. You aren't enthralled by Sombra's hunger - she hasn't used the magical song yet. But when she does use her magical songs, there is a wisdom (10) save, or you can choose to fail the save.
Hemlock can feel Hamza's surprise and approval when he resists the probe into his mind. "So, you have learned to close your mind to outsiders. Good. This is a skill that will serve you well, do not forget it. I would insist that you can trust me with everything, but you are wise enough to know that any who demand complete blind trust should not receive it, no matter their intentions. You will share with me only as much as you wish... though I will still allow myself to make deductions and conclusions from whatever partial information I glean from you.
The more allies you have, the better. We agree on that, but do not underestimate your enemies. True, you and your friends are growing in power, but there is none of you yet who could reasonably stand against Strixwell, or against Vince. The former is certainly a powerful wizard, and in truth I believe she may have made a pact with some greater power. She wields magics of the mind that are difficult to resist, and even if you do she may destroy you with pure force. She is also a noble in command of a city, a duchy, and an army; and has spent decades preparing herself and followers for her quest to find the Crown. Vince I confess to know a little less of. He is, in a way, a counterweight to Strixwell. She commands the city by law, and yet he has almost as much political power as her by the force of secrets, whispers, and blackmail. Many times he has escaped or thwarted justice, many times his enemies have mysteriously 'disappeared,' and there are a great many who either directly serve him or whom he holds sway over. If he learns that the crown is real, and here, you can be certain that he will attempt to steal it. I have fewer contacts in Springdawn than I once did, and am not informed of either of their actions as much as I wish.
'Jeremy,' are you certain that this is the name of the crownbearer? That name is part of the passphrase to cross the rivers, but I had always believed the name to be a joke. I know of no-one of significance with that name, and know close to nothing about the person with the crown now. Much of what I know I have learned from you. But I can deduce that he is not near so hungry for power as most who seek the crown, else he would already have sought to conquer the world. I can also deduce that he is not simply evil, else Fitzwhistle would simply have died on his quest. None of the locals know of him, and I dare not risk finding him without knowing exactly what I'm getting into."
Sha looks at the big eyes of Sombra and immediately gets a memory of a bird feeding its nestlings, he knows what is expected and goes to recover the doe. He hauls it to a clean area where he begins the field dressing and prepping once he gets a few choice cuts he selects roughly a half pound and begins chewing up the venison for his little nestling. He will wave over Lam at some point to see if the mimics might be interested in the less desirable bits if not they are welcome to the meat also, otherwise a quick packing will be in order...
Survival with guidance for harvesting meat 19 total.
Lam tries to help in any way that is needed to help get the little ones fed. He’ll move the deer carcass if needed, and offer to wrangle the mimics for Hemlock- he assumes they just want to eat from the carcass directly.
"Our information confirms that Sylvia Strixwell is a warlock", Hemlock replies to Hamza, feeding back that little bit of information that Lam shared from his vision. "We will certainly be careful of her, and Vince".
"As for the crown bearer, everything we have learned suggests they are young, and a halfling with fair skin and brown hair, and travelling with a wizard named Tim who was very old and later became a Liche. You are right that they might not really be called Jeremy, but it is a name of meaning to them, not just one they made up. And they have used it more than once in their travels. They certainly have no wish for world domination, more they wish not to be known at all".
When Lam asks about the mimics, he absently hands the satchel to the bugbear, still focussed completely on keeping Hamza constrained within his mind and remembering what he needs to tell her.
Seeing that Shaand Lamhave the task of feeding Sombraand the young mimics covered, Saoirsestays next to Hemlock. She's not exactly sure what he's doing, but since she got a message from Tesfaye and knows that Hemlock is connected to Hamza, he might be conversing with the dragon right now. The fire genasi waits patiently by his side, and eyes the Northeast side of the lake, which is the direction she thinks they need to follow to reach the Firbolg village.
"Good, then our conclusions and interests remain aligned. Do not dally - Strixwell's forces will come in greater number each day. Keep focused on the crown, and any leads you have on it."
Though it is expertly done, cleaning and dressing the doe takes time - Hemlock's conversation takes much less time, and is finished before Sombra is fed. The harpy is very happy with the meal from Sha, and hums one of his tunes back at him.
The mimics, on the other hand, refuse to eat anything prepared. They will only really accept live prey. If Lam forgets to whistle before wrangling them, they will try to nibble on his fingers.
It is getting close to midnight. Nocturnal birds and insects call in the night, katydids ring in the woods. Still no sign of other humanoids.
The Firbolg camp should be to the Northeast, the Grave fort farther to the North.
Hemlock takes a deep breath in as he is released from the overwhelming presence of Hamza inside in his mind. It had been a strain to conceal from her that which he didn't want her to know.
"I have just been communing with our....gemlike acquaintance", he says after a moment as he looks at the others and what they are doing. He frowns a little when he sees Sha butchering the body of the doe, but soon realises what is happening as he sees how Sombra is acting. He also sees Lam wrangling the mimics, and Saoirse staying close and keeping an eye on him.
He smiles to Saoirse, grateful for her presence.
"It seems we are still aligned, although no major news passed between us. They advise discretion and speed in our endeavour, and worry we could draw more attention from powerful people if we do not heed this advice. They do however acknowledge the benefit of gaining allies as well", he reports quietly.
"The little ones are hungry it seems, and with a diet in mind we might find unpalatable. I certainly do. But I also cannot deny that in nature there is a food chain to observe. Perhaps it wise to abide by that, if we believe these creatures we have adopted are indeed born of nature", he says more loudly, contemplating that very thought himself, unsure what the young mimics and harpy truly were. "And I cannot deny I am hungry myself, although it would be good to break bread my kin, if everyone are still happy to seek them out?".
Saoirsesmiles too, glad to have Hemlockback with them. "Discretion and speed," she repeats. "Right now, I'm a little concerned about the first. Does that mean, for example, we shouldn't share with Tesfaye and Fitz what I learned about the...?" She doesn't say the word, but it's clear what powerful item she's talking about. "I've been thinking about it myself. Would it be wiser to tell them, so they try to find a way to counter its power? Or should we keep it to ourselves? Not that I can share much over the sending stones, but I wanted to ask your opinion before we meet them again."
"As for speed," she continues, "going to the Grave Fort might be the quickest way to get more information. But I think we should seek the Firbolg. We need as many allies as we can get, and they'll be pleased to hear we've rid them of the "bad frogs"right?" she adds with a smile.
Looking towards the satisfied Sombraand the still-hungry mimics, Saoirsesays "We might need to trap a mouse or something like that if we don't want these escaping the bag they are in and eating us."
Hemlock addresses the question about the Firbolg's first, flushing a little as he does so. "I am keen to visit the Firbolgs as well. I mean, I think they can help us, be good allies. And to be amongst my kind will be nice. Maybe learn a bit of their ways", he stutters.
He quickly changes the subject to the Tesfaye and Fitz, "As for the first matter, knowledge can be a burden. It can also be dangerous. I am honestly not sure what to do with the knowledge we have, what you found out least of all. You are right though, if anyone we know can use the information, they can".
"As for the mimics, I don't want them to starve. Perhaps you are right", he concedes.
Lam had remembered to whistle to avoid getting bitten by the mimics himself, but he had hoped letting them out by the deer carcass would be enough. He growls in frustration when the mimics refuse to eat. He gathers them back up and, hanging his head, walks back over to his friends. He wordlessly hands Hemlock back the satchel. He sees that they are discussing where to go next, and he agrees with his friends, saying, “We should find Firbolgs.”
Sha is disappointed to find no significant fish are living in the lake - likely they all ended up in a frog's maw, and the population will need a season or two to rebound.
You begin to hike to the Northeast, seeking deer trails forst and then the Firbolg trails you followed here. After about 45 minutes of walking, with Hemlock seeing marked trees along the way, following signs for 'home,' you begin to see a thick wall of thorns crossing the trail. When you get within 300 feet, a great horned owl hoots loudly, and is quickly answered by several others. A flying squirrel scrambles up from the other side of the thorns, carefully finds a space in the bramble with fewer thorns, and expands into an adult Firbolg man, sitting atop the 15-foot-high bramble, looking down at you in the night. He is muscular and fit, with thick facial hair the colour of river moss. He calls out in giant, "Þú kemur með óvin að dyraþrepinu okkar, með skrímsli þér við hlið. hvaða viðskipti ertu með hérna?"
You bring an enemy to our doorstep, with monsters at your side. what business do you have here?
"A less than hospitable welcome", Hemlock says quietly to the others, before meeting the other Firbolg's gaze unflinchingly.
"Við höfum engan óvin fært þér að dyraþrepinu og þú þarft að víkka hugann ef þú sérð skrímsli hér. Við komum í friði og biðjum um ráðgjöf við öldunga þína. Sem sýning á vel meiningu höfum við tekist á við vondu froskana þína. Sendu nú boð okkar til öldunga þinna, við munum bíða þeirra hér", he calls back in giant.
"We have brought no enemy to your doorstep, and you need to broaden your mind if you see monsters here. We come in peace requesting counsel with your elders. As a show of goodwill, we have dealt with your bad frogs. Now pass along our invitation to your elders, we will await them here"
He then simply sits on the floor, and motions for the others to do the same.
Saoirsedoesn’t understand what is being said, but the hostility of the green-bearded Firbolg is as clear as the water of the lake they’ve just cleansed. Her first instinct is to reach for her weapons, but she manages to suppress the urge. Glancing at Hemlock, she waits for him to speak first. When he motions for them to sit, she hesitates a bit—sitting would put them at a disadvantage if things went south—but follows his lead. From there, she addresses the Firbolg as well, but in Common. "We mean no harm,"she simply says, raising her hands in a gesture of goodwill.
Lam stares at the Firbolg, as still as possible. One hand goes to his greataxe at the sound of the Firbolg’s voice, but Lam slowly, hesitantly lowers it again as he tries not to look battle-ready. Once again, he doesn’t understand the words being said. His assumptions about the tone of voice are confirmed by Hemlock. He watches Hemlock for clues about what the two of them might be saying. It occurs to Lam that this is one of several places that can only be hospitable to him because he is with his friends- here, Hemlock not only knows their language, but is also almost certainly providing wiser words to the encounter than Lam ever could. When Hemlock sits down and motions for them to do the same, Lam lowers himself to the ground slowly and controlled, raising his hands up at the same time. He sits cross-legged and stares back at the Firbolg, but keeps his eyes and ears open to his surroundings.
Perception: 20. Nat 20!
I’d like Lam to have an action readied to retaliate if someone straight-up attacks him or his friends. He isn’t holding his greataxe, so the reaction would have to be a melee attack.
Lam is enjoying watching the baby Harpy, but he quickly turns towards the source of the rustling. He brings out his greataxe. He strains to see what is there, but can only catch the motion of the water.
Perception: 15
Most of you cant make out the shape among the reeds, but Sha is able to discern:
A large doe wading at the lake edge, calmly nibbling on reeds.
As far as you know, the way to the Firbolg community is Northeast through the forest.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Saoirse lets out a relieved breath when Sha reveals the source of the rustling and stows her weapons as quickly as she unseathed them.
When he casts his magic upon the doe, she glances at Hemlock, thinking the druid probably won't like this. But then again, they do need to feed the hatchling and the mimics until they figure out if there is an alterntive way that does not involve killing. If there is one.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hemlock finds it difficult to concentrate on two conversations at once, with Hamza in his mind and the others trying to plan and care for the small harpy. With Hamza pushing to read his thoughts, he instinctively puts up his defences, just managing to keep her out but at the expense of following the conversation going on outside his head.
"We are on the trail of the crown. We know more now than we did, and yes we have made some noise. But our mission is also to help the people of the valley, and our friends. The more allies we have the better our chances, even if we cannot share everything", he sends back to her, emphasising the last two words a little. "You have knowledge of Vince. And of Sylvia Strixwell. What more can you tell us? And what do you know of Jeremy, the young holder of the crown?", he asks politely, wondering how much the ancient dragon knows that she isn't telling them but not demanding answers of this powerful being.
The others would likely notice his fingers go to his temples and him close his eyes as he concentrates.
Wis Save (against Hamza): 10+7=17 (Success...just!)
(OOC: He will auto fail the perception to see the doe due to being distracted. Does the harpy effect have a save, or does anyone who hears it want to help feed it? Not sure what the deal is with it in truth. Not sure how long the conversation with Hamza will last, so whether he should respond to the other conversations and the attack on the doe)
Lam is about to relax upon learning that the rustling only comes from a deer, but he freezes when Sha uses his magic on it. He glances at his friends, but does not lower his greataxe. If the deer looks like it is not taken down by Sha’s magic, he gets ready to run after it.
The Doe shimmers with light for a moment, then cries out in pain as it falls onto its side, splashing dead into the ankle-deep water among the reeds. She is enough meat to feed everyone for a day, though cooking it would take several hours. Sombra probably doesn't care if its cooked, but needs someone else to chew it for her.
OOC. You aren't enthralled by Sombra's hunger - she hasn't used the magical song yet. But when she does use her magical songs, there is a wisdom (10) save, or you can choose to fail the save.
Hemlock can feel Hamza's surprise and approval when he resists the probe into his mind. "So, you have learned to close your mind to outsiders. Good. This is a skill that will serve you well, do not forget it. I would insist that you can trust me with everything, but you are wise enough to know that any who demand complete blind trust should not receive it, no matter their intentions. You will share with me only as much as you wish... though I will still allow myself to make deductions and conclusions from whatever partial information I glean from you.
The more allies you have, the better. We agree on that, but do not underestimate your enemies. True, you and your friends are growing in power, but there is none of you yet who could reasonably stand against Strixwell, or against Vince. The former is certainly a powerful wizard, and in truth I believe she may have made a pact with some greater power. She wields magics of the mind that are difficult to resist, and even if you do she may destroy you with pure force. She is also a noble in command of a city, a duchy, and an army; and has spent decades preparing herself and followers for her quest to find the Crown. Vince I confess to know a little less of. He is, in a way, a counterweight to Strixwell. She commands the city by law, and yet he has almost as much political power as her by the force of secrets, whispers, and blackmail. Many times he has escaped or thwarted justice, many times his enemies have mysteriously 'disappeared,' and there are a great many who either directly serve him or whom he holds sway over. If he learns that the crown is real, and here, you can be certain that he will attempt to steal it. I have fewer contacts in Springdawn than I once did, and am not informed of either of their actions as much as I wish.
'Jeremy,' are you certain that this is the name of the crownbearer? That name is part of the passphrase to cross the rivers, but I had always believed the name to be a joke. I know of no-one of significance with that name, and know close to nothing about the person with the crown now. Much of what I know I have learned from you. But I can deduce that he is not near so hungry for power as most who seek the crown, else he would already have sought to conquer the world. I can also deduce that he is not simply evil, else Fitzwhistle would simply have died on his quest. None of the locals know of him, and I dare not risk finding him without knowing exactly what I'm getting into."
DM: Heavy is the Head
Sha looks at the big eyes of Sombra and immediately gets a memory of a bird feeding its nestlings, he knows what is expected and goes to recover the doe. He hauls it to a clean area where he begins the field dressing and prepping once he gets a few choice cuts he selects roughly a half pound and begins chewing up the venison for his little nestling. He will wave over Lam at some point to see if the mimics might be interested in the less desirable bits if not they are welcome to the meat also, otherwise a quick packing will be in order...
Survival with guidance for harvesting meat 19 total.
Lam tries to help in any way that is needed to help get the little ones fed. He’ll move the deer carcass if needed, and offer to wrangle the mimics for Hemlock- he assumes they just want to eat from the carcass directly.
"Our information confirms that Sylvia Strixwell is a warlock", Hemlock replies to Hamza, feeding back that little bit of information that Lam shared from his vision. "We will certainly be careful of her, and Vince".
"As for the crown bearer, everything we have learned suggests they are young, and a halfling with fair skin and brown hair, and travelling with a wizard named Tim who was very old and later became a Liche. You are right that they might not really be called Jeremy, but it is a name of meaning to them, not just one they made up. And they have used it more than once in their travels. They certainly have no wish for world domination, more they wish not to be known at all".
When Lam asks about the mimics, he absently hands the satchel to the bugbear, still focussed completely on keeping Hamza constrained within his mind and remembering what he needs to tell her.
Seeing that Sha and Lam have the task of feeding Sombra and the young mimics covered, Saoirse stays next to Hemlock. She's not exactly sure what he's doing, but since she got a message from Tesfaye and knows that Hemlock is connected to Hamza, he might be conversing with the dragon right now. The fire genasi waits patiently by his side, and eyes the Northeast side of the lake, which is the direction she thinks they need to follow to reach the Firbolg village.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"Good, then our conclusions and interests remain aligned. Do not dally - Strixwell's forces will come in greater number each day. Keep focused on the crown, and any leads you have on it."
Though it is expertly done, cleaning and dressing the doe takes time - Hemlock's conversation takes much less time, and is finished before Sombra is fed. The harpy is very happy with the meal from Sha, and hums one of his tunes back at him.
The mimics, on the other hand, refuse to eat anything prepared. They will only really accept live prey. If Lam forgets to whistle before wrangling them, they will try to nibble on his fingers.
It is getting close to midnight. Nocturnal birds and insects call in the night, katydids ring in the woods. Still no sign of other humanoids.
The Firbolg camp should be to the Northeast, the Grave fort farther to the North.
DM: Heavy is the Head
Hemlock takes a deep breath in as he is released from the overwhelming presence of Hamza inside in his mind. It had been a strain to conceal from her that which he didn't want her to know.
"I have just been communing with our....gemlike acquaintance", he says after a moment as he looks at the others and what they are doing. He frowns a little when he sees Sha butchering the body of the doe, but soon realises what is happening as he sees how Sombra is acting. He also sees Lam wrangling the mimics, and Saoirse staying close and keeping an eye on him.
He smiles to Saoirse, grateful for her presence.
"It seems we are still aligned, although no major news passed between us. They advise discretion and speed in our endeavour, and worry we could draw more attention from powerful people if we do not heed this advice. They do however acknowledge the benefit of gaining allies as well", he reports quietly.
"The little ones are hungry it seems, and with a diet in mind we might find unpalatable. I certainly do. But I also cannot deny that in nature there is a food chain to observe. Perhaps it wise to abide by that, if we believe these creatures we have adopted are indeed born of nature", he says more loudly, contemplating that very thought himself, unsure what the young mimics and harpy truly were. "And I cannot deny I am hungry myself, although it would be good to break bread my kin, if everyone are still happy to seek them out?".
Saoirse smiles too, glad to have Hemlock back with them. "Discretion and speed," she repeats. "Right now, I'm a little concerned about the first. Does that mean, for example, we shouldn't share with Tesfaye and Fitz what I learned about the...?" She doesn't say the word, but it's clear what powerful item she's talking about. "I've been thinking about it myself. Would it be wiser to tell them, so they try to find a way to counter its power? Or should we keep it to ourselves? Not that I can share much over the sending stones, but I wanted to ask your opinion before we meet them again."
"As for speed," she continues, "going to the Grave Fort might be the quickest way to get more information. But I think we should seek the Firbolg. We need as many allies as we can get, and they'll be pleased to hear we've rid them of the "bad frogs" right?" she adds with a smile.
Looking towards the satisfied Sombra and the still-hungry mimics, Saoirse says "We might need to trap a mouse or something like that if we don't want these escaping the bag they are in and eating us."
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Hemlock addresses the question about the Firbolg's first, flushing a little as he does so. "I am keen to visit the Firbolgs as well. I mean, I think they can help us, be good allies. And to be amongst my kind will be nice. Maybe learn a bit of their ways", he stutters.
He quickly changes the subject to the Tesfaye and Fitz, "As for the first matter, knowledge can be a burden. It can also be dangerous. I am honestly not sure what to do with the knowledge we have, what you found out least of all. You are right though, if anyone we know can use the information, they can".
"As for the mimics, I don't want them to starve. Perhaps you are right", he concedes.
One last thing Sha, heads over to the water looking for fish, if he can he’ll use feline agility to swat one onto shore for the mimics.
Survival 11
Lam had remembered to whistle to avoid getting bitten by the mimics himself, but he had hoped letting them out by the deer carcass would be enough. He growls in frustration when the mimics refuse to eat. He gathers them back up and, hanging his head, walks back over to his friends. He wordlessly hands Hemlock back the satchel. He sees that they are discussing where to go next, and he agrees with his friends, saying, “We should find Firbolgs.”
Sha is disappointed to find no significant fish are living in the lake - likely they all ended up in a frog's maw, and the population will need a season or two to rebound.
You begin to hike to the Northeast, seeking deer trails forst and then the Firbolg trails you followed here. After about 45 minutes of walking, with Hemlock seeing marked trees along the way, following signs for 'home,' you begin to see a thick wall of thorns crossing the trail. When you get within 300 feet, a great horned owl hoots loudly, and is quickly answered by several others. A flying squirrel scrambles up from the other side of the thorns, carefully finds a space in the bramble with fewer thorns, and expands into an adult Firbolg man, sitting atop the 15-foot-high bramble, looking down at you in the night. He is muscular and fit, with thick facial hair the colour of river moss. He calls out in giant, "Þú kemur með óvin að dyraþrepinu okkar, með skrímsli þér við hlið. hvaða viðskipti ertu með hérna?"
You bring an enemy to our doorstep, with monsters at your side. what business do you have here?
Please make a perception check.
DM: Heavy is the Head
"A less than hospitable welcome", Hemlock says quietly to the others, before meeting the other Firbolg's gaze unflinchingly.
"Við höfum engan óvin fært þér að dyraþrepinu og þú þarft að víkka hugann ef þú sérð skrímsli hér. Við komum í friði og biðjum um ráðgjöf við öldunga þína. Sem sýning á vel meiningu höfum við tekist á við vondu froskana þína. Sendu nú boð okkar til öldunga þinna, við munum bíða þeirra hér", he calls back in giant.
"We have brought no enemy to your doorstep, and you need to broaden your mind if you see monsters here. We come in peace requesting counsel with your elders. As a show of goodwill, we have dealt with your bad frogs. Now pass along our invitation to your elders, we will await them here"
He then simply sits on the floor, and motions for the others to do the same.
Perception: 8+7=15 (Passive: 17)
Saoirse doesn’t understand what is being said, but the hostility of the green-bearded Firbolg is as clear as the water of the lake they’ve just cleansed. Her first instinct is to reach for her weapons, but she manages to suppress the urge. Glancing at Hemlock, she waits for him to speak first. When he motions for them to sit, she hesitates a bit—sitting would put them at a disadvantage if things went south—but follows his lead. From there, she addresses the Firbolg as well, but in Common. "We mean no harm," she simply says, raising her hands in a gesture of goodwill.
Perception: 17
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Lam stares at the Firbolg, as still as possible. One hand goes to his greataxe at the sound of the Firbolg’s voice, but Lam slowly, hesitantly lowers it again as he tries not to look battle-ready. Once again, he doesn’t understand the words being said. His assumptions about the tone of voice are confirmed by Hemlock. He watches Hemlock for clues about what the two of them might be saying. It occurs to Lam that this is one of several places that can only be hospitable to him because he is with his friends- here, Hemlock not only knows their language, but is also almost certainly providing wiser words to the encounter than Lam ever could. When Hemlock sits down and motions for them to do the same, Lam lowers himself to the ground slowly and controlled, raising his hands up at the same time. He sits cross-legged and stares back at the Firbolg, but keeps his eyes and ears open to his surroundings.
Perception: 20. Nat 20!
I’d like Lam to have an action readied to retaliate if someone straight-up attacks him or his friends. He isn’t holding his greataxe, so the reaction would have to be a melee attack.