Your party, slightly confused about the recent encounter with the little wolf-girl, continues down the road. Several miles later, you break free from the dense forest and arrive at the outskirts of a village sitting safely in a plain-like area. The buildings around you are made of a strange mixture of wood and stone, as if the people had just recently decided to make a permanent settlement of the area. In the distance, you see a massive ziggarat towering over the landscape. Several people are walking the roads and streets between buildings surrounding the structure. The sun is midway on its rise to the sky's throne. It is late morning. Your approach does not go unnoticed, though. Already, a group of armed men are making their way towards you, a familiar individual occasionally peeking out from behind the central guard. It appears that the little wolf-girl made it back before you arrived.

Hm...seems we have a warm welcome awaiting us. Perhaps I shall have to bluff our way through.

Deciding to be diplomatic in my approach, I first bow to the head of the group before addressing them. "Beautiful Tail! Thank goodness you made it safely! When my thoughtless friend frightened you into the woods, I had feared the worst! Gentlemen, please, I assure you no harm was meant. Our group is an odd one, for sooth and certain, but we are in no way dangerous to your humble homes. As you can see, for all intents and purposes, I'm the only, how should I put this... ah... normal one, in our party. With a man made of metal; a walking, talking scarecrow; a powerfully built... creature of indeterminate gender... and a dwarf who's sole accomplishment thus far in our journey has been standing upright, it is a rather... intimidating presence we exude. But rest assured, we mean you no harm. As a token of good will... I'll even burn part of the mean old scarecrow that frightened our lovely lass here. How about his leg? It's terribly mildewed anyway." I offer with my best and most winning smile. As a show of good faith, I ignite a small flame in my hand and await their decision.

Falchion draws his fachion from his side and gently rested it on his right shoulder. His red orbs grow to fully encompass the holes in his helmet, his anger boiling inside.  

"Child I do not recall telling you that you could speak for me, nor do I recall giving you permission to burn the scarecrow."

His attention turns to the group of armed men.  

"That being said, the young one is right. We are an odd group, and most of us meant no harm to the girl. If you wish for blood, the scarecrow is yours, though blood he most likely lacks blood. I do imagine letting the child roast him might be an interesting display. It matters not to me."
The giant briefly turns to the pryomaniac, "That is me giving my permission and blessing to roast the scarecrow."
Returning to facing the village people, "What does matter, is we are heading for source of the River Elund. Could you please point us in the proper direction."

The guards lower their spears and swords, and the one who appears to be the leader approaches Mithanos. "Your words do you credit, child. You speak with the learning - and fanciness - of an elder. There's no need for your strawman to burn. Your... metallic menace," he casually glances towards Falchion and his falchion,"on the other hand, should learn some of those fancy words. Elony told us of a monster approaching the village. Typically, we wouldn't think of this as a threat, but Elony has never been one to exaggerate, and given the recent issues with the border... we'd rather not take chances. From where do you travel, strangers? For you to be going to the Elund Springs... you've got a thousand miles at least ahead of you..." The captain of the guards says with an inflection that suggests that he is suspicious of your supposed destination. "However, you're welcome to stay the night here in our village, provided you keep your... companions under control. The village of the Elundari is at your disposal."

Vex watches the proceedings then says in a lowered voice so only the party can hear, "Ah'm a gnoll you damnable little shit. Have ya not seen a gnoll before. Let us get a look around for that shiny we need."

Raising her voice to address the villagers, "Ah, yes we'd like t'stay in yer place for night. Good food an' shelter are always welcome t'me. If we could perhaps maybe take ah tour around yer fine village, Ah can't help but be curious to know more about you all."

"Well, what a polite bea... ah... wom... um... ma... crea... person. My what a polite person," the guard captain stutters as he turns his attention to Vex. His tail flexes nervously as he motions for one of his soldiers to return to the village. "Haythyn here will have some beds prepared for you. You'll have to forgive us. Recently, the Elders and the Alpha have decided to settle down here, and we're building our village a little at a time. In fact, if you look over yonder, you'll see the Temple of Aurast being built." He directs your attention to the ziggurat on the other side of the village, which is about halfway constructed. He releases a weary sigh and shakes his head. "It is a hard job, but once we are done, we will have rest and safety for the rest of our lives." The solider he sent returns. "Ah, good. The Alpha himself will house you tonight! Come!" He leads your party through the streets of the village. As you walk, your have a strange sense that something isn't right. Perhaps its the fact that most of the buildings, despite being 'brand new' according to the captain, look decades old, perhaps even centuries.

Falchion feels his eyes burn brighter than they have in a long time. As he starts to open his mouth, he hears a slight squeak. His anger turns to pure rage in an instant, before he calms himself and,in turn, his eyes. Reaching into his bag, another pint of oil is produced. He takes a sip as he looks around at these strange people and their temple.

"Excuse me, but, by any chance do you have a... mass homicidal murdering spree around here?" I ask the captain curiously. Sneakily, I extend my arcane senses to detect any spells targeting our party.

Vex looks sharply at the small human, "Might you want ta choose yer words careful runt, for all yer smooth talking and the like you can be daft at times."

Then Vex's ears perk up at an unknown noise. Slightly distracted she says, "You all are very kind to let us into yer place like this. Might fine place too. Why does it take ah city ta keep you all protected? Surely there's not much out there that could best you all." She gestures to their animal qualities.

Noticing how old many of these structures seem Vex comments, "It seems these buildings have been here much longer than ya say, what was or who was here before?."

Staring cautiously at the sorcerer for a moment, the guard captain turned his attention to the large fur-covered person. "I'm... not quite sure what's gotten into your friend there, but rest assured, our tribe is, as you pointed out, strong enough to defend ourselves and any we grant sanctuary. None of us kill our kind, either. As for who was here before us, no one was. We found this place empty of all signs of advanced life. Its closeness to the river pleased the Elders, and the abundance of fresh meat from the forests pleases the Alpha, so we settled here and built our temple. We've only been building for maybe three weeks... isn't that right Geshpun?" The captain asks over his shoulder. Another guard nods. "'atz raeght, ca'pn. Sure it'z..." he trails off. The captain nods his head. "Yes. Three weeks. I'm sure of it... anyway, Alpha will be waiting to meet with you all. I do hope you enjoy your stay here."

Turning to her companions she whispers to them, "Somethin' doesn't seem right here. Mayhaps they're under a spell or some such witchcraft." Turning back to the Captain Vex smiles disarmingly, "Yes let's get going then mate."