Oniss graciously bows before the big Croc and offers his apologizes.   

"Forgive me great beast, as you are aware I am not from this plane.  I did not mean to jest, and certainly meant no disrespect,  I simply was commenting on a legend I had just learned about from the local of Chult.  My name is Oniss, my companions and I seek Ayo and are lead to believe that he is somewhere across this river."  

The crocodile replies: " First, Ayo is a she, not a he. You really are clueless, two-legs. I need to ask the reason why to want to speak with Ayo. She is not exactly the creature which likes to be bothered by clueless primes such as yourself."

Oniss quickly stands up straight and adjust his chultan robes. 

"Well that is the business between this party and her.  May I ask what your relationship is to Ayo that you require so much info when one is seeking directions?"

"You are good with words, two-legs. But understand that this is not your home. What would be of me if I came in the place where you dwell and demanded to see your king? Ayo is the keeper of the eternal cycle of predators and preys. All the beings here pay respects to her, including me. Now, may I know why do you seek her?"

Seeing how the conversation is going Felix will interject "We are looking to travel through the portal she guards, Larson a guardian of a portal in Chult told us she could help us on our journey."

The crocodile is confused for a moment, then replies: " Oh, I assume you mean Iason the werebear. Nice fellow that one. Anyway, Ayo can surely help you, if you are nice, but there is no portal, as far as I know. Do you want help to ford the river? I can call some of my brethren. "

Quote from filcat >>

The crocodile is confused for a moment, then replies: " Oh, I assume you mean Iason the werebear. Nice fellow that one. Anyway, Ayo can surely help you, if you are nice, but there is no portal, as far as I know. Do you want help to ford the river? I can call some of my brethren. "

Felix does not trust the crocodile.

Felix begins to have doubts thinking to himself that it was too easy "Ah... on a second thought we just traveled here and we are kind of tired how about we return after a short rest..."

Deception: 16

Crocodile: "Well, as you see fit. See you later." And the crocodile goes back to enjoy the water.

Brunella looks around, seeing if there is a place where the water narrows, and is easier to cross

The river keeps approximately the same width throughout all the valley. The party could try a different spot far away from the crocodile, but they, if they want to, will catch up.

Ben the almiraj makes some gesture, possibly suggesting to go with the crocodiles.

Brunella shrugs. She doesn't see much point in trying another place. This place is as good as any, and if Ben is indicating to cross here, that is good enough for her. She slings her greatsword across her back and starts to wade into the water.

OOC What the others do?

Irommek leans over to Felix, "Not sure I trust those crocs but it looks like we don't have a choice.  Watch my back and I'll watch yours."

Stowing his hammer but keeping it so it's easily accessible, Irommek wades out into the water with Brunella.  

Oniss secures his gear and offers his hand out to Ben for support crossing the river.

Oniss then begins to wade into the river and forge across. 

Quote from Spock >>

Irommek leans over to Felix, "Not sure I trust those crocs but it looks like we don't have a choice.  Watch my back and I'll watch yours."

Stowing his hammer but keeping it so it's easily accessible, Irommek wades out into the water with Brunella.  

The party decides to ford the river. The water is indeed quite deep in the middle.

The crocodiles then surround them in a blink of an eye. "About time, two-legs!" And they help them to reach the other bank. The party is wet but safe.

"And remember, the man and the crocodile can be friends. Every now and then."

The journey proceeds through the valley. Few hours of travel pass until the valley ends on a hill covered by a majestic forest. At this point, the party has gained quite the attention from the beasts: a couple of multi-coloured snakes, a family of aardvarks, and a flock of parrots.

But every beast stops when the party is about to reach the centre if the forest. Where the huge ape is located. A giant-sized beast, with muscles capable to stop a dragon, a fur with weird, black and white patterns. Yet, so calm. Ayo begins to speak: " You finally have come."

When the crocodiles help the party cross the river, Brunella puts a callused hand on the croc's snout, as a sign of respect.

Thank you, she says simply.

"Yes, we have traveled through Iason's gate to meet you Ayo. He told that you maybe able to help us on our journey to reach Hrakhamar."