Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 30/30 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+8=24 ; d20+9=10 ; d20+8=21 ; Wednesday September 19th, 2018 9:28:52 PM
Dirk nods at Slythyl and replies, "It was our pleasure to save their lives.". He takes a look around and then pats his stomach, "I can't wait for the feast, I'm starving." he says with a grin.
-------------- Survival: 24 Perception for the spring: 10 Sense Motive: 21
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 d20+4=19 ; d20+10=13 ; d20+10=28 ; d20+10=12 ; Thursday September 20th, 2018 12:17:12 AM
Bartomus caught the word Fey, it made sense. This was one of their places, a place to be, but the question was whether it was a home, place of worship, or just something made for the joy of making.
He cringed when they were making the dinner and offering it to the Shields. But duty called when offered.
Their travels took them to the lizard's village. As they entered the safe space, he looked about, and realized that the space was bigger than the huts that were there. They have lost members, he thought to himself. He didn't share that fact yet, as he was uncertain as to whether such a observation aloud would be sharing too much. When the feast was mentioned by the elder, Bartomus looked about.
"The young warriors were very quick, took us by surprise even, they will be the future of your village for sure," Bartomus offered with an obvious tone of respect. "They will bring honor to your village and clan, hopefully, many younglings someday too.
Stock (JonM) HP: 70/72; AC: 23/13/20; DR 1/-; CMB: 11; CMD: 25; Rage:13/19 d20+10=25 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+7=26 ; d20+12=18 ; d20+12=20 ; d20+6=19 ; Thursday September 20th, 2018 1:53:27 PM
Stock nods solemnly at the sharing of meat...to him it felt a bit like the sharing of the spoils of the miners back home. It is important.
Along the march to the lizardman village, Stock keeps a lookout but the day passes uneventfully. When he gets to the large wooden door, he takes several moments admiring it, blocking traffic into the village in the process. "Stohp...did you see this? It's made similar to how I was taught...but the seams are very tight." He nods appreciatively as he enters the village.
At the feast, Stock is very direct in his questions to those lizardfolk seated around him. -What does the village need that the Float can potentially provide? -What does the village have that is of value?
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 73/80 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 20 d20+5=16 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+5=23 ; d20+13=31 ; d20+15=28 ; d20+5=21 ; d20+7=17 ; d20+13=23 ; Thursday September 20th, 2018 2:58:05 PM
Zanderallen catches the significance of the sharing of meat and attends to their evening meal with the appropriate solemnity. As they enter the village he notes the empty spaces, a sad testament to the recent hardships of the village, and the veiled animosity of some of the village. Let Nightshade and the others have a chance to spend their tales he thinks. We'll see how the mood is then. When they are presented to Slythyl he takes a half step in front of his companions to speak for them. He gives a warrior salute and bows respectfully to him. "Slythyl, I am Zanderallen and these are my companions of the Silver Shields. We come bearing friendship from the people of the floating city. But your words are wise, we will speak further of such things after we eat. Your warriors are brave and it was an honor to fight alongside them. I see much to be gained from friendship between us." ---------------------------------------- Perception 16 (nice doors) Perception 23: Saw the huts Perception 23 - Sense Motive 31 - noticed the attitude Diplomacy 28: Introductions
Know(Nobility)[d20+5] 21, Know(Religion)[d20+7] 17, Sense Motive[d20+13] 23: Can Zander get a sense to the source of Slythyl's leadership? Hereditary, Religious/Shamanistic, Age, Might, Election?
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 24/12/24) CMD:18 d20+4=23 ; d20+16=33 ; d20+16=29 ; d20+16=19 ; Thursday September 20th, 2018 3:03:47 PM
At the introduction of Slythyl Micah bows slightly in recognition. It is a warrior's bow, eyes staying raised as he bends at the waste.
Once the meal begins he closely watches Nightshade's dining habits and tries to emulate them.
He smiles at Bart's compliment and allows the meal to progress a bit before asking. He is a bit taken aback by Stock's brusque manner, then realizes that a warrior culture, might find it appropriate. He watches those he observed to be unhappy with the Shield's presence for their reaction.
To be certain it doesn't rankle, he asks the same question, a bit more discretely and circumspectly referring to the apparent recent decrease in numbers,"It appears that the sudden change in the forest presents both opportunities and dangers for all who live in or near. How may our people mutually benefit each other?"
========== Perception 23 Sense motive 33 to see spoiler Sense motive 29 to gauge reaction to Stock's boldness (19 was an inadvertent double clidck.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 38/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+4=19 ; d20+11=23 ; d20+11=18 ; d20+11=13 ; Thursday September 20th, 2018 6:23:43 PM
Sid stays where people need translators and, when he has a chance, listens to the stories that the Lizardmen tell. If it comes up he would talk to their bowyer, but doesn't push it.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Thursday September 20th, 2018 7:54:27 PM
Stohp mostly sticks to translating and listening for the meal.
DM Robert - Day 8 - " What does the village have that is of value?" Thursday September 20th, 2018 9:00:42 PM
Dirk cooked the goat to perfection,with a little help from his friends. By the end of the day he is hungry.
Bartomus tries to make nice.
Stock is blunt and to the point.
Zanderallen takes the lead in diplomacy. You cannot at this time determine what form of government they have.
Micah tries to un blunt Stock's comments.
Sid translates and looks around.
Stohp translates when needed.
Dorbin is very quiet...
A few hours pass before the feast. You are given the liberty of the village. You estimate that there are perhaps 200 lizard folk here. Of that maybe 1/6 would be children. The village is peaceful though somewhat solemn. Bartomus gets a sense of deep peace when as he wanders around. He can't put his finger on it. Bartomus only, Knowledge Nature 10 and Sense Motive 15, you must make both rolls. Highlight to display spoiler: { You suddenly realize that this whole area has that same sense of old 'fey' magic, and it is a druidic grove. You also realize Slythyl is a druid!}
The feast is prepared. You are invited to sit (on the ground) around Slythyl. Before the feast begins the metal weapons and bucklers you donated are given to various citizens. You are pleased to see Nightshade gain one of the drow short swords. Buttercup is given one of the dwarven made battle axes. The other equipment is passed out and with each is a short story about why that person is worthy to carry the metal weapon. (ie, for service to the village in slaying the goblin two years ago, etc.) During this ceremony I assume you will be looking around... Perception 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { There is one older looking lizard man (not as old as Slythyl, giving the old evil eye in your direction when nobody seems to be looking. This lizard man has various tattoes and strange equipment upon his person. He also seems to have about 3 followers that sit near him.} Dorbin only - Knowledge Arcane 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { you recognize the tattoes and talismans he has as tools of the trade for a higher level magic user, somewhere between level 10 and 14.}
Then comes the feast, you are surprised but it is a little sparse. Smoked fish, many nuts, wild strawberries, and wild raspberries.
Slythyl laughs at Stocks outburst and nods politely to Micah's follow up. "That is a difficult question, for we don't know precisely what your float is offering."
Slythyl turns to Zanderallen, "Your words fill me with hope. It is told in old tales how we Folk would have bad dealings with humans and always be chased from our lands because the humans always wanted more land and more things. But that is long long in the ancient tales, for we have been in this forest for many centuries. Now after many centuries the forest is returning to what it should be. The evil in it is unnatural and the ancient magic of the fore-runners almost is long gone except for a few places. In these places were we placed to serve the green dragons. But others came years ago and slew the dragons that yet lived in the forest. Since that time, we have not had protection from the forest, for while we were slaves to the dragons they also had some sort of way to keep the forest from harming us."
Still the Heart of the Forest is held in corruption. Perhaps the ancient one's magic has slowly be working against it for the heart pulled up the center of it's attention away from the rest of the forest."[/b] He points to the west and you know he means the plateau that raised itself several months ago your time.
"As to what we need...there are many things. You may have notice that one of the things that has plagued us the most of late is lack of proper amounts of food. The dragons used to provide in this, and since then we have tried to find new ways. There is talk of moving the village closer to one of the rivers so that we may always have the bounty of fish. But that would be a huge undertaking." He pauses and says quietly so that only you can hear him while looking at the person decked out in strange tattoos off a ways, "and I fear some that would find us a new master to provide for the people."
He continues in a normal tone, "But in truth I would rather trust to you humans than to the surface drow that make their home in the mountains to the east. We can but offer simple oddities to people as rich as you, intricate carvings, and such."
He waits for your responses, proposals, or questions.
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 30/30 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 Thursday September 20th, 2018 9:55:21 PM
Dirk enjoys the meal of smoked fish and mixed berries. "This was magnificent, friends." He now listens to the lizard folk in regards to their new requests.
"I can't speak for the rest of my companions, but I'm a fan of unique items, and more importantly, history. I'll help with no need of reward, however, I would like to sit and have discussions after about your people's history to write it down."
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 d20+4=5 ; d20+10=19 ; Friday September 21st, 2018 12:05:25 AM "We could see if there is a better place, move folks down to the place we found. Be closer to the river, and maybe see if there is something that could be done to help," Bartomus said aloud as he ate some of the offered fruit.
He looked about. There was just something about this place. It was a good place. A special place beyond just a home for the lizard folk.
Nat 1 on the Knowledge Nature - fail. Perception 19 fail
Stock (JonM) HP: 70/72; AC: 23/13/20; DR 1/-; CMB: 11; CMD: 25; Rage:13/19 d20+12=19 ; Friday September 21st, 2018 9:34:29 AM
Looking at his companions, Stock grunts. "Think that halfling Briardoc would be willing to move here and lead a farming effort? It'd get him out of our headquarters anyway and he'd probably be safe out here."
======= Perception 19...missed by that[/i] much [/i]
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 73/80 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 20 d20+5=13 ; d20+15=29 ; Friday September 21st, 2018 11:11:29 AM
Zanderallen is grateful, and makes sure to show it, for the feast provided even in it's scarcity. The generosity of the poor is the sweetest of all and while his belly may not be full is heart is overflowing. He listens attentively to Slythyl's assessment of the village's state and ponders his words carefully.
Slythyl you have spoken honestly and openly and I will do the same by you. Some of the ideas I am about to present may seem foreign to you but it is how the people of the Floating City will view things and working with those conceptions will get you the most for your people. Here are my thoughts on the matter.
The Float is full of craftsmen and people, and those people needs raw materials and food to make their goods and then people to buy those goods. The only real way that happens now is great magic doors that lead to other places but that is limited and expensive. What the Float really needs is access to the raw materials in the forest and a market for their finished goods.
Now your people are skilled in forest craft and would, I think, be glad of the services of skilled craftsmen. Most of us would be lost before travelling one hour into these woods. I think as you continue to explore the forest now open to you your people will find groves of different types of trees, metal deposits, rare herbs, and other places of interest you can use to trade with the people of the Float. Unless you surrender it they will consider your people to have rights to these things for right of discovery and territory. It will be important in your dealings with the people of the float to make them view this part of the forest as belonging the Lizard folk.
If the undertaking is not so huge as to be beyond your power I think a move to the shore of the river would be of great benefit. It would give you access to the bounty of the river and lake and would also open easy trade along the river with the Float. Also as my dwarven friend mentioned there is a botanist somewhat our prisoner who has experience growing crops in the forest. We have been keeping on eye on him because he can lose sight of what is decent when pursuing experiments but with the right guidance he could be a great aid in starting cultivation efforts for the village. It would greatly help your food problem and give you yet another valuable good to trade to the Float."
Zanderallen is pleased with his speech. Some members of the council might not be too pleased with how much inside knowledge he was arming the lizard folk with but he felt no guilt in that regard. He was arming them against oppression, giving them the tools to determine their own fate. As a paladin of Domi he could do no less, superseding his role as envoy of the council. ------------------------------ Perception 13 (I see nothing) Diplomacy 29
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+16=19 ; Friday September 21st, 2018 8:28:04 PM
Dorbin does remain quiet and looks carefully at the tattoo, recognizing their significance. He says little as the food is passed, but he does wonder about the lack of food and whether there is really much these people can do for the "civilized" people of the float.
OOC: Knowledge Arcana: 19
Sid(Andrew) HP: 38/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Friday September 21st, 2018 11:14:31 PM
When the head master speaks of his concerns with the humans Sid says in Draconic, "I understand this concern, for the race of men can plague the Wold, but the Float is home to many more than just mankind, and the humans that are with you here are of the best I have seen. The future is a nebulous thing at best, only shadows of the possible, but you have the best foundation possible with those here. I would vouch for their honor, but they are beyond me, and I am a simple crafter."
After that he continues to faithfully translate.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) d20+14=16 ; d20+10=20 ; Saturday September 22nd, 2018 6:36:14 AM
Zander is doing great on the talking points so Stohp stays quiet and lets him talk. She keeps her eyes on the rest of the village, trying to get a feel for how they feel about these events. (Perception 16 (would like to aid another one of those 19s) and sense motive 20).
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 24/12/24) CMD:18 d20+4=22 ; Saturday September 22nd, 2018 9:08:22 AM
A deep concern fills Micah as he tours the village. The things Slyythyl shares at the feast only serve to reinforce that feeling.
As Zanderallen parleys with the lizard folk elder, he relaxes a bit, realizing that the holy warrior came to same conclusions and agreeing with the approach he chose to take. As the paladin speaks, Micah thinks back on some of their past dealings with nobility in the Float and inwardly vows to work toward protecting these simple people from exploitation.
Understanding that there are others who would exploit besides those in the Float, he discretely asks Slythyl for more information about the tattooed elder. At a break in the conversation, he suggests Zanderallen open his divine sight on that individual and his followers.
============ Perception 22
DM Robert - Day 8 - " What does the village have that is of value?" Saturday September 22nd, 2018 2:11:32 PM Dirk asks about the history of the people.... 1-As best you can determine after wandering around and speaking to the people, at one time the Lizard Folk had a great Empire centered in the Crying Woods. The Crying woods were sentient at the time but not evil. You think this might have been early in the Forth Age. There were also some Drow cities in the woods. 2-Something happened that made the Crying Woods turn evil and start to try and slay living things. This went on for a while. But the Lizard folk had amulets to protect them from the woods. Over time the strength of the Crying Woods grew. 3-Something happened and there was a great war and the drow were driven from the woods into the eastern mountains. 4-The Crying woods grew more powerful and starting attacking the Lizard Folk, despite having the amulets of protection from the woods. 5-A green dragon arrived to save the lizard folk. The woods no longer attacked them but they became servants to the dragon and it's offspring. This period lasted a looonnng time. 6-10 years ago some adventureres, mostly surface drow, came along and slew all the green dragons in the woods. This made the woods start to attack the lizard folk again and they had to retreat to the safe places.
Bartomus offers to help. Slythyl nods and speaks to Bartomus. "You are young in the ways of nature. But your efforts would be appreciated. This is a sacred grove, once used by many of 'our' kind to commune with nature. I believe it was created by those that gave the wood sentience. Maybe it was Maab or maybe it was the Teucri. I know there are other places in the woods that have ancient magic. Also there may be many ruins where once the Great Lizard Empire existed."
Stock muses about sending Briadoc to the Lizard Folk to help them out, and keep him out of the way.
Zanderallen's speech attracks others beside Slythyl. The tattoed lizard folk comes up to you. "Claim the land? All of these forests were once the domain of the Quatel Empire. We already hold claim to them. And we have been suffering for 10 years since those Crimson Shields from the Float came and slew the masters. In that time has anyone come from the Float to offer aid?"
"That is enough Skagauh. The Quetel Empire is no more, and has been gone for over 2000 years. The drow and the forest have claimed many lives of the people. You can't hold the actions of past people against these people. After all we only had their word they were from the Float, most of them were Drow were they not?" Slythyl says.
Slythyl turns to Zanderallen. "We know of these magic doors. There were at one time some in the Crying Woods. Though really I don't think that name applies to these woods anymore. We will have to consider moving the village. It would be a great undertaking. But it would also allow this grove to become more of a sacred place."
Diplomacy 20 and knowledge Geography 10 - group rules apply = Highlight to display spoiler: {Really if you think about it and look at the exploration map the confluence of the two rivers north of here would be a good city location. These rivers are roughly equivalent to the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers where they come together. So it's really a large navigable river area.}
Dorbin remains quiet and wonders what the Lizard Folk could offer the people of the Float.
Sid speaks up (note Skagauh and Slythyl have both spoken to you in Common). He shares his thoughts on humans on the Float.
Stohp watches the Lizard Folk. Though the conversation has been taking place in common, there are evidently some translators among them. You notice Nightshade and Buttercup doing some translation, but you also note Skagauh going around talking to the Lizard Folk. Perception 15 for Stohp only - Highlight to display spoiler: {From what you over hear, Nightshade and Buttercup are doing a fairly honest translation. However Skagauh is translating with some twists making it sound like Slythyl is too old now, and letting these foreigners try to fast talk him out of the wealth of the Lizard folk.}
Micah lets Zanderallen do the talking. As he watches he notes that several of the lizard folk are doing some crafting work. Some are doing wood working, some appear to be chipping an polishing rocks. He notes a bright yellow rock being worked by some of the Lizard Folk and it appears the rock is also being used on some of the wood crafts. Micah only - Perception 10 and Craft 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { The yellow rock is pure unworked gold. The wood workers are apparently using it to rub into inlay portions of their carvings.}
Micah asks about the tatooed elder, now known as Skagauh. Slythyl informs you that he is one of the elders of the village, currently unhappy about the lot of the Lizard Folk and blaming others for that lot rather than trying to work toward a solution.
Micah then asks Zanderallen for a discrete sensing of evil.
The feast wraps up. Slythyl stands and says, "There is much to consider and it is late. We will talk again in the morning." He directs Nightshade to see you to one of the larger huts. You discover this hut is largely empty and may at one time have been used to warehouse food during the winter.
Night will pass uneventfully. You may discuss things in here without fear of being overheard. However, Monday's post will start the new morning and more discussion. So in your post please describe some of your intentions for the morning.
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Saturday September 22nd, 2018 7:42:06 PM
When the feast wraps up, Dorbin goes with the others to the large hut. Before anyone else can get out a word he blurts out, "So what are we supposed to do now? We've made contact, but half of these people already hate us because we're from the float, and the rest seem to not have enough to feed themselves, much less trade something valuable with the float. I don't think the nobles from the float are going to be interested in trading for a few wooden trinkets."
He then realizes that he has probably said more at once than he ever has in the presence of the Silver Shields. He puts his hand over his mouth and mumbles, "I'm sorry." He sits down, clearly embarrassed.
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 30/30 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+9=16 ; Sunday September 23rd, 2018 2:03:41 PM
After the feast finishes, Dirk makes his way back to camp and spends some time exploring out around the perimeter. In the morning, Dirk spends more time talking to the lizard folk and will collect some sticks to shave down as spare arrows prior to leaving with the rest of the group.
---------------------------------------------------------- Perception while scouting/exploring: 16
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) d20+14=28 ; d20+8=27 ; d20+14=26 ; Sunday September 23rd, 2018 7:53:11 PM
Stohp sits and watches, absorbing the scene and the goings on. She notes the slanted interpretation Skagauh gives of the conversation (Perception 28). She also notes the talk of old empires and moving the villiage (Diplomacy 27). Once shown to their rooms she consults with the others. "Their leader clearly has some political enemies. That Skagauh fellow is trying to turn people against us. Still the headman doesn't strike me as stupid so he probably knows what's going on. As long as it doesn't turn to violence then we're fine. Does anyone know of a good spot for the lizardfolk to move to?"
In the morning, once the talks continue, Stohp keeps and even closer eye on Skagauh in particular. If they get a private audience with the chief or she finds a way to have a aside with him she'll mention what Skagauh is doing. Only if she can just mention it to just the chief though, a sort of "you probably already know this but...". She doesn't want to stick her hoof into things and cause a scene or disrupt whatever plans the chief has to deal with the guy.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 Sunday September 23rd, 2018 10:31:04 PM
Bartomus listened and in listening started to make a list of a couple of things that he was interested in knowing. When they got together, he shared his thoughts.
"I would like to know more about these other spots in the forest, I suspect that is why I have been feeling so at peace in the two we have come across." Bartomus said as he got his thoughts together. He rubbed the new tattoo and the carved acorn swing about and tapped against his horn. "I also think that this former Empire is worth knowing more about. Could be something in the history of these folk that could be a means of helping them. Also, this whole Drow business, that seems a bit odd. Like there is another potential threat there to the Float that we should be concerned about."
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] Monday September 24th, 2018 10:48:17 AM
Dorbin wonders what the new day will bring and how the shields will work with their new lizardmen friends... are they friends? Well, they're not enemies... but some of them still don't like them...
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 73/80 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 20 d20+15=31 ; d20+1=16 ; Monday September 24th, 2018 12:26:29 PM
When Micah makes the sign to have a look with his divine sight Zanderallen does a mental face palm for not having thought of it himself. He had gotten so caught up in the discussions. But that could be remedied. At some point towards the end when things are wrapping up and Zander is not directly involved he focuses inward and focuses his sight on Skagauh. He focuses on just him so he doesn't have to concentrate for so long. Using their long agreed upon signs he passes the results on to the rest of the Shields. "We will speak in the morning. Good night and thank you for your hospitality."
Later that night when they are in their hut and have the maps set out, "What do you all think about the river confluence as a suggestion for their city? The rivers are sizable and you have to think that once word starts spreading that the crying woods are passable river traffic and trade will start to pick up. A city there would be ideally situated to take advantage of it. Dorbin you've pretty much hit the nail of the head. Unless they find some valuable natural resources the lizard folk tribe has very little to recommend itself to trade with the float, but they could greatly benefit from the goods the Float could provide. I don't want to see them driven off or set aside because the Float is stronger. I'd really like to help them find something they can bring to the table before we report back and have merchants and envoys from the council coming to them. Any ideas? Stohp, if you could continue to move around the people and gauge and nudge feelings in our favor? I would but I'm made myself visible as the spokesman. You have the advantage of speaking their language as well. Especially this Skagauh character, he's trouble." ----------------------------- Diplomacy 31, Know(Geo) 16: to figure out spot for village
Stock (JonM) HP: 70/72; AC: 23/13/20; DR 1/-; CMB: 11; CMD: 25; Rage:13/19 d20+1=16 ; d20=6 ; d20+6=19 ; Monday September 24th, 2018 1:49:35 PM
Stock spends some time whittling a small stick that he picked up along the way, listening to the conversation between the "talky" types in the group. On the surface, he didn't have any issue with the lizardfolk named Skagauh. Every council needs a dissenting voice to protect it...he's just not sure if there's a hidden agenda there.
"I have to agree that moving to the mouth of the river makes the most sense. To be honest, they don't even have to move the entire village there. All they need to do is setup a trading facility along with inland trails leading to their village here."
======= Diplomacy 16 Knowledge Geography (Untrained, max 10) 6 Sense Motive on Skagauh - 19 - Does Skagauh seem more like a healthy skeptic, trying to protect his village or a saboteur to the conversation?
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 24/12/24) CMD:18 d20+15=27 ; d20+1=2 ; d20+4=11 ; d20+5=19 ; Monday September 24th, 2018 5:22:25 PM
Micah absorbs the conversation and continues to observe the lizardfolk. At one point when he notices what they are working with, he nearly chokes on his drink. Sputtering, he attempts to cover it with a few coughs, then apologizes for his clumsiness.
Careful to not reveal anything to the Shields or their hosts, he waits until they are alone. He gives the others time to speak, to make sure no one outside the Shields may be listening. He nods in agreement with Zanderallen's suggestion for the location. Sensing a lull in the conversation he starts, "It looks like we have trouble right here in River City."
He turns to Dorbin and says, " It's not that nobles will not be interested in trading with these people. I think we have the opposite problem. They may be too interested. I noticed that some of the craftsmen are using yellow rocks to inlay their wood carvings. Those yellow rocks," he pauses, unable to resist the temptation to build a little drama, "appear to be pure gold. My guess is this stuff has to be fairly common the way they were using it."
He then turns to Zanderallen, gravely commenting, "If word of this gets to the wrong people, these lizard folk will be slaughtered."
==================== Diplomacy 27 Perception 2: Got half of the first check. Perception 11; Craft 19: Made the combo check.
Sid(Andrew) HP: 38/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) Monday September 24th, 2018 6:43:05 PM
Sid mutters a curse, "That's honestly been my biggest concern Micah, and that was before gold was brought up. The Float has enough of a need for wood that, with a little guidance they could hunt down the materials for bows, arrows, furniture, basic building supplies to be traded. Then the cleared land could be used for sheep and cattle and grains, and it could all flow into and through the Float. And then there are the Drow. All culture and history aside, if there were an Empire ready to move in and take over virgin lands, my money would be on them. Time will tell though."
DM Robert - Day 9 - "It looks like we have trouble right here in River City." Monday September 24th, 2018 8:48:03 PM
Dorbin expresses doubt that the Lizard folk would be worthwhile trade partners.
Dirk wanders among the lizard folk, and notes the yellow rocks in various art pieces. Dirk does not find spare sticks, technically you are in a Druidic Grove. All the tree's are sacred, and there are no scraps upon the ground. What wood they work with is gathered outside of the hedge.
Stohp has picked up on that the Skagauh fellow might be some sort of political rival to Slythyl.
Bartomus points out that you've learned several things about the forest already, and possibly more trouble. Though really the Drow are in the mountains east of here, and will not be a factor in this module....
Zanderallen does get a read on Skaguah. Sure enough that fellow radiates some evil....okay a lot of evil. Zanderallen also sums up some of the problems facing the Silver Shields and the lizard folk.
Stock thinks moving the village to a better location might be a good idea.
Micah reveals that the Lizard Folk apparently have access to raw gold. Which could prove a potential problem if the greedy in The Float hear of it. Hero point to Micah for the River City line
Sid points out that the Lizard Folk could lay claim easily to this section of the forest and with a little coaching point out the virgin wood The Float is in need of. They could either harvest the wood themselves or act as scouts and oversee-ers to Float wood cutters.
Morning dawns, barely. It is an overcast day with hints of rain in the air. You again meet with Slythyl, Skaguah, and two other elders, Elderberry who appears to be an older fighter, and Cactusflower, a female that you're not sure what sort she is.
Stohp manages to get an aside with Slythyl and he nods knowingly. "There are many things which must be endured by the sapling before it becomes a mighty oak. And an Oak that has endured much can withstand all but age itself."
Stohp and anyone else that chooses to wander the village. Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { There are many works of art adorning pathways, doors, and other areas of the village. It is almost as if when not trying to scratch out a living they work with wood and gold to pass the time. Many of the items are ho hum, but several look really good.} If you made the roll above Appraise 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { There is approximately 47 pieces of art that would fetch really good prices in the Foat, and beyond if they were exported through the gates. And by really good you think between 500-1000 gold pieces each. Depends on the market.}
Continuing with those that choose to wander the village. Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Most of the people see friendly and open. } Sense Motive 15, only if you speak Draconic or stay with a translator. Highlight to display spoiler: { Many think the idea of moving the village closer to the river would be a good idea. There is a lot of talk of better eating.}
Village wanders, please let me know who you are, and what you intend to further investigate or ask about to the village at large. -------
Those that attend the conference. Slythyl, Skaguah, Elderberry, and Cactusflower, all seem attentive. It is brought out that the Float is in need of natural resources, to wit lumber. Lumber to make bows, arrows, furniture, wood pulp to make paper (there is actually a printing industry to support) and many other things. Sense Motive 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { You get the sense that Cactusflower mostly support Slythyl, Skaguah seems opposed to working with humans or anyone, and Elderberry is neutral. }
Slythyl indicates that much of the forest is in need of maintenance. This is an Old Forest but it has lacked bio diversity because of the forest's attacking of living things. The forest may need some prudent pruning and care to offer habitat to wildlife to encourage it to return to the forest. Skaguah of course points out that this is just the humans trying to lay claim to the land. Elderberry asks what assurances could be put in place to ensure that humans do not invade the forest. He wants it made perfectly clear that at least this section of woodland would be claimed by the Lizard Folk.
At the mention of moving the village, all seem to agree that this would be a good idea. Slythyl thinks there are ways he may be able to contact other Lizard Folk throughout the former Crying Woods and get them to come together as a larger community. All the Lizard Folk think this too would be a great leap forward for Lizard kind. Diplomacy 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { While this would be good for the lizard folk would this be good for The Float. It depends on if you think the majority of the people of the Float are Good, Neutral, or Evil. The float needs trading partners, a larger lizard community would make for larger trading goods.}
Cactusflower and Elderberry want to know what the Float has to offer the Lizard Folk.
ie balls in your court now, offers, counter offers, etc.
I have not brought up the gold because I'm not sure if you would bring it up during negotiations. However, if you want to broach the subject it will add to negotiations.
Bartomus(Rod) HP: 45/45 AC: 19; Melee +6;Perc+10;Heal+9 d20+10=17 ; d20+3=16 ; d20+10=22 ; d20+7=11 ; Tuesday September 25th, 2018 1:15:24 AM
Bartomus awoke early and spent his time contemplating the days that had passed as well as the one ahead. He put forth his thoughts as to the spells he would need for the day and as the time passed, he thought of Eberyon. The woods had a connection to the Fey and that connection could be of interest to the Druids of the Float.
When he got done with his meditations, he strolled about the village. There were talented carvers who used wood and gold to make rather appealing carvings that could bring a nice price in a few of the galleries on the float. He knew some folk from his own crafting that could be a conduit for sales, but how to make that work that benefited the folk?
As he saw a few folk working wood, Bartomus stopped and watched. He didn't know the language being spoken, but he tried to ask questions in Druidic about the symbols being carved. He wanted to learn more about the woods and the history of the lizard folk. There were questions there that could lead to more information.
When he came across some of his fellow Shields, he shared what he learned but also asked about the need for a translator. [b]"If we could ask a few folks about the history of the folk, we might also be able to ask about some of the former locales where their Empire was the strongest. There could be artifacts there that could be of value on the Float."[/b[
Perception walk about = 17; Appraise art = 16; perception 22; sense motive 11; leaving diplomacy to others
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20+8=25 ; d20+14=16 ; d20+8=19 ; d20+2=14 ; d20+16=36 ; Tuesday September 25th, 2018 11:24:14 AM
As the day wakens, Dorbin wanders around the village, nodding and trying to be friendly. He spots the various works of art and realizes their worth. He imagines they would trade quite well with some of the upper levels of the float. In fact, he could imagine some of the noble-types trying to impress one another with rare types of this art, driving the prices even higher.
When the group gathers to talk, Dorbin listens in. When they ask what the float has to offer, he thinks about the various trade items that the float has and mentions a few that might be useful.
Not sure exactly what the float has to offer, but I rolled a knowledge, local, float with a nice 36, so I figure that might give him enough knowledge to offer some things that the float might have to trade.
Stock (JonM) HP: 70/72; AC: 23/13/20; DR 1/-; CMB: 11; CMD: 25; Rage:13/19 d20+12=24 ; d20=8 ; d20+12=16 ; d20+6=23 ; Tuesday September 25th, 2018 11:31:10 AM
Stock wakes up early, as is his wont and for a while, keeps to himself, whittling and polishing stones. He even spends some time looking for a new stone to add to his collection but quickly realizes the grove is not a good place for loose rocks. Growing antsy, he wanders the village for a while...and is impressed by the artisanry present. He is surprised at how open the locals are to being around strangers, especially of a race they may have never seen before.
He arrives back at their lodgings just as the group is getting together to renew the conference. He sits through most of the conversation, whittling and not really trying to make anything, just using the repetitive carving motions to keep him calm.
"The Float has much that you could use - tools, weapons, clothing, possibly even food although I'm not certain on that. Honestly, the biggest things the Float has to offer are knowledge and connections with the wider world. You have a chance to build something great for your people. It won't be easy and there are those who will challenge you but, especially if you can re-unite with other groups, you should be able to take advantage of the Float's presence."
===========[i] Perception 24 Appraise 8/10 if it contains precious metals Perception 16 Sense Motive @ the conference 23
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 73/80 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 20 d20+13=15 ; d20+15=22 ; Tuesday September 25th, 2018 6:18:24 PM
Waking early to exercise and perform his devotions Zanderallen holds a quick conference during breakfast. "Watch out for Skaguah, his heart houses evil. Judging from the intensity of my feelings I would guess he is the servant of some malevolent power, in the much the same way as Brother Micah is a servant of Domi. In our talks today I plan on making them aware of how valuable gold is viewed in the Float. They need to know in order to guard themselves against merchant greed." With that in mind he preps a couple bags of gold coins.
As they sit at council Zanderallen listens to their talk and composes his counter points letting the surprisingly vocal Dorbin list off a number of goods and services he never would have thought of. 'Good lad'
He takes a deep breath and launches into his proposals, "I will address some of your points and then there is a delicate subject that must be discussed. As to maintaining the forest, we know of druids and woodsmen who used to eek out a living in the forest when it still attacked living things. Now that the forest is open to life there is much knowledge that could be put to use. In particular a druid friend of ours by the name of Jella. She is a kind soul and would probably do much for no other reason than to see the forest healed and happy. She has suffered much from the Crying Woods and would be sympathetic. Elderberry you want assurances, with us there is one thing that can do that. A signed treaty between the leaders of the Float and the leaders of your people. The more tribes you can gather together to make this treaty the more you can bargain on equal or even superior ground. If you send us back with a treaty proposal or meet with other envoys and claim this land as yours who is to say otherwise? Your village is here, your ancestral lands are here, your people know these woods. Now on to what I hinted at the beginning. We have noticed, by watching your craftsmen, that you have a lot of gold. In the Float gold is considered very valuable and we mint it into coins for trade. With a single piece like this one,", pulling out a gold coin, "you could pay for a comfortable night at an inn, along with a full meal and drink a plenty. Seven coins could purchase you a fine lantern like this one. Fifteen a longsword of average quality. Two dozen a serviceable pack animal. One hundred a shirt of chainmail like I'm wearing now. Three hundred one of those fine short blades like the ones we took from the troll cave." He backs his statements up by showing the mentioned item and the mentioned amount of gold coins from his prepared pouches. "I don't know how much gold you have in the woods but I must warn you it would be wise to keep that knowledge from those given to greed. Whether those be traders of the Float, of whom only some would be dangerous, or the drow of whom I would be greatly concerned. Gold has a corrupting influence to those who fall to greed and has been the cause of much trouble. For you if handled carefully it is a great bargaining piece in building trade relations with the Float to build your people into greatness. Also at some later point if your could take a look at the map we have been putting together for the Float council, I'm not quite sure where to mark the boundaries of your territory. Maybe you could help us out?" He gives a shrewd look to the council, particularly Elderberry, with his closing remark, emphasizing for the Float council. ------------------- Sense Motive 15, really wish I knew that one Diplomacy 22, Everyone wants the best for everyone right? At least that's what you get if you pick a paladin as your envoy.
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 24/12/24) CMD:18 d20+4=21 ; d20+16=20 ; d20+23=28 ; Tuesday September 25th, 2018 6:30:01 PM
Micah also takes the opportunity to wander around, spending most of his time with a translator. He is encouraged by the openness of the lizardfolk and the general enthusiasm he senses regarding the potential move.
When discussion occurs of a coalition lizard tribes, Micah takes a moment to consider. When moments for privacy with other Shields, he shares his thoughts. "I see much opportunity for mutual benefit between the Float and the lizard folk. I am, however, a bit concerned that some in the Float--Crimson" he says through a mock cough, "might seek to exploit them, especially in light of the likely fortune in gold present. I can see much bloodshed arising from the presence of that precious metal.
"Furthermore, I do not think the Float has the manpower to successfully expand and occupy this territory. It appears to me that having a friendly ally occupying this region would be in her best interest. Currently this tribe is not strong enough to resist those who would wish to exploit them for the gold. I see their unification as a potential good thing for them and for the Float, protecting both from greedy individuals.
"I believe we could convince Slythyl, Elderberry, and Cactus flower of the wisdom of unification and alliance, but, based on Zanderallen's information, Skagauh could be a real problem--for them and for us."
At some point, he pulls Zanderallen aside and asks him to keep an eye on him as he confronts Skagauh. He also hands Zanderallen his mace, so that he will appear unarmed when approaching the elder. He watches for a moment when he can speak with the him alone. Before approaching, Micah discretely casts Comprehend Languages on himself.
"May I have a word with you? As one priest to another." asks Micah. Given consent, he will join him and state, "I have observed that you are skeptical of our intentions. I understand and respect your concern. It appears to me that you are a person of faith, empowered by whom you serve. I am a devotee of Domi. Who do you worship?
Depending on how that goes, Micah will ask of his concerns and reservations. He will also try to get an understanding of his motives. [OOC: Comprehend languages is cast in case he talks to some one else. Micah will not reveal he understands should that occur.]
===== Perception 21; sense Motive: auto-succeed Sense Motive: 20 Comprehend Languages duration 70 minutes Hero point used before diplomacy roll for +8 Diplomacy 28
Sid(Andrew) HP: 38/42; AC: 18/15/14; CMB: 2; CMD: 16) d20+11=18 ; d20+4=20 ; Tuesday September 25th, 2018 7:52:31 PM
Sid will make sure that everyone is good for translators and if he is not needed will look for the bow makers of the village. If he can he will talk shop. He will admire any bows made and will show off Lhysandri (LB MW) or Daffdryd (SB MW) if things are going well.
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) Tuesday September 25th, 2018 7:55:17 PM
After getting her aside with the elder Stohp consults the group. "Should we send a message back telling the float we've made contact? We should definitely make sure not to make any promises we can't keep before consulting them. That's sure to end badly all around."
DM Robert - Day 9 - "It's about to get real up in here..." Tuesday September 25th, 2018 8:33:11 PM
Doing things a little different. With a lot of people both wandering and attending the meeting I'm labeling the rolls A, B, C, etc. You can choose which to roll for based on if you would be with that person.
Dirk?
Bartomus wakes up and wanders the village. The villagers say the symbols are just fancy swirls of art, they mean nothing. A-Sense Motive 10 Highlight to display spoiler: { They are not druids, they are not making druidic carvings. They are just living in a Druidic grove. } They are not going to know anything about the old empire other than fragmented tales, that was a time over 1000 years ago. Then he activates his "Rule Britannia, schooling" and considers the how the Float could use the artifacts of the past Lizard Folk empire.
Dorbin wanders around the village, nodding and trying to be friendly. He spots the various works of art and realizes their worth. He imagines they would trade quite well with some of the upper levels of the float. In fact, he could imagine some of the noble-types trying to impress one another with rare types of this art, driving the prices even higher. [i]I'm going to say with your knowledge local roll you have several art dealers in mind that could sell to the upper crust of the Float as well as export through the gates to Plateau City. He mentions some trade goods that the Lizard Folk might like would be lanterns, metal tools, knowledge and training planting crops, etc.
Stock wakes up early, as is his wont and for a while, keeps to himself, whittling and polishing stones. After wandering the village he finds that several of the works are way above his skill level. B-Perception 15 Highlight to display spoiler: {You manage to find that the major pieces are done by two noted craft-persons. One appears to be Cactusflower. The other is a youngish, you think, lizard man. He welcomes you to his hut, and you realize you are unworthy (at the current time). He is a true master of woodworking and stoneworking. You spot a chess set he has made and it is truely stunning.} Stock's suggestions of items is nodded upon (except the clothing).
Zanderallen warns about Skaguah, but incorrectly judges his skills to be divine in nature. His warnings about gold seem to be caught with mixed feelings. Skaguah seems to have a rather crafty smile on his face, if you can judge a lizard man's face. C-Sense Motive 20 Highlight to display spoiler: { Indeed it's an I told you so smirk. } Elderberry looks over your map, and lays a clawed hand over the entire section of woods (as seen for the exploration map, bordered by the rivers, the lake and the mountains. "These would be our lands." D-Sense Motive 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { As in these are our lands, end of discussion, or else...} lizard folk land
Micah also takes the opportunity to wander around, spending most of his time with a translator. He is encouraged by the openness of the lizardfolk and the general enthusiasm he senses regarding the potential move. He approaches Skaguah at a break in the conference. "May I have a word with you? As one priest to another." asks Micah. "Priest? I am no servant to another you tailless monkey. I am a master of the Arcane Powers, and you would do well to watch your step for my powers are fell and terrible!" Skaguah replies. E-Sense Motive 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {Skaguah just seems to be filled with anger and crotchety in general. }
Sid wanders the village with the others and show off is bow to a few bow makers he runs across. They are very impressed. F-Craft bow 15 Highlight to display spoiler: { Sid is able to determine that for their skill they are quite good. However, they lack certain ingredients/materials to make truly great bows. The most important one being glue. Probably from the lack of wildlife in the forest they have not been able to come up with a good glue. }
Stohp wonders if the group should report back to the Float city council.
In general you seem to be making headway in the meeting. Those attending, we need a diplomacy roll now to influence. Group roll, highest is lead, and the rest can aid another, if you are attending the meetings.
Late in the afternoon Nightshade bursts into the meeting house. He quickly crosses to Slythyl and starts whispering to him. Slythyl raises his hand stopping Nightshade. He turns to the council and you. "It appears that hobgoblins are headed this way. A veritably horde. We will need all able bodied beings to help in the defense of the village." He looks at you all.
Hold that thought, but yes, combat is going to start. But not right away. Tomorrow if you choose to aid the Lizard Folk, you will receive your assignment. IF not, it's time to leave.
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 30/30 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+9=11 ; d20+8=14 ; Tuesday September 25th, 2018 8:57:37 PM
Dirk wanders around the village taking notes and sketching on the jumbled scraps of paper in his kit. He then sees most of the group over in the meeting and heads over with a smile as he joins the rest.
--------------- Perception: 11 Diplomacy: 14
Dorbin (JeffO) [AC:13/13/10 HP:48/48 CMD:15] d20=1 ; Wednesday September 26th, 2018 9:40:54 AM
Dorbin looks around at the announcement of the hobgoblins nervously. He says, "Of course we'll help. How many are there?"
OOC: Diplomacy: 1. Yes, a one.
Zanderallen (Zachary H) HP: 80/80 AC: 25 T: 13 FF: 24 CMD: 20 d20+13=26 ; d20+13=23 ; d20+15=21 ; d20+13=26 ; Wednesday September 26th, 2018 11:51:48 AM
Zanderallen hides a glare at Skaguah at his insulting of Micah and told you so looks but moves past the odious lizard man's ill humor. As Elderberry traces out the entire section of forest Zanderallen is thankful for the both Elderberry's boldness and discretion in picking their land. "If you say these are your lands, then there can be no question about it. I will make that plain to council upon our return." As the day wears on Zanderallen continues the discussions. Throughout the day he focuses on concerns of Cactusflower and Elderberry, wishing to have 3 strong supporters of alliance and having little hope of changing Skaguah's mind.
When Nightshade busts into the council room Zanderallen can barely contain his impatience while he waits for Slythyl to address them. When he learns what the danger is he replies immediately, "We would be honored to fight alongside you. We will help wherever you need us. Hobgoblins are trouble for everyone." Unless the talks continue afterwards Zander returns to their quarters and starts looking to his equipment for the coming battle. --------------------- Sense Motive (C,D,E) - 26,23,26 Diplomacy - 21
Dirk Devlin (Joe) HP: 30/30 AC: 20/14/17 CMB: 5 CMD: 17 d20+8=27 ; Wednesday September 26th, 2018 3:03:42 PM
Dirk steps up to help his friend Dorbin who is clearly struggling with speaking. "Of course we will help. My friend Dorbin and I stand at the ready to take on these fearsome hobgoblins."
Stock is still somewhat stunned by the craftsmanship he saw this morning.
I mean, I'm no slouch but a lot of that comes from hard work and perseverance. That guy...I'm not worthy. He could make a killing on the float selling to those rich folks up top.
When the threat is apparent, Stock rubs his hands through his hair and barely restrains a laugh of joy. "Hobgoblins...ho ho. Are they a constant problem? Do they often come threaten you with a horde?"
========= Diplomacy 17 Perception 15
Micah (John) HP: 52/52 AC: 24/12/24) CMD:18 d20+16=36 ; d20+15=35 ; Wednesday September 26th, 2018 6:41:15 PM
Micah is a bit chagrined to have acted on a misunderstanding about Slaguah, but pleased to have obtained what he was truly after: a better understanding of Slagauh's power.
When word of the hobgoblin horde arrives, he is relieved to hear that the rest of Shields share his desire to protect the lizardfolk. To abandon the them now would doom their diplomatic mission should they win or introduce a new player into the politics if they lost.
He nods his interest when Dorbin asks for the size of the horde. He turns in deference to Slythyl wordlessly asking permission to question the scout directly. Assuming he receives it, he proceeds with questioning Nightshade.
Micah's intensity about preparing for the defense of the village comes across in the directness and abundance of his questions. "In addition to their number, how quickly are they traveling? How long do you think they before they will be here? Do they appear to have a baggage train? Do they have outriders? What about siege equipment? How are they armed? Is there any sign of a command post or officers? Do they seem to be heading this way? If so, they appear to know of this village? Do they have any beasts or other creatures with them: dogs, wolves, horses, or something else?"
As each answer comes, he nods to acknowledge it, ready to assist in forming a plan of defense based on what they know about the threat.
After receiving what intelligence the scout has to offer, he addresses the council. "What is your standard response to such a threat? How would you have us help?" He then turns to Slagauh. With no sarcasm intended or apparent he asks, "How can we support your use of your powers in protecting your people? We do not wish to hinder you or get in your way."
============= Sense Motive 36 on Slagauh. Diplomacy 35 (two twenties in row!) [OOC: will we have time to rest and prepare new spells?]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 49/49 hp AC: 25/15/21 CMB: +10 (12 Grapple, 12 Trip, 14 Disarm) CMD: 20 (+2 vs grapple, disarm) d20+10=22 ; Wednesday September 26th, 2018 7:48:34 PM
Stohp joins the meeting and does her whole sit quietly and watch thing. She tries to judge how the elders are taking their words (sense motive 22). At word of encroaching enemies she's momentarily unsure if they should get involved but her teammates quickness to jump into the fight keeps her from bringing up her worries. At least if they live it'll make a good impression.
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