As CRAP seems to partially disagree on whether to take Bruuxl's offer, Doozey is the only one who addresses the lizardman in a tongue he understands. Hence, the responds to the halfling's words: "Yes! Yes, I take you to see Great Velvet Lizard and gain favor!"
In Common, Denae seems unsure of Doozey's proposition, siding with Neya: "Putting our lives in this lizardman's claws is a mistake." She turns to Utar: "We were doing just fine without him."
@Neya:
You feel your fears are well rooted. Bruuxl seems eager to guide you deep into the swamp, Perhaps too eager. Part of it is certainly the offer of glory Doozey has put in his head, but that does not preclude your suspicions from also coming to pass.
"I'd rather take the longer method we've been doing and keep some sort of advantage, than take a shortcut and be surrounded on all sides..." Neya says as she shakes her head.
(OOC: Was waiting to see the others reaction, but for now, I guess I'll add this..)
"Mn. True true. But-" Doozey holds up a hand in a halting gesture. "Rootwater Clan might interfere. Might even try and capture Bruuxl again, and steal honors. So, do you know of a route we can take while not being spotted by the other clans? At least not until we're ready?"The stoutling asked all in draconic. Then once he had his answer, Doozey seemed contemplative for a moment, before then using the idle time of others still hashing out plans to ask, "What can you tell us about your clan and the other clans?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: It looks like @Drache and @Ori posted around the same time.)
Bruuxl looks at Neya. Although he cannot understand her words, he can interpret her head-shake fairly well. When Doozey poses a question in Draconic, the lizardman is eager to reassure his captors: "Yes, Bruuxl can do it!"
When a follow-up question is asked, Bruuxl replies willingly, albeit curtly: "Muckmarsh powerful. Clan of previous king, Scalecrusher. Destroyed. Now Dusk-Dusk and Rootwater can compete. Bring food for feast."
Breaking the conversation in Draconic, Denae reiterates her support for her sister: "I'm with Neya. There is no way this lizardman has our safety in his interests."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Staying silent for the moment while Doozey continues quizzing Bruuxl and Neya and Danae voice their concerns, Utar mulls over a few points Bruuxl made. A velvet lizard? Scalecrusher? His prior research hadn't brought anything about velvet dragons up, and he'd remember a name like Scalecrusher, surely? Unless something is getting lost in translation?
Coming back to the convesation, Utar does find his more cynical side agreeing with Neya and Danae about using the lizardman, in common he keeps up the side conversation. "If we aren't going to free him, what are we going to do with him? A contrived 'accidental release' might be an option, we could track him through the swamp, but we give whoever we're tracking an advantage as they would know we're coming. We could leave him here or we could inform Taroo, but I wouldn't want to land that on the lad."
(OOC Leaving it up to Lerus which skill to use, one might give more info on a velvet lizard, one on Scalecrusher? Utar's bonus to both rolls is +2.)
Ignoring the others for the moment, Doozey continues his entreaties with Bruuxl. "I see, no, I understand. Curious as to how they came to be destroyed. But if you not know, it is fine. And... hmm... The other tribes...Do they tend to have distinctive marks?" He asked in draconic, sounding genuinely curious.
Then once he had his answer, he'd turn just enough to spy the others from the corner of his eyes, trusting Biscuit if noone else to keep Bruuxl from pulling a fast one. "While I don't mean to disparage your concerns , we're bound to lose any advantage right quick without a guide at least part of the way, or burn through too much precious time navigating around unnecessary obstacles."He expressed in common with a small note of exasperation to his voice near the end.
"Believe me when I say I'm pretty sure I can convince him to guide us on a course that'll largely keep his kin -- or at least some of the the other allied tribes from noticing 'till we're close enough to better manage the rest of the way. And if we do run into his kin, I.... have an idea on how he might play a part in making them play ball should we run into'em anyhow. But I'll need more time to talk with him. Preferably along the way, if but not to kill too much time here. At worse, we can still fall on the still risky plan B Utar mentioned."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Let me get this straight, Doozey..." Neya says, rubbing her forehead. "We had evaded capture by his people not too long ago. We only left him alive to gain intel on what they are trying to achieve. We did that. We know their motives."
"Now, you're proposing we go with him to his tribe - willingly - in attempt to reason with them. Essentially doing his job for him. Fully aware they are abducting people to compete with the other tribes for the favor of what we are reasonably certain is a dragon. One they seem to revere to the point of worship."
"I'm puzzled on how that's a sound strategy. You are truly asking us to trust someone who participates in this competition? I ask this because, a the moment, we outnumber him. What will happen when we get back to his tribe?"
@Utar: A velvet dragon indeed sounds preposterous, though it could simply refer to something you do not yet understand. As for Scalecrusher, it sounds to you like a meticulously chosen alias to instill fear on scaly enemies. You gather it could fit the leader of a lizardfolk clan well.
@Doozey: Bruuxl refers to his scrimshaw necklace when asked about clan specific marks, though he does not elaborate. You notice his necklace is exclusively made of some jungle predator’s fangs.
@Neya: Denae nods along with your words, seemingly seeing no need to add any notes or comments.
A curt nod is all Doozey can spare the lizardfolk. Because in the next moment, and with a frustrated look of his own that bordered on the furious, the stoutling whipped around to face Neya (and by extension the rest). "That's not what I was suggesting at all, for fook sake!"He exclaims, before sighing and rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"What I was suggesting in its most simplest form is having him guide us AROUND patrols and hunters, as well as the others troubles and traps that might be along the fook'in way towards their village or wherever they're keeping folk! For as one of their scouts, he'd know terrain far better than us, as well as even some of his own people may operate more intimiately than I! And then -- AND THEN, and I really need ya to open yer ears for this one, but if by some miracle we do still run into an outlying patrol or what have you, we can have his potential aid in outwitting'em in one fashion or another! Or on the off chance to even turn against the others. Sure, it might not work, and we still may wind up in a scrap. But at least we have that safety net for when -- not if, but when things go tits up in those situations."He explained grumpily.
"And what I'm ask'n is not fer ya to trust'im, but me on this one... BUT......" His face softens as he lets out a small but defeated sigh. "...but, if you prefer to do like my great cousin Rambo Redfoot, and 'rambo this shite up' then by all means. But I do tend to keep my word on letting him go after all this is sorted. Buy us a few hours at least knocking him out... assuming nothing snaps him up in his sleep."He winces. "Though honestly speaking, we aught not to be too hung up about being found out at this point. A couple of their own did managed to get away last night anyhow, after all."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Our biggest issue is severe lack of information. We don't know Bruuxl. We don't know his tribe. What answers he gives short and evasive to the point of being useless." Neya poses. "Why are you so insistent on taking someone with us we had not only just met, but also acted against us not more than a few hours ago, anywhere?"
"You are putting a lot of weight behind ifs and maybes. Far more than I am comfortable with."
"I will say this last thing on the matter and will not say anymore: I am of the immovable opinion that involving ourselves with Bruuxl will only invite more trouble than it is worth. Can you say the same with yours?" She concludes.
Doozey rolls his eyes. "He's not being evasive. Just very literal. It's how they are, for fook sake! If ya want more than the basic point of a question, you have to know how to say it right! Also! I wasn't bloody fook'n insistent! Just trying to get my point across since ya got so much wax in your ears, ya can't tell ya fart apart from the plain common coming out of me mouth!" He exclaims while throwing out his arms towards the end.
As Doozey became increasingly more heated, it's becomes harder to ignore the slight sharpening of nails and canines, the darkening of his hair, and even the rapid growth of more along the fringes of his face. That was until he paused to take a breath, and smooth back his hair until extra big flaked off a few moments later. "But fine. Rambo Redfoot it is! And seeing as he's being so evasive to you, I take it then ya done with yer questions, hm?! So only question left I see is whether we are we fook'n walk 'side the river to the end, or we stay'n the course on the boat for as much as we can? At this point, I could care less. Just so long as we be make'n our way sooner than later." He says, finally relenting or seeming to, before raising a halting finger. "And one more thing. As far as what to do about Bruuxl still, in case there's question there, I am of the immovable stance of letting him go. Again, I'll knock'em out 'fore we off on our way. But I intend to keep my word."
(OOC: This is some great RPing of a clash of preferred approaches. Everyone gets a DM's Inspiration Token!)
It is still early morning in the wild. Nocturnal creatures have just returned to their burrows, while diurnal ones are still springing into their day. For a few minutes, the natural noises heard from all around this patch of untamed land are mostly muted. It is under this veil that Doozey and Neya voice their disagreement. Their words dominate their surroundings. Their frustration builds up and claim the general ambience.
Bruuxl is getting quite the exposure to the Common tongue, but learning new languages is not this lizardman's strong suit. He looks baffled at the debate ensuing before him, though Doozey's especially visual frustration is something almost anyone could decipher. Uncertain what it all means in regards to his life and prospects, the scout chooses to remain silent for now, lest he catches some strays.
Neya knows that she has Denae's support. The newest/temporary CRAPer does not feel the need to reiterate her agreement with her sister's views for a third time. She crosses her arms and stands stoutly behind Neya, her eyes darting periodically in Bruuxl's direction.
Although it looks like the debate might come to blows at one point, Doozey recomposes himself and relents, albeit with clear caveats. CRAP decides to move onward without their newest acquaintance. Bruuxl will be put to sleep and left to his own devices... free, alive, but incapable of meddling in CRAP's affairs for at least a few hours, or so the party hopes/plans. The path forward, be it by land or river, promises to be a slow one.
With the larger decisions made, a couple of smaller actions still need to be taken: What exactly is being done to Bruxxl at this stage? Is the group going for a lazy river ride, walking by the river, or something else?
This is why Graxx is here! Quite apart from being able to put down just about everything that's been thrown at CRAP, the meaty barbarian is also an unusually clear head able to sift through the noise and give a pretty decent way forward at a moment's notice. Plus having a fifth would break the tie that Utar feels is forming...
"We do trust you Doozey. Never doubt that we don't. You're our best guide out here. Do we move forward by boat or on foot? What's you're preference?"
Doozey scowls and half-heartedly glares up at Utar, wanting nothing more than at this point to be left to a given task than try and play a voice of reason. Perhaps a voice questionable reason, but one all the same. After a moment or two however (and some growled nagging from Biscuit to further encourage him), the stoutling looks past the group and roughly in the direction of the river.
"... Given... ehh, given how things went the other day, I'd say we'd be better off on foot. Certainly won't be any faster, but easier to hide in a pinch 'n all that at this point. Since odds are they'll tighten patrols or be more on alert if'n they're smart. So, I s'pose that would be the closest I have to a preference at this point. But honestly, I really couldn't care either which way."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"It sounds like we finally have a consensus then," Denae wraps up the argument in a neutral tone. "Camp is packed and we all seem ready to go." She then looks at Doozey and nods toward Bruuxl. The halfling doesn't need her permission but understands what she means. Doozey approaches CRAP's prisoner and delivers a well placed strike on the weakened creature. Bruuxl is now unconscious for the next 5 hours. (@Ori: Feel free to expand on how you go about putting Bruuxl to sleep.)
The party checks on their well-hidden keelboat and agree to leave it behind. The next bit of travel will be done by foot. Knowing that the Twilight Marsh lies generally south of their current location, the group decides to continue following the river in that direction as it is truly the only landmark they can be sure eventually leads to the Moonsea to the south.
Walking along the river allows CRAP to asses their relative speed. Driving forward in this heavily vegetated area is a slow process, but not as slow as the southbound water of the lazy portion of the Trank River. With blades at hand and perhaps some small remnants of the insect repellent vials bought prior to the previous visit to the swamp, CRAP inches forward. Daylight, or whatever fraction of it manages to breach the green canopy, invigorates the party, as does a distinctive lack of drumming.
Six hours into the hike, the group notices a discrete change in their environs. Instead of thick green vegetation, their travel is now slowed by tangles of tree roots, wetlands, water grasses, muddy bogs, unexpectedly deep water holes, and undergrowth. There is no doubt that CRAP has finally reached the edges of the Twilight Marsh, but there is no telling how much deeper they may need to go to reach their destination.
At this point, the party takes a late-lunch break. From here on out, CRAP will have to rely even more so on their ow survival skills.
(OCC: Reaching the edge of the Twilight Marsh marks the completion of ACT 1 - STRANGE DISAPPEARANCES. You may each add 2,600 XP to your character sheets. Details will be provided in the OOC channel.)
Utar looks around the rest of the party. Minimally armoured, surefooted, equally at home in the light and the darkness. Utar knows one thing, if whatever waiting eyes lurking in the swamp are going to find the party, it's going to be his fault.
"So, any tips for wandering though this swampy terrain? Maybe for someone whose movement is a little, uh... metallic and clanky? Ive already resigned myself to having wet feet until we get back to the inn. Also, I assume I might be best at the back of whatever marching order we end up in, so should I just tie a rope around my waist now or...?"
It takes far more effort than he'd ever care to admit, but Doozey kept from rolling his eyes at Denae's request before following through on it. Before he does so however, he says one last thing to Bruuxl... in draconic of course. "Okay Bruuxl. We've decided. I will keep my word of course, but uhm... for what it is worth, I am sorry." At which point Doozey looks past Bruuxl and nods to Biscuit. The moment lizardfolk to try and discern the meaning of the signal, perhaps in hopes of seeing whoever was to undoing his bindings, Doozey strikes fast and with precision, knocking the prisoner out thanks in part to the blessings of the gauntlets adorning his hands.
After taking a moment more to make sure he'd succeed all the same, Doozey spends at least a couple minutes more getting back the rope, and covering up Bruuxl's position so that he at least was less likely to be spotted and awoken before doing so preferably of his own volition later. Then with the work done it was time to move on. By no real conscious intention of their own, both Doozey and Biscuit easily pull ahead of the group during the initial journey, seemingly able to find ever bit of root, solid ground, game trail, and more to ease their maneuvering through the brush. (Land Stride/Beast Companion Feature)
However, as it became increasingly clear the others were fairing not nearly so well for one reason or another, Biscuit whined at first, but the two slow down if but to try and better guide the party. But there was only so much that could be done, especially when keeping mind the overarching desire to avoid being spotted during the trek...
"Mmm.... best I can give ya in the short term is to mind your footing, probably wrestle up a walking stick to test the grounds ahead of ya, and to generally keep your head on a swivel. And oh! Don't follow the lights or listen to any strange whispering or screams of voices that sound familiar. Trust me it, uh... it never goes well."Doozey said, only to grimace after at his own advice. "Other than that, I don't see a bit of rope doing you much good. I mean, be prepared to pull one out at a moments notice, but uh... ya may want at least a hand free here." He adds during the lunch conversation.
"I don't really have anything to remedy that, either. Which reminds me..." Neya says as she takes out her insect repellant. "There are many biting insects out there. We should apply this to stave them off. You'll be nose-blind for a while, but it's a small price to pay."
As CRAP seems to partially disagree on whether to take Bruuxl's offer, Doozey is the only one who addresses the lizardman in a tongue he understands. Hence, the responds to the halfling's words: "Yes! Yes, I take you to see Great Velvet Lizard and gain favor!"
In Common, Denae seems unsure of Doozey's proposition, siding with Neya: "Putting our lives in this lizardman's claws is a mistake." She turns to Utar: "We were doing just fine without him."
@Neya:
You feel your fears are well rooted. Bruuxl seems eager to guide you deep into the swamp, Perhaps too eager. Part of it is certainly the offer of glory Doozey has put in his head, but that does not preclude your suspicions from also coming to pass.
"I'd rather take the longer method we've been doing and keep some sort of advantage, than take a shortcut and be surrounded on all sides..." Neya says as she shakes her head.
Extended Signature
(OOC: Was waiting to see the others reaction, but for now, I guess I'll add this..)
"Mn. True true. But-" Doozey holds up a hand in a halting gesture. "Rootwater Clan might interfere. Might even try and capture Bruuxl again, and steal honors. So, do you know of a route we can take while not being spotted by the other clans? At least not until we're ready?" The stoutling asked all in draconic. Then once he had his answer, Doozey seemed contemplative for a moment, before then using the idle time of others still hashing out plans to ask, "What can you tell us about your clan and the other clans?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: It looks like @Drache and @Ori posted around the same time.)
Bruuxl looks at Neya. Although he cannot understand her words, he can interpret her head-shake fairly well. When Doozey poses a question in Draconic, the lizardman is eager to reassure his captors: "Yes, Bruuxl can do it!"
When a follow-up question is asked, Bruuxl replies willingly, albeit curtly: "Muckmarsh powerful. Clan of previous king, Scalecrusher. Destroyed. Now Dusk-Dusk and Rootwater can compete. Bring food for feast."
Breaking the conversation in Draconic, Denae reiterates her support for her sister: "I'm with Neya. There is no way this lizardman has our safety in his interests."
Staying silent for the moment while Doozey continues quizzing Bruuxl and Neya and Danae voice their concerns, Utar mulls over a few points Bruuxl made. A velvet lizard? Scalecrusher? His prior research hadn't brought anything about velvet dragons up, and he'd remember a name like Scalecrusher, surely? Unless something is getting lost in translation?
Nature/History - 6
Coming back to the convesation, Utar does find his more cynical side agreeing with Neya and Danae about using the lizardman, in common he keeps up the side conversation. "If we aren't going to free him, what are we going to do with him? A contrived 'accidental release' might be an option, we could track him through the swamp, but we give whoever we're tracking an advantage as they would know we're coming. We could leave him here or we could inform Taroo, but I wouldn't want to land that on the lad."
(OOC Leaving it up to Lerus which skill to use, one might give more info on a velvet lizard, one on Scalecrusher? Utar's bonus to both rolls is +2.)
Ignoring the others for the moment, Doozey continues his entreaties with Bruuxl. "I see, no, I understand. Curious as to how they came to be destroyed. But if you not know, it is fine. And... hmm... The other tribes...Do they tend to have distinctive marks?" He asked in draconic, sounding genuinely curious.
Then once he had his answer, he'd turn just enough to spy the others from the corner of his eyes, trusting Biscuit if noone else to keep Bruuxl from pulling a fast one. "While I don't mean to disparage your concerns , we're bound to lose any advantage right quick without a guide at least part of the way, or burn through too much precious time navigating around unnecessary obstacles." He expressed in common with a small note of exasperation to his voice near the end.
"Believe me when I say I'm pretty sure I can convince him to guide us on a course that'll largely keep his kin -- or at least some of the the other allied tribes from noticing 'till we're close enough to better manage the rest of the way. And if we do run into his kin, I.... have an idea on how he might play a part in making them play ball should we run into'em anyhow. But I'll need more time to talk with him. Preferably along the way, if but not to kill too much time here. At worse, we can still fall on the still risky plan B Utar mentioned."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Let me get this straight, Doozey..." Neya says, rubbing her forehead. "We had evaded capture by his people not too long ago. We only left him alive to gain intel on what they are trying to achieve. We did that. We know their motives."
"Now, you're proposing we go with him to his tribe - willingly - in attempt to reason with them. Essentially doing his job for him. Fully aware they are abducting people to compete with the other tribes for the favor of what we are reasonably certain is a dragon. One they seem to revere to the point of worship."
"I'm puzzled on how that's a sound strategy. You are truly asking us to trust someone who participates in this competition? I ask this because, a the moment, we outnumber him. What will happen when we get back to his tribe?"
Extended Signature
@Utar: A velvet dragon indeed sounds preposterous, though it could simply refer to something you do not yet understand. As for Scalecrusher, it sounds to you like a meticulously chosen alias to instill fear on scaly enemies. You gather it could fit the leader of a lizardfolk clan well.
@Doozey: Bruuxl refers to his scrimshaw necklace when asked about clan specific marks, though he does not elaborate. You notice his necklace is exclusively made of some jungle predator’s fangs.
@Neya: Denae nods along with your words, seemingly seeing no need to add any notes or comments.
The discussion continues.
A curt nod is all Doozey can spare the lizardfolk. Because in the next moment, and with a frustrated look of his own that bordered on the furious, the stoutling whipped around to face Neya (and by extension the rest). "That's not what I was suggesting at all, for fook sake!" He exclaims, before sighing and rubbing the bridge of his nose.
"What I was suggesting in its most simplest form is having him guide us AROUND patrols and hunters, as well as the others troubles and traps that might be along the fook'in way towards their village or wherever they're keeping folk! For as one of their scouts, he'd know terrain far better than us, as well as even some of his own people may operate more intimiately than I! And then -- AND THEN, and I really need ya to open yer ears for this one, but if by some miracle we do still run into an outlying patrol or what have you, we can have his potential aid in outwitting'em in one fashion or another! Or on the off chance to even turn against the others. Sure, it might not work, and we still may wind up in a scrap. But at least we have that safety net for when -- not if, but when things go tits up in those situations." He explained grumpily.
"And what I'm ask'n is not fer ya to trust'im, but me on this one... BUT......" His face softens as he lets out a small but defeated sigh. "...but, if you prefer to do like my great cousin Rambo Redfoot, and 'rambo this shite up' then by all means. But I do tend to keep my word on letting him go after all this is sorted. Buy us a few hours at least knocking him out... assuming nothing snaps him up in his sleep." He winces. "Though honestly speaking, we aught not to be too hung up about being found out at this point. A couple of their own did managed to get away last night anyhow, after all."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Our biggest issue is severe lack of information. We don't know Bruuxl. We don't know his tribe. What answers he gives short and evasive to the point of being useless." Neya poses. "Why are you so insistent on taking someone with us we had not only just met, but also acted against us not more than a few hours ago, anywhere?"
"You are putting a lot of weight behind ifs and maybes. Far more than I am comfortable with."
"I will say this last thing on the matter and will not say anymore: I am of the immovable opinion that involving ourselves with Bruuxl will only invite more trouble than it is worth. Can you say the same with yours?" She concludes.
Extended Signature
Doozey rolls his eyes. "He's not being evasive. Just very literal. It's how they are, for fook sake! If ya want more than the basic point of a question, you have to know how to say it right! Also! I wasn't bloody fook'n insistent! Just trying to get my point across since ya got so much wax in your ears, ya can't tell ya fart apart from the plain common coming out of me mouth!" He exclaims while throwing out his arms towards the end.
As Doozey became increasingly more heated, it's becomes harder to ignore the slight sharpening of nails and canines, the darkening of his hair, and even the rapid growth of more along the fringes of his face. That was until he paused to take a breath, and smooth back his hair until extra big flaked off a few moments later. "But fine. Rambo Redfoot it is! And seeing as he's being so evasive to you, I take it then ya done with yer questions, hm?! So only question left I see is whether we are we fook'n walk 'side the river to the end, or we stay'n the course on the boat for as much as we can? At this point, I could care less. Just so long as we be make'n our way sooner than later." He says, finally relenting or seeming to, before raising a halting finger. "And one more thing. As far as what to do about Bruuxl still, in case there's question there, I am of the immovable stance of letting him go. Again, I'll knock'em out 'fore we off on our way. But I intend to keep my word."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(OOC: This is some great RPing of a clash of preferred approaches. Everyone gets a DM's Inspiration Token!)
It is still early morning in the wild. Nocturnal creatures have just returned to their burrows, while diurnal ones are still springing into their day. For a few minutes, the natural noises heard from all around this patch of untamed land are mostly muted. It is under this veil that Doozey and Neya voice their disagreement. Their words dominate their surroundings. Their frustration builds up and claim the general ambience.
Bruuxl is getting quite the exposure to the Common tongue, but learning new languages is not this lizardman's strong suit. He looks baffled at the debate ensuing before him, though Doozey's especially visual frustration is something almost anyone could decipher. Uncertain what it all means in regards to his life and prospects, the scout chooses to remain silent for now, lest he catches some strays.
Neya knows that she has Denae's support. The newest/temporary CRAPer does not feel the need to reiterate her agreement with her sister's views for a third time. She crosses her arms and stands stoutly behind Neya, her eyes darting periodically in Bruuxl's direction.
Although it looks like the debate might come to blows at one point, Doozey recomposes himself and relents, albeit with clear caveats. CRAP decides to move onward without their newest acquaintance. Bruuxl will be put to sleep and left to his own devices... free, alive, but incapable of meddling in CRAP's affairs for at least a few hours, or so the party hopes/plans. The path forward, be it by land or river, promises to be a slow one.
With the larger decisions made, a couple of smaller actions still need to be taken: What exactly is being done to Bruxxl at this stage? Is the group going for a lazy river ride, walking by the river, or something else?
This is why Graxx is here! Quite apart from being able to put down just about everything that's been thrown at CRAP, the meaty barbarian is also an unusually clear head able to sift through the noise and give a pretty decent way forward at a moment's notice. Plus having a fifth would break the tie that Utar feels is forming...
"We do trust you Doozey. Never doubt that we don't. You're our best guide out here. Do we move forward by boat or on foot? What's you're preference?"
Doozey scowls and half-heartedly glares up at Utar, wanting nothing more than at this point to be left to a given task than try and play a voice of reason. Perhaps a voice questionable reason, but one all the same. After a moment or two however (and some growled nagging from Biscuit to further encourage him), the stoutling looks past the group and roughly in the direction of the river.
"... Given... ehh, given how things went the other day, I'd say we'd be better off on foot. Certainly won't be any faster, but easier to hide in a pinch 'n all that at this point. Since odds are they'll tighten patrols or be more on alert if'n they're smart. So, I s'pose that would be the closest I have to a preference at this point. But honestly, I really couldn't care either which way."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We also have reliable methods of masking our movements in case some may be tracking us. It's easier to do on land."
Extended Signature
DM's Screen:
13 4
"It sounds like we finally have a consensus then," Denae wraps up the argument in a neutral tone. "Camp is packed and we all seem ready to go." She then looks at Doozey and nods toward Bruuxl. The halfling doesn't need her permission but understands what she means. Doozey approaches CRAP's prisoner and delivers a well placed strike on the weakened creature. Bruuxl is now unconscious for the next 5 hours. (@Ori: Feel free to expand on how you go about putting Bruuxl to sleep.)
The party checks on their well-hidden keelboat and agree to leave it behind. The next bit of travel will be done by foot. Knowing that the Twilight Marsh lies generally south of their current location, the group decides to continue following the river in that direction as it is truly the only landmark they can be sure eventually leads to the Moonsea to the south.
Walking along the river allows CRAP to asses their relative speed. Driving forward in this heavily vegetated area is a slow process, but not as slow as the southbound water of the lazy portion of the Trank River. With blades at hand and perhaps some small remnants of the insect repellent vials bought prior to the previous visit to the swamp, CRAP inches forward. Daylight, or whatever fraction of it manages to breach the green canopy, invigorates the party, as does a distinctive lack of drumming.
Six hours into the hike, the group notices a discrete change in their environs. Instead of thick green vegetation, their travel is now slowed by tangles of tree roots, wetlands, water grasses, muddy bogs, unexpectedly deep water holes, and undergrowth. There is no doubt that CRAP has finally reached the edges of the Twilight Marsh, but there is no telling how much deeper they may need to go to reach their destination.
At this point, the party takes a late-lunch break. From here on out, CRAP will have to rely even more so on their ow survival skills.
(OCC: Reaching the edge of the Twilight Marsh marks the completion of ACT 1 - STRANGE DISAPPEARANCES. You may each add 2,600 XP to your character sheets. Details will be provided in the OOC channel.)
Utar looks around the rest of the party. Minimally armoured, surefooted, equally at home in the light and the darkness. Utar knows one thing, if whatever waiting eyes lurking in the swamp are going to find the party, it's going to be his fault.
"So, any tips for wandering though this swampy terrain? Maybe for someone whose movement is a little, uh... metallic and clanky? Ive already resigned myself to having wet feet until we get back to the inn. Also, I assume I might be best at the back of whatever marching order we end up in, so should I just tie a rope around my waist now or...?"
It takes far more effort than he'd ever care to admit, but Doozey kept from rolling his eyes at Denae's request before following through on it. Before he does so however, he says one last thing to Bruuxl... in draconic of course. "Okay Bruuxl. We've decided. I will keep my word of course, but uhm... for what it is worth, I am sorry." At which point Doozey looks past Bruuxl and nods to Biscuit. The moment lizardfolk to try and discern the meaning of the signal, perhaps in hopes of seeing whoever was to undoing his bindings, Doozey strikes fast and with precision, knocking the prisoner out thanks in part to the blessings of the gauntlets adorning his hands.
After taking a moment more to make sure he'd succeed all the same, Doozey spends at least a couple minutes more getting back the rope, and covering up Bruuxl's position so that he at least was less likely to be spotted and awoken before doing so preferably of his own volition later. Then with the work done it was time to move on. By no real conscious intention of their own, both Doozey and Biscuit easily pull ahead of the group during the initial journey, seemingly able to find ever bit of root, solid ground, game trail, and more to ease their maneuvering through the brush. (Land Stride/Beast Companion Feature)
However, as it became increasingly clear the others were fairing not nearly so well for one reason or another, Biscuit whined at first, but the two slow down if but to try and better guide the party. But there was only so much that could be done, especially when keeping mind the overarching desire to avoid being spotted during the trek...
"Mmm.... best I can give ya in the short term is to mind your footing, probably wrestle up a walking stick to test the grounds ahead of ya, and to generally keep your head on a swivel. And oh! Don't follow the lights or listen to any strange whispering or screams of voices that sound familiar. Trust me it, uh... it never goes well." Doozey said, only to grimace after at his own advice. "Other than that, I don't see a bit of rope doing you much good. I mean, be prepared to pull one out at a moments notice, but uh... ya may want at least a hand free here." He adds during the lunch conversation.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"I don't really have anything to remedy that, either. Which reminds me..." Neya says as she takes out her insect repellant. "There are many biting insects out there. We should apply this to stave them off. You'll be nose-blind for a while, but it's a small price to pay."
Extended Signature