[IC] Death & Taxes (Session 1)

Other thoughts? Going back for the Gnome will lose you 4 days of time (2 there, then 2 back), so it will gobble up any time saved for taking the swamp.

But: If you want a guide through the swamp, you have three options: the Gnome, the hunters, of the Lizardfolk (whom you'll have to figure out how to befriend). The Lizardfolk like the Gnome. The Lizardfolk hate the hunters. The hunters hate the Lizardfolk. The villagers hate the hunters (they turned one over to the baron so he could be arrested for poaching). You don't know what the Lizardfolk think of the villagers or vice-versa.

Going through the swamp gives you the element of surprise over the villagers, if you'd like to surprise them.

Taking the roads sidesteps the politics and dangers of the swamp, but the villagers will be ready for you.

I'm not seeing a clear cut choice personally, all have drawbacks in my head. The Gnome would be ideal but taking extra time is a bummer.

quickly saying that Nekurr is all against surprises and dangers, so he’d vote taking the "nice" non swampy roads ;)
But tronus armour parading suggestion would convince him

One more reminder: Your client said Isle's wife gave him an ultimatum: Stop the gambling, or divorce. Not saying that's a convincing reason for his change of heart, but it's not out of the blue either.

And Tronus would know that rich merchants don't go on swamp expeditions for free, so hiring him is safest, but will presumably be costly.

Hopefully we can come to a decision soon. I'll let you try one more Streetwise check in the tavern to see if you can get some dirt on the ruffian hunters. Let's say Easy (P) since they're known in these parts, and it's kind of a lawless place. Add a setback since they're right outside. :)

You could always try to contact the Lizardfolk without committing to the swamp route if you wish. It'll require you to enter the swamp at some point, even if not the path that leads to the river system you'd need to take. If I haven't made it clear, you would all know it's highly unusual for any "civilized" person to be on good terms with Lizardfolk. They're a monstrous race, like Goblins or Kobolds. Intelligent, but opters-out from the social life of civilized Terrinoth. (Just wanted to make sure that was clear, since this won't be like negotiating with Elves or Dwarves.)

OK! Have I given you a case of analysis paralysis? What information do you think you still need to make a decision?

To be clear, I don't intend to belabor arriving at the village. Maybe a single encounter, regardless of whether you take the swamp or the road. The main difference will be in how the villagers react to your arrival depending on how you come and whom you're with.

More like I only just now got to read this. I think we just need to decide how best to proceed. I agree the armor would help us with lizardfolk negotiations.

I was of the mindset since we have some who want a cautious long round about approach and some what an easy up front approach that we were going to check the road into Buzzard's Ford, if it looks well maintain for an in the boonies village we'd be cautious and scout a bit to see who advanced the defenses are, if it looks like Buzzard 'Fort' now I'd likely ask the people who wanted to go up front and easy if they think we'll get shot up if we state who we are and why we're here.

OK, advancing you slightly, then.

Well, Remnant wanted to know if the path southwest is well-used. Answer: No, it's not. You don't have to confront these guys if you don't want to. You can tell from your maps that you can head south on the main road perhaps a day's travel and then head due west to get to the swamp.

In short, head after the hunters if you want their help or want to fight them. But if all you care about is meeting some Lizardmen, you can do that without following them.