Chapter 3: The Lonely Tower

'I've recently learned a way to talk to beasts' she tells the others 'so I'd like to try talking to our leafy friend over there.'

She ensures that they can head to the safety of the tower if it attacks, then casts 'Speak with Animals', forming the sounds and gestures that she's learnt.

She tries to get its attention: 'Hi there! Can you hear me?'

Naeris is exhilarated to be understood by the creature but not afraid of it.
‘I confess I don’t know this language except by magical means. I’m just a humble wood elf. I wanted to check that the folks living in this tower didn’t trouble or confine you when they were here.

’You have a thriving garden here, though I think few other people would see it that way. I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well. I would love to learn the language of wind and leaf. I’ll come and visit you whenever I can.’

Naeris remembers to be inclusive...
'As you probably saw, I'm not here alone. My companions should know that they needn't be afraid of you, though I don't know if they'll be coming this way again.'She calls the others over in Common: 'Come and meet Strangleberries. They are friendly and mean you all no harm. You can talk to them if you like and I'll translate - they're quite intelligent - but no need to say anything if you don't want to.'

To Strangleberries she says 'We're quite a diverse bunch. I'm Naeris, an elf, and we are also three humans, a bugbear and a tiefling.' and she introduces them.

Hilmar looks up at the great shambling mound, relieved that - thanks to Naeris - it isn't hostile. He smiles towards the shambling mound and waves a hand in greeting. "Greetings Strangleberries. Hopefully, those 'neighbours' won't trouble you again," he says, given that Naeris has offered to translate, while her spell lasts.

Euphoria observes the magic dialogue attempt, intrigued but clearly a bit nervous, ready for a fight-or-flight response. She quietly sighs in relief when it becomes obvious Naeris succeeded.

Strangleberries?,- the infernal casually shows her teeth in a broad smile,- What a lovely name! Yes, tell them that, a lovely name! Euphoria waits for Naeris to communicate the message, all the while she smiles and nods, very glad they won't have to go through another fight today.

When introduced to the creature (or is it a plant, he wonders), Alfrey bows awkwardly, unsure of what etiquette is expected of him.

Kaa is happy at getting introduced. "Well you are ever bigger than I am!" he pats it on the shoulder, or somewhere appropriate where he can reach.

"You would get along well with my mother, she likes gardens too! Not working it tho, always made us kids to it ... " he won't mind a little chit chat with an interesting fellow like that, since it is interesting, almost more interesting than a crazy masked man. But all in all, he won't keep up the group and will be happy to enjoy his well earned rest and leisure back in town.

Hilmar looks for any kind of trail through the strangleweed, or at least where he can put his feet so as as to avoid treading on Strangleberries' 'garden' plants. He will try to walk between plants, where possible as opposed to treading on them. He pours some liquid on his footwear from the Yamamoto farm bottle and help the rest of the party with it on their footwear.

He turns towards Strangleberries, smiles and waves farewell. He then faces in the direction of Hope and begins to walk carefully trying not to tread on their 'garden' plants.

Perhaps Ralavaz could wait just out of town while we talk to the sheriff about what's happened. Then she'd be less inclined to arrest him and we'll know if it's safe for him to make himself known.