"Ah, deceit! The Meat with Glasses is cunning at least. "The guards immediately take aim at the tree line and the figurs of Gruk, B'ark and her green grung emerging from the brush. All have their weapons stowed and approach unarmed. No sign of the scouts yet though.
"How nice, Meat with Glasses is bringing us frog legs. This horned lady, she has never harmed lizardfolk. The grung have. But Meat with Glasses suggests that she is the bigger threat? You brought the frog leader here, if we kill him, then one threat will be dealt with for sure." Professor, you're very glad that the draconic speech of the lizardfolk doesn't seem to be understood by the grung. The lizardfolk aren't being more aggressive, but they haven't lowered the weapons either. You get the sense that they are all calculating the odds of killing you all here now and making you into food and your bones into tools, and weighing that up against the shadowy threat and the nebulous benefits of collaboration. So far, the lizardfolk guards don't seem too convinced.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Berrus, you can tell that the stone has been worked with metal tools, indicating that whoever made this also has developed rather sophisticated metallurgy to develop tools hard enough to work basalt. The style seems alien, equal parts primitve and advanced, with elongated facial features, but with rich detail on the beard, the headgear and the sandals. Th craftsmanship is good, precise. Whoever made this took their time, and you can tell by some recessed areas, that the figurine was once painted- alabaster skin, likely using the nearby chalk or limestone; red, green and blue headgear; clothes made from jaguar pelts; golden earrings. You can't help but wonder about the beard on the figure, since you've not heard about any chultans with thick facial hair.
It gets you thinking, after all, legend has it that ancient dwarven civilizations once lived in these jungles. You don't have enough evidence or knowledge to conclude anything definitive about the statue though. If you wanted to, you could try and take it with you, although it weighs about 20 pounds.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Surging to his feet, the Professor says, "No! Gruk is under my protection and I will tolerate no aggression against him." The air starts to swirl slightly as Snively grabs the air, ready to use his influence over the air to deflect any projectiles coming his way (readied action). "Besides, we are not alone. Koro-arak, his mind poisoned with violent intent against you, has sent an assault force to destroy you. It is only through our presence here that they have not yet attacked. We are here to prevent the violence, the death, that will accompany such a conflict," the Professor adds. Addressing the female leader, he says, "If you are a wise leader of your tribe, you will listen to what Grung has to say now. If not, bring someone with more sense to hear our words."
Turning to Gruk, the Professor says, "They seem to be predisposed to violence and keep referring to me as 'meat', saying that they will kill you and eliminate the threat of the Grung to themselves--quite a short-sighted view, actually, as that will just make it easier for the hag to enslave you both. I have tried to convince them of our power--both mine and the scouting party--so hopefully they will receive your words with all due consideration. I will translate when you are ready."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The Female lizardfolk gives you a puzzled look: "Leader? I don't understand you. Why would we follow one person, and why would we want to avoid conflict? You see how that is foolish, looking at the froglegs. One bad leader and the entire tribe is doomed. Lizardfolk decide everything together, there is no leader. As soon as a hatchling is capable of feeding themselves, they have a voice in the clan. We learn from mistakes, as the wrong decisions leave only the fittest alive. Conflict and death teach the best lessons, the unfit don't make it and their voices won't be heard in future decisions. That way the tribe never grows too large. If one among us disagrees with the group decision, they can roam the swamps alone. Maybe that decision is right and they survive, while the rest of the clan dies. Or maybe, they are wrong and the clan survives. Either way, lizardfolk agree together, or get taught through death.
But I see you have abilities that we lack. I also see you speak many tongues, and you have made allies of the froglegs, Meat with Glasses...." at that, the female lizardperson utters a ululating call and then turns towards you "You may come into the village and talk with the others. Convince them, and there will be peace between our tribes and we might exchange goos and knowledge... fail, and you will be dinner."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Snively turns to Gruk and translates, saying, “They are ready to talk with us. Do you want to call in the Grung patrol now so they can have a seat at the table and also possibly strengthen your hand? I would be concerned if they are out there, considering whether to attack, while we try to negotiate peace.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Doubt we can find any source of acid around. Probably we would have to do it the hard way and fight head on." Maxine did not like that idea but did not see any alternative.
Gruk looks at the Professor, almost apologetically: "Gruk doesn't know where scouts are. Maybe Bro-fasser and Gruk were too fast? But now, Bro-fasser and Gruk need to go talk with lizards, if there is to be peace."
----------------------------------
Berrus, there's no way for you to tell, standing where you are, whether the cave has only one entrance or not. As far as acids go, Maxine or Shae, give me an Intelligence check with advantage given your alchemical training.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
”Understood,” says the Professor. “Perhaps we can send B’ark out to intercept the scouts before they arrive so we are not attacked during peace talks.” Snively moves into the village with Gruk as directed by the Lizardfolk.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
When acids were mentioned, Shae’s first thoughts would go to lemons and citrus, acids used in cooking. And she’s yet to come across anything like that that she could recall at this time. As for alchemical reactions, she’d look to Maxine for her expertise.
"Mineral acids are not that easy to come by, in natural conditions," elaborated Maxine her refusal even to think about the subject. "And to extract one, well, you need quite an equipment. Explosives would be nice, but again, it is not something you just mix up in the middle of the woods. I am afraid we will have to fight."
Professor, as you and Gruk walk into the swamp colony of the lizardfolk, the tension is palpable. But, true to their ancestry, you find yourself unable to tell whether the unblinking stares coming your way are to size you up, or just basic curiousity. It takes you no more than two minutes to reach a raised paltform on stilts in the middle of the other houses. The female lizardfolk from the perimeter watch is following closely behind you, explaining that this is where colony meetings happen. Once you make it there, a shrill whistle cuts through the air, and within the next three minutes, a large part of the colony gathers, while the rest remains their watchful positions. The lizardfolk woman next to you waits until most of her peers have gathered, and then begins talking.
"Brothers and SIsters, these two soft ones are here with talk of threats and possibilities of trade. Glasses can speak many tongues and has made alliances with other species, while the frog leads the winning side of a civil war among the frogs. Glasses helps him, with what I can say seems to be control of the elements. They come to us, to warn of an attack against our colony by the frogs..." she pauses for a short moment, and is rewarded by the racuous laughter among several of the older male lizardfolk, clearly unafraid of clashes with the grung. "I know my brothers, that the frogs pose little threat to the colony. But Glasses here says that there is a larger threat. If we kill the frogs, as we most likely would, some shaman will use for her dark purposes, and will enslave all life around here". An old lizardfolk woman with scars across her scaly body interjects: "Sounds bogus, and awfully convenient for the frogs. Now Skinny, what do they want?" The adressed female lizardfolk responds quickly "Alright Big Momma, settle down. That's why I called the colony together. I want them telling all of us, so we can decide together."
With that, Skinny prods you in the back, forcing you to take a couple steps forward, into the small circle left free in the middle of the lizardfolk colony. "Come now glasses, speak up."
-------------------------------------------
Shae, what are you doing at the cave entrance? This goes for the whole group. Are you headed inside the cave?
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Translating for Gruk, the Professor assesses the situation and Gruk's composure, saying to him, "It appears more introductions are needed. I will get started, and you feel free to jump in whenever you like, and I will translate."
Walking to the center of the platform, Snively feels very exposed. He takes a deep breath to calm himself, then begins, pausing occasionally to translate for Gruk.
"Who among you is the most cunning hunter and warrior? I would address you first." Assuming one of the older males steps forward, Snively will continue, respectfully addressing his comments to the identified warrior. "Skinny is right, if the Grung attacked en mass in an attempt to overrun your village, they would be annihilated, as you are many and you are strong. But the Grung are accomplished archers and spellcasters, and if they were to wage a war of attrition, striking small groups from range and retreating when you attempt to directly confront them, they could well weaken you to the point that your defenses would crumble. Yet a truly cunning warrior thinks about strategy, not just tactics. What is the best way to defeat two enemies? Have them attack each other, of course! The victor will be weakened and you can much more easily conquer one weak enemy than two strong ones. This is the strategy the Horned Lady employs."
"Who among you is wise in the old ways, steeped in the knowledge of primal magic and the history of the ancestors? I would address you next." Assuming someone steps forward, maybe even Big Momma, Snively continues. "The moon waxes and the power of the otherworldly fey grows stronger. The Horned Lady is a daunting foe, a hag of ancient power--but together with her sisters, her power would grow immeasurably greater as her coven would be completed! We have confronted her once, damaged her summoning circle, and made off with her journal. This is how we know of her plan to poison the mind of the Grung towards violence, and her plan to use Lizardfolk and Grung blood to fuel her foul ritual and free her sisters from their imprisonment. The full moon brings the final confrontation, where either we will defeat her or the shadow of the Coven will lie heavy on the land henceforth." Holding out the book to show the identified wise leader, he offers, "If you have the power to read this, and the wisdom to discern its meaning, review it and see the truth of my words."
Turing in a broad circle, he indicates everyone around him and says, "I understand that you make decisions as a tribe, so I address you all. We did not come here to treat with you at all, but instead we wished to intercept the Grung scouting party sent here by those Grung leaders with minds poisoned towards violence against the Lizardfolk by the Horned Lady. When we did not find them, we sought permission to come into your village and discuss the matter with you as a way to forestall the start of a war--once fang, claw, and arrow come into play, the time for diplomacy has passed. Indeed, we are here because of the bravery and wisdom of this singular Grung, Gruk, who was strong enough to take the symbol the Horned Lady sought to use to enslave the will of the Grung, sundering it and now wearing it around his neck as a token of the freedom of the Grung! I ask that you hear his words and consider them carefully."
Looking at Gruk and translating, he says, "Your turn, now, Gruk. Make it good."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((Since the list is gone, things were not distributed between inventories and I do not see anything for explosives/acid creation, I'll use DM's advice and roll here. Tools with Int, Arcana and Investigation all have same modifier - 24 ))
Your words hit the right tone, and many of the lizardfolk see the wisdom in your words, although none of them can read. But they understand what faces them, and they see you two for who and what you are. As Gruk steps into their middle, the tribe of lizardfolk is silent, watching the diminutive grung before them. He gives you a glance, making sure you can translate. Then he starts:
"Grung and Lizardfolk can live side by side. Jungle is hard enough on all living things, why make it harder? Bro-fasser and tribe of Bro-fasser help grung to become free of hag, and Bro-fasser also wants to help lizardfolk. There is no need for war. When Gruk becomes leader of grung, grung and lizardfolk can live side by side, help each other, learn from each other. Bro-fasser has shown Gruk that there is great power in knowledge. Grung want to share with lizardolfk, work together. Too many grung and lizardfolk have died, because of foolish grung leaders. Gruk wants to change that. Gruk wants to work with lizardfolk. Gruk wants peace and knowledge for both people." Gruk falls silent, waiting for a response.
Big Momma is about to speak, when another shrill whistle cuts through the air, followed by a shout: "Frogs! Five of them, coming from the trees!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Crossing his fingers, the Professor hopes that B'ark has been able to convince the Grung scouts to approach peacefully, otherwise this could go sideways quickly.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Berrus inspects the ground around the cave entrance and picks out defensible positions. Ok archers here and here other distance people with them. He tries to tell the Gurng with them as well using signs and tries to gather if this is the only entrance
Shae would exhale, mouth parched from the never ending jungle heat. She’ll reach to grab her water skin to take a drink when it would hit her. “Maxine, Faekin’s wine. It’s pretty close to vinegar. We might be able to concentrate it?”
Professor, as you approach the edge of the colony, you see a flurry of practiced and coordinated action, as several members of the colony melt away as you proceed towards the forest, taking up defensive positions across the village, or protecting their hatchlings. Only about a dozen lizardfolk remain behind you and Gruk. Several of the thatched roofs have been lifted with lizardfolk guards with shortbows and crossbows at the ready, eyeing the procession of grung.
You see about ten figures slowly advance through the swampy terrain towards the lizardfolk village, with B'ark at the head. Though armed, none of the grung are appearing in a threatening manner, simply carrying their bows, blowguns and spears at their sides.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
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"Ah, deceit! The Meat with Glasses is cunning at least. "The guards immediately take aim at the tree line and the figurs of Gruk, B'ark and her green grung emerging from the brush. All have their weapons stowed and approach unarmed. No sign of the scouts yet though.
"How nice, Meat with Glasses is bringing us frog legs. This horned lady, she has never harmed lizardfolk. The grung have. But Meat with Glasses suggests that she is the bigger threat? You brought the frog leader here, if we kill him, then one threat will be dealt with for sure." Professor, you're very glad that the draconic speech of the lizardfolk doesn't seem to be understood by the grung. The lizardfolk aren't being more aggressive, but they haven't lowered the weapons either. You get the sense that they are all calculating the odds of killing you all here now and making you into food and your bones into tools, and weighing that up against the shadowy threat and the nebulous benefits of collaboration. So far, the lizardfolk guards don't seem too convinced.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Berrus, you can tell that the stone has been worked with metal tools, indicating that whoever made this also has developed rather sophisticated metallurgy to develop tools hard enough to work basalt. The style seems alien, equal parts primitve and advanced, with elongated facial features, but with rich detail on the beard, the headgear and the sandals. Th craftsmanship is good, precise. Whoever made this took their time, and you can tell by some recessed areas, that the figurine was once painted- alabaster skin, likely using the nearby chalk or limestone; red, green and blue headgear; clothes made from jaguar pelts; golden earrings. You can't help but wonder about the beard on the figure, since you've not heard about any chultans with thick facial hair.
It gets you thinking, after all, legend has it that ancient dwarven civilizations once lived in these jungles. You don't have enough evidence or knowledge to conclude anything definitive about the statue though. If you wanted to, you could try and take it with you, although it weighs about 20 pounds.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
"good stonework, hopefully the cave isnt the same"
im not sure how to bring it down, acid might work on the chalk but tha takes time....any other ideas?
Laissez les bons temps rouler
The Professor:
Surging to his feet, the Professor says, "No! Gruk is under my protection and I will tolerate no aggression against him." The air starts to swirl slightly as Snively grabs the air, ready to use his influence over the air to deflect any projectiles coming his way (readied action). "Besides, we are not alone. Koro-arak, his mind poisoned with violent intent against you, has sent an assault force to destroy you. It is only through our presence here that they have not yet attacked. We are here to prevent the violence, the death, that will accompany such a conflict," the Professor adds. Addressing the female leader, he says, "If you are a wise leader of your tribe, you will listen to what Grung has to say now. If not, bring someone with more sense to hear our words."
Turning to Gruk, the Professor says, "They seem to be predisposed to violence and keep referring to me as 'meat', saying that they will kill you and eliminate the threat of the Grung to themselves--quite a short-sighted view, actually, as that will just make it easier for the hag to enslave you both. I have tried to convince them of our power--both mine and the scouting party--so hopefully they will receive your words with all due consideration. I will translate when you are ready."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
The Female lizardfolk gives you a puzzled look: "Leader? I don't understand you. Why would we follow one person, and why would we want to avoid conflict? You see how that is foolish, looking at the froglegs. One bad leader and the entire tribe is doomed. Lizardfolk decide everything together, there is no leader. As soon as a hatchling is capable of feeding themselves, they have a voice in the clan. We learn from mistakes, as the wrong decisions leave only the fittest alive. Conflict and death teach the best lessons, the unfit don't make it and their voices won't be heard in future decisions. That way the tribe never grows too large. If one among us disagrees with the group decision, they can roam the swamps alone. Maybe that decision is right and they survive, while the rest of the clan dies. Or maybe, they are wrong and the clan survives. Either way, lizardfolk agree together, or get taught through death.
But I see you have abilities that we lack. I also see you speak many tongues, and you have made allies of the froglegs, Meat with Glasses...." at that, the female lizardperson utters a ululating call and then turns towards you "You may come into the village and talk with the others. Convince them, and there will be peace between our tribes and we might exchange goos and knowledge... fail, and you will be dinner."
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
The Professor:
Snively turns to Gruk and translates, saying, “They are ready to talk with us. Do you want to call in the Grung patrol now so they can have a seat at the table and also possibly strengthen your hand? I would be concerned if they are out there, considering whether to attack, while we try to negotiate peace.”
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Doubt we can find any source of acid around. Probably we would have to do it the hard way and fight head on." Maxine did not like that idea but did not see any alternative.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
or cover the entrance and meet them at the mouth of the cave. as long as that be the only way in that is
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Gruk looks at the Professor, almost apologetically: "Gruk doesn't know where scouts are. Maybe Bro-fasser and Gruk were too fast? But now, Bro-fasser and Gruk need to go talk with lizards, if there is to be peace."
----------------------------------
Berrus, there's no way for you to tell, standing where you are, whether the cave has only one entrance or not. As far as acids go, Maxine or Shae, give me an Intelligence check with advantage given your alchemical training.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
The Professor:
”Understood,” says the Professor. “Perhaps we can send B’ark out to intercept the scouts before they arrive so we are not attacked during peace talks.” Snively moves into the village with Gruk as directed by the Lizardfolk.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
When acids were mentioned, Shae’s first thoughts would go to lemons and citrus, acids used in cooking. And she’s yet to come across anything like that that she could recall at this time. As for alchemical reactions, she’d look to Maxine for her expertise.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Mineral acids are not that easy to come by, in natural conditions," elaborated Maxine her refusal even to think about the subject. "And to extract one, well, you need quite an equipment. Explosives would be nice, but again, it is not something you just mix up in the middle of the woods. I am afraid we will have to fight."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Professor, as you and Gruk walk into the swamp colony of the lizardfolk, the tension is palpable. But, true to their ancestry, you find yourself unable to tell whether the unblinking stares coming your way are to size you up, or just basic curiousity. It takes you no more than two minutes to reach a raised paltform on stilts in the middle of the other houses. The female lizardfolk from the perimeter watch is following closely behind you, explaining that this is where colony meetings happen. Once you make it there, a shrill whistle cuts through the air, and within the next three minutes, a large part of the colony gathers, while the rest remains their watchful positions. The lizardfolk woman next to you waits until most of her peers have gathered, and then begins talking.
"Brothers and SIsters, these two soft ones are here with talk of threats and possibilities of trade. Glasses can speak many tongues and has made alliances with other species, while the frog leads the winning side of a civil war among the frogs. Glasses helps him, with what I can say seems to be control of the elements. They come to us, to warn of an attack against our colony by the frogs..." she pauses for a short moment, and is rewarded by the racuous laughter among several of the older male lizardfolk, clearly unafraid of clashes with the grung. "I know my brothers, that the frogs pose little threat to the colony. But Glasses here says that there is a larger threat. If we kill the frogs, as we most likely would, some shaman will use for her dark purposes, and will enslave all life around here". An old lizardfolk woman with scars across her scaly body interjects: "Sounds bogus, and awfully convenient for the frogs. Now Skinny, what do they want?" The adressed female lizardfolk responds quickly "Alright Big Momma, settle down. That's why I called the colony together. I want them telling all of us, so we can decide together."
With that, Skinny prods you in the back, forcing you to take a couple steps forward, into the small circle left free in the middle of the lizardfolk colony. "Come now glasses, speak up."
-------------------------------------------
Shae, what are you doing at the cave entrance? This goes for the whole group. Are you headed inside the cave?
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
The Professor:
Translating for Gruk, the Professor assesses the situation and Gruk's composure, saying to him, "It appears more introductions are needed. I will get started, and you feel free to jump in whenever you like, and I will translate."
Walking to the center of the platform, Snively feels very exposed. He takes a deep breath to calm himself, then begins, pausing occasionally to translate for Gruk.
"Who among you is the most cunning hunter and warrior? I would address you first." Assuming one of the older males steps forward, Snively will continue, respectfully addressing his comments to the identified warrior. "Skinny is right, if the Grung attacked en mass in an attempt to overrun your village, they would be annihilated, as you are many and you are strong. But the Grung are accomplished archers and spellcasters, and if they were to wage a war of attrition, striking small groups from range and retreating when you attempt to directly confront them, they could well weaken you to the point that your defenses would crumble. Yet a truly cunning warrior thinks about strategy, not just tactics. What is the best way to defeat two enemies? Have them attack each other, of course! The victor will be weakened and you can much more easily conquer one weak enemy than two strong ones. This is the strategy the Horned Lady employs."
"Who among you is wise in the old ways, steeped in the knowledge of primal magic and the history of the ancestors? I would address you next." Assuming someone steps forward, maybe even Big Momma, Snively continues. "The moon waxes and the power of the otherworldly fey grows stronger. The Horned Lady is a daunting foe, a hag of ancient power--but together with her sisters, her power would grow immeasurably greater as her coven would be completed! We have confronted her once, damaged her summoning circle, and made off with her journal. This is how we know of her plan to poison the mind of the Grung towards violence, and her plan to use Lizardfolk and Grung blood to fuel her foul ritual and free her sisters from their imprisonment. The full moon brings the final confrontation, where either we will defeat her or the shadow of the Coven will lie heavy on the land henceforth." Holding out the book to show the identified wise leader, he offers, "If you have the power to read this, and the wisdom to discern its meaning, review it and see the truth of my words."
Turing in a broad circle, he indicates everyone around him and says, "I understand that you make decisions as a tribe, so I address you all. We did not come here to treat with you at all, but instead we wished to intercept the Grung scouting party sent here by those Grung leaders with minds poisoned towards violence against the Lizardfolk by the Horned Lady. When we did not find them, we sought permission to come into your village and discuss the matter with you as a way to forestall the start of a war--once fang, claw, and arrow come into play, the time for diplomacy has passed. Indeed, we are here because of the bravery and wisdom of this singular Grung, Gruk, who was strong enough to take the symbol the Horned Lady sought to use to enslave the will of the Grung, sundering it and now wearing it around his neck as a token of the freedom of the Grung! I ask that you hear his words and consider them carefully."
Looking at Gruk and translating, he says, "Your turn, now, Gruk. Make it good."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
((Since the list is gone, things were not distributed between inventories and I do not see anything for explosives/acid creation, I'll use DM's advice and roll here. Tools with Int, Arcana and Investigation all have same modifier - 24 ))
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Professor, for that you get inspiration.
Your words hit the right tone, and many of the lizardfolk see the wisdom in your words, although none of them can read. But they understand what faces them, and they see you two for who and what you are. As Gruk steps into their middle, the tribe of lizardfolk is silent, watching the diminutive grung before them. He gives you a glance, making sure you can translate. Then he starts:
"Grung and Lizardfolk can live side by side. Jungle is hard enough on all living things, why make it harder? Bro-fasser and tribe of Bro-fasser help grung to become free of hag, and Bro-fasser also wants to help lizardfolk. There is no need for war. When Gruk becomes leader of grung, grung and lizardfolk can live side by side, help each other, learn from each other. Bro-fasser has shown Gruk that there is great power in knowledge. Grung want to share with lizardolfk, work together. Too many grung and lizardfolk have died, because of foolish grung leaders. Gruk wants to change that. Gruk wants to work with lizardfolk. Gruk wants peace and knowledge for both people." Gruk falls silent, waiting for a response.
Big Momma is about to speak, when another shrill whistle cuts through the air, followed by a shout: "Frogs! Five of them, coming from the trees!"
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
The Professor:
Crossing his fingers, the Professor hopes that B'ark has been able to convince the Grung scouts to approach peacefully, otherwise this could go sideways quickly.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Berrus inspects the ground around the cave entrance and picks out defensible positions. Ok archers here and here other distance people with them. He tries to tell the Gurng with them as well using signs and tries to gather if this is the only entrance
Laissez les bons temps rouler
Shae would exhale, mouth parched from the never ending jungle heat. She’ll reach to grab her water skin to take a drink when it would hit her. “Maxine, Faekin’s wine. It’s pretty close to vinegar. We might be able to concentrate it?”
just an unstable unicorn.
Professor, as you approach the edge of the colony, you see a flurry of practiced and coordinated action, as several members of the colony melt away as you proceed towards the forest, taking up defensive positions across the village, or protecting their hatchlings. Only about a dozen lizardfolk remain behind you and Gruk. Several of the thatched roofs have been lifted with lizardfolk guards with shortbows and crossbows at the ready, eyeing the procession of grung.
You see about ten figures slowly advance through the swampy terrain towards the lizardfolk village, with B'ark at the head. Though armed, none of the grung are appearing in a threatening manner, simply carrying their bows, blowguns and spears at their sides.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms