17. September 4, 2010

While at New Harat, the Party is approached by Toprak, one of the Tiefling guards. The Party is asked to come to Salron's office to meet with the Acid Scales. As it turns out, the Lizard Folk are descending into civil war. One faction is led by Ssesselketh, king of the Acid Scales. This is the largest group of Lizard Folk and are the peacekeepers in the swamp. The smaller but most hostile group of Lizard Folk are the Poison Scales, who do not recognize the authority of the Acid Scales. There are other Lizard Folk tribes, but these are the two that are currently at odds. These tribe names tend to be based on cultural differences vs. actual physical attributes of the Lizard Folk.

Historically, the Poison Scales were split into many smaller groups. It has come to the Acid Scales' attention that Aza'adikiz has assumed leadership of the Poison Scales and is consolidating his position. They have declared their intent to depose Ssesselketh and return the swamps to a less "civilized", more natural state of "kill or be killed". The Acid Scales have proven themselves to be effective when the odds are 3 to 1 against the Poison Scales. The Lizard Folk offers the Party a small wooden box. Shelby opens it to find a large magical ring. Shelby gives the Lizard Folk an augmenting whetstone in return.

Getting to the root of the issue, the Acid Scales would be going against their principles and their people's tradition to specifically take out Aza'adikiz to force the Poison Scales into disarray. However, the Party could execute Aza'adikiz, bringing stability back to the swamp. The Acid Scales don't know enough about the Poison Scales to help the Party figure out what tactics they use. Lizard Folk grunt lifespan is 20-30 years, higher castes can live over 200 years. Aza'adikiz was placed on the "do not kill" list about 100 years ago, along with one other Poison Scale who is rumored to have been killed by Aza'adikiz. The swearing of fealty to Aza'adikiz is due to take place in 3 days, which is the best opportunity to destroy him and his tribe. This information was provided by 3 sources from other Lizard Folk tribes.

The Lizard Folk provide a map to the fealty ceremony spot. It will take place in a partially submerged cave. Aldrea and Marzolo don't have anything that will speed the Party, but Aldrea can give them a rod that will return them to New Harat after feeding them 200 residium per person to make the journey. The garrison stations people with sleep talents to be prepared to receive messages from the Party while they are traveling. Within an hour, the Party is on their way to the location on the map.

The Party makes it to the cave as the ritual is in progress. Glowen and Kayla successfully sneak into the cave, while the rest of the Party draws the attention of the guards at the entrance. The Party kills the guard, but a small army is attracted to the cave opening by the whistling of the guards. As the Party is killing off the last of the Poison Scales, they realize there is a dragon in the back of the cave, and it is probably Aza'adikiz. The party beats down the dragon and forces it to flee. Before it goes, it drops a copper crown with draconic writing on it. This is the crown of the Poison Scales, and is the ritual component to name a person their leader, and to transfer the leader's power to his subjects. The Party has accomplished the goal of throwing the leadership of the Poison Scales into disarray. After consulting with the Acid Scales, the Party keeps the crown.

Aldrea and Marzolo are able to identify the other stones as: Stone of Earth, Stone of Light