The Lamentation of Lolth - Chapter I

[Manzanita]

Drogo

"We are interested in helping this town, and we realize we are new here, while you have been involved with this issue from the beginning. To best end the raiding of these lizardfolk, we must observe and learn. Can you tell us the history of the conflict? Did you not live at peace with these lizardmen for a time?"

 

[Majin]

"You know as much as we do in that respect. Relations just stopped with the lizardfolk, and attacks began shortly after. They gave no excuse for their actions." Osborne replies, before Ernest speaks up. "Yondalla has been surprisingly quiet on this issue. All that I can deem from my prayers on the matter are that something indeed has upset the lizardfolk, but I have not been able to figure that out as of yet. I do have some theories though, that I will gladly discuss with you after the meeting at my temple."

 

[Verbatim]

~Why would Yondalla be quiet if her children are in danger?~

Forcing those thoughts away, Ayden nods slightly to the priest and refocuses his attention on the mayor.

"Was there no warning? Did neither side attempt to speak with the other? Surely, even if they did not, you as the town's voice would have tried at least once?"

Ayden hoped the mayor would open up to them and explain things better. While he understood that any leader would not want to appear weak in front of his council, he hoped the mayor's pride would not become a stumbling block for them all.

 

[Majin]

"No warning at all." the mayor says grimly, seeming to calm down slightly. "I attempted to find out what the problem was but those creatures would have none of it. Which leaves me with this current problem. As I said, they cannot be reasoned with. They must be destroyed."

 

[Velmont]

"It seems we are in for a hunt. But I have learn one thing, sometimes, you finish a unt with prey you didn't expect. War is useless in itself, the lizard must have a motive to do this. It can be many thing. If we can find what it is, we may correct the problem at the source. The best way to end a fight, it is to kill your opponent, and not simply disarm him."

 

[Verbatim]

Glad to see the mayor calming down, Ayden was pleased to hear that the mayor had at least attempted a parlay with the lizardmen.

"It is a shame that they would not speak to you sir, but at least you did try."

Looking over to Moss, Ayden hoped that the mayor would not think ill of his friend due to the slight resemblance he shared with the town's sudden menace.

Reaching his decision, Ayden spoke to the council and the mayor.

"I will do all I can to help out this town sir, but please understand, my faith teaches that bloodshed should only be used as a last resort. Do not think of me as a sheep among the wolves, but I can not allow you to think I will go against the teachings of Finder if he shows me the path I walk is against his will."

That said, Ayden steps back slightly and allows the others to continue talking.

~Soon there is much we must speak on Uncle, but until then, guide my steps with your will.~

 

[hippocrachus]

Hardly thinking his behavior irrational, as his laughter meant no ill and besides, life is too short to take happiness meanly, Calenthang says to Meekis: "Elf? You say that as if it were a bad thing, little friend," his humor subsiding, but still present in his voice. He remains quiet and attentive, forgiving everyone for not seeing the absurdity in wanting to commit mass genocide. When the Mayor again uses the term destroy, Calenthang becomes solemn. Humor aside, there is no need to eliminate a group of peoples right out without knowing all there is to know. "I will not commit murder for any price, Mayor Applebottom," he says, a shadow passing over him. Hearing Ayden, he lightens a bit. Although not zealous in his faith, Calenthang believes wholly in only killing out of need.

 

[Majin]

Osborne lets out a long, exasperated sigh, visibly at the end of his rope, defeated. "Do what you and your party must cleric. Just find a way to keep these lizardfolk out of my hair, so as to return my village to some semblance of what it once was. But I warn you, those demons will not simply lay down their weapons and invite you into their swamp for a nice chit chat. You may be forced to kill them after all." he states, with a slight smile on his face.

 

[Verbatim]

Surprised that the mayor spoke to him as if he was the leader of their gathering, Ayden's eyes betrayed that shock for all to see.

~Have I really spoken so much that the others are silent because of me?~

Looking back to the mayor, Ayden's voice is quiet and resigned.

"Aye."

 

[Majin]

"Well..." the mayor continues, and then seems to notice Mosslime for the first time. "What is this??" he proclaims, reflexively putting his hand to hilt of his short sword. "Is this creature a member of your party cleric?? He looks almost like one of those foul lizardmen from the swamp. Is he related in some way to them? Can he be trusted?" Osborne questions, wide-eyed.