Story - Part 1 - The way to Icespire peak

Martina bows her head and curtsies before speaking up. "The frogmen have only one request which is that their territorial integrity be respected. They would ask merely that your people refrain from conducting business within their borders without permission. In their eyes, this is the only prerequisite for friendly relations between your two settlements. I am sure neither side wishes to antagonize the other, and cooperation could bear fruit in the form of trade or mutual protection against common threats. I have, for instance, been informed of recent incidents of trolls entering the area. It seems only reasonable to work together in the face of such a danger."

The two fey begin to talk in their language that you don't understand

After some discussion the fey turn to you again.
Your words seem true but you clearly are no frogmen. Until now the frogmen seem to only have been able to create ambushes and flee afterwards. Also you don't seem to be frogmen. How shall we know that you speak truly AND act truly!
the female fey responds.

Turning back Garic gestures and calls to their guide.
Our give can explain for this people if you like.

"The frogmen were recently under the rule of Goog the Tiny, who was inclined to try and kill everything that crossed them. They would truly like a cooperative arrangement between your two peoples." Vienne turns with Garic, also trying to encourage Froog.

Reluctantly and only after a lot of encouragement from your side Froog comes into the Fey camp.
For a while the two fey and the frogman silently stare at each other. Finally Froog begins to speak.
You come into our territory, steal our fish, harvest our worms and plants. Our new leaders here Froog points at you are very mighty. Will crush you if you don't stop trespassing.
Your erm... leaders wanted to discuss an agreement to end hostilities. Are they truly the new leaders of your tribe? the male fey responds
Yes... killed the old leader. Killed Goog in a mighty battle. Goog was very mighty but new leaders are so much more mighty. Will crush you if you don't stop trespassing Froog answers
We have need for the plants and animals that dwell in your lands. We make medicine and potions out of them. And we use the Dewali herb for our ceremonies. the female fey responds.
Then use other herb. All stinky herbs are the same... Froog counters.
No they are not the fey responds and rubs her nose bridge, visibly annoyed.
Maybe you want to trade? Shiny coins? the male fey responds.
Yes trade! Froog calls out Five wagons full of shiny gold coins
That's too much the fey answers
Our lands are very valuable! Five wagons shiny coins and we can keep the horses that bring them
That's outrageous!
Only fair price.

Both the fey and Froog seem to be getting angrier
Maybe you can relax the situation.

Martia adopts an imperious tone. "Silence, Froog!" she snaps. "As your mighty leaders, we decide the terms of the deal, not you!"

She turns back to address the fey representatives. "Some of our subjects can be excitable. But be assured—we will keep them under control. What would you say to this: we will grant your people access to frogman territory where they may gather all the herbs they wish, but the fish and other resources that our subjects use will be off limits. Then we can put an end to the harassment your people have suffered at frogman hands and open the door to further cooperation."

Garic moves over to Froog Froog, what would you do with coin anyhow? Would it not be better to get som of the potions they make with the herbs? If they take herbs for 4 potions and give your tribe one then you would not need coin and still profit from the plants on your land. Being part of his families apothecary business in the rural area Garic is familiar with farmers and trappers protectiveness of "their land" and any real understanding of commers. He will try to work out with Froog and the elves an reasonable exchange based on his families business experience and the scarcity of the herbs involved.

"Okay, so Martina and Garic have good ideas that work together. The frogmen need their land's food and resources, so limits on trade is smart. Exchanging some of the finished goods seems fair." She turns to the fey. "You can't just steal things from other people and then get angry when they retaliate. The things important to your peoples are just as important to them - and on thier land." She then turns to Froog. "You can't demand anything you want as compensation and not expect refusal. The point is to negotiate a compromise between your peoples. Starting it off with threats isn't a good way, it will only increase hostility overall regardless if it is temporarily successful."

"Very well said, Lady Vienne. A fair and equitable assessment that may please all."

Froog ducks down a bit under Martina's strict reprehension. Yes of course he mutters and takes a few steps back.

The female fey takes Garic's suggestion in consideration and answers I'm afraid that our potions are not guaranteed to work on the frogmen the same way they do on us. They could be poisonous to them.
But in general your words are true we should cooperate rather than stoking hostilities. Especially as the trolls are starting to invade our territory as well
True the male fey responds We could offer meat strips made from the deer in our territory in exchange for the herbs
MEAT STRIPS! Froog calls out but then looks at Martina and bows their head and takes another step back

If this deal is acceptable for you it would be acceptable for us too. Is there anything else you want to discuss. Are you doing something about the trolls? They seem to be driven away from Icespire Peak since the old castle has shown signs of life

"I will allow Lady Vienne to speak regarding the agreement, but on the matter of the trolls I do have a suggestion. We individuals intend to find some method to prevent the incursion of nearby the nearby trolls into this general area. Perhaps it would be advantageous for both the Fey and the Frogmen to forge an alliance along protective lines as well. Whilst we are away, both sides could assign a greater guard to make sure things stay safe at home."

"Well, it certainly seems like Froog is interested. As long as the amounts on both sides work out, I think it should be fine."

Froog hesitantly nods. It seems like the frogmen is just happy that you've reached a consesus.
Let's celebrate this occasion with a cup of Kumis! the male fey calls out and some fey are hurrying away and return with a tray of wooden cups containing a white liquid.
It's fermented deer milk the female fey explains.
Froog drinks the cup in one big gulp, while the fey drink them by sipping from them occasionally.
The female fey whispers something in the ear of the male fey who nods, harrumphs and begins to talk
A detail we should tell you. A young scout called Taren went up Icespire Peak a moon ago and we haven't heard back from her since. Shortly after she left lights began to appear at the castle on top and the trolls began to come down. It could be a coincident or these events could be connected. We thought that you should know that and that you may be on the lookout for Taren. Maybe she's in trouble but we also fear for the worst.

Garic takes a cup of the drink and coppies the elves and sips it carefully. Likely they will need to talk with the frogmen shaman about letting his people get drunk and taken advantage of by the more socially skilled elves.

Thanks. We will be heading there after settling things here. If it common for the elves to scout the mountains?
Is there anything else you can tell us about the castle?
Also it may be best for us to try and avoid the trolls, please describe their typical behaviors, and how they act now if it differs.

Well this drink sounded...not great. But after Vienne carefully took a sip, she realized that she had drank worse - or equivalent - at the tavern. "What was Taren looking for, and do you know the specific area she was heading to? It seems like a decent place to start. If it's unrelated then it's a large coincidence."

In fact it is forbidden to scout the mountain and especially the castle due to... the male fey begins to talk but he's interrupted by his colleague ...Reasons we can't tell you. Taren however is a young ambitious scout who always wanted to test the limits of what is allowed and what she's capable of. One night she sneaked out of our village, leaving a note that she will uncover the mysteries of the caste ontop Icespire Peak. Unfortunately we can't give you any details regarding the castle.

The male fey continues Since then the trolls are raiding the area at the base of the mountain.They attacks trading caravans, hunters and even some of our camps.
Before they lived at the flanks of the mountain hunting chamois, goats and the like but leaving the people leaving here alone. We even occasionally traded and they could be quite hospitable. But now they just behave like brutes.
They live at the side of the mountain facing us. If you want to avoid them you can try to climb the southeastern flank. It's very difficult to climb but you should be able to avoid the trolls that way.

Garic thanks the fey for their assistance and continues sipping on the milk while. He will see who among the fey is knowledgeable in herbal lore and compare his knowledge with theirs. Comparing different name and uses as well as learning any new local plants they are willing to share.