Korrik leaves his staff leaning against the wall and grabs hold of Ash's sleeve, partially hiding behind her before timidly coming up to stand behind Ben and peer around him at all the lizards and lizardfolk.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Ben, the various lizardfolk grumble a bit and talk to each other in draconic, and then the magic user says in common after seeing Korrik come up after his act. "Yes. You and little man come. You both come to see Queen Othokent. Other man and cat stay here." and they don't wait for any more talk and start to kind of shoe you into the cave into the southeast passage.
The remaining lizardfolk stay in the cave with Ash and Ess and the 6 giant lizards. They awkwardly look at you from time to time but otherwise just kind of stand guard, swatting the giant lizards from time to time. You can tell they don't treat them that well.
Kay and Ben are led into the cave. You immediately notice that the construction of their lair is simplistic, employing only basic materials; most floors, walls, and ceilings are of rammed earth, and the furnishings are spartan. Likely what you might expect from a lizardfolk lair.
The corridors that you walk through are 10 feet wide with 12-foot-high ceilings. The doors that you walk by are closed. You hear a lot of draconic speak as you walk through the cave and follow the lizardfolk who are leading the way. There are also a few lizardfolk behind you and you notice the corridors have lizardfolk roaming around as well. The corridors are illuminated by torches set in iron brackets on the walls.
The place is bumpin'.
You end up being led to a large room, which seems to be some type of training or sparring room. It features six floor-to-ceiling pillars that demarcate a central area bare of furniture. In this central area, the earth floor has been packed closer than elsewhere, as if by the passage of many feet. Several wooden benches stand near the north and south walls.
A large mattress has been fixed to the center of the east wall. Attached to it is a large target dummy with the head of a fish-like creature atop it.
Several lizardfolk are practicing combat against one another or throwing javelins at the dummy. A powerfully built and tall lizardfolk female holding a trident stands with several of the heavily armored warriors. She observes the training through narrowed eyes. Another lizardfolk stands near the leader, dressed in a kelp-colored sash and holding a long, polished dagger. There seems to also be another magic based one in here, too.
One of the lizardfolk who escorted you both here goes and talks to the Queen in draconic. It points to Ben and Kay, then they continue talking in draconic.
Then the Queen and the lizardfolk who she was with come over to you. They have all been added to the 'Bestiary' tab as well as the map.
The queen looks at Ben and Kay and says in common, probably better than any lizardfolk who you've heard speak it before:
"I am Queen Othokent. You Marshswamp government? You Marshswamp authority? Yes. We expecting you. We hear rumor of smuggler ship conquest in Marshswamp. We confirm my agents not return. We confirm weapons not return."
Then she looks at the shield (if you showed it?) and gets right in your face. Not super aggressive, but more serious then the moment before.
"You know about my weapons? You know about my agents? You here to return weapons? You here to return agents?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ben keeps up his confident act, mostly because he is confident he can get out of here. Maybe not with Kay, but still.
He notes the numbers of lizardfolk and the fishhead training dummy.
He waves when pointed at, saying to Kay,
"Was the pointing really needed? I'm the only red one here and you are the the only dirty brown. Also, the lack of scales sets us apart."
Ben starts with a bow,
"A pleasure to meet you Queen Othokent. I am Ben and this is Kay. We represent the Marshswamp government. Your agents and weapons are, safely, in Marshswamp. You can get both back, and maybe more, we have questions."
He will pass her the shield.
"Like I said, Marshswamp has questions about the weapons. Who are you preparing to fight? If it isn't Marshswamp, they can perhaps be an ally. They can aid in many ways."
Persuasion (18 floor): 21
He then lowers his voice a bit,
"And we can perhaps help with getting more weapons?"
Ash is fine with whatever Ben decides, and watches him and Korrik get lead away, into the cave system. She watches the way that they go, as far as she’s able. And then her and Ess are left in the First chamber with the big lizards and the guards…
Once Ben and Korrik have been gone a few seconds, Ash will try to make simple contact with the friendliest looking guards. Maybe just a smile to one. Then maybe an attempt at a wave at another…
She’ll maybe get her hiar brush out, and brush her fur around her face, and head and neck. The brush, and fur, and brushing fur: all things they may not have seen much of before, which might interest them. If any look interested she might sidle closer, and offer to show them the brush, of show them how to brush, depending on how interested they are.
If any of this goes well, she might show them her trash daggers, or something from her pack, and maybe they would show her their spears or tridents or whatever.
She’s trying to build up a little rapport. If none of that works, she might fling a little mud, playfully at Ess. If they respond to that she might do it again. If they like that she might throw some well short of one of them, to see if they want to join in the throw the mud game…
Her aim is to just get a little relaxed and genial with the guards in the room.
If any of that works, she’ll try and mime/ask if they ride the big lizards?
None of this is a trick, it’s all just to break the ice/tension and ingratiate them with the Lizardfolk a little more in the time they have.
Ash, the lizardfolk do not look friendly, and they do not make eye contact with you no matter hard you try. You almost think you could just walk away and they wouldn't give a fork, that's how much they aren't making eye contact. It's kind of weird.
They don't even notice you brush your fur. Ess does, though. He smiles. He extends his hand and sees if Ash would let him see the brush. If she did, he'd try it on his long hair and then give it back to her.
The lizardfolk immediately take notice if you did start messing with your weapons, and they'd speak in draconic to you and shake their heads at you, clearly showing their disapproval until you put them away.
About the mud, the lizardfolk would send you a menacing glare if you threw mud at them. Ess would say "DUDE!!!" if you threw any at him and would for sure throw some back. The lizardfolk would not allow this to go on for long and might even try and restrain you if you continue. Ess would stop once he sees the lizardfolk getting annoyed.
((all of this next bit is based on that 27 persuasion roll. It is why the queen might be so forthcoming and trusting as you'll see, given you just met and normally she would not tell a single thing right away at least.))
Ben, the queen snatches up the shield and gives it to one of the tougher looking lizardfolk beside her. She says "Marshswamp government. Yes. Othokent also have questions for Marshswamp government. Marshswamp want to know details about our preparations. Hisssssssssss. Of course they do. Hissssssssss. I did not want to involve Marshswamp. Safer that way. Safer for everyone. Hissssssssssss."
"although Marshswamp involved now. Did you bring the weapons? Did you bring the agents?"
"Marshswamp an ally? Hmmmm......" she discusses something in draconic with her colleagues. She says in common "To fast. To much, to fast. We cannot take any unnecessary risks. Our plans are coming to a head and this mishap in Marshswamp must be resolved."
"Help with more weapons? Hmmmmmmm.....hissssssss......"
More discussing in draconic.
"Time. Need time to meditate on this. Go. Visit my lair. Learn of the plans of my tribe. My colleague shall answer all of your questions. Earn the trust of my colleagues, and perhaps we can indeed come up with an agreement.24 hours I need. After that, I will insist that our weapons and agents are returned. We will be sending a group to Marshswamp tomorrow anyhow. We've got cells in the city who got word of the smuggling bust. I knew it was only a matter of time until those smuggling idiots were caught. Killed. Both. Hissss! Either way, we shall be getting the weapons and agents back."
I want to keep this as realistic as possible while following the storyline and how we've gotten here so far, so let me know if anything feels forced or not real.
This is what has happened and what you now are aware of:
- The queen and commanding officers are aware of the smugglers ship being captured by 'Marshswamp government'. They had cells in the city who found out and got word to the tribe during the time you were resting, travelling and camping. Not to mention the agents on the ship were on a specific schedule and were to return at a certain time. When they didn't, the tribe knew something was wrong. So they likely were semi-expecting to hear from 'Marshswamp Government' in some way.
- The queen is retiring for 24 hours to meditate and has advised her right hand to inform you about the general plan and what is going on, along with giving you a tour of the lair and taking you to all of the relevant members in the tribe. The complete map is now updated just to give you an idea of how big the cave is. We won't need this map anymore (not likely anyway!)
- The commanding officer spills the beans about the lizardfolk plans as he was advised to do by the Queen as you walk. You probably sit in a few different rooms as well as he tells you about what is going on:
Just over a year ago, a colony of lizardfolk were driven from their home by an invasion of sahuagin. Forced to find a temporary home, they restored an old lizardfolk stronghold that had been abandoned for decades (the one you're currently in). Determined to recapture their home, the lizardfolk have been busily purchasing arms and negotiating an alliance with other nearby aquatic races. The lizardfolk’s main purpose is to form an army to expel the sahuagin from the area. In so doing, they hope to discourage the sahuagin from ever again intruding on the region.
The lizardfolk have not approached Marshswamp with an offer to join the alliance because Othokent considers humans and other land-dwelling races as of little use in a battle to be fought largely underwater.
Ambassadors from the koalinth, the locathah, and the merfolk are present in the lizardfolk lair. The sea elves were not invited to join the alliance because of long-standing disputes between them and the koalinth — even in the face of the sahuagin threat, no cooperation is possible between these two peoples. The lizardfolk, concluding that the koalinth are the stronger tribe, invited them to participate rather than the elves.
There are different social groups within the lizardfolk clan, but I don't think we really need to get into that, although I will give you high level details which the commanding officer would've told you.
Two political groups operate in the social structure of the lizardfolk lair. On the one hand are the dominant progressives led by the queen, Othokent, who is supported by a subchief named Irhtos, several officers, and many warriors. Her progressive stance is inspired and driven by wisdom of the aged lizardfolk minister, Sauriv.
Opposing that group (mostly covertly, for the rule of the queen remains absolute) are the traditionalists, led by the shamans. The shamans believe that allying and intermingling with other races is contrary to the divine will of their god, Semuanya, and that no good can come of it. Consequently, the shamans hate and distrust the minister, Sauriv, whom they consider to be the prime instigator of these efforts that go against nature. They dare not move openly against him, however, since he enjoys the trust and favor of the queen.
- So, after you get a tour of the cave, you are basically told that the Queen could potentially reconsider her previous assumption regarding the inability of the humans to render worthwhile assistance, and potentially form an alliance with Marshswamp in this offensive if they would be interested.
- However, the queen will not agree to anything until her agents and weapons are returned.
There is one more persuasion roll to be passed as a final test to persuade the queen to work with Marshswamp and allow them to join the alliance in the fight against the sahuagin, however this won't even come into play until the queens demands about her agents and weapons is fulfilled. No roll will trump that. You need to return the weapons and agents before the last roll is even allowed to happen to see if the queen will entertain Marshswamp joining the alliance.
Let me know your thoughts on all of this, what you might want to do, if you think Marshswamp would even WANT to get into this in the first place, if YOU even want to get into this in the first place... just thoughts in general and potential next steps. The lizardfolk will let you leave the cave so you all can leave and return to Marshswamp and discuss with council as well. If you do that, the Queen will be sending a team with you to ensure weapons and agents are brought back. She plans on sending a recovery team to Marshswamp soon anyhow as she said earlier.
OH - the reason Marshswamp might have a vested interest in joining this fight against the sahuagin is that the lizardfolk have stated that the sahuagin don't just threaten the lizardfolk, they pose a threat to the entire region as they are growing by the masses each day. Marshswamp council will likely be interested that the sahuagin are forming an army and will need to know more about this force and so that seems to make good sense that they might want to get involved.
OK!! I think that's it. Let me know if it all makes sense, seems real and if I've missed anything that seems off. It's a little bit scattered, I know. Happy to answer any and all questions as always!!
Thanks for your patience.
**the lizardfolk would've allowed Ash and Ess to come on the tour after Ben and Kay explained that they were waiting, so no need to reconcile the waiting.
Ash will let Ess have a go of the hairbrush. But if the Lizardfolk guards seem totally closed down to interaction, she would respect that. In fact they would go up in her estimation since they are on duty and doing a decent job of keeping guard.
When the party are reunited in the lair/caves, Ash would enquire of Ben, simply, “..All… okay…?”, whilst already recognising that being alive and reunited and given a tour meant that it had gone a little more than okay!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Before they even go back to town Ben would be keen on seeing if they can sell the items they got of the frogfolk, including some other items they have on them. Considering the lizardfolk were willing to pay three times market rates he will give them a deal at double rates. It will mean they are getting more weapons, cheaper and faster than they could otherwise!
So:
If they want only (non-ranged) weapons and shields: 704 gp (let's call it 700 gp, or 14 ingots electrum if they prefer)
If they want it all (not ranged): 989 gp (let's make it a clear out sale, 950 gp or 19 electrum ingots! What a deal!)
From the loot sheet (assuming they don't want ranged weapons based on what they were buying):
Studded leather armor x 1 (45 gp)
Leather Armor x 4 (80 gp)
8 sets of hide armor, which are built for frog people but seem they could fit most smaller humanoids. (160 gp)
Once that is cleared up he will confer with the group,
"At this point I think we have what we need to get our payment from the council. Whatever they want to do with the lizardfolk from there is up to them."
Ben, the queen is intrigued by your offer of weapons and I'm not sure if it even makes sense to roll a persuasion check. They've been buying weapons at higher prices from the smugglers, and you're about to offer a ton to them at a cheaper price with a much wider variety. And you can give them all immediately. I don't think there'd be any chance that they'd actually refuse this. So ->
"Hisssssssssss, the bullywugs. I assume you ran into them on the way, yessss?" her tougne flickers. "It is a marsh and all. Ha Ha Ha Ha!"and the queen laughs as well as her colleagues, they all seem to be in a really good mood because of the deal that has been presented by the teifling. She then looks at you Ben, and then to the rest of you now that everyone is together, with a curious and more serious look.
"You...... you not Marshswamp government. Yes? How did you come across all of the weapons? I not mean the bullywug arms. Why you not bring MY weapons back, but you bring your own weapons that you offer to sell me? Seems... odd. Makes no sense, tiefling." and she emphasizes the word tiefling. "Not a lot like you in Marshswamp. Maybeone?" and she looks at Ash. "Same with you. You born and raised Marshswamp? No. Yes. Not government. Yes. It's clear to me. You are not Marshswamp."
She speaks draconic for a bit again to her colleagues. And then back to common. She speaks to everyone, but looks at Ben:
"Perhaps we not need Marshswamp. T'was never my intention anyhow as I've explained. Humans will be useless in the upcoming war."and she stresses the word war.
"Hisssssssss............. Perhaps you and your band continue to provide my tribe with weapons? Perhaps you convince Marshswamp to return weapons and agents? YES. Hissssssss............................. " she stops and speaks draconic quite excitedly to her colleagues again. Then back to Ben"Yes? You and your band agree?"
"Why you might ask? Once my tribe eliminate the threat of the sahuagin, just imagine the riches that will await in their fortress. Access to it shall be granted should you choose to align yourselves with my tribe. Perhaps Marshswamp double-agents even help in war. Perhaps lizardfolk shamans perform magic to help breathe underwater."and she laughs again with her colleagues, and then more draconic, and then back to Ben
"Listen to me. Sahuagin will present a great danger to not just lizardfolk but to Marshswamp as well should war be lost. Othokent think this knowledge could be significant leverage for Marshswamp double agents. Hissssssssssssssss............."
"Go. Please discuss. I shall be in my quarters when you decide. Either way, Othokent send team back to Marshswamp to get agents and weapons back."
((I thought this was a cool way to spin it given Ben's persuasion floor and what he's just offered them. The lizardfolk are offering an alliance with just the party vs. Marshswamp as a whole!! They've said that humans are essentially useless in the war and so they are not looking for mass amounts of human soldiers. And they've figured out that you all are not true Marshswamp government... I mean it would only make sense during the conversation around the cave and everything mentioned above that they'd figure it out. ))
Othokent is worldly for a lizardfolk. In her youth, she spent several years exploring the nearby marshes. She found human society interesting and observed caravans and villages in secret. She knows about the 'outside' world more than other lizardfolk might. She respects those who show her respect and treat her people as their equals, rather than as primitive fools to be mocked or patronized. Her experience with humans tells her that they can be useful allies, but she also knows that they will likely be of little use with the upcoming battle as it will be primarily fought underwater.
((oh, they would take the full deal and pay the 19 ignots and take everything off you right now.))
You are taken to a nice (for a lizardfolk cave) room with some privative furniture where you have privacy to discuss this and decide what you want to do.
We won't go back to Marshswamp until this little tangent/spin is resolved.
Let me know!
Ess is just wide eyed for now and is waiting for you all to discuss. "Ummmm... dudes.... what do you think? This is big time bros....." but he's just looking at Ben.
((we will resolve the Ben Sahuagin history roll after this because the queen will tell you everything about them should you accept the alliance request. She will tell you everything about the other races that are part of the alliance as well. Remind me if the party ends up declining the queen's offer/request because the 12 still gets you at least some info.))
"Well... a far cry from being attacked or clapped in irons as soon as we walked in! That's a start. I think it's up to the council how involved Marshswamp gets, but the Queen seems reasonable, and from what our tour guide let slip, a much better neighbor to have than those who'd like to be in her seat. The council might have opinions on the sahuagin too, not sure if they've had run ins with them or not. I'll admit I'm mildly concerned about the faction that has a thing against the sea elves... I mean, I don't know them real well, but the fellow we found on the ship seemed pleasant enough."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Ash adds privately to the party, “I think this has gone very well with the Lizardfolk. They have been kind and reasonable. Better than we could have hoped. I’m more than happy to go ahead with the deal for our weapons and armour.”.
”I don’t know much about this ‘war’. And I would want to find out more about who is involved and who it’s against. But based on just today, if the war is just and for a good cause, I would feel proud to stand alongside the Lizardfolk. They have proven to be fair and civilised”.
”We should ask about timescales. We need time to recover from the frog fight, and perhaps time to get powerful items to aid us from your tiefling friend in town. Do we have weeks? We need to find out”.
”And although he likes to keep a low profile in the towns, I wonder if my old friend Fidd the Goblin might help in the coming war too. He stands out like a sore thumb, but in a war between lizards and sea folk might not look too out of place! Even if he can’t fight alongside us, he may have some advice. I can contact him, but again this all takes time.”.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
To the queen,
"Today we represent the Marshswamp government, tomorrow we represent..."
He gives her a spy grin then continues,
"In work for the Marshswamp government we recovered the weapons and armor. We kept it for sell, had we known we would have kept more. To your question on why you didn't get your weapons already, the Council in Marshswamp were worried you were planning a war on them. Your three...escorts only caused even more worries. Once we, those here, were satisfied that wasn't your plan, well we saw a way of helping both of our interests without damaging Marshswamp's. Given what you've said we are likely even furthering them."
He doesn't respond to his, and the group, not being Marshswamp or the lack of tiefling there. He does lean in on the offer of establishing an ongoing weapons trade. He raises a finger,
"First. We would gladly take over providing the tribe with weapons. Give us the details of what you want and quantities. As with the smugglers, we will need half upfront. We will continue at the prices given today (double normal asking). Once we have the quantities we can establish a delivery date."
He waits a tick to ensure that they understand then continues extending a second finger,
"Second. As a sign of good faith, and to seal this bargain, we will ensure that your weapons being held by Marshswamp, and your people, will be brought to you posthaste. Quickly."
Only at this point does he look to the other three for an objection (presuming none) he continues.
"If that sounds amenable, we have a deal."
The helping in the war part gets another pause to glance over to the others.
"While we are not against assisting in the upcoming conflict, we would likely need to confer on the details. That said, you make a tempting offer Queen Othokent! I'm sure I can convince the Marshswamp council of your motives, but can you think of no way they could provide even token assistance? That would go a long way in assuaging their need to be involved. Perhaps a weekly report on the status of shipping along the coast?"
---
In the room, Ben is grinning widely.
"This has went better than I expected. Ess, smile man! We're in a position to become arms dealers. Very wealthy arms dealers."
To Kay (and Ash),
"We came expecting anger but, after a few words, found opportunity. I'm inclined to follow the queen's will here. Marshswamp can provide little real tactical support but we can probably come up with something to make them feel useful but out of the way."
He thinks about the people that don't like the sea elves (history?: 8).
"We can figure that out later. Sounds like a good deal for the sea elves, ultimately. We can get them some weapons if the need them."
He gives Ash an appraising, slightly disappointed look at the just and good war comment. He doesn't say anything about it though addressing the concrete points instead,
"We can put it together from the weapons delivery date but getting a launch date would be helpful for our planning more generally. We'll ask her highness."
About Fidd,
"The more the merrier, but I don't want him coming in and undercutting us. See what else he can do that we can't but make sure that we are always in the middle."
"Yes, sounds like the sahuagin are a threat to the sea elves, but if a clause of the alliance is that everyone takes up arms against the sea elves ones the initial threat is handled..."
"If we've use of the Ghost, and a crew to sail her, we can take the sea route and avoid mucking about in the swamp next time."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Korrik gives Ben a dubious look, but leaves it to him to go or not.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ben raises a finger,
"Ah, me and the little one to see the queen. The other two, they can stay."
He points to Kay,
"The little one gets scared without me. You are not afraid of a little one? The queen is not afraid of little ones, is she?"
Persuasion (min 18):17
If that doesn't seem to make any headway he'll say quietly to the party,
"I'll be back as soon as I can. No later than noon. If not, well, come and save me."
Korrik leaves his staff leaning against the wall and grabs hold of Ash's sleeve, partially hiding behind her before timidly coming up to stand behind Ben and peer around him at all the lizards and lizardfolk.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
((If persuasion advantage for the act by Kay:
23))
Ben, the various lizardfolk grumble a bit and talk to each other in draconic, and then the magic user says in common after seeing Korrik come up after his act. "Yes. You and little man come. You both come to see Queen Othokent. Other man and cat stay here." and they don't wait for any more talk and start to kind of shoe you into the cave into the southeast passage.
The remaining lizardfolk stay in the cave with Ash and Ess and the 6 giant lizards. They awkwardly look at you from time to time but otherwise just kind of stand guard, swatting the giant lizards from time to time. You can tell they don't treat them that well.
Kay and Ben are led into the cave. You immediately notice that the construction of their lair is simplistic, employing only basic materials; most floors, walls, and ceilings are of rammed earth, and the furnishings are spartan. Likely what you might expect from a lizardfolk lair.
The corridors that you walk through are 10 feet wide with 12-foot-high ceilings. The doors that you walk by are closed. You hear a lot of draconic speak as you walk through the cave and follow the lizardfolk who are leading the way. There are also a few lizardfolk behind you and you notice the corridors have lizardfolk roaming around as well. The corridors are illuminated by torches set in iron brackets on the walls.
The place is bumpin'.
You end up being led to a large room, which seems to be some type of training or sparring room. It features six floor-to-ceiling pillars that demarcate a central area bare of furniture. In this central area, the earth floor has been packed closer than elsewhere, as if by the passage of many feet. Several wooden benches stand near the north and south walls.
A large mattress has been fixed to the center of the east wall. Attached to it is a large target dummy with the head of a fish-like creature atop it.
Several lizardfolk are practicing combat against one another or throwing javelins at the dummy. A powerfully built and tall lizardfolk female holding a trident stands with several of the heavily armored warriors. She observes the training through narrowed eyes. Another lizardfolk stands near the leader, dressed in a kelp-colored sash and holding a long, polished dagger. There seems to also be another magic based one in here, too.
One of the lizardfolk who escorted you both here goes and talks to the Queen in draconic. It points to Ben and Kay, then they continue talking in draconic.
Then the Queen and the lizardfolk who she was with come over to you. They have all been added to the 'Bestiary' tab as well as the map.
The queen looks at Ben and Kay and says in common, probably better than any lizardfolk who you've heard speak it before:
"I am Queen Othokent. You Marshswamp government? You Marshswamp authority? Yes. We expecting you. We hear rumor of smuggler ship conquest in Marshswamp. We confirm my agents not return. We confirm weapons not return."
Then she looks at the shield (if you showed it?) and gets right in your face. Not super aggressive, but more serious then the moment before.
"You know about my weapons? You know about my agents? You here to return weapons? You here to return agents?"
Map and bestiary tabs are updated!
Kay doesn't have to do much to keep up his 'nervous little guy' act as he looks to Ben as they get surrounded.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ben keeps up his confident act, mostly because he is confident he can get out of here. Maybe not with Kay, but still.
He notes the numbers of lizardfolk and the fishhead training dummy.
He waves when pointed at, saying to Kay,
"Was the pointing really needed? I'm the only red one here and you are the the only dirty brown. Also, the lack of scales sets us apart."
Ben starts with a bow,
"A pleasure to meet you Queen Othokent. I am Ben and this is Kay. We represent the Marshswamp government. Your agents and weapons are, safely, in Marshswamp. You can get both back, and maybe more, we have questions."
He will pass her the shield.
"Like I said, Marshswamp has questions about the weapons. Who are you preparing to fight? If it isn't Marshswamp, they can perhaps be an ally. They can aid in many ways."
Persuasion (18 floor): 21
He then lowers his voice a bit,
"And we can perhaps help with getting more weapons?"
"We do stand out."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ben will also give Kay a sidelong look when she says they 'heard a rumor'
Kay returns a shrug.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ash is fine with whatever Ben decides, and watches him and Korrik get lead away, into the cave system. She watches the way that they go, as far as she’s able. And then her and Ess are left in the First chamber with the big lizards and the guards…
Once Ben and Korrik have been gone a few seconds, Ash will try to make simple contact with the friendliest looking guards. Maybe just a smile to one. Then maybe an attempt at a wave at another…
She’ll maybe get her hiar brush out, and brush her fur around her face, and head and neck. The brush, and fur, and brushing fur: all things they may not have seen much of before, which might interest them. If any look interested she might sidle closer, and offer to show them the brush, of show them how to brush, depending on how interested they are.
If any of this goes well, she might show them her trash daggers, or something from her pack, and maybe they would show her their spears or tridents or whatever.
She’s trying to build up a little rapport. If none of that works, she might fling a little mud, playfully at Ess. If they respond to that she might do it again. If they like that she might throw some well short of one of them, to see if they want to join in the throw the mud game…
Her aim is to just get a little relaxed and genial with the guards in the room.
If any of that works, she’ll try and mime/ask if they ride the big lizards?
None of this is a trick, it’s all just to break the ice/tension and ingratiate them with the Lizardfolk a little more in the time they have.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((this is all after that rolled 1 in the OOC))
Ash, the lizardfolk do not look friendly, and they do not make eye contact with you no matter hard you try. You almost think you could just walk away and they wouldn't give a fork, that's how much they aren't making eye contact. It's kind of weird.
They don't even notice you brush your fur. Ess does, though. He smiles. He extends his hand and sees if Ash would let him see the brush. If she did, he'd try it on his long hair and then give it back to her.
The lizardfolk immediately take notice if you did start messing with your weapons, and they'd speak in draconic to you and shake their heads at you, clearly showing their disapproval until you put them away.
About the mud, the lizardfolk would send you a menacing glare if you threw mud at them. Ess would say "DUDE!!!" if you threw any at him and would for sure throw some back. The lizardfolk would not allow this to go on for long and might even try and restrain you if you continue. Ess would stop once he sees the lizardfolk getting annoyed.
((all of this next bit is based on that 27 persuasion roll. It is why the queen might be so forthcoming and trusting as you'll see, given you just met and normally she would not tell a single thing right away at least.))
Ben, the queen snatches up the shield and gives it to one of the tougher looking lizardfolk beside her. She says "Marshswamp government. Yes. Othokent also have questions for Marshswamp government. Marshswamp want to know details about our preparations. Hisssssssssss. Of course they do. Hissssssssss. I did not want to involve Marshswamp. Safer that way. Safer for everyone. Hissssssssssss."
"although Marshswamp involved now. Did you bring the weapons? Did you bring the agents?"
"Marshswamp an ally? Hmmmm......" she discusses something in draconic with her colleagues. She says in common "To fast. To much, to fast. We cannot take any unnecessary risks. Our plans are coming to a head and this mishap in Marshswamp must be resolved."
"Help with more weapons? Hmmmmmmm.....hissssssss......"
More discussing in draconic.
"Time. Need time to meditate on this. Go. Visit my lair. Learn of the plans of my tribe. My colleague shall answer all of your questions. Earn the trust of my colleagues, and perhaps we can indeed come up with an agreement. 24 hours I need. After that, I will insist that our weapons and agents are returned. We will be sending a group to Marshswamp tomorrow anyhow. We've got cells in the city who got word of the smuggling bust. I knew it was only a matter of time until those smuggling idiots were caught. Killed. Both. Hissss! Either way, we shall be getting the weapons and agents back."
I want to keep this as realistic as possible while following the storyline and how we've gotten here so far, so let me know if anything feels forced or not real.
This is what has happened and what you now are aware of:
- The queen and commanding officers are aware of the smugglers ship being captured by 'Marshswamp government'. They had cells in the city who found out and got word to the tribe during the time you were resting, travelling and camping. Not to mention the agents on the ship were on a specific schedule and were to return at a certain time. When they didn't, the tribe knew something was wrong. So they likely were semi-expecting to hear from 'Marshswamp Government' in some way.
- The queen is retiring for 24 hours to meditate and has advised her right hand to inform you about the general plan and what is going on, along with giving you a tour of the lair and taking you to all of the relevant members in the tribe. The complete map is now updated just to give you an idea of how big the cave is. We won't need this map anymore (not likely anyway!)
- The commanding officer spills the beans about the lizardfolk plans as he was advised to do by the Queen as you walk. You probably sit in a few different rooms as well as he tells you about what is going on:
Just over a year ago, a colony of lizardfolk were driven from their home by an invasion of sahuagin. Forced to find a temporary home, they restored an old lizardfolk stronghold that had been abandoned for decades (the one you're currently in). Determined to recapture their home, the lizardfolk have been busily purchasing arms and negotiating an alliance with other nearby aquatic races. The lizardfolk’s main purpose is to form an army to expel the sahuagin from the area. In so doing, they hope to discourage the sahuagin from ever again intruding on the region.
The lizardfolk have not approached Marshswamp with an offer to join the alliance because Othokent considers humans and other land-dwelling races as of little use in a battle to be fought largely underwater.
Ambassadors from the koalinth, the locathah, and the merfolk are present in the lizardfolk lair. The sea elves were not invited to join the alliance because of long-standing disputes between them and the koalinth — even in the face of the sahuagin threat, no cooperation is possible between these two peoples. The lizardfolk, concluding that the koalinth are the stronger tribe, invited them to participate rather than the elves.
There are different social groups within the lizardfolk clan, but I don't think we really need to get into that, although I will give you high level details which the commanding officer would've told you.
Two political groups operate in the social structure of the lizardfolk lair. On the one hand are the dominant progressives led by the queen, Othokent, who is supported by a subchief named Irhtos, several officers, and many warriors. Her progressive stance is inspired and driven by wisdom of the aged lizardfolk minister, Sauriv.
Opposing that group (mostly covertly, for the rule of the queen remains absolute) are the traditionalists, led by the shamans. The shamans believe that allying and intermingling with other races is contrary to the divine will of their god, Semuanya, and that no good can come of it. Consequently, the shamans hate and distrust the minister, Sauriv, whom they consider to be the prime instigator of these efforts that go against nature. They dare not move openly against him, however, since he enjoys the trust and favor of the queen.
- So, after you get a tour of the cave, you are basically told that the Queen could potentially reconsider her previous assumption regarding the inability of the humans to render worthwhile assistance, and potentially form an alliance with Marshswamp in this offensive if they would be interested.
- However, the queen will not agree to anything until her agents and weapons are returned.
There is one more persuasion roll to be passed as a final test to persuade the queen to work with Marshswamp and allow them to join the alliance in the fight against the sahuagin, however this won't even come into play until the queens demands about her agents and weapons is fulfilled. No roll will trump that. You need to return the weapons and agents before the last roll is even allowed to happen to see if the queen will entertain Marshswamp joining the alliance.
Let me know your thoughts on all of this, what you might want to do, if you think Marshswamp would even WANT to get into this in the first place, if YOU even want to get into this in the first place... just thoughts in general and potential next steps. The lizardfolk will let you leave the cave so you all can leave and return to Marshswamp and discuss with council as well. If you do that, the Queen will be sending a team with you to ensure weapons and agents are brought back. She plans on sending a recovery team to Marshswamp soon anyhow as she said earlier.
OH - the reason Marshswamp might have a vested interest in joining this fight against the sahuagin is that the lizardfolk have stated that the sahuagin don't just threaten the lizardfolk, they pose a threat to the entire region as they are growing by the masses each day. Marshswamp council will likely be interested that the sahuagin are forming an army and will need to know more about this force and so that seems to make good sense that they might want to get involved.
OK!! I think that's it. Let me know if it all makes sense, seems real and if I've missed anything that seems off. It's a little bit scattered, I know. Happy to answer any and all questions as always!!
Thanks for your patience.
**the lizardfolk would've allowed Ash and Ess to come on the tour after Ben and Kay explained that they were waiting, so no need to reconcile the waiting.
Ash will let Ess have a go of the hairbrush. But if the Lizardfolk guards seem totally closed down to interaction, she would respect that. In fact they would go up in her estimation since they are on duty and doing a decent job of keeping guard.
When the party are reunited in the lair/caves, Ash would enquire of Ben, simply, “..All… okay…?”, whilst already recognising that being alive and reunited and given a tour meant that it had gone a little more than okay!
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Before they even go back to town Ben would be keen on seeing if they can sell the items they got of the frogfolk, including some other items they have on them. Considering the lizardfolk were willing to pay three times market rates he will give them a deal at double rates. It will mean they are getting more weapons, cheaper and faster than they could otherwise!
So:
If they want only (non-ranged) weapons and shields: 704 gp (let's call it 700 gp, or 14 ingots electrum if they prefer)
If they want it all (not ranged): 989 gp (let's make it a clear out sale, 950 gp or 19 electrum ingots! What a deal!)
From the loot sheet (assuming they don't want ranged weapons based on what they were buying):
4 (80 gp)(180 gp)4 (80 gp)Once that is cleared up he will confer with the group,
"At this point I think we have what we need to get our payment from the council. Whatever they want to do with the lizardfolk from there is up to them."
Also, sahuagin (history?): 12
((Korrik would have been interested in chatting with the ambassadors, with Ben alongside him.))
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ben, the queen is intrigued by your offer of weapons and I'm not sure if it even makes sense to roll a persuasion check. They've been buying weapons at higher prices from the smugglers, and you're about to offer a ton to them at a cheaper price with a much wider variety. And you can give them all immediately. I don't think there'd be any chance that they'd actually refuse this. So ->
"Hisssssssssss, the bullywugs. I assume you ran into them on the way, yessss?" her tougne flickers. "It is a marsh and all. Ha Ha Ha Ha!" and the queen laughs as well as her colleagues, they all seem to be in a really good mood because of the deal that has been presented by the teifling. She then looks at you Ben, and then to the rest of you now that everyone is together, with a curious and more serious look.
"You...... you not Marshswamp government. Yes? How did you come across all of the weapons? I not mean the bullywug arms. Why you not bring MY weapons back, but you bring your own weapons that you offer to sell me? Seems... odd. Makes no sense, tiefling." and she emphasizes the word tiefling. "Not a lot like you in Marshswamp. Maybe one?" and she looks at Ash. "Same with you. You born and raised Marshswamp? No. Yes. Not government. Yes. It's clear to me. You are not Marshswamp."
She speaks draconic for a bit again to her colleagues. And then back to common. She speaks to everyone, but looks at Ben:
"Perhaps we not need Marshswamp. T'was never my intention anyhow as I've explained. Humans will be useless in the upcoming war." and she stresses the word war.
"Hisssssssss............. Perhaps you and your band continue to provide my tribe with weapons? Perhaps you convince Marshswamp to return weapons and agents? YES. Hissssssss............................. " she stops and speaks draconic quite excitedly to her colleagues again. Then back to Ben "Yes? You and your band agree?"
"Why you might ask? Once my tribe eliminate the threat of the sahuagin, just imagine the riches that will await in their fortress. Access to it shall be granted should you choose to align yourselves with my tribe. Perhaps Marshswamp double-agents even help in war. Perhaps lizardfolk shamans perform magic to help breathe underwater." and she laughs again with her colleagues, and then more draconic, and then back to Ben
"Listen to me. Sahuagin will present a great danger to not just lizardfolk but to Marshswamp as well should war be lost. Othokent think this knowledge could be significant leverage for Marshswamp double agents. Hissssssssssssssss............."
"Go. Please discuss. I shall be in my quarters when you decide. Either way, Othokent send team back to Marshswamp to get agents and weapons back."
((I thought this was a cool way to spin it given Ben's persuasion floor and what he's just offered them. The lizardfolk are offering an alliance with just the party vs. Marshswamp as a whole!! They've said that humans are essentially useless in the war and so they are not looking for mass amounts of human soldiers. And they've figured out that you all are not true Marshswamp government... I mean it would only make sense during the conversation around the cave and everything mentioned above that they'd figure it out. ))
Othokent is worldly for a lizardfolk. In her youth, she spent several years exploring the nearby marshes. She found human society interesting and observed caravans and villages in secret. She knows about the 'outside' world more than other lizardfolk might. She respects those who show her respect and treat her people as their equals, rather than as primitive fools to be mocked or patronized. Her experience with humans tells her that they can be useful allies, but she also knows that they will likely be of little use with the upcoming battle as it will be primarily fought underwater.
((oh, they would take the full deal and pay the 19 ignots and take everything off you right now.))
You are taken to a nice (for a lizardfolk cave) room with some privative furniture where you have privacy to discuss this and decide what you want to do.
We won't go back to Marshswamp until this little tangent/spin is resolved.
Let me know!
Ess is just wide eyed for now and is waiting for you all to discuss. "Ummmm... dudes.... what do you think? This is big time bros....." but he's just looking at Ben.
((we will resolve the Ben Sahuagin history roll after this because the queen will tell you everything about them should you accept the alliance request. She will tell you everything about the other races that are part of the alliance as well. Remind me if the party ends up declining the queen's offer/request because the 12 still gets you at least some info.))
"Well... a far cry from being attacked or clapped in irons as soon as we walked in! That's a start. I think it's up to the council how involved Marshswamp gets, but the Queen seems reasonable, and from what our tour guide let slip, a much better neighbor to have than those who'd like to be in her seat. The council might have opinions on the sahuagin too, not sure if they've had run ins with them or not. I'll admit I'm mildly concerned about the faction that has a thing against the sea elves... I mean, I don't know them real well, but the fellow we found on the ship seemed pleasant enough."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ash adds privately to the party, “I think this has gone very well with the Lizardfolk. They have been kind and reasonable. Better than we could have hoped. I’m more than happy to go ahead with the deal for our weapons and armour.”.
”I don’t know much about this ‘war’. And I would want to find out more about who is involved and who it’s against. But based on just today, if the war is just and for a good cause, I would feel proud to stand alongside the Lizardfolk. They have proven to be fair and civilised”.
”We should ask about timescales. We need time to recover from the frog fight, and perhaps time to get powerful items to aid us from your tiefling friend in town. Do we have weeks? We need to find out”.
”And although he likes to keep a low profile in the towns, I wonder if my old friend Fidd the Goblin might help in the coming war too. He stands out like a sore thumb, but in a war between lizards and sea folk might not look too out of place! Even if he can’t fight alongside us, he may have some advice. I can contact him, but again this all takes time.”.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
To the queen,
"Today we represent the Marshswamp government, tomorrow we represent..."
He gives her a spy grin then continues,
"In work for the Marshswamp government we recovered the weapons and armor. We kept it for sell, had we known we would have kept more. To your question on why you didn't get your weapons already, the Council in Marshswamp were worried you were planning a war on them. Your three...escorts only caused even more worries. Once we, those here, were satisfied that wasn't your plan, well we saw a way of helping both of our interests without damaging Marshswamp's. Given what you've said we are likely even furthering them."
He doesn't respond to his, and the group, not being Marshswamp or the lack of tiefling there. He does lean in on the offer of establishing an ongoing weapons trade. He raises a finger,
"First. We would gladly take over providing the tribe with weapons. Give us the details of what you want and quantities. As with the smugglers, we will need half upfront. We will continue at the prices given today (double normal asking). Once we have the quantities we can establish a delivery date."
He waits a tick to ensure that they understand then continues extending a second finger,
"Second. As a sign of good faith, and to seal this bargain, we will ensure that your weapons being held by Marshswamp, and your people, will be brought to you posthaste. Quickly."
Only at this point does he look to the other three for an objection (presuming none) he continues.
"If that sounds amenable, we have a deal."
The helping in the war part gets another pause to glance over to the others.
"While we are not against assisting in the upcoming conflict, we would likely need to confer on the details. That said, you make a tempting offer Queen Othokent! I'm sure I can convince the Marshswamp council of your motives, but can you think of no way they could provide even token assistance? That would go a long way in assuaging their need to be involved. Perhaps a weekly report on the status of shipping along the coast?"
---
In the room, Ben is grinning widely.
"This has went better than I expected. Ess, smile man! We're in a position to become arms dealers. Very wealthy arms dealers."
To Kay (and Ash),
"We came expecting anger but, after a few words, found opportunity. I'm inclined to follow the queen's will here. Marshswamp can provide little real tactical support but we can probably come up with something to make them feel useful but out of the way."
He thinks about the people that don't like the sea elves (history?: 8).
"We can figure that out later. Sounds like a good deal for the sea elves, ultimately. We can get them some weapons if the need them."
He gives Ash an appraising, slightly disappointed look at the just and good war comment. He doesn't say anything about it though addressing the concrete points instead,
"We can put it together from the weapons delivery date but getting a launch date would be helpful for our planning more generally. We'll ask her highness."
About Fidd,
"The more the merrier, but I don't want him coming in and undercutting us. See what else he can do that we can't but make sure that we are always in the middle."
"Yes, sounds like the sahuagin are a threat to the sea elves, but if a clause of the alliance is that everyone takes up arms against the sea elves ones the initial threat is handled..."
"If we've use of the Ghost, and a crew to sail her, we can take the sea route and avoid mucking about in the swamp next time."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock