Keeping a firm grip through strength of character and impressive deeds, the Orphidians take to the new tribe Mistress and on the whole are eager to follow her leadership.
Several are seconded to a building project, creating a bamboo stockade across the cavern entrance that shields the interior from the worst of the waterfall leaks and breaking the wind that continually chills the cave. Ledges are swept clean and frames erected that might be used to dry skinned pelts and fish.She invests a crew in infrastructure improvement, making a suitable reception area in the front cavern to impress those diplomatic visitors when they come with said tribute.
Three of those who accompanied you leave to scout the Bullywug Ruins, returning a few days later to confirm that the Bactrian tribe have used the days to engage in a period of community mourning for those slain. Each frogling being wrapped in long leaf fronds, their bodies painted with various woad patterns and then being perhaps rather unceremoniously taken to a boggy section and simply laid upon the earth, to slowly sink beneath the surface while they ribbet various chants and croaks in a requiem.She sends scouts to keep a wary eye on the boglings for signs of betrayal.
Venwynn checks out down stream of the Merisc River. Keeping to the south bank, she and two Orphidians, the two seconded Bullywugs and a wolf companion trek about eight miles, (the distance of one Hex as the river meanders across), They report "that half way along they encountered a swarm of strange hybrids; crab like armoured Armadillos that hunted grubs and earthworms along the river bank. They were non-aggressive, cautious in nature. Later we came across several carcasses. These creatures had rolled themselves up in defence but had been slain and disembodied, just the empty shell and inedible portions left behind. It was not wild animals who killed them for the injuries appeared caused by weapons; spears, barbed arrows rather than claws or teeth. We looked for footprints but found none." They note the presence of bears and deer like tracks.She encourages Venwynn to train and build loyalty with his new bogling rangers by scouting southward instead of in their home territory.
They do give you a pot they found which contains a pungent algae, quite salty and flavoursome. You suspect it is used to marinade food. In trying to identify the algae you conclude it is similar to varieties of cave lichens, growing in dark, damp conditions rather than in the open upon the Moor.
They also noted at one point in the river, "there is a small island, a few hundred yards long and covered in crooked black Willow trees. It is about a bow shot from shore but the river runs fast past it. We began to make a raft to row across but encountered an aquatic ogre and withdrew." (the Bullywugs would have no issue swimming, the Orphidians are able swimmers too).
actions Raust add any comments, questions and actions then I will update with the Bullywug Chief coming with the first tribute.
