A decision made, it doesn't take long before another full camp is erected for CRAP and the rescued villagers. Spirits feel a bit lifted in this second night, likely based on the imminent return to their homes on the morrow. Who can blame them, really?

@Utar: No volunteers step up to help you in your watch this night, but this is nothing new to you. Your shield is all the company you need. Keeping it on your back, you effectively have a 360-degree field of view. Hmph, dare a wizard to best that! The most trouble you spot during your watch comes from a few restless villagers, who seem to be taking a little longer than others to fall asleep. There is no actual trouble here other than the noise they make while trying to keep their bedtime conversations to a low volume.

@Doozey: Your honed senses pick up on a few different smells from when you were camping deeper within the swamp. The fauna and flora here in the marsh's outskirts are different enough for you to notice the difference, even if the visual indications are more subtle. Ironically, there are more insects out here than in there, and, even if you did remember to slather some of that repellent salve earlier today, there sure wasn't enough to go around the entire group. The villagers are being eaten alive by mosquitos. You can only hope they are not carrying any meaningful disease and that no peasant turns out to be allergic to the bites. 

@Neya: Deep into your patrol, you notice some rustling from the other side of camp. They haven't noticed you yet, but it looks like two or three of these villagers have woken up in the middle of the night and are trying to sneak out of camp.

(OCC: The rest is not complete yet. Pausing here to let you react to your watches' events.)

Neya clandestinely moves herself near the villagers' path, but not intercepting them.

Stealth (adv due to Cloak of the Bat): 17 

She then speaks out to them, "Anxious got get home, huh? Understandable. Though, while the lizardfolk are currently not a threat, there still may be some predators on the prowl tonight. May I ask that you stay until at least first light?"

Persuasion: 16

They grumble and blush in reaction to Neya's surprise, knowing they have been caught. "It's just... we so close now... We just want this nightmare to end." Another one of them says "C'mon boys... boss lady knows what's best." They scratch the back of their heads and go back to bed.

Before too long, it is morning again. Denae shares in no more than one sentence that her own watch was uneventful. Otherwise, she doesn't seem in the mood to hang out. She grabs one of her own portions of food out of her personal supplies and climbs a twisted tree to eat alone. Utar takes care of everyone else's breakfast while the rest of the large group packs up camp.

"A few more hours..." Utar's old lady-backpack says, approaching the half-orc and assuming her position.

The morning weather is a bit crispier than the previous days, granting everyone a pep to their step. Many of the villagers begin recognizing the surrounding area. Some get too excited, and the long, relatively organized line of pilgrims soon takes a more shapeless form as men, women, and children begin walking at their own preferred paces. Some of the more injured folk begin falling behind. Some of the younger folk begin to rush ahead. A few villagers loudly express their preference to head to their own homes instead of going to The Crossing Inn as a group. Some disarray settles in and, as Doozey and Denae had agreed before, it might be hard to arrive at a consensus on how to traverse these last miles as the "we-are-all-in-this-together" mentality gives way to individualism. 

(OOC: How would you like to babysit proceed?)

Utar smiles and helps his old lady/backpack onto his back.  "Right, so Bog Myrtle, I don't think I'm getting this at all..."

As the group starts to break up:

"Can't say that I blame these folk wanting to get home and get themselves and their lives back to how they like it.  But if any were unsure, getting somekind of group together to watch the swamp might not be such a bad idea, or maybe setting up some kind of warning system to stop this happening again on such a scale?"

Seeing the slow disintegrating cohesion of the herd triggers something in Biscuit, as it's his first instinct to fall back and cut off the eager young ones, growling and baying at them as needed, before then eventually looping around to coax those eager to branch away on paths towards their own home. Doozey is mercifully on foot at the time, having at some point wanted to stretch his legs.  But even if not physically being dragged around by the beast, he sees enough to eventually sigh and rub at his forehead.

"And this is why I'll never become a tour guide." He muttered with a hint of amusement to his tone. "That'll be easier said than done when it comes to these frontiersmen type. At least not without hiring some experienced help get them better organized, if not take on the job themselves, Mr. Utar." He'd later find himself saying upon regrouping more with the party. "But, seeing as what's-his-face is something a pillar of the community, perhaps he can sort them out once we get back. 'till then, things aughta be relatively safe going forward at this point. Soooo... mmmn.... if some folk want to branch away to get to their farmsteads as we go, I'd say we let them. The rest of those with just ants in their pants though? Me and Biscuit we'll start reigning them in a bit. See if we can keep this herd at least relatively intact until perhaps you, Mr. Utar, as well as Ney and Danea at least have a chance to speak with some and sort out a more organized collapse of the herd along the way." He suggests. "But, do try your best of course to convince those with farmsteads too far out to at least consider sticking it out long enough to hit up the tavern and get properly resupplied 'fore going home."

With that said, unless either Neya or Utar had more for him, he'd whistle sharply to get Biscuit's attention long enough to describe a rough plan of action in a few curt gestures, before he himself took off to assist in corralling those too far in the lead.

"I don't have much more to add, the only two worries in terms of separation were the terrain and the lack of daylight." Neya agrees with Doozey. "We are sure to pass by or some where near their homes. If that's the case, I feel more comfortable with some breaking off from us."

"We just need to know when we're approaching the farms and homesteads ahead of time. We could make use of any map we have to coordinate each departure."

"That is likely going to be a tall order from this group," Denae responds to Neya's most recent comment. "It looks to me like we'll just have to rely on them to let us know when is the best time for them to branch off toward their farmsteads." She waves her arm toward the larger group and adds: "I mean, look at them. They are clearly already more familiar with the area then we are."

With a more flexible plan being put in place, the group advances slowly but steadily. Following Biscuit's shepherding, the villagers agree to move more tightly. It looks like the offer of understanding and flexibility from CRAP went a long way in convincing the group to behave for another hour or two. As time passes and the pilgrimage continues, it becomes clear that a good quarter of them are itching for the chance to branch off and head home. And so they do, with CRAP's permission and only gradually.

Soon enough, just before lunch time, you spot The Crossing Inn in the distance. Any hopes of an organized approach are thrown to the wind as the villagers summon energy from their deepest reserves to sprint toward the inn. Well, Utar's companion and some of the more injured folks do not attempt to run.

Hearing the commotion, Romsan exits the building and welcomes the entire group with open arms. His staff joins him outside. Relatives hug each other and joyful tears are shed. Lunch had been prepared in advance thanks to Utar's messages, so the troop is swiftly fed. 

Romsan approaches CRAP and, perhaps surprisingly, mentions first of all some gossip he just heard: "So, some of the villagers overheard you saying something about creating a militia? Well, why don't you tell me about it while sharing the tale of your rescue mission. Spare no details!"

"Just thought it might be an idea to stop anything from happening to these folk again.  If protection isn't going to come from Phlan, it needs to be folk looking out for their own and their neighbours, a bit like you and Taroo did.  Might take a bit of organising, and I doubt that many of the folk here have experience of fighting either, but maybe that's something that the owner of this fine establishment might be able to help with?  And, truthfully, if it's details of our mission you want, you'll need to speak to Doozey.  I'm still a bit baffled by what went down, but our stoutling was at the heart of it all."

"Throwing me under the wagon wheel already, eh? ?I'll have to remember that one, Mr. Utar." Doozey chimes in half jokingly to Utar, priro to then turning on Romsan. "But aye, I suppose I can sort that bit out. But the others here are free to chime in of course, as I was in a bit of a, uh... 'state', at the time. So some details might slip through." He says. "The short version of the story, just for the record, can be pretty much summed up to 'Us incidentally aiding a Lizard King in taking over an alliance of Lizardfolk, and turn them away from worshipping slash following some dragon overlord'." There's a pause afterwards as Doozey looks away squinting at nothing until a "Boof" from little head gesture from Biscuit has him gasping and snapping his finger. "Good point, Brother. Yes! And we rescued as many folk held captive by them. Couldn't do the same for the livestock, but considering the circumstances, it was a small price to pay." Biscuit nods at his side in agreement before going back to his lunch portion.

"Now, as for the details-...." Over the better part of five to ten minutes, accounting for anyone jumping in or Romsan wanting more details on a particular point, Doozey recounts the adventure from their initial investigations at the farmstead to their night ambush (and subsequent interrogation), as well as their meeting with the croaking council (as he puts it) before eventually reaching all the events on the island. And while not normally want to let "creative flare" dictate the delivery of most stories, let alone a crucial report on a given mission, a few tidbits in the story  might've been embellished to some degree out of recently developed habit. Never in regards to his own actions though, but instead that of others and their deeds.

"All things considered, and this is me being very generous, but... I give the new Lizard King a tenday at MOST to either sort out his people fully in such a way that they genuinely become no less a problem than they have been over the years to the farmsteads and so forth. Or, for another to take his place, if not the alliance falling apart all together. As some of his people were non too thrilled at the prospect of not keeping more of the 'bounty' they acquired to themselves, if not offering it to the dragon as planned."

"I might have been there, but I'm not the reason all these folk made it home safely. Romsan, you've heard his story, we're in agreement, right?"

Romsan digests the story shared by Doozey and Utar. He is happy with the ultimate outcome, but can't help but focus on some of his concerns. "First, I'll say this: thank you for all that you did. Were you not the ones to accept the contract I placed with the Red Plumes, I m not sure our community would have survived. Thank you for rescuing all of these neighbors of mine. This community is all that we have. We'll make sure to do a headcount when those you dropped off at their homes have a chance to come to the inn. I suspect a few of our community members never made it to the lizardfollk island, such is the danger of the swamp, even if guided by the lizaardfolk themselves..."

"I am astonished at your ability to deal with such adversity in a diplomatic way. Back in my days, adventurer came in swinging. Kill first, ask questions never, you know what I mean? That said, I have to admit I sort of wish you had dealt with the lizardfolk more permanently. With most of their strength left untouched and with many resources (livestock) being gained, I fear it is just a matter of time before they feel bold enough to come out raiding again... especially since it sounds like their thunderdrums were left intact. I am not complaining, of course. You did what you were hired to do and we are very thankful, but that idea of forming a militia is starting to sound less like a preventive measure and more like an absolute necessity."

"A dragon, you say? And I though things couldn't get more dire. We can only hope the creature spends all of its energy on the rebellious lizardfolk and leave us alone. We shall pray on it. I hope that you are right and that the scaly folk of the swamp will defeat themselves in some kind of in-fighting. That might be our best hope."

"Our villagers will rebuild and resume their lives. It may take a bit longer than we would like, and we'll have to count on each others' generosity when it comes to food since animal products will be scarce for a while. But we'll make do."

"And yes, I'll start training a few of the more eager folk on how to handle a sharp weapon. We'll never be able to do what you did, but we can't count on the Black Fist to come all the way out here, can we?"

Turning to Utar specifically: "We are in agreement you saved this village. I'm not keeping track of each of your specific contributions. As far as I am concerned, CRAP saved the day! Speaking of which, give me some time to tend to these folks. Sit, enjoy some food and drink. Take a rest. You deserve it. I'll be back soon with the promised reward, as negotiated with the Red Plume directly."

Doozey opened his mouth in readiness to argue, as it was Utar that did the heavy lifting in organizing the former captives from the start. But with a mix of a low growl that bordered on grumbling from Biscuit, the stoutling's attention is drawn long enough to meet the firm gaze of the mastiff. "Eh, fine." He muttered as he begun digging into his lunch in earnest.

Even as he did so, he remained attentive to Romsan story, and would nod grimly at points, remembering in one particular moment the remains of another victim of the swamp. "Mn. Much 'preciated, Mr. Romsan. Though, one thing 'fore you go." Doozey eventually found himself saying. "I'm sorry we couldn't -- didn't do more to make things more secure for you and yours. But if there's one thing I know about lizardfolks, it is better to be neutral with them, than outright enemies, if nothing else. 'fore short of absolute cruelty in make sure they never become a threat, I-" He hesitates, bows his head, and clench his fist for a moment. Then after taking a breath he looks up again. "The door had to be left open for negotiation. Both in the moment and quite possible the future given everything that's been going on in the region."

"Thank you very much Romsan. We've gained an appreciation of the sheer size of the marsh and a way to alleviate that is welcome."

Romsan nods in understanding, first to Doozey's remarks, then to Neya's. As the conversations dies down, he heads inside to retrieve payment.

While he is out of sight, Denae approaches CRAP. "You did well, Neya and friends. I hope this gives you some more appreciation for the good you can do from outside the circle of the Black Fist. I believe in you when you say your allegiance is not solely to them, but I am glad I got to see it first hand." Turning to Neya specifically, she adds: "The Sisterhood can do more good out there when we make our services available to small folk like these. We shouldn't be hiding in the shadows and only taking contracts from rich nobles and well informed organizations like the Black Fist. Don't you agree?"

Roman comes back swiftly enough: "Here is the reward: 500gp. I also wanted to add an additional personal token of gratitude. It is not much but it is what I can spare. It is a spell scroll of Fireball. I am sure you'll put it to better use than I ever could."

"I can't speak for my compatriots, but I would forgo my share of the coin. That money might be better spent here, helping those who lost livestock or helping to establish a militia to protect the villagers from the next threat that comes along. The scroll, though, I think would be recompense enough."

Utar looks a moment at the other CRAPpers before adding with a chuckle, "Or at least a quarter share of it would would."

"Much as I'd be tempted to do the same, and this is by no means meant to be any offense to Mr. Romsan here, but... I think I'd still want to keep me portion, if but so I tempt some of my old contacts to come out this way and help out while this militia is getting itself sorted. For a while, at least, and no promises of course." Doozey conveys with Biscuit nodding along in agreement. The Mastiff then lets out a low series of groaning and growling that leaves his halfling brother blushing and saying curtly, "I wasn't /that/ bad. And... I-I'm sure most of them would've gotten over it by now...." 

However, when all his words accomplished was earn a disbelieving look and a low "boof", the stoutling sighs. "... In any case, the bonus is appreciated, Mr. Romsan, and if I do hear anything, you'll be the first the know."

Romsan nods again but, before conversations about the payment advance too far, the innkeeper is prevented from speaking up by Denae's interruption: "Let us not forget that the Red Plumes are due their dues. I'd say a good two-fifths of the reward needs to be remitted their way. As a member of that organization, I'd say my own portion of the reward is included within their fee."

In case it isn't completely clear, Denae then turns to CRAP more directly and states: "You are welcome to divvy up your own 300gp in whichever way you'd like, of course. The scroll wasn't part of the original contract, so the Red Plumes have no claim to it."

Romsan holds his tongue for a while, not wanting to place himself into a conversation in which he doesn't belong. 

Neya knows that the traditionalist side of the schism understands the other side's need to be more in the public eye. She also knows the integrationist side knows the traditionalist have a need for secrecy. Both sides seem to know the issues, each stance is the polar opposite of the other. And here she is, almost a literal example of the middle, going against the grain while still holding on to the values.

Neya responds to Denae, "I admit, there is more than enough merit to providing services to the common folk. This past quest is a good case for showing it can be done. I can see CRAP being approached by more requests from the populace, especially with the little show we did not too long ago."

After speaking with Denae, Neya turns to Romsan,  "I'm curious, where did the scroll come from? Was it something you had found during your days as an adventurer?"

(The question Romsan can wait until after Denae's response and any further conversation from that.)

 Though he'd bristled a little at the abruptness of the interruption, any initial annoyance or indignation out of the stoutling gives way to a smirk while leaning back in his seat. "Only two-thirds? And here I half-way expected ya to demand half, if not a little more as a 'consultation' fee or some such." He says frankly. But at the first signs of Denae being upset or even intending on correcting the stoutling, he'd chuckle and wave a hand dismissively.

"Relax, Denae. Just pulling your leg. Far as I'm concern, and I'm sure most of us here as well, that's fair enough split altogether. Makes for an even nice and even split for on our end as well." He side-eyes Utar with a half smile. "After a fashion." Looking again to Danea, Doozey further adds, "And though this might be a touch early to be saying this, thanks again for directing us to this job."

Denae smiles at Neya: "Your position is noble, but I fear there is no longer grounds for reconciliation between the two factions of our Sisterhood. I'll gladly keep you in mind whenever more opportunities like this come my way, but you may still have to eventually make a choice, Sister. Or forge your on path..." In the silence that follows, she lets Neya be the one to interpret whatever that last bit may mean.

To Doozey, she says: "The money is only secondary. What we are doing here is helping people. To do it in an organized and repeatable way, the organization has to be able to cover its costs and fund capable adventurers." She matches the halfling's slyness: "But, by all means, if you'd like to donate your portion, I'll remit it to the Plumes along with your gracious regards." (I imagine this is her reply after Doozey's "... or some such". He then responds to her comments with "Relax, Denae,...")

Romsan eventually answers Neya's question: "Right, from my adventuring days. My party came across some treasure and we divvied it up. Nothing in there fit my particular style of combat, so I claimed the scroll as an incentive to myself to learn a bit of magic, if I could. It worked out well-ish. I learned a couple of basic spells, but it never felt like the right time to use the scroll. I kept it close, something powerful and reassuring I could whip out in a moment of dire need. Those came and went and still I never pulled the proverbial crossbow trigger. There is just something about consumables... they can feel harder to consume than other resources, you know..."

He continues: "Please stay and rest for the rest of the day and night, or longer if you'd prefer. Just don't leave us immediately. You can use the rest too, I'm sure."