"Giant Strider," Kasi corrects. "Big strong... chicken..." Kasi struggles to find the words to adequately describe the creature, then elaborates in Yik-Yak, a language of barks and yips that sound like a cross between a dog and draconic. Though the language is unrecognizable, you can tell she's much more eloquent in that language. "Make fire from mouth.... Kasi wake masters." Kasi stretches her limbs and rises to a stand. She takes the jackal blanket with her, using the head as a hood. Without it, the cold air bites into Merkas in a sudden rush. She walks over to the tent as casually as she can muster, so as not to alert the dangers in the dark that she's aware of their presence.
The site of Hastos and Sera cuddling in the cold doesn't phase her. Kobolds often slept nude in large piles together. If anything, it seemed a bit lonely that only two would cuddle together at a time. Gently, she shakes Hastos, covering his mouth with her gnarled hand, while putting a finger over her own mouth. "Danger," she whispers when Hastos's eyes open.
Hastos’ eyes pop open, it his body remained motionless despite the inatural nstinct to stab whatever had its hands over his mouth. He hears Kasi whisper “Danger”And immediately deduces the situation and shakes his head in acknowledgment.
Taking a slightly different approach with Sera, he runs his hand from her shoulder down to her elbow, gripping and slightly shaking. He whispers in her ear. “Hey, we have trouble.”
As Sera begins to prepare, Hastos starts to quietly put his armor on, and get his axe at the ready.
Sera stirred as Hastos gently woke her, dragging her from the fading remnants of her dream. It had shifted from the absurd wedding chase to something far more intimate—the wedding night. Soft candlelight, the scent of flowers, the warmth of strong arms around her… But before the dream could unfold any further, reality pulled her back. She blinked, disappointed for a fleeting moment as the images melted away.
Then she noticed the tension in Hastos' face, the urgency in the air. Kasi was talking—fast. Fire Newts. Giant Striders. Big chicken. Sera rubbed the sleep from her eyes, trying to make sense of it. Big chicken?
Hastos was already strapping on his armor. She forced herself into motion, reaching for her chainmail. Donning it in haste was no easy feat, the interlocking metal rings cold against her skin. She pulled it over her head, adjusted the fit, and fastened the straps on her gambeson beneath to prevent chafing. The weight settled onto her shoulders as she buckled her belt tight, securing her gauntlets and greaves with well-practiced efficiency.
By the time she grabbed her weapons and stepped into the cold desert night, Merkas was already peering into the darkness. He had just as much trouble seeing as she did in the dim light.
"Fire Newts… What do they want?" she whispered.
Then she realized something—or someone—was missing.
"Who woke up Sharn?" she murmured, frowning as she noticed the dwarf was nowhere in sight.
“Noone yet, I’ll go get him now you two are up” Merkas whispers back as moves off the direction he saw the dwarf go calling out in a harsh whisper “Sharn? Sharn?! Kasi says we got, Ouch my toe!, giant flaming chickens that bark like dogs, ugh stupid bush, gonna need your eyes and maybe those sweet kicks, another rock?! Man I wish I had some LIGHT!!” As the kender yells the last word two things happen simultaneously, first the sound of Merkas tripping over Sharn and crashing to the ground and second four orbs appear in a square, each about fifteen feet from where the duo is, spaced 20 feet apart and slowly rotating illuminating the area. (Cast Dancing Lights cantrip)
Hastos instantly crouches low upon the appearance of the orbs.
"Well, shit." He says realizing that any cover they might have had was long gone.He squints his eyes in an attempt to see if the light illuminates what was out there.
What you see, dimly lit by the dancing lights, is a strange sight. A lone warrior that looks more like a melting wax figuring of an anthropomorphized newt leering at you. It stands upright, looking hungry and thirsty. It's head and shining black eyes scan the group, then speak in a language you don't understand.
Then, it tries again in a different language. Kasi her bow and arrow trained on the intruder, strafes slowly into position, so her arrow doesn't strike a party member. But her eyes never leave the sizzling creature. Kasi responds back in the same language, a hissing and coughing sound you recognize as Draconic. Her tone is hard to decipher without knowledge of sentence construct, but it doesn't seem friendly. The creature gestures further in to the darkness and replies to Kasi. Kasi spits on the ground and barks another short phrase at the creature.
Then, out of the darkness prances a terrifying thing...
Neither bird, nor reptile, nor dragon, the mount limped up behind the warrior and roared a bellowing, angry sound and fixes its gaze on your horses hungrily.
Sharn forced his eyes open and stretched out for his staff without much urgency. He didn't feel pressed from Merkas' description, for whatever reason, and the group was already speaking with the red little creature. His back cracked as he stood straight and shuffled behind the group.
Sera watched in the dim glow of Merkas’ dancing lights, her gaze fixed on the Fire Newt. It was hungry, aggressive, and demanding something from Kasi in its hissing, guttural tongue. Another bandit, it seemed. A different breed, but a bandit nonetheless.
She hesitated. She didn’t want an unnecessary fight, but giving in would only encourage more raids against travelers and settlers alike.
Then, a sudden movement from the darkness—a blur of leathery hide and clawed feet. The Fire Newt’s mount, a Strider, rushed forward, its long, sinewy legs propelling it with alarming speed. The massive, featherless beast—okay, maybe “big chicken” wasn’t that bad of a description—let out a roar that startled Glynnis’ horses. The terrified animals reared, yanking at their reins, nostrils flaring in panic.
That would not happen.
Sera stepped between them, raising her blade as the energy hummed to life. With a whispered command, the golden-white light of her sword ignited, the radiant energy extending in a searing arc and adding its light to the scene. " help me convince it ...." Sera prayed to her god...and feeling a surge of confidence inside like a steady warm flow. ( cast guidance to improve her intimidation)
She squared her stance, her voice firm and unwavering. “It can forget about bullying or taking anything from us.” Her brown eyes locked onto the Fire Newt with unwavering intensity. “We are willing to trade—even share, if it’s in need—but if it tries to rob us… TRY.”
She turned her head slightly. “Tell it that, Kasi.”
To drive the message home, she slashed the glowing blade at the ground before her, scorching the sand with crackling heat. Smoke curled up in warning. She hoped the display would be enough to make both the Fire Newt and its beast reconsider.
( Intimidation and use my heroic inspiration. She really not wanna have a battle now so gets 23 with guidance )
Kasi never blinks, her eyes glaring at the firenewt with a ferocity you haven't seen from her so far. It's almost like the two have a history, or at least firenewts and kobolds do. Either way, Kasi has murder in her eyes.
"Firenewt want food and horse. Giant Strider injured. Want horse meat. No trust Firenewts. Firenewts... burn everything." Kasi barks, a choking sound that sounds like a word she can't find in common, but it drips with venom in its tone. It's clearly meant as an insult. The Firenewt narrows its eyes dangerously and draws its charred-looking sword.
Sera watched in the dim glow of Merkas’ dancing lights, her gaze fixed on the Fire Newt. It was hungry, aggressive, and demanding something from Kasi in its hissing, guttural tongue. Another bandit, it seemed. A different breed, but a bandit nonetheless.
She hesitated. She didn’t want an unnecessary fight, but giving in would only encourage more raids against travelers and settlers alike.
Then, a sudden movement from the darkness—a blur of leathery hide and clawed feet. The Fire Newt’s mount, a Strider, rushed forward, its long, sinewy legs propelling it with alarming speed. The massive, featherless beast—okay, maybe “big chicken” wasn’t that bad of a description—let out a roar that startled Glynnis’ horses. The terrified animals reared, yanking at their reins, nostrils flaring in panic.
That would not happen.
Sera stepped between them, raising her blade as the energy hummed to life. With a whispered command, the golden-white light of her sword ignited, the radiant energy extending in a searing arc and adding its light to the scene. " help me convince it ...." Sera prayed to her god...and feeling a surge of confidence inside like a steady warm flow. ( cast guidance to improve her intimidation)
She squared her stance, her voice firm and unwavering. “It can forget about bullying or taking anything from us.” Her brown eyes locked onto the Fire Newt with unwavering intensity. “We are willing to trade—even share, if it’s in need—but if it tries to rob us… TRY.”
She turned her head slightly. “Tell it that, Kasi.”
To drive the message home, she slashed the glowing blade at the ground before her, scorching the sand with crackling heat. Smoke curled up in warning. She hoped the display would be enough to make both the Fire Newt and its beast reconsider.
( Intimidation and use my heroic inspiration. She really not wanna have a battle now so gets 23 with guidance )
Kasi snarls angrily at the order to translate a trade. The hackles on her scraggly tufts are on end and she gives the impression she'd rather die than share with the creature. "No. Trust. Firenewt," she says, trying to keep her voice calm in deference to her master. There's a growl to her voice. With a long, raspy sigh, she speaks again in the hissing sounds of a dragon, but she ends the sentence with a loud (for her) roaring inflection that implies lethal intent.
But the Firenewt is no longer paying attention to Kasi, the obvious lesser threat. The flame sword and subsequent scorch marks it leaves on the sand have their full attention. Clearly not understanding Sera's words, they still seem to understand what a line-in-the-sand means. The creatures head moves in quick, snappy gestures as they train their eyes on each member of the party, sizing the likelihood of victory up. The giant strider side-steps to get a little closer to the horses, who at this point are looking like they're going to try to bolt any second.
Firenewt Warrior is Intimidated and will not approach Sera for now, but they really... really like that sword. The Giant Strider does not appear to be intimidated.
Unwilling to approach the group now fronted by the imposing cleric, the Firenewt looks to Kasi and gestures to Sera's weapon. Then hisses again in the draconic language. Kasi only shakes her head and curls back her lips baring her yellow food-stained teeth, still with blood caked on them from engorging on the evening's dinner.
“Anyone have a way to fix that barking chicken? This guy wants to move on, could have the rest of the jackal, we got our own food for a few days” Merkas says as he picks himself up and heads over to cover the angle the strider is making for the horses“These belong to Glynnis so we aren’t giving them up either.” He considers for a moment before saying to Kasi “Why are firenewts so bad Kasi, they don’t keep their promises? You think there are more of them?”
“Anyone have a way to fix that barking chicken? This guy wants to move on, could have the rest of the jackal, we got our own food for a few days” Merkas says as he picks himself up and heads over to cover the angle the strider is making for the horses“These belong to Glynnis so we aren’t giving them up either.” He considers for a moment before saying to Kasi “Why are firenewts so bad Kasi, they don’t keep their promises? You think there are more of them?”
Kasi doesn't seem too interested in explaining. All her will is focused on not loosing that arrow before it's absolutely necessary. And though her eye keeps twitching towards the Giant Strider, her main focus is on the Firenewt. "Firenewt burn everything..." she repeats with a ferocious snarl.
It's common knowledge that kobolds are near the bottom of most food chains. Even adventurers and mercenaries often use them as practice targets when developing their combat skills. In large swarms kobolds can be a genuine threat, especially if they have a dragon patron. So kobolds prefer to flee and let their trapmaking skills do most of the work until they can gain a numbers advantage. This feels different. It seems obvious that, even if Kasi were alone in this desert, she'd fight this creature to the death.
Merkas knows the basic lore about Firenewt Warriors from a book he read about the Elemental Plane of Fire. Though not as classically aggressive as goblins and kobolds, and fairly recluse, due to their preference to steaming hot springs, lava pits, and volcanoes, they have been known to get lost exploring the desert and become much more aggressive the longer they remain away from their fiery homes. It could be that this one is getting dehydrated from being away from their nest too long, and has started taking greater risks to acquire hot water, food, and warm shelter.
“Kasi, please ask them what they offer in return for meat and healing.” Hastos says. “Let’s see if they’re up for bargaining or if this is just extortion.”
Sharn moved a step forward mimicking the movements of the Strider. He kicked a bit of dust in it's direction while bocking and barking like it. It wasn't a language, he was merely mimicking the noises of the strange animal to establish his territory against the giant chicken, humorous though it may have seemed. He didn't want it anywhere near the horses. (19+3 for a total of 22 for animal handling vs the Strider)
Kasi hesitates defiantly, but eventually gives in. She hisses at the Firenewt in draconic.
The Firenewt stares back for several moments, then shrugs and replies. While talking, they gesture at the wilderness, then back at your party, then back to your supplies and the horse, then shrugs again. Kasi snarls back log a dog on a leash, utterly displeased with the whole affair. "Protection from danger on trail. One horse. And water. It will travel with masters."
The Firenewt's response definitely seems longer than that, but whether Kasi isn't telling the whole story, or lacks the words to properly translate to common is for you to decide.
Without Draconic or Ignan in anyone's language lists, Persuasion checks will have to be made through Kasi, who is more in a mood to Intimidate at best.
Sharn moved a step forward mimicking the movements of the Strider. He kicked a bit of dust in it's direction while bocking and barking like it. It wasn't a language, he was merely mimicking the noises of the strange animal to establish his territory against the giant chicken, humorous though it may have seemed. He didn't want it anywhere near the horses. (19+3 for a total of 22 for animal handling vs the Strider)
The Giant Strider seems perplexed by the dwarf's movements, and skitters back a few stumbling steps. From this distance, you can see that it's left leg is swollen and probably sprained, and it mostly tries to keep weight off it. Which only adds to the creature's nasty temperament. It snaps its large, bone-crushing beak at Sharn, and attempts to shuffle around him, only to find Sharn back in the way again. It opens it's mouth again to issue a frustrated roar, which causes the horses to jump, jerking at the tethers holding them in place! They kick the cart enough times to knock it in the air as they snort and rattle in fear. The cart bounces back into the sand and nearly topples on its side.
Sharn mimicked the Strider’s awkward, hopping gait, and for a brief moment, the tension broke. The sight of the stocky dwarf bouncing like a featherless chicken was undeniably amusing. Even so, Sera kept her focus on the beast.
That was when she noticed it—a slight hitch in its movements. A wound. The Strider’s leg was hurt.
Then came the Fire Newt’s offer: one horse and water, in exchange for its loyalty and protection.
Sera frowned, glancing at the others. Something felt off. Kasi hesitated in the translation, leaving something unsaid. And the Fire Newt itself? It had no control over its own beast—so how could they trust it to protect them?
And yet… she remembered her words at the gate.When she told Duncan. Someone has to take the first step of trust.
Sera exhaled, weighing the risk. Losing a horse could slow them down. Could they still recover the crates? But if they proved to this creature that trade was more profitable than raiding… how many future caravans might be spared?
She met the others’ gazes. "I say yes,” she decided. “Glynnis will hate us for losing a horse, but if we can make him see that he has more to gain by trade than by theft, it might change things. We do not need a battle now. I know he might betray us, but I’m willing to take the risk.”
She looked at Kasi. "Tell him this—I'll heal his mount as a bonus, but in return, when the time comes, it helps pull the wagon back.”
Sera noticed the Fire Newt’s greedy stare lingering on her father’s sword, and her grip tightened on the hilt. She would take the risk, yes—but she wouldn’t be careless
Hastos’ face grimaces at Sera’s suggestion, despite it not being unreasonable. “Agreed..” he says reluctantly “… but we need assurances. Something as a measure of good faith. All the risk is ours at the moment.”
Eyes wide at the suggestion, Merkas stammers “Haz, Sera?! We gave Glynnis our word to protect the horses. And in a place like this we need them to get our job done. I know what desperate looks like and he’s got it. Kasi says don’t trust, and I trust Kasi so my vote is no. Glow lizard here can go pound sand. Find another group to harass”
The kender moves further to the side, trying to move the focus further from the horses. He moves to the left of Sharn, the glowing orbs staying centred on Merkas.
"I have to agree with Merkas here. We can offer water and healing without much issue, but an entire horse is a steep price. Especially since it's not ours to offer."
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"Giant Strider," Kasi corrects. "Big strong... chicken..." Kasi struggles to find the words to adequately describe the creature, then elaborates in Yik-Yak, a language of barks and yips that sound like a cross between a dog and draconic. Though the language is unrecognizable, you can tell she's much more eloquent in that language. "Make fire from mouth.... Kasi wake masters." Kasi stretches her limbs and rises to a stand. She takes the jackal blanket with her, using the head as a hood. Without it, the cold air bites into Merkas in a sudden rush. She walks over to the tent as casually as she can muster, so as not to alert the dangers in the dark that she's aware of their presence.
The site of Hastos and Sera cuddling in the cold doesn't phase her. Kobolds often slept nude in large piles together. If anything, it seemed a bit lonely that only two would cuddle together at a time. Gently, she shakes Hastos, covering his mouth with her gnarled hand, while putting a finger over her own mouth. "Danger," she whispers when Hastos's eyes open.
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My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Hastos’ eyes pop open, it his body remained motionless despite the inatural nstinct to stab whatever had its hands over his mouth. He hears Kasi whisper “Danger”And immediately deduces the situation and shakes his head in acknowledgment.
Taking a slightly different approach with Sera, he runs his hand from her shoulder down to her elbow, gripping and slightly shaking. He whispers in her ear. “Hey, we have trouble.”
As Sera begins to prepare, Hastos starts to quietly put his armor on, and get his axe at the ready.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sera stirred as Hastos gently woke her, dragging her from the fading remnants of her dream. It had shifted from the absurd wedding chase to something far more intimate—the wedding night. Soft candlelight, the scent of flowers, the warmth of strong arms around her… But before the dream could unfold any further, reality pulled her back. She blinked, disappointed for a fleeting moment as the images melted away.
Then she noticed the tension in Hastos' face, the urgency in the air. Kasi was talking—fast. Fire Newts. Giant Striders. Big chicken. Sera rubbed the sleep from her eyes, trying to make sense of it. Big chicken?
Hastos was already strapping on his armor. She forced herself into motion, reaching for her chainmail. Donning it in haste was no easy feat, the interlocking metal rings cold against her skin. She pulled it over her head, adjusted the fit, and fastened the straps on her gambeson beneath to prevent chafing. The weight settled onto her shoulders as she buckled her belt tight, securing her gauntlets and greaves with well-practiced efficiency.
By the time she grabbed her weapons and stepped into the cold desert night, Merkas was already peering into the darkness. He had just as much trouble seeing as she did in the dim light.
"Fire Newts… What do they want?" she whispered.
Then she realized something—or someone—was missing.
"Who woke up Sharn?" she murmured, frowning as she noticed the dwarf was nowhere in sight.
“Noone yet, I’ll go get him now you two are up” Merkas whispers back as moves off the direction he saw the dwarf go calling out in a harsh whisper “Sharn? Sharn?! Kasi says we got, Ouch my toe!, giant flaming chickens that bark like dogs, ugh stupid bush, gonna need your eyes and maybe those sweet kicks, another rock?! Man I wish I had some LIGHT!!” As the kender yells the last word two things happen simultaneously, first the sound of Merkas tripping over Sharn and crashing to the ground and second four orbs appear in a square, each about fifteen feet from where the duo is, spaced 20 feet apart and slowly rotating illuminating the area. (Cast Dancing Lights cantrip)
Loyalty Begets Honour
Hastos instantly crouches low upon the appearance of the orbs.
"Well, shit." He says realizing that any cover they might have had was long gone.He squints his eyes in an attempt to see if the light illuminates what was out there.
Investigation> 1+ 1=2
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
What you see, dimly lit by the dancing lights, is a strange sight. A lone warrior that looks more like a melting wax figuring of an anthropomorphized newt leering at you. It stands upright, looking hungry and thirsty. It's head and shining black eyes scan the group, then speak in a language you don't understand.
Then, it tries again in a different language. Kasi her bow and arrow trained on the intruder, strafes slowly into position, so her arrow doesn't strike a party member. But her eyes never leave the sizzling creature. Kasi responds back in the same language, a hissing and coughing sound you recognize as Draconic. Her tone is hard to decipher without knowledge of sentence construct, but it doesn't seem friendly. The creature gestures further in to the darkness and replies to Kasi. Kasi spits on the ground and barks another short phrase at the creature.
Then, out of the darkness prances a terrifying thing...
Neither bird, nor reptile, nor dragon, the mount limped up behind the warrior and roared a bellowing, angry sound and fixes its gaze on your horses hungrily.
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My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
“Kasi, what did they say?” Hastos asks urgently.
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sharn forced his eyes open and stretched out for his staff without much urgency. He didn't feel pressed from Merkas' description, for whatever reason, and the group was already speaking with the red little creature. His back cracked as he stood straight and shuffled behind the group.
Sera watched in the dim glow of Merkas’ dancing lights, her gaze fixed on the Fire Newt. It was hungry, aggressive, and demanding something from Kasi in its hissing, guttural tongue. Another bandit, it seemed. A different breed, but a bandit nonetheless.
She hesitated. She didn’t want an unnecessary fight, but giving in would only encourage more raids against travelers and settlers alike.
Then, a sudden movement from the darkness—a blur of leathery hide and clawed feet. The Fire Newt’s mount, a Strider, rushed forward, its long, sinewy legs propelling it with alarming speed. The massive, featherless beast—okay, maybe “big chicken” wasn’t that bad of a description—let out a roar that startled Glynnis’ horses. The terrified animals reared, yanking at their reins, nostrils flaring in panic.
That would not happen.
Sera stepped between them, raising her blade as the energy hummed to life. With a whispered command, the golden-white light of her sword ignited, the radiant energy extending in a searing arc and adding its light to the scene. " help me convince it ...." Sera prayed to her god...and feeling a surge of confidence inside like a steady warm flow. ( cast guidance to improve her intimidation)
She squared her stance, her voice firm and unwavering. “It can forget about bullying or taking anything from us.” Her brown eyes locked onto the Fire Newt with unwavering intensity. “We are willing to trade—even share, if it’s in need—but if it tries to rob us… TRY.”
She turned her head slightly. “Tell it that, Kasi.”
To drive the message home, she slashed the glowing blade at the ground before her, scorching the sand with crackling heat. Smoke curled up in warning. She hoped the display would be enough to make both the Fire Newt and its beast reconsider.
( Intimidation and use my heroic inspiration. She really not wanna have a battle now so gets 23 with guidance )
Kasi never blinks, her eyes glaring at the firenewt with a ferocity you haven't seen from her so far. It's almost like the two have a history, or at least firenewts and kobolds do. Either way, Kasi has murder in her eyes.
"Firenewt want food and horse. Giant Strider injured. Want horse meat. No trust Firenewts. Firenewts... burn everything." Kasi barks, a choking sound that sounds like a word she can't find in common, but it drips with venom in its tone. It's clearly meant as an insult. The Firenewt narrows its eyes dangerously and draws its charred-looking sword.
Kasi snarls angrily at the order to translate a trade. The hackles on her scraggly tufts are on end and she gives the impression she'd rather die than share with the creature. "No. Trust. Firenewt," she says, trying to keep her voice calm in deference to her master. There's a growl to her voice. With a long, raspy sigh, she speaks again in the hissing sounds of a dragon, but she ends the sentence with a loud (for her) roaring inflection that implies lethal intent.
But the Firenewt is no longer paying attention to Kasi, the obvious lesser threat. The flame sword and subsequent scorch marks it leaves on the sand have their full attention. Clearly not understanding Sera's words, they still seem to understand what a line-in-the-sand means. The creatures head moves in quick, snappy gestures as they train their eyes on each member of the party, sizing the likelihood of victory up. The giant strider side-steps to get a little closer to the horses, who at this point are looking like they're going to try to bolt any second.
Firenewt Warrior is Intimidated and will not approach Sera for now, but they really... really like that sword.
The Giant Strider does not appear to be intimidated.
Unwilling to approach the group now fronted by the imposing cleric, the Firenewt looks to Kasi and gestures to Sera's weapon. Then hisses again in the draconic language. Kasi only shakes her head and curls back her lips baring her yellow food-stained teeth, still with blood caked on them from engorging on the evening's dinner.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
“Anyone have a way to fix that barking chicken? This guy wants to move on, could have the rest of the jackal, we got our own food for a few days” Merkas says as he picks himself up and heads over to cover the angle the strider is making for the horses “These belong to Glynnis so we aren’t giving them up either.”
He considers for a moment before saying to Kasi “Why are firenewts so bad Kasi, they don’t keep their promises? You think there are more of them?”
Loyalty Begets Honour
Kasi doesn't seem too interested in explaining. All her will is focused on not loosing that arrow before it's absolutely necessary. And though her eye keeps twitching towards the Giant Strider, her main focus is on the Firenewt. "Firenewt burn everything..." she repeats with a ferocious snarl.
It's common knowledge that kobolds are near the bottom of most food chains. Even adventurers and mercenaries often use them as practice targets when developing their combat skills. In large swarms kobolds can be a genuine threat, especially if they have a dragon patron. So kobolds prefer to flee and let their trapmaking skills do most of the work until they can gain a numbers advantage. This feels different. It seems obvious that, even if Kasi were alone in this desert, she'd fight this creature to the death.
Merkas knows the basic lore about Firenewt Warriors from a book he read about the Elemental Plane of Fire. Though not as classically aggressive as goblins and kobolds, and fairly recluse, due to their preference to steaming hot springs, lava pits, and volcanoes, they have been known to get lost exploring the desert and become much more aggressive the longer they remain away from their fiery homes. It could be that this one is getting dehydrated from being away from their nest too long, and has started taking greater risks to acquire hot water, food, and warm shelter.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
“Kasi, please ask them what they offer in return for meat and healing.” Hastos says. “Let’s see if they’re up for bargaining or if this is just extortion.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Sharn moved a step forward mimicking the movements of the Strider. He kicked a bit of dust in it's direction while bocking and barking like it. It wasn't a language, he was merely mimicking the noises of the strange animal to establish his territory against the giant chicken, humorous though it may have seemed. He didn't want it anywhere near the horses. (19+3 for a total of 22 for animal handling vs the Strider)
Kasi hesitates defiantly, but eventually gives in. She hisses at the Firenewt in draconic.
The Firenewt stares back for several moments, then shrugs and replies. While talking, they gesture at the wilderness, then back at your party, then back to your supplies and the horse, then shrugs again. Kasi snarls back log a dog on a leash, utterly displeased with the whole affair. "Protection from danger on trail. One horse. And water. It will travel with masters."
The Firenewt's response definitely seems longer than that, but whether Kasi isn't telling the whole story, or lacks the words to properly translate to common is for you to decide.
Without Draconic or Ignan in anyone's language lists, Persuasion checks will have to be made through Kasi, who is more in a mood to Intimidate at best.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
The Giant Strider seems perplexed by the dwarf's movements, and skitters back a few stumbling steps. From this distance, you can see that it's left leg is swollen and probably sprained, and it mostly tries to keep weight off it. Which only adds to the creature's nasty temperament. It snaps its large, bone-crushing beak at Sharn, and attempts to shuffle around him, only to find Sharn back in the way again. It opens it's mouth again to issue a frustrated roar, which causes the horses to jump, jerking at the tethers holding them in place! They kick the cart enough times to knock it in the air as they snort and rattle in fear. The cart bounces back into the sand and nearly topples on its side.
My DM Registry
My Campaigns:
Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread (PbP); Secrets of the Island (On Discord); Lost Mine of Phendelver (tabletop)
My Characters:
Krik-tul, Thri-kreen monk; Mme Cragmaw, Goblin Artificer; River Kuthraeann, Wood Elf Paladin
Sharn mimicked the Strider’s awkward, hopping gait, and for a brief moment, the tension broke. The sight of the stocky dwarf bouncing like a featherless chicken was undeniably amusing. Even so, Sera kept her focus on the beast.
That was when she noticed it—a slight hitch in its movements. A wound. The Strider’s leg was hurt.
Then came the Fire Newt’s offer: one horse and water, in exchange for its loyalty and protection.
Sera frowned, glancing at the others. Something felt off. Kasi hesitated in the translation, leaving something unsaid. And the Fire Newt itself? It had no control over its own beast—so how could they trust it to protect them?
And yet… she remembered her words at the gate.When she told Duncan. Someone has to take the first step of trust.
Sera exhaled, weighing the risk. Losing a horse could slow them down. Could they still recover the crates? But if they proved to this creature that trade was more profitable than raiding… how many future caravans might be spared?
She met the others’ gazes. "I say yes,” she decided. “Glynnis will hate us for losing a horse, but if we can make him see that he has more to gain by trade than by theft, it might change things. We do not need a battle now. I know he might betray us, but I’m willing to take the risk.”
She looked at Kasi. "Tell him this—I'll heal his mount as a bonus, but in return, when the time comes, it helps pull the wagon back.”
Sera noticed the Fire Newt’s greedy stare lingering on her father’s sword, and her grip tightened on the hilt. She would take the risk, yes—but she wouldn’t be careless
Hastos’ face grimaces at Sera’s suggestion, despite it not being unreasonable. “Agreed..” he says reluctantly “… but we need assurances. Something as a measure of good faith. All the risk is ours at the moment.”
Character: Hastos, Ibahalii Vriwhulth, the Reaper of Glory v2: IC Thread
Eyes wide at the suggestion, Merkas stammers “Haz, Sera?! We gave Glynnis our word to protect the horses. And in a place like this we need them to get our job done. I know what desperate looks like and he’s got it. Kasi says don’t trust, and I trust Kasi so my vote is no. Glow lizard here can go pound sand. Find another group to harass”
The kender moves further to the side, trying to move the focus further from the horses. He moves to the left of Sharn, the glowing orbs staying centred on Merkas.
Loyalty Begets Honour
Sharn hummed while stroking his mustache.
"I have to agree with Merkas here. We can offer water and healing without much issue, but an entire horse is a steep price. Especially since it's not ours to offer."