Quote from Mithdraugaer >>

Peri:

Peri racks his brain, trying to recall any information about the koalinth (Nature: 19)

 

 
Peri has heard stories of the koalinth: they are martial and aggressive aquatic hobgoblins with brightly colored faces and functional gills. They are known for their ferocity, and for their hatred of elves. They breathe air and water, and often carry tridents. Their reputation is nearly as horrid as the sahuagin.

Gerrard:

Gerrard pens a letter meant to sound hopeful, honestly detailing their progress so far and assuring the town elders that the Lizardfolk wish to reclaim their home, not attack the human cities.  He considers this a success as far as Saltmarsh is concerned, though he hopes for an alliance (or at least a non-aggression pact) between Saltmarsh and the Lizardfolk if he can persuade them we townsfolk are trustworthy.    Gerrard also tries to lay the groundwork for the return of the Lizardfolk weapons, since they are to be used to reclaim the Lizardfolk homeland from the Sahuagin, not attack any human settlements.

Gerrard:

"I don't mind a letter drop-off, but I would need to write a separate note to the crew so they know what we are up to," mentions Gerrard..

Hearing about the long trek, Gerrard asks, "Is there a ship's boat or a launch we could use to go upriver until we get close?  Or maybe the lizardfolk have a raft or something we could use.  It would be easier than slogging through the swamp."

Kei 

"I can ask my new guard friend if you want. I don't see the scaly ones as being too fond of pleasure boating though. A ship's tender would be perfect, but I'm afraid that would take too long to organise." Kei offers to talk to the mace wielding lizard but he sounds almost reluctant to do so.

Peri knows that Sal's flat-bottomed keelboat might be better suited to rivers than the open ocean; that said, it would be tricky to get the boat past the ford, let alone whatever narrow shallows await further inland.

The morningstar-bearing guide and his pals remain outside the cavern on the trail, watching you quietly.

Peri:

Peri hadn't thought of using Bjorn to deliver the letter to Captain Sal. "Dumb lizard-bird," he mutters under his breath, then feels bad because the little pseudo dragon is only being helpful. He asks to bum a scrap of parchment and scratched out a short note: "Dear Sal, Looks like I'm not going to be able to take you out for that drink tonight. Have one on me anyway, and maybe tomorrow we can have one together." He folds the note around a silver and adds it to Bjorn's bundle. He also gives Dwal a silver to add to the dragon's hoard. 

"I don't think we'll have much luck gettin' a boat too deep into this swamp before we have to get out and slog. I say we take the longer, safer way around. No reason to give that big 'ol gator a chance to strike first."

The pseudodragon takes both notes and flies off.

The decision remains: directly overland through the swamp, along the winding riverbank, try to procure a boat, or another way?

Gerrard:

"I am no wilderness tracker, so I defer to those with experience--I'm sure I would get lost trying to make the trek without the river to guide me," replies Gerrard.  Switching to Draconic, he walks over and speaks to the lead guard (the one with the morningstar), who has been their host so far.

Kei 

Watching the small dragonkin fly off he takes a moment to straighten his sleeves - like a magician with nothing up his sleeves. Then, whoosh, a quick flick of the wrist and Trill emerges from its pocket dimension. "He's gone, for now anyways." he attempts to comfort the spectral bird. "I know. I know. You have feelings too" turning to the nearest party member he explains "He seems to get a little nervous around Bjorn. He might not be real, but apparently he has feelings". 

The owl shoots high into the sky. Kei's eyes turn Miley white. The group recognising that Kei is now looking through the birds eyes. He seeks an idea on which may be the better route to take.

Perception 15

Your host seems agreeable to be your guide, although it insists to Gerrard that it will accompany as a guide and observer only, cannot commit to joining combat, and may abandon you to your fate at any time.

Quote from SinarLightwood >>

Kei 

The owl shoots high into the sky. Kei's eyes turn Miley white. The group recognising that Kei is now looking through the birds eyes. He seeks an idea on which may be the better route to take.

Perception 15

Through Trill's eyes, Kei sees a wasteland of scrubby swampland for tens of miles inland in all directions. The river meanders a lot - while it has a solid bank, and even a hint of a thin trail along parts - it marks a way significantly longer than any overland route. It is a broad, slow-moving body of water, choked with reeds and too shallow in many spots to allow boats other than rafts to traverse it; Sal's keelboat is probably impractical here. Away from the river, he sees thick brush, huge boulders, and lots of places where danger might hide. Many areas are full of tall, sickly trees, great swarms of biting insects, and dark pools of foul-smelling water.

Kei 

His own senses return as his eyes regain their colour. "Seems we're out of luck. The river is full of reeds and other vegetation. Boat won't be headed up there very far. And if that wasn't enough, it twists and turns all over the place. Following the trail will likely take thrice as long as a slog directly across the marsh." He looks at Gerrard as he speaks again. "Don't expect your fine clothes to get any cleaner Gerry, this is going to get dirty".

Gerrard:

"Good thing I am wearing my second-best outfit then, Master Kei," responds Gerrard, taking the precaution to tuck his breeches into the tops of his boots.  Taking a deep breath, he says, "Shall we get moving then?  We have a long walk ahead of us.  Oh, and one of our hosts has agreed to guide us on our journey."  Gerrard indicates the lizardfolk with the morningstar.

Draconic:

Quote from Scott_R_Simmons >>

Gerrard: Draconic:

"We are about ready to head to fight the alligator.  Thank you for agreeing to accompany us.  What is your name?"

The lizardfolk guide responds:

Gerrard:

"Our guide's name is *Valignat*, which means 'burned' in the Draconic tongue.  Are we ready to be off--perhaps the straight route with our guide to assist?" asks the noble, resigning himself to a long slog through the swamp.

Dwal

Dwal again has little to say. He places his shield on his back and shoulder his axe, taking his place in the march. 

Kei 

"Gnat. Appropriate." Kei walks ahead in a huff. "Like the noble says - we should get going". Muttering as he walks he removes his cittern and strikes up an elven song in an attempt to cheer himself up.

For Gerrard and Oceanus.

 For the Peri and Dwal.

 The song holds a listful tune even though, as Kei explains the lyrics to any who may ask, it is a song of loss. Growth also, but growth due to hardship. Perhaps not the best choice of tunes, a little melancholy. He increases the beat and begins a more lively Dwarven marching tune.

The party sets off into the foul-smelling marsh. Valignat proves very effective in picking out a trail through the fetid swamp, even as he shows much patience waiting for you to catch up. (It's "difficult terrain" but not for him.) It's just after noon as you set off. The journey will take many hours. The prospect of camping out here at night is worrisome. Clouds of mosquitos and biting insects ravage your skin; Valignat ignores them completely. ("Let them eat," he says, unperturbed.)

Do you have a marching order? (Valignat will be at or near the front.)

At one point in the first hour, Valignat stops Dwal from almost walking onto a "bog pit" – a huge mat of dried mud and leaves covering a deep empty cavity. ("Don't walk there!" says Valignat.)

In the second hour, Peri's sharp ears pick up on an odd crunching sound. The party pauses as Peri peeks ahead: Stealth: 21. Perception: 20 

Trolls. Two of them. Eating crabs. Squatting on a mossy bank ahead. They have not noticed you. 

Peri:

Peri expects to find a boar or other beast; seeing the trolls sends a bolt of fear through him. ((Nature check 12 for what Peri might know of trolls)) He creeps back to the group and silently scratches the word "trolls" into the muddy dirt of the path, and holds up two fingers. Then with his fingers he pantomimes walking WAY out around where the trolls are and shrugs, to ask if the others want to avoid the trolls.

Gerrard:

Looking at Valignat, Gerrard whispers in Draconic to him at Peri's communication.  He then whispers softly to the others, "We should avoid the trolls unless they are a clear danger to our new allies.'

Draconic: