Erbert sits cross legged and gnashes his teeth.  “You’re right, you’re right of course.  I just have the distinct feeling that we are but lambs being led to the slaughter.  Maybe I’m wrong.  Just keep a keen eye, will you?”  Erbert looks back and forth, then consults his journal again, as is taking notes about it will make all of the danger go away.  

Vic sits and leans against the wall as he waits for the priestess to return, gathering some of his strength.  He pulls his new wide brimmed hat down over his forehead, but underneath his eyes remain focused on the guards, looking for any sign of deception or threat. 

“My eyes are always open. You are right to be wary, Erbert, but rash actions will only make things worse. Let’s see how this plays out, but be ready for any traps. I have your back.”

(Recovers 6 HP from one hit die.)

Silthras is mightily relieved to be able to rest, even more so when his companions talk down the hot-headed wizard. He settles to the ground and tries to make himself comfortable. Why is it that short people so often seem to have something to prove, he wonders. Or was it just wizards? He studies the gnome for a time, wondering what his story might be, before adding his own thoughts.

"You will no doubt get to show your prowess soon enough, master Wizard, but take it from an old soldier: Patience is the hardest lesson of any battle."

Speaking to the group more generaly, he asks, "Does anyone know what we can expect from the children of Rhashaak? Anything you know might help."

Grudnik listens to the conversation, feeling that the right decision has been made.

"Kapaa will not be met kindly. We must act with honour, we have accepted hospitality, atcha dictates", he says before adding, "Silthras speaks words of wisdom, have patience. Peace never lasts".

"I know nothing of the children of Rhashaak", he answers Silthras.

With that he kneels down in the middle of the room with his glaive placed in front of him, equidistant from each set of three guards. He regulates his breathing and simply waits.

Bonus Action: Second Wind - 10+5 Hit Points restored

Quote from Ereshion >>

 

Speaking to the group more generaly, Silthras asks, "Does anyone know what we can expect from the children of Rhashaak? Anything you know might help."

Adran responds to Silthras,  "Their name has come up once or twice in my work. Many Blackscales and Poison Dusks worship the deity Rhashaak, some sort of mix between a fiend and a dragon. Many of their more unsavory actions are done in Rhashaak's name. Raiding, sacrificing, the like. Suffice it to say, I wouldn't be very deep in mourning if this situation comes to blows."

Silthras nods in thanks, "Well. It will become clear in time, I suppose."

"Until then, enjoy the peace and quiet," he says, looking around and taking another bit of his rations.

 As they sit and recover, Ancidus quietly says to Silthras "My ability to understand the lizard folk will not last much longer. You have been doing admirably communicating, do you believe you will need my continued help or should I save the remaining magical charge for another function? I can only use power of that level one more time today."

Silthras ponders for a moment, "Thank you," he says then adds with a smile, "Avoiding unnecessary conflict is the first duty of any good mercenary."

He looks around the room, listening to the sounds from outside and the gentle noises from his companions, glad that it is peaceful at least for the moment, "It is useful having two of us, but perhaps save your talent for when we meet these 'children'. I have a feeling that things might get a little more complex at around that time."

He sighs and looks down at his hands, then nods and speaks more quietly. "Yes. I'd wait. We may also need it should I fall, or if we take prisoners."

Ancidus nods. "I will do so, and pray there is no need."

After a brief respite, some more blackscales arrive, including one with an elaborate headdress made of bones, feathers, leather, and gems as well as a necklace with several fanged teeth dangling from it. They appear to be some kind of high priest, and they beckon to you. "Come. The Child of Rhashaak will see you now."

You are guided down the eastern hallway into a larger chamber. A massive altar dominates the far wall, a massive mural behind it stretching all the way to the room's vaulted ceiling. The mural depicts a massive black dragon perched atop an active volcano, the glow of molten lava reflected in the beast's red eyes. The bodies of demons can be seen scattered around the volcano's perimeter and more still can be found trapped in the volcano itself. 

Similar to the one in the portico at the entrance, there is a low circular wall that surrounds a well in the center of the room. An open archway in the wall opposite the altar appears to lead to some sort of vestry. Six blackscale warriors escort you in here with the high priest and the dracotaur at the head of the group. The priest instructs you to stand between the altar and the well, then reaches into the well and taps their staff against the interior of the wall five times. The impacts echo discordantly within the well. A scraping sound is then heard and a few seconds later is followed by a dark shape emerging from the well: a black dragon. It perches on the well and eyes you all with curiosity. It isn't very big, in fact it is smaller than the dracotaur standing alongside it, but it carries itself with great confidence. 

"Greetings, esteemed soft-skinned guests. I am Wyvrix, child of the great and mighty Rhashaak. It has been some time since any of your kind walked in here of your own accord... But I understand that you seek knowledge. I am intrigued. Do tell me more of your... quest. Perhaps we can come to some sort of... agreement, yes?" the dragon croons in the Common tongue. The lizardfolk clearly do not understand what the dragon is saying; the high priest in particular does not hide their annoyance at the situation.

Grudnik silently rises from his kneeling position, picks up his glaive, and follows the group of natives without a word.

His eyes briefly scan the altar and mural in the large chamber, but he discards it as secondary and focusses on the group guarding and leading them.

When the small black dragon appears, he is a little surprised, having assumed that the term Child of Rhashaak was an affectation, not a literal child of the dragon. When it turns out this child speaks common though, the very merest hint of a smile creases the corners of his lips. Finally he could understand what was happening. He had trusted his new comrades of course, but it was always better to have information first hand where possible.

"Saa'atcha Wyvrix, child of the great and mighty Rhashaak", he says formally, using the full title the dragon gave itself as a measure of respect. "I am Grudnik of Kech Sharaat, protector of this expedition".

Erbert stands beside Rufus as he waits, then he hears Grudnik introduce himself.  He steps forward one small foot and says “And I am Erbert Jenkor Jerriheimerschmidt, from far away in Korranberg.  I am fascinated with history, with artifacts, - I am an explorer.”  He has his journal out in his hand, and asks “If it is permitted, can I make a drawing of you Wyvrix… in my journal?”  If they seem to nod or acquiesce, Erbert steps back and then begins feverishly drawing the dragon, and a picture of the surroundings and the altar, murals on the wall as well, jotting a few notes below it.  

Silthras had been dreading this meeting. The weight of so-called leadership was never desirable, no matter how necessary under the circumstances; he belonged in the front lines or in the shadows, never in between or, worse, in the limelight. He had half-expected the so-called 'children of Rhashaak' to be a tribe of manipulative kobolds living in a world far above their competence. Or perhaps a crude ambush. Finding an actual dragon was, if anything, a relief. This was someone with whom one could deal. Someone who played the long game. The fact that they spoke common was a bonus.

He watched closely at the priests were excluded from the conversation, wondering if he and his fellows were the only dishonest brokers in the room. Then he listened with relief to the words of his companions. Grudnik was a straight arrow. Always had been, in Silthras' estimation. His words were -- if not expected -- then at least consistent. And, surprisingly, the gnome worked in a little flattery. Silthras smiled. Perhaps they were not going to die in an ambush after all. He looked around the room then cleared his throat to speak.

"Great and mighty Rashak, you honour us by speaking in our own tongue." Silthras bows low, then draws a deep breath. "We come here, perhaps, facing the same enemy. Your ancestors fought long and hard to defeat the demons, their works and sacrifices -- though well documented here -- were not properly honored among my people."

He lets the words sink in before nodding solemnly and drawing another breath. "It is thus fitting that we come now at a time when there is talk of people seeking to bring back these same demons. We seek, therefor, any knowledge you might have of the time before -- and how the demons were defeated by your ancestors."

As they rise to move into the chamber, Ancidus puts a hand on Silthras, offering him support.

"I am called Ancidus," they say, and following the others' lead, bows as well, which only heightens their robotic appearance, as there is no muscle shift to accommodate the change in center of gravity. "I accompany the others to ensure their safety or bear them home if I fail. As one with some training in the ways of religion, I will do my utmost to ensure no harm comes to that which you use as a place of worship."

Adran is notably uncomfortable with the knowledge that somebody among the lizardfolk can understand the common tongue. The ease of bypassing Silthras's translations is greatly overshadowed by the loss of discreet communication between the party. He says nothing as he lets his eyes wander around the room, with a slight gleam in his irises (Divine Sense).

Done evaluating the numerous draconic creatures around him, Adran elaborates on Silthras's request. "We have heard legend that many ancient temples such as this contain artifacts of the times they were built in underground storerooms. We would like to take rubbings or copies of any scriptures or records you have here, and sketches of any artworks or symbols. We're here in the patronage of an academic that is very much interested in the cultures and events of the Age of Demons."

Wyvrix studies you all for a moment before perking up at Adran's statement. "Artifacts beneath the temple? Now I see... I had a feeling you didn't all risk life and limb just to get a few broken stone tablets and charcoal rubbings. You seek treasure! Well, it just so happens that I, too, have a penchant for treasure. Perhaps you can be of use to me. If I allow you to plumb the depths of this temple, you will share whatever you find with me. You won't walk away completely empty-handed - you can keep whatever tablets or rubbings you like, they are of no use to me. Treasure, artifacts on the other hand... are mine. After all, you said you seek knowledge. Surely you do not need material riches when knowledge is its own reward, yes?" Wyvrix hisses with the closest expression to a grin a dragon can produce.

Adran, you detect a slight fiendish aura surrounding Wyvrix. 

"Ghaal draguus", Grudnik begins as he steps forward, still affording Wyvrix respect. "You may look at me and determine that I am here to protect this expedition with force of arms against physical threats", he continues, holding up his glaive horizontally before himself to demonstrate his martial leaning without appearing threatening.

"But that is not the full extent of my purpose. I will also protect my companions from being exploited. What you have suggested, as you are aware, is a bad deal. It is gath-cho", he says very matter of factly, and even with the use of goblin words it is obvious he does not accept the terms.

"Let us hope that you are flexible in these negotiations".

Persuasion (using Commanding Presence Maneuver - d8): 12+5+6=23

(OOC: Apologies, thought it was d10, but is d8, rolled again and altered the above accordingly)

Adran complements Grudnik's actions by stepping forward himself, making no effort to conceal the large lance on his back, nor the shield on his arm with a central eye-like pattern inconspicuously pointing in the direction of Wyvrix. "Let it also be known that we are not foolish barbarians who rush into battle without knowing what they are to fight. If you have not simply plundered the lower floors yourself, then there must be some reason to avoid them. We would like to know as much of this reason as possible. The more we know what we will face, the likelier we are to prevail, and the likelier you are to receive whatever cut of treasure is agreed upon."

Persuasion (if deemed necessary): 5

Silthras is surprised by Grudnik's forcefulness, but pleased that he no longer has to carry the weight of the negotiations. He would likely have dissembled -- perhaps even agreed to the terms -- but sometimes the direct approach was best. Only time would tell.

He smiles and nods slowly as the warrior speaks, "A fair and reasonable question," he says. "A negotiation of some kind does indeed seem appropriate. The task is likely difficult and the rewards uncertain."

(( If this counts as help, then consider it as help to Grudnik ))

Erbert listens as the others question and press Wyvrix further, a slight smile crosses his face, he listens to the words of the dragon, listening for inconsistencies and lies, as it seems to have knowledge of what lies below, but needs help with what it considers “grunt work.”  Or, perhaps, help with undead inhabiting lower levels?

Insight : 11