The elder lady tilts her head, clicking and hissing softly. Both the reptilians look at you with blank expressions. They turn to one another, chittering in their own language.

The elder strokes her chin, then takes one of her canes. She sketches some rune-like designs into the soft sand. They are interesting but not evidently meaningful. The elder looks up at you, blinking.

In reply to The Force (msg # 181):

Following the reptile guide, Kraken hopes the negotiations turn out well, or the peace treaty might turn ugly.  Looking about, Kraken realizes that these lizards likely wouldn't lead them to their young, showing a vulnerable side if they mean them harm.  Or so he hoped.

"Too bad we didn't grab up the Astromech droid, he may have been able to interpret.  Roger, do you know over 1,000 languages or is this one you don't speak?  Some interpretation would be very handy right about now."

While this is going on, a few smaller adults come up to the group of you. They are carrying clay bowls filled with some sort of stew. Chunks of cooked meat swim in green broth, with small white and yellow vegetable pieces bobbing on the surface. One shyly offers a small bag of fine white crystals, possibly salt, with a stone spoon stuck in it.

In reply to The Force (msg # 187):

Anders takes a seat on the ground and accepts the bowl from their hosts with a nod and a smile. He eats the whole thing regardless of the taste, thanking those who offered the food.

-

Caddy considers the runes, steps first to one side then the others and the motions for Forim, "Do you think this bit here...."  She draws him into a brief discussion (Kraken's comment about the droid aside), "Maybe it's....."   She's rather focused on the runes and so doesn't accept food - yet.

[22:07, Today: Caddanra 'Caddy' Manitu rolled 1 success, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 1b 5d.  Understanding the Old Woman's Writing.
 With a bonus from my previous roll (or Forim's assistance - either is fine.]

Well, what do you know.

Caddy examines the runes and finds some internal logic in them. She listens carefully as the elder speaks, and puts symbols to words.

These people call themselves the 'Geik.' This village specifically is home to a group that identifies itself by their painted-on red stripes. The elder gives her own name as well: 'Golfo.'

Encouraged by Caddy expressing her understanding, the elder continues. She draws a small map, showing the three rivers prominently. She indicates that the other rivers are home to more Geik, apparently of different tribes.

Zeic accepts the food as well, eating carefully while keeping his equipment close, in case any of the Geik start playing with it. When he finishes he stands up.

"Don't suppose they have any information that might help us? Even knowing where Imperials like to show up here might help. But I'm no linguist, so I'll wait for you and keep an eye out."

He begins looking around, mostly assessing how good the village is as a defensive position and hoping to identify any particularly strong points to defend if necessary.

00:13, Today: Zeic Plirr rolled 1 success, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2a 1p 1d

He begins thinking back to the Clone Wars and all the places he's been shot at. They're blurring together, but this reminds him of one in particular.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:22, Mon 03 July 2017.

Zeic shakes his head involuntarily as he examines the village for defensive value. The hills surrounding the village are high enough to slow foot troopers, but not stop them. The rocky hills would actually provide cover for advancing Stormtroopers. The terrain would not slow repulsorcraft or walkers at all.

The buildings are simple stone-and-mud construction. They would hold out against light blaster fire, but anything stronger would cause them to collapse in on defenders.

The people here are clearly excellent hunters. Much of their clothing is made of leather, they carry spears and gunpowder weapons, and they work together in small, efficient teams. However, they are clearly not an organized, professional army. Even now they peer at you, cautious but curious, as though they have never seen offworlders before. The Empire's shock-and-awe tactics would destroy whatever morale they can muster.

The village has many children and elderly people. They would only be a liability in a fight, and a distraction to all the others.

Zeic recalls more than one battle in the Clone Wars in which the conflict spilled over into the territory of simple people with little technology. Often they would eagerly side with whatever faction first contacted them. They soon had cause to regret it as the battle destroyed their territory and snuffed out countless lives.

As she discovers little titbits can about these people, she relaxes into the conversation as her hopes are confirmed.  "They're called something along the lines of 'Geik' and this is 'Golfo'" - she introduces herself, of course, as Caddy and will look with interest as their leader explains the lay of the land before she tries to direct the conversation towards the image Forim had projected and still held, "We need this...."  Simple words with hopefully a simple answer.   She hasn't yet broached the topic of the imperials as she suspects it might scare the Geik.

[OOC: For those more militaristically mined, you may (or indeed, may not) want to warn Caddy that staying here will endanger these friendly people....]
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Mon 03 July 2017.

Landing the speeder, behind a building and as much out of sight of the locals as possible, Kraken turns off the speeder and removes the starting device (Key?).  Moving to join the group, Kraken accepts a bowl of whatever they were serving, taking the stone spoon and smiling to the locals in thanks.  Watching Caddy and Forium speak with the elder, he gave them his attention, holding to the bowl.

Placing the bowl nearby, he takes out his datapad and tools, scanning the soup, to ensure there wasn't anything in the food that might disagree with him.  Bugs and viruses that may not bother the reptiles may cause explosive diarrhea in others.  "Did anyone scan the soup for bugs that might get us sick?" he asks when a moment of silence allows him to inject his concern for the reptiles food.

OOC:
If there are any bugs, can they be killed or removed by the 'technology' we have right now?
Thinking of Montazuma's revenge which don't bother Mexico but American's are well known to be unable to drink the local water. 

Roger tries to follow along with what's being said, his processors heating up as he tries to parse the sounds the organic are making, but coming up with nothing.

17:17, Today: B1-P3 'Roger' rolled 1 failure using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2a 5d ((8(A), 5(A), 1(D), 6(D), 5(D), 4(D), 2(D))).

Unable to follow along, he continues to listen for further comms chatter, and watches everyone around for anything suspicious.

Between Caddy's symbols and Forim's holoprojection of the Tree, the Red Stripe Geik seem to understand. They chitter in excitement and gather around.

Golfo the elder sketches out a rough map of the region. You have a map of the area, so you can see that she has drawn it quite accurately as far south as the canyon. After that the details start to be wrong, but you can piece it together. She circles most of the area in the region, including the mountain and the great rivers.

Golfo sketches out a few more symbols. You're not quite sure what they mean, but she calls it "Aki-Varshi." She points to that region again.

Kraken assesses the bowl, trying to avoid being impolite. His scanner indicates that it has been cooked to a healthy level, and all the ingredients are devoid of poison or toxins. The lights all flash green, but his instincts say otherwise. Kraken fishes a few pills out of the medical packs. Taking these will reduce any cramps or pain from eating foreign food.

The Force, on behalf of 'Kraken', rolled 1 success, 3 advantages using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 4a 1d.  Medicine.

Resilience 2D from eating foreign food. Take a pill to upgrade your check once

In reply to The Force (msg # 196):

Attempting to hide removing the unknown foreign objects, Kraken takes a pill to bolster his immune system and offers one to anyone who was eating the food. "Pill might help the food go down a bit easier and not come back to haunt you." he offers to those who were interested.

Following the pill with a long swallow from his water flask, Kraken began to eat the soup, while trying to also listen to the leaders talk.  He was mostly interested in the reptiles relationship to the Empire however if they could make this clan some type of Rebel Alliance, this would go a long way towards overlooking the fact that they has lost a ship.


OOC: 'Kraken' rolled 2 failures, 4 advantages.  Resilience.  :(
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Tue 04 July 2017.

Forim takes out his own copy of the map, and starts annotating it with with the Golfo the Elder is pointing out.

As the evening wears on, Forim picks at the food, a grumbling starting to form in his stomac, however he takes no notice for now.

Forim finds it very lucky that Caddy was able to communicate with these creatures.  It was these common markers that Forim was able to pick up and help with the conversation.  Forim, having grown up in space ports, was no stranger to trying to converse with someone who did not share a language with you.  That said, it did take a lot of mental effort, and he was starting to feel mentally exhausted for the effort.

Forim asks, doing the best he can to use words in the dialect he has picked up "Is the Tree of Knowledge in this area?"





08:05, Today: Forim Luk rolled 1 failure, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1A 2d.  Rolling Resilience.
Spending advantage to have the sickness pass over night after the meeting is over.


08:08, Today: Forim Luk rolled 1 success, 1 threat using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 3a 1b 5d.  Language.
Taking threat as strain

Although the stew is edible, even tasty, you soon begin to feel cramps in the tummy. The pills aren't holding up to their end of the bargain. The geik who served it to you hop and wave their arms in excitement to see you eating it, so you try to keep your facial grimaces subtle.

Forim asks about the Tree of Knowledge being in the area, and Golfo waves her hands, flat, left and right. This is probably intended as a negative gesture. Instead she points south with fingers on both hands. Golfo says something in her native language, which you are beginning to pick up.

"[Language unknown: Ul ilse ove, isrita o Icec. Sonerendecontha er korichnde, ti Anat nte wa llrowh allon, sa to o undtedsheour. Chwint Whllro a K Rutratven. Mece enei an e a Calais? Pl illaio asli, witntiwerany. Pa ineeev ekwhto, vor ul mitith. Ek entrutkor stect.]"

Xyklo settles down next to Kraken, and joins him for a pill and stew. He'd been very wary about these lizard folk, but with Caddy and Forim being all diplomatic it looked like things were getting better by the minute.
Turning to Kraken he nods approvingly,
"Tasty bit of lunch eh?
You think they've got any jam? Really could put away some jam right now.

Hey, nice move on the speeder. That was almost storybook stuff that was.
What do you think Zeics thinking about? He's been scrutinising this place all right.

You mind if I play some music? I have some Trandoshan grunge in here somewhere,"


OOC: 43, Today: Xyklo Voozul rolled 2 successes, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1P 2A 2D ((12(P), 5(A), 4(A), 8(D), 1(D))).

Forim smiles and says "[Private to group Geik: Thank you, We would be happy to leave with you.  I caution that travelling with us might cause the white armored monsters to attack your people.  We came here to hide in the foot hills around your camp so their senses would not be able to detect us from afar.  You have shown great generousity and we are very humbled by it.]"
W
hile the leader thinks, he translates for the group: "They say what we seek is far south of here, across the desert.  They have offered to journey with us.  I have warned them of the risks..."

Kraken nods to Xyklo, "The food is s bit greasey and I can feel it in my gut.  Isn't sitting well." He grumbles.

Looking to the speede, he smiles and nods, "I was surprised ut worked, but glad it did.  We were in sore need of a ride.   It will change me in handy to move around quickly."

Looking to Zeics he studies the man, "I suspect he is preparing for a possible attack from the Empire.  We should ask how our new allies feel about them."

OOC
I'm on my phone, can't post my ch w my small phone.
Will write more when home.

"Sorry I don't think we should involve these guys in our fight. They have helped us out and fed us, but we can't expect them to raise arms against such and overwhelming force just to help us. What happens when we are off the planet and they are left here fighting for their very existence ?"

-

Having thanked Golfo, Caddy consider the risks....  With the issue now (finally) having been raised and talked about, Caddy agrees, "We'll be bringing the Imperials to these people and I very much doubt there'll be anything but heartache.   Even if we dumped all our technology, our physiology is different enough that they'd be able to scan this area thoroughly."

She purses her lips, "If we find the Tree, we could be saving billions - but are those lives any less valuable than the lives of these people?"  She isn't answering her own question though as she looks round at the others she idly wonders, Bet you're thinking a swift ambush of imperials as I suggested earlier would have been a 'simpler' solution!   She almost laughs at that thought.

"If we split up, one of us going with the people, we could possibly draw the Imperials away from this place - give them no reason to attack them?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Thu 06 July 2017.

With your simple command of the language, you are not certain you have fully communicated your intention, especially regarding your intent to hide from white-armoured soldiers. Golfo gestures to your guide, who rushes off.

She gathers up a party of people, who leave the village at haste. Golfo explains the matter.

"[Language unknown: Di wa st anwhss Ateenceau. Elss ourresiou Ectthered llyin nctiactr.]" Golfo gestures to the map, indicating the middle branch of the first river, west of the village where you are now.

Meanwhile, the sharp-eyed among you notice one Geik who is not garbed the same as the others. It wears the same harnesses and decorations, including an impressive flintstone necklace. Rather than the red stripes on her head and belly, she is wearing yellow paint around her eyestalks.

In reply to Anders Flown (msg # 203):

Kraken shook his head as he replied to Anders, "I'm not asking to bring them into the fight.  I'm saying we should ask what they know of the Empire, where they are located and how strong they are.  What forces they have and how many.  To ignore a possible asset and not ask for intelligence on our adversary is passing up a great tool that we need.  We are the underdogs here, and that's the truth.   The empire is without a doubt setup with some great defenses and are much stronger with more assets.  We need every trick we can use.  To pass up asking about the Empire is ...." he shrugged his shoulders, "Foolish at best." he offers glancing at Caddy.

[Private to GM:
Glancing at Caddy, Kraken wonders how she is going to answer for the bad choices she's made which has made their mission gone from bad to worse.  From the way she's acting care free and nonchalant, it sure seemed she had forgotten her mistakes and went on as if all was peachy keen with the group at fault for any setback, imaginary or real.  'You sure are full of yourself.' he thought to himself.

OOC:
Thought about posting this for all to see, but it would only cause issues however her posts are grating, so I posted something as to vent. I've been playing for a long time and as a GM find in-character fighting one of the reasons to drop a game.  I won't be the player to ruin a game, but Caddy makes having fun very difficult.

If you don't object, I'd like to post my feelings about her jabs/comments & under handed insults hoping she might see that she is ruining the game for myself and most likely for 1 or 2 others. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Fri 07 July 2017.

Xyklo nods in approval at Krakens advice.
Putting down his soup bowl he wipes his snout on his sleeve, ensuring both are a mess of gravy and rock dust.
"Yeah, think we should get their council on the geographically advantageous areas, any hints of this tree of life, and any knowledge they might have of any Imperial bases.
Then we leave them in peace, and hunt down what we came here for."

You politely probe Golfo on matters relating to foreign presence on the planet, only to find that she has clamped down. She expresses apologies, but that now that she more fully understands the situation she must wait for instruction from the chief before saying anything else.

Golfo invites you to stay in one of their huts tonight. She arranges for one to be vacated and fresh rushes placed in it for comfort and cleanliness.

Forim nods to Kraken and says "I agree, however I would not want to be so rude as to deny their help when informed.  They will be fetching their cheif tomorrow and will discuss the path ahead.  My opinion, if it comes down to a vote, is to let them decide for themselves.

One of our missions is to try to keep knowledge of a rebel cell from the imperials.  And while I think they know, perhaps we are just smugglers.  If we can keep with the locals, we might just be able to hide the extent of what we are here for..."