This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Aye!"Doozey called out, before letting out another sharp series of whistles to bid Biscuit forward and find his opportunity to get closer still to the shaman's via the brush. He then races forward, drawing forth his sling had it not already found his hands after seeing to the prisoners last, and in quick succession, whistling bullets are let flying into the rank and file to disrupt their movements, if nothing else.
"What I wouldn't give to have a wizard why now."Doozey grumbled underbreath.
Meanwhile, back in town....
Obsben, who'd been busy scribbling away in book the revised story of her last adventure, slowed than stop altogether to sneeze, waking her tressym familiar. "There, there Sourpuss. It's okay~" She says soothingly while petting him along the back of his neck. As he slowly begins to relax again on the desk, she looks up sharply at a distant wall and says, "What are you looking at, four eyes? Shoo shoo! We're not in that timeline." With that, she returns to work, humming a song about being down by the river.
...all the while a very confused nearby scribe, who'd been minding his own business, looks about in confusion between the halfling and the other scribes nearby.
Bonus Action(Doozey): Command Biscuit to continue Ready his approach.
Movement(Doozey): To BV-48.
Action(Doozey): Lethal Slinging! (Long Range, Lethal, Whistling)Sling - Attack #1: (2)16 Damage: 8 of non-magical bludgeoning to Lizardfolk Warrior(BU-56).Hit or Miss, target needs to make a Wis Save(DC 10) or become frightened of Doozey until the start of his next turn.
(Long Range, Lethal, Whistling)Sling - Attack #2: (4)28 Damage: 7 of non-magical bludgeoning to Lizardfolk Warrior(BU-57) .Hit or Miss, target needs to make a Wis Save(DC 10) or become frightened of Doozey until the start of his next turn. (5 Rounds Remaining of whistlers)
Movement(Biscuit): To BO-52(if possible).
Action(Biscuit):Ready to move again after the warriors have finished acting to BO-56.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(@Ori: {BO-52} is possible accounting for difficult terrain.)
DM's Screen:
WIS save {DC 16}: 7 (12) 27
Utar voluntarily moves into the smallest of the nearby cages. Sharing a glance with Doozey, the male CRAPers silently agree not to wait for the lizardfolk to make their next move.
A whistle is all that Biscuit needs to advance to his next vantage point and remain ready to move even further.
Doozey also advances, but makes no point in veiling his approach.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: I forgot to give adavantage to the lizardfolk's saves because of the drum boost.)
DM's Screen:
2516 (11,2,19)
The lizardfold in the most advanced position receives the brunt of Utar's and Doozey's welcome. (Lizardfolk Warrior#16 {BV-56} takes 16 necrotic and magical bludgeoning damage.)
His brethren just behind him also takes a knock. (Lizardfolk Warrior#18 {BV-57} takes 6 magical bludgeoning damage.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya takes a deep breath to steel herself (bonus action Second Wind:6(10)) Afterwards, she shifts over for a clearer aim (CA-49) takes aim at the encroaching lizardfolk, starting with the closest one.
Splashbow Attack: 16 Damage: 6 (25, 9)
Acid Check: 3 Damage: 5 (DEX DC16 to the one behind it.) (1, 5)
Extra Splashbow Attack: 29 Damage: 14 (27, 12)
Acid Check: 2 Damage: 3 (DEX DC16 to the one behind it.) (10, 2)
She then uses the rest of her movement to move back to where she started (or close to it)
Moving quickly, Neya shoots two arrows from her splashbow. Both projectiles find their mark; the second one bursts into a spray of acid and hits more than just its original target. (Lizardfolk Warrior#16 {BV-56} takes 23 acid and magical piercing damage; Lizardfolk Warrior#18 {BV-57} takes 2 acid damage.)
By the time Neya approaches her starting position, she is feeling a bit better about herself. (Neya heals 10 HP.)
Bogclaw then arrives at the vanguard {BS-58;BT-59}. He speaks to CRAP for the first time: "You do not know it, but you have granted me the mightiest of favors this night. I shall do the same in return. This fight needs not continue. Leave now; take those you have freed with you. The marsh and its lizardfolk will be no more trouble to the nearby peoples than the minor nuisance of years past."
Denae is unsure of what to do next. She looks at CRAP for a response. (She dodges.)
The prisoners maintain their course. Those who were reaching for water vehicles do so and wait for others to join. Those who were convinced to grab weapons manage to find a club or a shield, but remain in the rearguard.
Soon, the two shamans approach Blogclaw as well.
-> The drums maintain their rhythm. There is no additional boon to the lizrdfolk this round.
09. Prisoners (including livestock, but only humanoids are shown in map) -
08. Lizardfolk Shaman (red dot on tokens lower right corner) -
MAP:
NOTE: Thunderdrums Boost VIis in effect. Lime green tokens represent the Dusk-Dusk clan. Black tokens represent the Rootwater clan. Gray tokens represent the Muckmarsh clan. The green round tokens depicting an image of a blond elven maiden are the generic tokens representing prisoners within cages. A legend for drawn items can be found here (bottom of the image within the spoiler box.)
(Lizardfolk Warriors go next. The map above already shows the lizardfolk warriors' positions after any movement mentioned in the post below. It also shows Biscuit's position after his ready action triggers.)
The rest of the lizardfolk warriors continue to move to form a united front. Those who had already arrived simply stay put. They do not retaliate against the few shots CRAP managed to land before Bogclaw made his offer. For now, they wait for CRAP's collective response.
Biscuit takes advantage of the lull in the fight to move into postion, as he was ready to do. (His new position is already reflected in the map update above.)
(OOC: Feel free to speak in-character but out of initiative order. You can also talk about this out-of-character too, of course.)
(Utar and Doozey are up next. The yellow area in the map is difficult terrain for the enemies.)
Doozey is visibly taken aback for a second, and for a moment, even the roiling primal savagery that often dogged the back of his mind at night even simmered down. But just as quickly as he'd been taken off guard had he recovered and squinted at the Lizardfolk King, and for once reflexively tried to pick out any hints... of DECEPTION!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
@Doozey: Bogclaw is quite wellspoken for a swamp-dwelling lizardman. As just shown, he is able to deal with conflict with brains, not only brawn. You catch a glimpse of desdain for the prisoner-game in his eyes. He had no part in it, you are sure of it. Perhaps the desdain is not for the game itself, but for its organizer/patron. It is likely that he cares little about whether you save the prisoners or not, though you deduce that keeping some prisoners to reward his new followers could help him solidify his freshly attained leadership. If you are willing to depart the island with those you have already rescued, leaving the others behind, you gather Bogclaw is likely to keep his word. In fact (on a Nat 20) you gather you could possibly bargain for more lives before departing, though peacefully leaving with all prisoners (humanoids and livestock) would be tricky.
Utar looks to the massed ranks of lizardfolk; quantity certainly has a quality all of its own. Still CRAP didn't seem too bloodied for all the swamp they've waded through to stand here. Still, the half-orc was glad to have his allies with him, both CRAPpers and Tormites.
"If the big one wants to talk, I'm okay to listen, but we can't come this close to just leave the other prisoners here."
Even with his newfound insight, Doozey doesn't allow his posture to ease quite yet, if only in a show of respect for the lizardfolk alliance's renewed strength as one tribe. But at the very least, he lower his weapon and says to Utar(and by extension the rest of the group) without looking away from the Lizardfolk King, and in voice he pointedly made sure would carry over the drums and be overheard by the Lizardfolk, "On that I have agree, Mr. Utar. But... But I think there's an opportunity for us all here to achieve more this night than a small victories."He then boldly steps forward ten feet closer to the throng. "You're great favored offered is appreciated, 'King' Bogclaw, of that I assure you! And the fact that it was given at all shows you to be a Wiser and Greater king then your predecessor! One more than worthy to lead the clans very well in the future, of that I -- Nay, none can doubt!"He declares before holding up clawed tipped finger.
"But what greater proof can there be of all this, then to take an even bolder step forward?!" He asks, once again stepping up another foot. "You've seen a fraction of our strength! You and your kin can see how far we're willing to go despite such great odds stacked against us! And you know that some of your own may yet be cowed by the shadow of the great lizard even now, and no mere pittance of a feast upon the remaining prisoners can overcome that!" He asserts, even at the risk of sounding as if he's challenging Bogclaw's rulership. But in the moment and in his current state.... he couldn't care less. The stoutling wasn't one for caring much for talking, and with the badger out, trying to retain in eloquence was a strenuous task as is.
"But to hunt down this shadow over your people -- to 'hunt' the great lizard alongside us, and make a feast of them?! Now that.... that would prove beyond any shadows of doubt the might and resolve of not just yourself, but of your people! And all we'd ask is for you let the other prisoners go, and we would lend our strength as well. By all means, if you have some among you willing to escort them to the marsh edge, then we can get the hunt under way sooner!" He assures, pumping his fist in the air at the end to further emphasize his point. "Either way, in letting them go, you'll be spreading your name and reputation of your kin beyond the marsh, and make it so so that none again may so willing cross you!"
Movement(Doozey): To BV-51.
Action/Bonus Action(Doozey): Speechify with a 26. (Burning inspiration if not granted adv. by other means).
Utar, Neya, and Doozey confer for a moment before the halfling steps forward to parley with Bogclaw. The Lizard King listens attently, internalizing the multi-layered proposal and nodding along with some parts.
"Let it be known that the new Lizard King is merciful. You are welcome to take the humanoid prisoners home with you. We shall no longer participate in Throstulgrael's game. Let it be known that the new Lizard King provides. The livestock remains with with my unified clan. They deserve a reward for their efforts. Their hunt shall not be meager. Let it be known that the new Lizard King is wiser than his father Scalecrusher, whose head lies on a spike for beliving himself strong enough to defeat Throstulgrael. Many lizrdfolk lost their life on that fight. My lizardfolk shall not re-engage in a losing battle against the dragon. We shall live in the shadows as we always have, and bide our time. Let it be known that the new Lizard King is permitting. You shall go on your hunt if you wish. We shall not stop you. but know that neither shall we help you. Throstulgrael is no babe. Throstulgrael will only fight you on their own terms. Seek the dragon and you'll find only death. But let me not stop you if you'd like to skewer your head next to my father's. Let it be known that the new Lizard King is generous. I give you one parting piece of advice. If you want to assure the prisoners' safety, simply have they travel as a large group out of the bog. No predator will mess with a herd this big. And now, let it be known that the Lizard King is done talking. I lead my people into the darkness of the marsh now. May we never find each other in the battlefield again."
Bogclaw gestures to the many lizardfolk following him and they begin to retreat. The Thunderdrums stop playing.
(OOC: I'll pause here to let you all react. You may consider us to be out of initiative for now, but we'll see what you choose to do and whether it would bring us back into initiative.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neya is surprised by the sudden turn of events from violent to a tense truce. But, even as the lizardfolk move out, she still keeps an eye out for any strange movement from them and any survivors from the other tribes, if they are nearby, or existent.
@Neya: Tension is indeed high. It is hard to read the reptilian faces ahead of you, but you are sure that Bogclaw's take on the competition and his negotiation with CRAP are not being well received by all of his new followers. If there is any nearby danger, it is from factions breaking out immenently and, perhaps, attacking CRAP among other possible choices they have.
@All: Any other responses before Bogclaw retreats?
Though a touch disappointed, as a powerful ally would've been most welcome considering the "prey" in mind, Doozey nevertheless is able to hide his feelings in slightly bowing his head to Bogclaw in acquiesce of the declaration. A nagging thought has him gritting his teeth behind closed lips for a time. But despite the temptation, with tensions so high and a long journey to civilization remaining, his parting words are instead thusly, "So he has spoken, so shall it be!" He then beats a balled fist against his chest a couple of times before holding it there as he bowed again to the retreating forces.
After giving them a minute to do so, only then does he let out a sigh of relief and look to the others(aka party) to speak in common, "That's that for now. It might take them a few to load up the live stock from the other encampments. So in the meantime, let's get this people properly sorted, eh?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Bogclaw gives an order and his lizardfolk spread out to claim the livestock kept around the island. As part of the process, they free up the many humanoid prisoners as well, roughly indicating to them that they should move to the Dusk-Dusk camp to meet with CRAP. The process takes some time but it soons becomes obvious that Bogclaw expects you to depart first. You can tell he doesn't trust leaving you behind with the Thunderdrums.
You are welcome to use the rafts found in the Dusk-Dusk camp; the lizardfolk have claimed the others. You'll need to make several trips to depart the central islands and move the entire cohort back to drier land. Denae sumarizes: "I expect we are expected to make the trip back by foot. Navigating rafts upstream would be hard enough even if he had enough of them to make it all in one trip."
(OOC: I'm basing this post on some OOC discussion.)
CRAP lets the lizardfolk work on collecting the livestock and focus instead on gathering the many humans, halflings, and elves, as well as the one dwarf, who had been captured by the typically monstrous swamp-dwellers.
At some point, Utar indicates to the liberated captives that there should be no need for them to make use of the rafts. Evoking Torm's power once more, the half-orc orders the ringcurrect to stop and part ways. Over the next 10 minutes, all prisoners and their rescuers have a simple, albeit muddy, walk back to the swamp proper.
Bogclaw and his followers continue to perform their own preparations, though it is clear they are planning to leave the central island only after CRAP has thoroughly left. There seems to be no sign of the dragon Bogclaw referenced repeatedly, but it doesn't look like they are planning to stay here and wait for the Great Velvet Lizard.
Back in slightly steadier ground, and with her suspicions about "walking" all but confirmed, Denae passes around a bit of food and warns the pilgrims: "We have a long walk ahead of us back to your homesteads. We will make our way to The Crossing Inn first, so we can all get a warm meal. For now, please try to ration your food. Also..." she turs to CRAP, "We need to find Rolf."
Doozey grimaces. "I still feel something ain't quite right with that one. In fact, if'n I didn't know any better, I'd think he might've ran afoul of a fey prank at some point in his life."He says with a hint of both amusement and pity in his voice. "But, uh... yea, sure. That should be easy enough, provided he stayed put like I asked. And even if not, me and Biscuit and partways for a bit to round'em up right quick on the way back." Doozey further assures Dane. "So if there's no further adieu, let's get going. I'll take point and ride ahead every now and then to make sure there be nothing there to worry about." With that, the still badgerfied halfling swings his way up and onto Biscuits back to follow through on the offer.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"Aye!" Doozey called out, before letting out another sharp series of whistles to bid Biscuit forward and find his opportunity to get closer still to the shaman's via the brush. He then races forward, drawing forth his sling had it not already found his hands after seeing to the prisoners last, and in quick succession, whistling bullets are let flying into the rank and file to disrupt their movements, if nothing else.
"What I wouldn't give to have a wizard why now." Doozey grumbled underbreath.
Meanwhile, back in town....
Obsben, who'd been busy scribbling away in book the revised story of her last adventure, slowed than stop altogether to sneeze, waking her tressym familiar. "There, there Sourpuss. It's okay~" She says soothingly while petting him along the back of his neck. As he slowly begins to relax again on the desk, she looks up sharply at a distant wall and says, "What are you looking at, four eyes? Shoo shoo! We're not in that timeline." With that, she returns to work, humming a song about being down by the river.
...all the while a very confused nearby scribe, who'd been minding his own business, looks about in confusion between the halfling and the other scribes nearby.
Bonus Action(Doozey): Command Biscuit to continue Ready his approach.
Movement(Doozey): To BV-48.
Action(Doozey): Lethal Slinging!
(Long Range, Lethal, Whistling)Sling - Attack #1: (2)16 Damage: 8 of non-magical bludgeoning to Lizardfolk Warrior(BU-56).Hit or Miss, target needs to make a Wis Save(DC 10) or become frightened of Doozey until the start of his next turn.
(Long Range, Lethal, Whistling)Sling - Attack #2: (4)28 Damage: 7 of non-magical bludgeoning to Lizardfolk Warrior(BU-57) .Hit or Miss, target needs to make a Wis Save(DC 10) or become frightened of Doozey until the start of his next turn.
(5 Rounds Remaining of whistlers)
Movement(Biscuit): To BO-52(if possible).
Action(Biscuit): Ready to move again after the warriors have finished acting to BO-56.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
(@Ori: {BO-52} is possible accounting for difficult terrain.)
DM's Screen:
WIS save {DC 16}: 7 (12) 2 7
Utar voluntarily moves into the smallest of the nearby cages. Sharing a glance with Doozey, the male CRAPers silently agree not to wait for the lizardfolk to make their next move.
A whistle is all that Biscuit needs to advance to his next vantage point and remain ready to move even further.
Doozey also advances, but makes no point in veiling his approach.
(OOC: I forgot to give adavantage to the lizardfolk's saves because of the drum boost.)
DM's Screen:
2 5 16 (11,2,19)
The lizardfold in the most advanced position receives the brunt of Utar's and Doozey's welcome. (Lizardfolk Warrior#16 {BV-56} takes 16 necrotic and magical bludgeoning damage.)
His brethren just behind him also takes a knock. (Lizardfolk Warrior#18 {BV-57} takes 6 magical bludgeoning damage.)
-> {BV-56} is frightened.
The Dusk-Dusk would-be boss joins the lizardfolk vanguard {BT-57}.
(Neya is up next.)
Neya takes a deep breath to steel herself (bonus action Second Wind: 6(10)) Afterwards, she shifts over for a clearer aim (CA-49) takes aim at the encroaching lizardfolk, starting with the closest one.
Splashbow Attack: 16 Damage: 6 (25, 9)
Acid Check: 3 Damage: 5 (DEX DC16 to the one behind it.) (1, 5)
Extra Splashbow Attack: 29 Damage: 14 (27, 12)
Acid Check: 2 Damage: 3 (DEX DC16 to the one behind it.) (10, 2)
She then uses the rest of her movement to move back to where she started (or close to it)
Extended Signature
DM's Screen:
DEX save {DC 16}: 17
Moving quickly, Neya shoots two arrows from her splashbow. Both projectiles find their mark; the second one bursts into a spray of acid and hits more than just its original target. (Lizardfolk Warrior#16 {BV-56} takes 23 acid and magical piercing damage; Lizardfolk Warrior#18 {BV-57} takes 2 acid damage.)
By the time Neya approaches her starting position, she is feeling a bit better about herself. (Neya heals 10 HP.)
Bogclaw then arrives at the vanguard {BS-58;BT-59}. He speaks to CRAP for the first time: "You do not know it, but you have granted me the mightiest of favors this night. I shall do the same in return. This fight needs not continue. Leave now; take those you have freed with you. The marsh and its lizardfolk will be no more trouble to the nearby peoples than the minor nuisance of years past."
Denae is unsure of what to do next. She looks at CRAP for a response. (She dodges.)
The prisoners maintain their course. Those who were reaching for water vehicles do so and wait for others to join. Those who were convinced to grab weapons manage to find a club or a shield, but remain in the rearguard.
Soon, the two shamans approach Blogclaw as well.
-> The drums maintain their rhythm. There is no additional boon to the lizrdfolk this round.
END OF INITIATIVE ROUND 7
(Lizardfolk Warriors go next. The map above already shows the lizardfolk warriors' positions after any movement mentioned in the post below. It also shows Biscuit's position after his ready action triggers.)
The rest of the lizardfolk warriors continue to move to form a united front. Those who had already arrived simply stay put. They do not retaliate against the few shots CRAP managed to land before Bogclaw made his offer. For now, they wait for CRAP's collective response.
Biscuit takes advantage of the lull in the fight to move into postion, as he was ready to do. (His new position is already reflected in the map update above.)
(OOC: Feel free to speak in-character but out of initiative order. You can also talk about this out-of-character too, of course.)
(Utar and Doozey are up next. The yellow area in the map is difficult terrain for the enemies.)
Reaction(Doozey): Insight: 21.
Doozey is visibly taken aback for a second, and for a moment, even the roiling primal savagery that often dogged the back of his mind at night even simmered down. But just as quickly as he'd been taken off guard had he recovered and squinted at the Lizardfolk King, and for once reflexively tried to pick out any hints... of DECEPTION!
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
@Doozey: Bogclaw is quite wellspoken for a swamp-dwelling lizardman. As just shown, he is able to deal with conflict with brains, not only brawn. You catch a glimpse of desdain for the prisoner-game in his eyes. He had no part in it, you are sure of it. Perhaps the desdain is not for the game itself, but for its organizer/patron. It is likely that he cares little about whether you save the prisoners or not, though you deduce that keeping some prisoners to reward his new followers could help him solidify his freshly attained leadership. If you are willing to depart the island with those you have already rescued, leaving the others behind, you gather Bogclaw is likely to keep his word. In fact (on a Nat 20) you gather you could possibly bargain for more lives before departing, though peacefully leaving with all prisoners (humanoids and livestock) would be tricky.
Utar looks to the massed ranks of lizardfolk; quantity certainly has a quality all of its own. Still CRAP didn't seem too bloodied for all the swamp they've waded through to stand here. Still, the half-orc was glad to have his allies with him, both CRAPpers and Tormites.
"If the big one wants to talk, I'm okay to listen, but we can't come this close to just leave the other prisoners here."
Even with his newfound insight, Doozey doesn't allow his posture to ease quite yet, if only in a show of respect for the lizardfolk alliance's renewed strength as one tribe. But at the very least, he lower his weapon and says to Utar(and by extension the rest of the group) without looking away from the Lizardfolk King, and in voice he pointedly made sure would carry over the drums and be overheard by the Lizardfolk, "On that I have agree, Mr. Utar. But... But I think there's an opportunity for us all here to achieve more this night than a small victories." He then boldly steps forward ten feet closer to the throng. "You're great favored offered is appreciated, 'King' Bogclaw, of that I assure you! And the fact that it was given at all shows you to be a Wiser and Greater king then your predecessor! One more than worthy to lead the clans very well in the future, of that I -- Nay, none can doubt!" He declares before holding up clawed tipped finger.
"But what greater proof can there be of all this, then to take an even bolder step forward?!" He asks, once again stepping up another foot. "You've seen a fraction of our strength! You and your kin can see how far we're willing to go despite such great odds stacked against us! And you know that some of your own may yet be cowed by the shadow of the great lizard even now, and no mere pittance of a feast upon the remaining prisoners can overcome that!" He asserts, even at the risk of sounding as if he's challenging Bogclaw's rulership. But in the moment and in his current state.... he couldn't care less. The stoutling wasn't one for caring much for talking, and with the badger out, trying to retain in eloquence was a strenuous task as is.
"But to hunt down this shadow over your people -- to 'hunt' the great lizard alongside us, and make a feast of them?! Now that.... that would prove beyond any shadows of doubt the might and resolve of not just yourself, but of your people! And all we'd ask is for you let the other prisoners go, and we would lend our strength as well. By all means, if you have some among you willing to escort them to the marsh edge, then we can get the hunt under way sooner!" He assures, pumping his fist in the air at the end to further emphasize his point. "Either way, in letting them go, you'll be spreading your name and reputation of your kin beyond the marsh, and make it so so that none again may so willing cross you!"
Movement(Doozey): To BV-51.
Action/Bonus Action(Doozey): Speechify with a 26. (Burning inspiration if not granted adv. by other means).
Action(Biscuit): Defensive Posturing in Hiding.... for now.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Utar, Neya, and Doozey confer for a moment before the halfling steps forward to parley with Bogclaw. The Lizard King listens attently, internalizing the multi-layered proposal and nodding along with some parts.
"Let it be known that the new Lizard King is merciful. You are welcome to take the humanoid prisoners home with you. We shall no longer participate in Throstulgrael's game.
Let it be known that the new Lizard King provides. The livestock remains with with my unified clan. They deserve a reward for their efforts. Their hunt shall not be meager.
Let it be known that the new Lizard King is wiser than his father Scalecrusher, whose head lies on a spike for beliving himself strong enough to defeat Throstulgrael. Many lizrdfolk lost their life on that fight. My lizardfolk shall not re-engage in a losing battle against the dragon. We shall live in the shadows as we always have, and bide our time.
Let it be known that the new Lizard King is permitting. You shall go on your hunt if you wish. We shall not stop you. but know that neither shall we help you. Throstulgrael is no babe. Throstulgrael will only fight you on their own terms. Seek the dragon and you'll find only death. But let me not stop you if you'd like to skewer your head next to my father's.
Let it be known that the new Lizard King is generous. I give you one parting piece of advice. If you want to assure the prisoners' safety, simply have they travel as a large group out of the bog. No predator will mess with a herd this big.
And now, let it be known that the Lizard King is done talking. I lead my people into the darkness of the marsh now. May we never find each other in the battlefield again."
Bogclaw gestures to the many lizardfolk following him and they begin to retreat. The Thunderdrums stop playing.
(OOC: I'll pause here to let you all react. You may consider us to be out of initiative for now, but we'll see what you choose to do and whether it would bring us back into initiative.)
Neya is surprised by the sudden turn of events from violent to a tense truce. But, even as the lizardfolk move out, she still keeps an eye out for any strange movement from them and any survivors from the other tribes, if they are nearby, or existent.
Perception: 15
Extended Signature
@Neya: Tension is indeed high. It is hard to read the reptilian faces ahead of you, but you are sure that Bogclaw's take on the competition and his negotiation with CRAP are not being well received by all of his new followers. If there is any nearby danger, it is from factions breaking out immenently and, perhaps, attacking CRAP among other possible choices they have.
@All: Any other responses before Bogclaw retreats?
Utar purses his lips and lets fly a whistle letting folk know he is clearly impressed with what he's just witnessed.
Though a touch disappointed, as a powerful ally would've been most welcome considering the "prey" in mind, Doozey nevertheless is able to hide his feelings in slightly bowing his head to Bogclaw in acquiesce of the declaration. A nagging thought has him gritting his teeth behind closed lips for a time. But despite the temptation, with tensions so high and a long journey to civilization remaining, his parting words are instead thusly, "So he has spoken, so shall it be!" He then beats a balled fist against his chest a couple of times before holding it there as he bowed again to the retreating forces.
After giving them a minute to do so, only then does he let out a sigh of relief and look to the others(aka party) to speak in common, "That's that for now. It might take them a few to load up the live stock from the other encampments. So in the meantime, let's get this people properly sorted, eh?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Bogclaw gives an order and his lizardfolk spread out to claim the livestock kept around the island. As part of the process, they free up the many humanoid prisoners as well, roughly indicating to them that they should move to the Dusk-Dusk camp to meet with CRAP. The process takes some time but it soons becomes obvious that Bogclaw expects you to depart first. You can tell he doesn't trust leaving you behind with the Thunderdrums.
You are welcome to use the rafts found in the Dusk-Dusk camp; the lizardfolk have claimed the others. You'll need to make several trips to depart the central islands and move the entire cohort back to drier land. Denae sumarizes: "I expect we are expected to make the trip back by foot. Navigating rafts upstream would be hard enough even if he had enough of them to make it all in one trip."
(OOC: I'm basing this post on some OOC discussion.)
CRAP lets the lizardfolk work on collecting the livestock and focus instead on gathering the many humans, halflings, and elves, as well as the one dwarf, who had been captured by the typically monstrous swamp-dwellers.
At some point, Utar indicates to the liberated captives that there should be no need for them to make use of the rafts. Evoking Torm's power once more, the half-orc orders the ringcurrect to stop and part ways. Over the next 10 minutes, all prisoners and their rescuers have a simple, albeit muddy, walk back to the swamp proper.
Bogclaw and his followers continue to perform their own preparations, though it is clear they are planning to leave the central island only after CRAP has thoroughly left. There seems to be no sign of the dragon Bogclaw referenced repeatedly, but it doesn't look like they are planning to stay here and wait for the Great Velvet Lizard.
Back in slightly steadier ground, and with her suspicions about "walking" all but confirmed, Denae passes around a bit of food and warns the pilgrims: "We have a long walk ahead of us back to your homesteads. We will make our way to The Crossing Inn first, so we can all get a warm meal. For now, please try to ration your food. Also..." she turs to CRAP, "We need to find Rolf."
Doozey grimaces. "I still feel something ain't quite right with that one. In fact, if'n I didn't know any better, I'd think he might've ran afoul of a fey prank at some point in his life." He says with a hint of both amusement and pity in his voice. "But, uh... yea, sure. That should be easy enough, provided he stayed put like I asked. And even if not, me and Biscuit and partways for a bit to round'em up right quick on the way back." Doozey further assures Dane. "So if there's no further adieu, let's get going. I'll take point and ride ahead every now and then to make sure there be nothing there to worry about." With that, the still badgerfied halfling swings his way up and onto Biscuits back to follow through on the offer.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.