The hollowmoons tribe, roleplay in the sharpteeth forest.

[DM Foresight]

For the first time, Derik Ranloss makes an appearance at the Lizardfolk camp and village to see what can be seen. As he often is, he is dressed in full battle and adventuring gear, but his stance is soft and his voice is friendly, even if his eyes are a bit... haunted as they have been since the autumn of last year.

He does not speak to the Lizarfolk though in Common, conversing to the guards as he approaches in fluent and smooth Draconic. <Greetings my friends and brothers!> And a flourish of a bow.

With him he would carry a bag, which would contain several packages of spiced and sweetened preserved meats, which he would then kneel down and offer to the younglings one by one in turn after they performed some sort of feat for him, be it a simple tumble across the ground, a feat of strength, or even a good "ferocious" roar. Eventually, every child would get such a treat, no matter how small their performance. Even the shy ones would eventually be sought out and get a treat. At least until he ran out.

After that, he would have quick meetings if he could with Ssixus and Visakus. <The Bladestone Foundation is not terribly far from here upon the road called the Way of the Lion. I am sure you know of it. We will soon be establishing, if we are successful, a fully functional trade station for those coming and going, both merchant and local farmers. It honors me to extend to your tribe the offer of also coming and trading and selling wares at this trade station when it is up and going, as well as then also obtaining any personal combat training or food at the Inn there, both adults and your younglings. Your people are strong and honorable, and it would I think be benefit both to area as well as your tribe.>

OOC:

the stuff in <> is spoken in Draconic, fyi.

*Chieftain Ssixus regards you with a nod and a light hiss as you approach*

Trade iss of importance, perhapsss we can talk further on the subject in time. Bring me a lissst of your offered waresss and we may explore thisss conversation further.... Out of curiosssity... How do you view the traderss of the rocky creek company?

[DM Foresight]

About every other days, Blake Hightower go visit the Hollowmoon tribe. He train with them, talk with chieftain Six and seeks wisdom with the Shaman Sazilus. He watches the children plays a smile on his lips and take walks around the village. After his training he usually bathe in the moonhae well.

*Chieftain Ssixus seems to be preoccupied on the days you visit the tribe of late, he is often not reachable and the cave tunnels leading to his personal chambers are guarded by the elite lizardfolk warriors. They nod to you with respect but inform you the chief is not to be disturbed.*

*Shaman Sazilus however is available and greets you with a nod and a low hiss*

Greetingss Blake of the bat, you have come to sseek wisssdom? Then perhapsss I shall sshare with you ssomthing, come let us enter the waters and speak.

*Sazilus invites you into the moonwell to bath and conversate*

What isss it you wissh to asssk me my friend?

[artemitavik]

For the first time, Derik Ranloss makes an appearance at the Lizardfolk camp and village to see what can be seen. As he often is, he is dressed in full battle and adventuring gear, but his stance is soft and his voice is friendly, even if his eyes are a bit... haunted as they have been since the autumn of last year.

He does not speak to the Lizarfolk though in Common, conversing to the guards as he approaches in fluent and smooth Draconic. <Greetings my friends and brothers!> And a flourish of a bow.

With him he would carry a bag, which would contain several packages of spiced and sweetened preserved meats, which he would then kneel down and offer to the younglings one by one in turn after they performed some sort of feat for him, be it a simple tumble across the ground, a feat of strength, or even a good "ferocious" roar. Eventually, every child would get such a treat, no matter how small their performance. Even the shy ones would eventually be sought out and get a treat. At least until he ran out.

After that, he would have quick meetings if he could with Ssixus and Visakus. <The Bladestone Foundation is not terribly far from here upon the road called the Way of the Lion. I am sure you know of it. We will soon be establishing, if we are successful, a fully functional trade station for those coming and going, both merchant and local farmers. It honors me to extend to your tribe the offer of also coming and trading and selling wares at this trade station when it is up and going, as well as then also obtaining any personal combat training or food at the Inn there, both adults and your younglings. Your people are strong and honorable, and it would I think be benefit both to area as well as your tribe.>

OOC:

the stuff in <> is spoken in Draconic, fyi.

*Chieftain Ssixus regards you with a nod and a light hiss as you approach*

Trade iss of importance, perhapsss we can talk further on the subject in time. Bring me a lissst of your offered waresss and we may explore thisss conversation further.... Out of curiosssity... How do you view the traderss of the rocky creek company?

Derik nods and continues in Draconic. <Unfortunately, the Bladestone won't have a list of goods, as it were, as whatever is available will vary from whatever merchants or local farmers are there at the time. The current thought is that the farmers will be brining in extra produce to sell to the merchants while the merchants will have farming equipment, probably some basic weaponry, and maybe some more advanced weaponry for any adventurers and mercenaries that may be staying or traveling through>

<As far as the Rocky Creek, I've have very little direct contact with them myself, but they seem fairly straightforward enough. I don't know if they have any political agenda or affiliations.>

[DM Foresight]

Lyra spent much of her time in the trees these days, scurrying up to a comfortable perch to watch, and listen, and wait. There was a tension in her wiry form that never quite disappeared, even when she offered her greetings to fellow tribesmen or strangers, helped with training, or observed Arorn's own work with the spearmen. She could find no peace at the Moon-well, no peace in the verdant calm of the wood. Her sharp green gaze was ever fixed on the visitors to the village.

It was no secret that the half-elf brimmed with mistrust on the best of days.

Certainly the Coast was no Luskan, even she could see that, but human nature didn't change from region to region, only laws did. The former gutter-rat was unshakably certain of these truths of life. Visakus may have demonstrated an iron-clad spine in asserting the Hollowmoon's independence and equal standing, but even with the massive spear-commander looming around, Lyra could not shake her misgivings. Still, she did not give voice to them; she simply kept a restless watch, and quietly asked Lady Luck that her pessimism, in this matter, at least, be proven wrong.

But hope was a fickle, transient thing, and fingers curled near blades offered the greatest comfort to a wary soul.

*as you sit perched atop a tree watching the village from afar you find yourself listening to the sounds of a familiar youngling crawling up the tree to you. She sits next to you and pats your hand until you open it, and pours half her hand full of grain into it. She looks down and cackles like a hyena while munching on the score, her gaze on a few lizardfolk repairing a small hole on the windmill. She lays down whipping her tail around the branch to hold herself in place and rests the back of her head on your thigh. She looks up and speaks one simple word and continues to munch and cackles quietly as possible.

Ly... Rah!

*with the distraction you didnt notice but now as you look around you see over a dozen hollowmoons bushwackers also sitting in the tree with you, perched in various positions and glaring at the newcomers suspiciously. You have trained them well, not only in stealth, but also... In caution.

[abousalif]

*Chieftain Ssixus seems to be preoccupied on the days you visit the tribe of late, he is often not reachable and the cave tunnels leading to his personal chambers are guarded by the elite lizardfolk warriors. They nod to you with respect but inform you the chief is not to be disturbed.*

*Shaman Sazilus however is available and greets you with a nod and a low hiss*

Greetingss Blake of the bat, you have come to sseek wisssdom? Then perhapsss I shall sshare with you ssomthing, come let us enter the waters and speak.

*Sazilus invites you into the moonwell to bath and conversate*

What isss it you wissh to asssk me my friend?

* Blake follows Sazilus tobthe Moonwell*

Greetings,

Thank you for seeing me. I always find it relaxing to come see everyone here. Alyssia Leonhart of the Hall's of inner lights asked me to do a round inbthe city.

I do it every days. It brings me to the shrine of Eldath, to the temples of Helm, Tyr, Torm and Ilmater. Shebtells me that the Lord of Three Thunders is seen as this vengefull God, even though he his also Poetic Justice. She thinks I should reconsider my faith.


I am not sure about it but I do the rounds anyway.


I wanted to talk to you aboutthe Earth Mother, as I consider that she should be part of this round. I would not come every day as I know you have your duties, but I would be honoured to talk aboutnher with you.

[DM Foresight]

Brianna finds herself among the lizardfolk commonly these days. She is likely shadowed by an unlikely protector in the form of a retired privateer.

Hector would make his way into the village alongside the shaman and seer, keeping a quiet company in the next few days. When unattended, he would sneak a drink from a flask within his jacket as he watched the daily "routine" of the tribe, those playing and interacting with the young and those sparring and training with the tribe's warriors. Often enough, he would be seen walking around and taking in the village and way of life unusual to him. He is not social until interacted with, but is more than fine with small-talk or banter when approached. He wasn't a spiritual sort nor good with any young, lizardfolk included. When the shaman he accompanied was busy, he found himself without much to do, nor keep himself occupied. If he was going to stop by more often these days, maybe he could fix that.

After a few more visits under his belt, he would fix his one good eye on spear commander Visakus. When the lizardfolk warrior was not pre-occupied or busy, Hector would make his approach to introduce himself personally.

"Hector. I uh, noticed ye lot have quite a bit of land here. Lot of open land. An' the Sharpteeth 'locals' have never been a welcomin' sort, save yerselves. Just assumin', but ye don't take me as the kind to build walls fer protection." *He then added to clarify.* "Not that I'm sayin' ye can't defend yerselves. Just wonderin' if ye've seen to ways to makin' that easier. If ye've laid any pitfall traps or snares of some sort."

*He'd then look to those gathered in the village, tribe and visitor's alike before turning back to Visakus, noting the lizardfolk's claws.*

"I ain't got claws to dig with, but I've a strong back an' I can bring a shovel or two. I don't set traps, but I reckon some of this lot might know their way about it. Ye or yer tribesman can accompany, have 'em placed where ye'd like."

*He'd take a drink of the flask of Wyvern Whiskey, before offering it aside to the spear commander.*

"If ye find the want, that is..."

* Visakus stands up from the campfire as you address him. His towering form shading you like that of a oak tree. He crosses his arms and tilts his head listening to your words before speaking.

Ahh, Hector of the city baldur'sssss gate, traveler from Cormyr. I find your questionss regarding trapss and defensesss of my home to be overbearing. In fact I find it consserning to me when a outsider inquiress about why or how the localsss cause usss no issue here in the sssharpteeth. If I had half the military mind I currently possess I might find you to be a threat and have you thrown from the village. Fortunately for you I have already taken the liberty to know you, just as I have all visitors within the veil of my protection, and feel you no threat to my people currently, and thus I will answer your questionsssss with a question. Would you expect a truthful answer about the defenses of baldur's gate if addressing the one they call general Scar himself?

I have heard storiesssss of such a human, one whom I might consider my military superior. Until you find yourself in equal shoes, perhaosssss I might offer you a bit of advice. Pour that poison from itss container and sssset eyes on it no longer, march yourself back to the mermaid inn in which you sleep settling your tab. Acknowledge the fact you are no longer a drunkard, do this and return to me here and perhapssss we can find you more equal shoes within the ranks of the hollowmoon warriors.

Take my offer as you will, I care not for your feelingssss, only the protection of my people.

[LivT]

The last of the wounded Cloakwood creatures in Iolanna's care had at last recovered well enough to go on independently - granted, in greener lands far from the coming threat. Now, the High Druid continues to roam the wounded woodlands, finding fewer and fewer animals able to be rescued. Those beyond any possibility of help, she comforted and gave a swifter end to their lives before burying them; for even the carrion eaters were too few to take care of the corpses naturally.

Iolanna also uses the newly available time to visit the Lizardfolk, though doesn't linger too long when she does, particularly if the community is already entertaining outsider company. When the druidess does converse with the locals she is seen trading healing supplies and swapping tidbits of information, gifting bags of fine Tanglefoot, and aiding in defensive preparations of the village where possible.

There was one exception to this routine- when some of the Lizardfolk children had been particularly rambunctious and getting in the way of the Tribe, the usually placid woman had distracted them by vanishing in a whisper of wind and leaves, a tubby rabbit appearing where she once stood. Thus, the druid-rabbit led the young ones on a spirited chase-about - a simple way to keep them occupied and tired out.

[predrag]

*Sane would head to the woods of Sharpteeth and seek out the Lizardfolk tribe from the Moonshaes

If he finds them , his questions would be directed to the Chief regarding any news of Kazgaroth or their preparations .

If allowed , he'd also ask the Shaman of the tribe quite directly if he knew Brianna was in danger of becoming a host for Kazgaroth , more on why he did not warn of this when sharing with her the vision .

A harsh but diplomatic tone to the Shaman and more friendly one to the Chief maintained .*

[CooCooCachoo]

*Sane would head to the woods of Sharpteeth and seek out the Lizardfolk tribe from the Moonshaes

If he finds them , his questions would be directed to the Chief regarding any news of Kazgaroth or their preparations .

If allowed , he'd also ask the Shaman of the tribe quite directly if he knew Brianna was in danger of becoming a host for Kazgaroth , more on why he did not warn of this when sharing with her the vision .

A harsh but diplomatic tone to the Shaman and more friendly one to the Chief maintained .*

Brianna had been sitting with the shaman, listening to his wisdom and sharing her continued concerns about her fate and Kazgoroth. When Sane confronted him she would stand. Her cheeks flushed with heat and her jaw set sternly.

Then she spoke, "He did not know. He could not have known, but I knew. I knew and I spoke to your Archdruid on it, expressing my concern that we went to find Kazgoroth without the sword of the Ffolk or any true plan of what to do with what we might find there. I told Emmanuel that I thought fate itself might be driving me into the hands of this beast. Yet it we went. You should turn your ire within your own ranks, for the more I know in speaking to Iolanna, you, and your archdruid, the more I see that not one of you knew what the other was doing and you placed the whole of the coast in danger for it. Why didn't your archdruid know about the mission? Why wasn't he made aware of what was at stake? I understand now why he was unmoved by my fears. You didn't tell him did you? Your own people kept in the dark and you would dress down this shaman? Look to your own doings first, forest kin."

As she spoke tendrils of shadow danced around her. Motes of light came as she closed her eyes and tried to calm herself with deep breaths. The two forces seemed to cancel each other out as the shaman returned to a state of placid neutrality. She gave a few residual trembles, and she looked to the north with no expression at all on her face.

[predrag]

Brianna had been sitting with the shaman, listening to his wisdom and sharing her continued concerns about her fate and Kazgoroth. When Sane confronted him she would stand. Her cheeks flushed with heat and her jaw set sternly.

Then she spoke, "He did not know. He could not have known, but I knew. I knew and I spoke to your Archdruid on it, expressing my concern that we went to find Kazgoroth without the sword of the Ffolk or any true plan of what to do with what we might find there. I told Emmanuel that I thought fate itself might be driving me into the hands of this beast. Yet it we went. You should turn your ire within your own ranks, for the more I know in speaking to Iolanna, you, and your archdruid, the more I see that not one of you knew what the other was doing and you placed the whole of the coast in danger for it. Why didn't your archdruid know about the mission? Why wasn't he made aware of what was at stake? I understand now why he was unmoved by my fears. You didn't tell him did you? Your own people kept in the dark and you would dress down this shaman? Look to your own doings first, forest kin."

As she spoke tendrils of shadow danced around her. Motes of light came as she closed her eyes and tried to calm herself with deep breaths. The two forces seemed to cancel each other out as the shaman returned to a state of placid neutrality. She gave a few residual trembles, and she looked to the north with no expression at all on her face.

*Sane doesn't seem moved by this nor shows any emotion at first*

"All were made aware as I remember , I explained it on our meeting and left a report , or did I forget the report , would be the first .

The Archdruid has many things on his mind , wouldn't surprise me if one slipped past him , Oak-father knows it happened to me a few times ."

*stroked his beard a genuine concern washing over his features*

"This was an attempt to stop the coming of this beast not fight it , and learn more of it's arrival ."

*his diplomatic tone fading in his last words but he still maintained a surprising calm*

"I came to the shaman to learn if he did knew and why if so , a bit of righteous fury boiled over me from my other bloodline perhaps , yet I came not for ire yet understanding , seems I may owe him an apology for that ."

*his tone and features show disappointment in his last sentence*

"Seems we both endangered the coast and the mission with some extent , perhaps a lesson to be learned ."

[artemitavik]

*Having had his conversation with the Chief himself, Derik has once again busied himself with playing tag with the younglings, though his version of tag looks a bit more like a full field brawl on a smaller scale, with sticks instead of swords...*

*Spotting the magical display and hearing the raised voices nearby, he would pause and observe for a short while till such as the display calmed itself. Still, he would watch for another moment or two with a soft "hmm" to himself before returning to the game.*

[LivT]

*Having had his conversation with the Chief himself, Derik has once again busied himself with playing tag with the younglings, though his version of tag looks a bit more like a full field brawl on a smaller scale, with sticks instead of swords...*

*Spotting the magical display and hearing the raised voices nearby, he would pause and observe for a short while till such as the display calmed itself. Still, he would watch for another moment or two with a soft "hmm" to himself before returning to the game.*

Iolanna walks a familiar path around the perimeter, renewing tangling and warding spells, and glad someone else is playing chase with the young ones.

[CooCooCachoo]

*Sane doesn't seem moved by this nor shows any emotion at first*

"All were made aware as I remember, I explained it on our meeting and left a report, or did I forget the report, would be the first.

The Archdruid has many things on his mind , wouldn't surprise me if one slipped past him , Oak-father knows it happened to me a few times ."

*stroked his beard a genuine concern washing over his features*

"This was an attempt to stop the coming of this beast not fight it , and learn more of it's arrival ."

*his diplomatic tone fading in his last words but he still maintained a surprising calm*

"I came to the shaman to learn if he did knew and why if so , a bit of righteous fury boiled over me from my other bloodline perhaps , yet I came not for ire yet understanding , seems I may owe him an apology for that ."

*his tone and features show disappointment in his last sentence*

"Seems we both endangered the coast and the mission with some extent , perhaps a lesson to be learned ."

She opened her blood red eyes and looked over to the druid as she relented wearily, "I can make no claim of blood. Only human fury that the concern was known in advance, and no one seemed prepared. Perhaps, however, it is as I fear and I am wrong to blame anyone. Fate's grip is stony and unrelenting. It would work to stime any alternate path. I was born to a purpose and it cares not if I desire that purpose. I have been fashioned for it. The price for two gifts in one person if nothing else."

Her eyes and expression seemed to break. Her stoic nature disrupted by her outburst and now chaotic laughter, "Now I spend my time in a room, staring at the walls for my own good. Under protection. . . For my own good. . . For the good of all. This is how we think to cheat fate."

She laughed and wiped at her eyes, "Another gods be damned box. More of my life not spent living to protect everyone from what I might become."

She continued to mumble to herself as she walked away from the two. She gathered herself near Hector and held her head in her hands. Much of what she mumbled was unintelligible save, "I'm so tired."

[Asterisk]

* Visakus stands up from the campfire as you address him. His towering form shading you like that of a oak tree. He crosses his arms and tilts his head listening to your words before speaking.

Ahh, Hector of the city baldur'sssss gate, traveler from Cormyr. I find your questionss regarding trapss and defensesss of my home to be overbearing. In fact I find it consserning to me when a outsider inquiress about why or how the localsss cause usss no issue here in the sssharpteeth. If I had half the military mind I currently possess I might find you to be a threat and have you thrown from the village. Fortunately for you I have already taken the liberty to know you, just as I have all visitors within the veil of my protection, and feel you no threat to my people currently, and thus I will answer your questionsssss with a question. Would you expect a truthful answer about the defenses of baldur's gate if addressing the one they call general Scar himself?

I have heard storiesssss of such a human, one whom I might consider my military superior. Until you find yourself in equal shoes, perhaosssss I might offer you a bit of advice. Pour that poison from itss container and sssset eyes on it no longer, march yourself back to the mermaid inn in which you sleep settling your tab. Acknowledge the fact you are no longer a drunkard, do this and return to me here and perhapssss we can find you more equal shoes within the ranks of the hollowmoon warriors.

Take my offer as you will, I care not for your feelingssss, only the protection of my people.

Hector had made his way back into village. Since speaking with Visakus, he was irritable but reined it in slightly if addressed. In the coming days however, despite said irritability, his complexion had been more clear with the passing of time. His one eye less lidded and more focused, more keen. His tone had bore a clarity that was previously sluggish and muddled. As he watched the activity of the village, he had reached for a waterskin that had replaced his flask prior. The source of his irritability: extended sobriety.

When the Spear Commander was not busy with other matters, Hector would seek words in passing.

"Spear Commander Visakus." addressing the towering warrior by title.

"My intent wasn't to exploit yer defenses, more lend a hand. But yer right. Ye ain't got no need to expose yer means and methods to an outsider. My feelin's ain't hurt. Take a battleaxe and runnin' start before ye get there."

He then echoed earlier words with a sigh through his nose. "...But ye were bloody right."

He gave a shallow and sharp nod in subtle gratitude, despite his general sense of irritability. His lone eye flicked briefly to the lizardfolk named Chieftan, Ssixus, before returning his attention to Visakus once again.

[artemitavik]

She opened her blood red eyes and looked over to the druid as she relented wearily, "I can make no claim of blood. Only human fury that the concern was known in advance, and no one seemed prepared. Perhaps, however, it is as I fear and I am wrong to blame anyone. Fate's grip is stony and unrelenting. It would work to stime any alternate path. I was born to a purpose and it cares not if I desire that purpose. I have been fashioned for it. The price for two gifts in one person if nothing else."

Her eyes and expression seemed to break. Her stoic nature disrupted by her outburst and now chaotic laughter, "Now I spend my time in a room, staring at the walls for my own good. Under protection. . . For my own good. . . For the good of all. This is how we think to cheat fate."

She laughed and wiped at her eyes, "Another gods be damned box. More of my life not spent living to protect everyone from what I might become."

She continued to mumble to herself as she walked away from the two. She gathered herself near Hector and held her head in her hands. Much of what she mumbled was unintelligible save, "I'm so tired."

*Derik would watch the breakdown of the young Shaman with a mild concern from afar, but merely observed for now, eyes falling on the woman and her one-eyed companion for a while before moving past them, holding out a canteen*

"We should talk perhaps. Soonish. And not here." *he offers in a soft voice, moving to withdraw after she drinks or refuses the offer*