Peri and Gerrard's guide speak for a couple of long minutes with Queen and her aides, including the one bearing the tooth. The aides mostly stare at you. The hatchlings eagerly eat more of Peri's candy.
Soon the Queen strides over to you, her posse close behind.
"I am Othokent, Queen of the Lizardfolk," she says, loudly, in nearly flawless Common. "I see you made some little friends," she adds, taking note of the hatchlings. "I also understand you killed several of our lizards, but you did not harm any lizardfolk. For that we accept your parley, instead of killing you. Who are you, and what do you want?"
"Greetings, Queen Othokent. I am Lord Gerrard Feldren and this is Master Peri Fenwader. I apologize for my unkempt appearance, as my companions were obliged to cut me out of one of your guard lizards after it had swallowed me. I bring a token of friendship, a shield that was to be part of a weapons and armor delivery to your people," begins Gerrard, stepping forward a pace, laying down the shield, and stepping back.
"As far as our purpose here, that is a story in itself how we became involved, but our main purpose is to determine if your tribe is gathering weapons to make war against Saltmarsh," he summarizes briefly, bowing and waiting for the queen to respond.
"Thousand Teeth the Devourer," answers the shaman. "A very big crocodile. It ate three of ours, first, then many more. But our people do not kill crocodiles. Bring us the head of Thousand Teeth as payment for the lizards."
"Greetings, Queen Othokent. I am Lord Gerrard Feldren and this is Master Peri Fenwader. I apologize for my unkempt appearance, as my companions were obliged to cut me out of one of your guard lizards after it had swallowed me. I bring a token of friendship, a shield that was to be part of a weapons and armor delivery to your people," begins Gerrard, stepping forward a pace, laying down the shield, and stepping back.
"As far as our purpose here, that is a story in itself how we became involved, but our main purpose is to determine if your tribe is gathering weapons to make war against Saltmarsh," he summarizes briefly, bowing and waiting for the queen to respond.
"We have no interest in attacking human cities. However, that has not stopped humans and worse from attacking us. Perhaps you are liars and killers, like so many others. But maybe we can help one another. What is it your people desire?" One of the morningstar-bearing lizardfolk advances carefully and takes the shield.
"All the town council of Saltmarsh asked of us was to get assurances that your purpose is not to attack us, so my mind is greatly relieved, Your Majesty," replied Gerrard, smiling politely. "However, there are many dangers that beset our town--and perhaps your tribe--that our peoples could better resist if we worked together. For instance, we were just recently attacked by Gnolls led by a mad mage cultist of some being called Xolor."
"With your assurance that you do not plan to attack the human cities, I will entreat our town council to deliver the weapons that are due you. Perhaps that can be the olive branch that will allow our peoples to have a peaceful relationship. These weapons were originally transported by liars and killers like those you mention--human pirates--but they have faced Saltmarsh's justice," explained Gerrard, adding, "But perhaps there is something else we can do as a gesture of friendship while we are here to mark this occasion. Is there a service we can provide for your tribe, Your Majesty?"
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"A crocodile? Surely no match for your skills oh scaley ones." His sarcasm evident to Dwal, but hopefully not the lizardmen. "Tell me, does this giant crocodile happen to keep the treasures it finds on its prey? Like a dragon perhaps."He quickly tries to fix his question by covering his desire for loot with faux concern that they may have mistaken a young dragon for a crocodile. "It's not a wyrmling is it? If it's dragonkin, then maybe we should leave it alone".He looks skyward in an attempt to find the dragon.
Taking his time, as if deep in contemplation, he continues, "you know, we could take care of the dragon for you. But that squares us. One big lizard for your fallen."
"All the town council of Saltmarsh asked of us was to get assurances that your purpose is not to attack us, so my mind is greatly relieved, Your Majesty," replied Gerrard, smiling politely. "However, there are many dangers that beset our town--and perhaps your tribe--that our peoples could better resist if we worked together. For instance, we were just recently attacked by Gnolls led by a mad mage cultist of some being called Xolor."
"With your assurance that you do not plan to attack the human cities, I will entreat our town council to deliver the weapons that are due you. Perhaps that can be the olive branch that will allow our peoples to have a peaceful relationship. These weapons were originally transported by liars and killers like those you mention--human pirates--but they have faced Saltmarsh's justice," explained Gerrard, adding, "But perhaps there is something else we can do as a gesture of friendship while we are here to mark this occasion. Is there a service we can provide for your tribe, Your Majesty?"
"Xolor," repeats Othokent. "We are concerned also of Xolor, but Xolor can be placated for now. We have more immediate concerns. Our weapon shipment was stolen by the humans and the dwarves, our people killed. Tell me this: are you aligned with or against the sahuagin?"
"If you answer me correctly, I will give you one day to prove your worth and win the lizardfolk’s trust, and I will grant you open access to our lair."
"A crocodile? Surely no match for your skills oh scaley ones." His sarcasm evident to Dwal, but hopefully not the lizardmen. "Tell me, does this giant crocodile happen to keep the treasures it finds on its prey? Like a dragon perhaps."He quickly tries to fix his question by covering his desire for loot with faux concern that they may have mistaken a young dragon for a crocodile. "It's not a wyrmling is it? If it's dragonkin, then maybe we should leave it alone".He looks skyward in an attempt to find the dragon.
Taking his time, as if deep in contemplation, he continues, "you know, we could take care of the dragon for you. But that squares us. One big lizard for your fallen."
"Thousand Teeth is no dragon. But lizardfolk do not kill crocodiles. They are sacred. But Thousand Teeth eat lizardfolk. You bring us the head of Thousand Teeth, we will forgive the lizards. Thousand Teeth eats everything, keeps nothing. But we shall keep its head."
Caught off guard by the question, Gerrard wracks his brain to try and remember what relationship the Sahuagin have with the civilized people of the kingdom. Looking to Peri for some help, he hopes his friend may know more about them.
History Check on Sahuagin: 20
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Ha. Sacred huh? But it's ok for us to kill it."His words barely a whisper, more a thought that happened to escape his mouth. "Sounds like you're setting us up to fail. It seems a win-win for you. We succeed, you needn't worry about Thousand Teeth. We fail, you have lost nothing but a couple of lizards. Hardly seems fair. Perhaps if there was something to sweeten the deal..."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Peri:
Peri starts at the mention of the fish-people."Sahaguin! Those cold-bloo-- I mean cold-hearted fiends!"He looks nervously at Gerrard, hopeful that the Queen didn't catch his first choice of adjective, or at least won't take offense.
((I will let the DM decide how much Peri knows of the sahaguin. Surely, being a sailor, he's heard stories of them, but how much useful information does he have? Straight d20: 12; I'll let you decide which modifier to use, but if it's History or Nature it's a -1. Not a Rhodes scholar, our boy....))
((It would seem Peri's spent some time reading up on the fish-monster-people!))
As it turns out, Peri and Gerrard both know quite a lot about the Sahaguin, although neither have seen any in the flesh. Gerrard's knowledge is a little more academic, and Peri's more fanciful, but they agree on a number of things:
- They are evil aquatic humanoids, bent on the slaughter of coastal settlers and ship crews alike. - They are amphibious, but mainly dwell in the deeps. - These predators worship sharks, and can command them as well. - Sahuagin are driven into a frenzy by the smell of fresh blood. - Some can command magic as well. - Their mortal enemies are the aquatic elves - Oceanus' people.
Oceanus also knows about - and abhors - the Sahaguin. Unlike his comrades, he has met them before in battle.
"Ha. Sacred huh? But it's ok for us to kill it."His words barely a whisper, more a thought that happened to escape his mouth. "Sounds like you're setting us up to fail. It seems a win-win for you. We succeed, you needn't worry about Thousand Teeth. We fail, you have lost nothing but a couple of lizards. Hardly seems fair. Perhaps if there was something to sweeten the deal..."
Persuasion 7
Kei's negotiation falls on deaf ears. "You asked our price. I answered you. The head of Thousand Teeth the Devourer or 500 pieces of electrum."
"Xolor," repeats Othokent. "We are concerned also of Xolor, but Xolor can be placated for now. We have more immediate concerns. Our weapon shipment was stolen by the humans and the dwarves, our people killed. Tell me this: are you aligned with or against the sahuagin?"
"If you answer me correctly, I will give you one day to prove your worth and win the lizardfolk’s trust, and I will grant you open access to our lair."
Gerrard:
Considering carefully, Gerrard responds diplomatically, "The Sahuagin have a reputation for evil actions, visiting their depredations on all of us who live along the coast. They are the mortal enemies of our aquatic elf ally, Oceanus. However, I recently witnessed an event where a prejudiced human reacted with alarm at seeing someone he considered a monster and nearly destroyed our attempt at peace between the humans of Saltmarsh and your people, Queen Othokent."
"While I expect any interaction we have with the Sahuagin to end up being hostile, I hold out hope that we could be wrong about them like that trigger-happy guardsman was wrong about the LIzardman we were trying to help. So to answer your question, No, we are not aligned with or against the Sahuagin--none of us other than Oceanus have met one. I expect that could change quickly if we encounter them and they are hostile, but until then, I plan to hold out hope," finishes Gerrard, hoping that the answer will satisfy the Lizardfolk Monarch.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"There is no peace with the sea devils, only death. You cannot be neutral," the Queens admonishes Gerrard. "Your little friend is correct - they are fiends. Just over a year ago, an invasion of sahuagin drove our people from our home. We restored this old stronghold as our temporary home. We are forming an army to expel the sahuagin from the area. We hope to stop these devils from ever again intruding on the region. But humans and other land-dwelling races are of little use in a battle to be fought largely underwater, however. But if you can prove your helpful intentions, and aid us in some way, the lizardfolk will strive to help the human colony.
"If you wish an alliance, I will grant you open access to our lair. You will have day to prove your worth and win our people's trust."
OOC: Not bad for a high charisma low wisdom response, eh? Gerrard's lack of wisdom must come from a desire to see the best in all kinds of intelligent species coupled with turning a blind eye towards past behavior of such creatures bent towards evil...
Gerrard:
"Then I declare the group of Sahuagin who invaded your home to be the enemies of the Heroes of Saltmarsh, and I will argue before the Saltmarsh town council that they be considered enemies of the entire human city as well. Though I cannot bring myself to condemn an entire race, a tribe within that race can and should be judged for their actions," responds the young and inexperienced noble, smiling his thanks at Peri's help.
"Of course you are right, Queen Othokent, that the surface peoples may be of limited help in an underwater battle, yet we may be able to find magics that will obviate that limitation somewhat. I urge you to consider an alliance with Oceanus' people, who have no such limitation and who hold no love for the Sahuagin. Allies both above and below the surface of the water would be beneficial to us all," considers Gerrard.
"The followers of Xolor attacked Saltmarsh just yesterday, and we had never heard the name before then, so the town leaders are quite concerned. Perhaps if we were to perform some service for you today to prove our intentions, Queen Othokent, you would be gracious enough to send a letter stating your purpose in gathering weapons and the information you have on Xolor. Armed with such a letter, I am sure I can convince the council to at least complete delivery of your weapons, although with the recent attacks I doubt they would be able to send much help beyond those of us already here," he continues.
Looking to Peri and then back to the queen, he adds, “I think I speak for the Heroes of Saltmarsh when I say we would like to be part of delivering the weapons and helping you retake your home if it could be the start of peaceful relations between our peoples. I cannot speak for the sea elves, but perhaps Oceanus can negotiate on their behalf.”
After his response, Gerrard falls silent and respectfully waits for an answer.
He isn't keen on the Queen calling him Gerrard's "little friend", but at least she didn't seem bothered by his faux pas. He can't quite track Gerrard's reasoning on the sahaguin. Everyone knew they were bloodthirsty, vicious raiders. Even pirates didn't trade with them, so far as he knew. They didn't appear to be interested in any interaction with the other humanoid races that didn't involve murder and theft. But what does he know of diplomacy? This must be one of those games the nobility play amongst themselves.
"Givin' us access to your stronghold is very generous, Your Majesty. You're givin' us just a day to prove our worth, what would you have us do?"
"Hmph. Well then, I guess we better just go and get the head of this beast. I for one can't afford that sort of bounty." He concedes. "We should fetch our friends and be underway then. Could you send for them?"
He contemplates sending Trill, but the sudden emergence of a spectral bird may cause the lizard guards to swat the poor thing. Kei walks over to Dwal and talks softly. "Thoughts on how we can take on such a beast? If it's eaten these guys, who knows how big the thing is."
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Peri and Gerrard's guide speak for a couple of long minutes with Queen and her aides, including the one bearing the tooth. The aides mostly stare at you. The hatchlings eagerly eat more of Peri's candy.
Soon the Queen strides over to you, her posse close behind.
"I am Othokent, Queen of the Lizardfolk," she says, loudly, in nearly flawless Common. "I see you made some little friends," she adds, taking note of the hatchlings. "I also understand you killed several of our lizards, but you did not harm any lizardfolk. For that we accept your parley, instead of killing you. Who are you, and what do you want?"
Dwal
"And what is Thousand Teeth?" Dwal asks.
Gerrard:
"Greetings, Queen Othokent. I am Lord Gerrard Feldren and this is Master Peri Fenwader. I apologize for my unkempt appearance, as my companions were obliged to cut me out of one of your guard lizards after it had swallowed me. I bring a token of friendship, a shield that was to be part of a weapons and armor delivery to your people," begins Gerrard, stepping forward a pace, laying down the shield, and stepping back.
"As far as our purpose here, that is a story in itself how we became involved, but our main purpose is to determine if your tribe is gathering weapons to make war against Saltmarsh," he summarizes briefly, bowing and waiting for the queen to respond.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"Thousand Teeth the Devourer," answers the shaman. "A very big crocodile. It ate three of ours, first, then many more. But our people do not kill crocodiles. Bring us the head of Thousand Teeth as payment for the lizards."
"We have no interest in attacking human cities. However, that has not stopped humans and worse from attacking us. Perhaps you are liars and killers, like so many others. But maybe we can help one another. What is it your people desire?" One of the morningstar-bearing lizardfolk advances carefully and takes the shield.
Gerrard:
"All the town council of Saltmarsh asked of us was to get assurances that your purpose is not to attack us, so my mind is greatly relieved, Your Majesty," replied Gerrard, smiling politely. "However, there are many dangers that beset our town--and perhaps your tribe--that our peoples could better resist if we worked together. For instance, we were just recently attacked by Gnolls led by a mad mage cultist of some being called Xolor."
"With your assurance that you do not plan to attack the human cities, I will entreat our town council to deliver the weapons that are due you. Perhaps that can be the olive branch that will allow our peoples to have a peaceful relationship. These weapons were originally transported by liars and killers like those you mention--human pirates--but they have faced Saltmarsh's justice," explained Gerrard, adding, "But perhaps there is something else we can do as a gesture of friendship while we are here to mark this occasion. Is there a service we can provide for your tribe, Your Majesty?"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
"A crocodile? Surely no match for your skills oh scaley ones." His sarcasm evident to Dwal, but hopefully not the lizardmen. "Tell me, does this giant crocodile happen to keep the treasures it finds on its prey? Like a dragon perhaps." He quickly tries to fix his question by covering his desire for loot with faux concern that they may have mistaken a young dragon for a crocodile. "It's not a wyrmling is it? If it's dragonkin, then maybe we should leave it alone". He looks skyward in an attempt to find the dragon.
Taking his time, as if deep in contemplation, he continues, "you know, we could take care of the dragon for you. But that squares us. One big lizard for your fallen."
"Xolor," repeats Othokent. "We are concerned also of Xolor, but Xolor can be placated for now. We have more immediate concerns. Our weapon shipment was stolen by the humans and the dwarves, our people killed. Tell me this: are you aligned with or against the sahuagin?"
"If you answer me correctly, I will give you one day to prove your worth and win the lizardfolk’s trust, and I will grant you open access to our lair."
"Thousand Teeth is no dragon. But lizardfolk do not kill crocodiles. They are sacred. But Thousand Teeth eat lizardfolk. You bring us the head of Thousand Teeth, we will forgive the lizards. Thousand Teeth eats everything, keeps nothing. But we shall keep its head."
Gerrard:
Caught off guard by the question, Gerrard wracks his brain to try and remember what relationship the Sahuagin have with the civilized people of the kingdom. Looking to Peri for some help, he hopes his friend may know more about them.
History Check on Sahuagin: 20
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Kei
"Ha. Sacred huh? But it's ok for us to kill it." His words barely a whisper, more a thought that happened to escape his mouth. "Sounds like you're setting us up to fail. It seems a win-win for you. We succeed, you needn't worry about Thousand Teeth. We fail, you have lost nothing but a couple of lizards. Hardly seems fair. Perhaps if there was something to sweeten the deal..."
Persuasion 7
((I would assume No Deal with that rubbish roll))
Peri:
Peri starts at the mention of the fish-people. "Sahaguin! Those cold-bloo-- I mean cold-hearted fiends!" He looks nervously at Gerrard, hopeful that the Queen didn't catch his first choice of adjective, or at least won't take offense.
((I will let the DM decide how much Peri knows of the sahaguin. Surely, being a sailor, he's heard stories of them, but how much useful information does he have? Straight d20: 12; I'll let you decide which modifier to use, but if it's History or Nature it's a -1. Not a Rhodes scholar, our boy....))
((It would seem Peri's spent some time reading up on the fish-monster-people!))
Dwal
Dwal watches and listens to the exchange between Kei and the Lizardman saying nothing and letting Kei's negotiation skills do their work.
Dwal strokes his beard a bit.
As it turns out, Peri and Gerrard both know quite a lot about the Sahaguin, although neither have seen any in the flesh. Gerrard's knowledge is a little more academic, and Peri's more fanciful, but they agree on a number of things:
- They are evil aquatic humanoids, bent on the slaughter of coastal settlers and ship crews alike.
- They are amphibious, but mainly dwell in the deeps.
- These predators worship sharks, and can command them as well.
- Sahuagin are driven into a frenzy by the smell of fresh blood.
- Some can command magic as well.
- Their mortal enemies are the aquatic elves - Oceanus' people.
Oceanus also knows about - and abhors - the Sahaguin. Unlike his comrades, he has met them before in battle.
Kei's negotiation falls on deaf ears. "You asked our price. I answered you. The head of Thousand Teeth the Devourer or 500 pieces of electrum."
Gerrard:
Considering carefully, Gerrard responds diplomatically, "The Sahuagin have a reputation for evil actions, visiting their depredations on all of us who live along the coast. They are the mortal enemies of our aquatic elf ally, Oceanus. However, I recently witnessed an event where a prejudiced human reacted with alarm at seeing someone he considered a monster and nearly destroyed our attempt at peace between the humans of Saltmarsh and your people, Queen Othokent."
"While I expect any interaction we have with the Sahuagin to end up being hostile, I hold out hope that we could be wrong about them like that trigger-happy guardsman was wrong about the LIzardman we were trying to help. So to answer your question, No, we are not aligned with or against the Sahuagin--none of us other than Oceanus have met one. I expect that could change quickly if we encounter them and they are hostile, but until then, I plan to hold out hope," finishes Gerrard, hoping that the answer will satisfy the Lizardfolk Monarch.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"There is no peace with the sea devils, only death. You cannot be neutral," the Queens admonishes Gerrard. "Your little friend is correct - they are fiends. Just over a year ago, an invasion of sahuagin drove our people from our home. We restored this old stronghold as our temporary home. We are forming an army to expel the sahuagin from the area. We hope to stop these devils from ever again intruding on the region. But humans and other land-dwelling races are of little use in a battle to be fought largely underwater, however. But if you can prove your helpful intentions, and aid us in some way, the lizardfolk will strive to help the human colony.
"If you wish an alliance, I will grant you open access to our lair. You will have day to prove your worth and win our people's trust."
OOC: Not bad for a high charisma low wisdom response, eh? Gerrard's lack of wisdom must come from a desire to see the best in all kinds of intelligent species coupled with turning a blind eye towards past behavior of such creatures bent towards evil...
Gerrard:
"Then I declare the group of Sahuagin who invaded your home to be the enemies of the Heroes of Saltmarsh, and I will argue before the Saltmarsh town council that they be considered enemies of the entire human city as well. Though I cannot bring myself to condemn an entire race, a tribe within that race can and should be judged for their actions," responds the young and inexperienced noble, smiling his thanks at Peri's help.
"Of course you are right, Queen Othokent, that the surface peoples may be of limited help in an underwater battle, yet we may be able to find magics that will obviate that limitation somewhat. I urge you to consider an alliance with Oceanus' people, who have no such limitation and who hold no love for the Sahuagin. Allies both above and below the surface of the water would be beneficial to us all," considers Gerrard.
"The followers of Xolor attacked Saltmarsh just yesterday, and we had never heard the name before then, so the town leaders are quite concerned. Perhaps if we were to perform some service for you today to prove our intentions, Queen Othokent, you would be gracious enough to send a letter stating your purpose in gathering weapons and the information you have on Xolor. Armed with such a letter, I am sure I can convince the council to at least complete delivery of your weapons, although with the recent attacks I doubt they would be able to send much help beyond those of us already here," he continues.
Looking to Peri and then back to the queen, he adds, “I think I speak for the Heroes of Saltmarsh when I say we would like to be part of delivering the weapons and helping you retake your home if it could be the start of peaceful relations between our peoples. I cannot speak for the sea elves, but perhaps Oceanus can negotiate on their behalf.”
After his response, Gerrard falls silent and respectfully waits for an answer.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Peri:
He isn't keen on the Queen calling him Gerrard's "little friend", but at least she didn't seem bothered by his faux pas. He can't quite track Gerrard's reasoning on the sahaguin. Everyone knew they were bloodthirsty, vicious raiders. Even pirates didn't trade with them, so far as he knew. They didn't appear to be interested in any interaction with the other humanoid races that didn't involve murder and theft. But what does he know of diplomacy? This must be one of those games the nobility play amongst themselves.
"Givin' us access to your stronghold is very generous, Your Majesty. You're givin' us just a day to prove our worth, what would you have us do?"
Kei
"Hmph. Well then, I guess we better just go and get the head of this beast. I for one can't afford that sort of bounty." He concedes. "We should fetch our friends and be underway then. Could you send for them?"
He contemplates sending Trill, but the sudden emergence of a spectral bird may cause the lizard guards to swat the poor thing. Kei walks over to Dwal and talks softly. "Thoughts on how we can take on such a beast? If it's eaten these guys, who knows how big the thing is."