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Vector clasps his hands in front of his waist and half-bows, saying, “We wronged you, and for that, we apologize. We wish to do what we can to make things right... but as we are new to this world, we don’t know what that is. So please, give us a starting point, or tell us about yourselves, or something - I promise, if we just knew a little more about you, we could come up with some way for a couple of demigods and a stranger to help you.”
He rolls well on Speech, so Birgit is willing to accept the proposition, despite its presumption. She looks back at her warriors, amassed just past the moat behind her, then at the adventurers, then at the stars.
“Very well,” she begins. “I will tell you all I can. You tell me what you can do, and I will say whether it is good enough.”
“Well, I believe we’ve just opened a genuine dialogue,” Vector says, pleased with himself.
Birgit begins her story: “We noobs have lived on this island since prehistoric times. When the world was young, and the massive volcano beneath this island would blanket the world in ash from epoch to epoch, we prayed to Ignis, god of fire, for guidance. Ignis made a pact with us, turned our fur bright like fire, taught our menders the way of flame, led us to this island, and gave us the power to pacify the doom below.
“This has been our way since long before the humans arose, and it is our way still, despite their encroachment and aggression. Now they cull our numbers to keep us from retaking lost ground, they pollute our lands with their waste, and they disrupt our way of life with their industry. We in the valley have been hit the hardest, but the mountain and forest troops fare little better. This very fortress here was built during the War for Noob Isle, but now lies abandoned for years, as we were driven almost to the brink of extinction.
“Then, some months ago, right before those damned destined heroes started popping up, two grey-cloaked warriors came to us and added insult to injury: besting me in combat, occupying my home, and threatening my son, they made demand after demand, and we could do nothing but accede.
“Now, they have sent us here for the souls of Pannych and Phyr. If we succeed, then we have been promised by the cloaked ones that all our obligations to them will be dismissed, and we may return to our slightly less pathetic way of life.
“This is where things stand now,” Birgit says with a sigh. “So tell me, half-giant: what would you and your compatriots do to make this right?” The noob stares down at Vector intently, but not with menace. He sees a gleam of vulnerability in her eye, having just recounted a proud history marred by years of injustice.
“First off,” he says, “My name is Vector. I’m sorry it took me so long to introduce myself, Birgit.” He extends a hand confidently, and after a moment’s hesitation, she gently offers one massive claw for him to shake. “And second... wow. I had no idea. I mean, I kinda just woke up here a while ago and went along with things as they came, but now that you tell me this history, I am sorry. Had I but known-” He shakes his head and corrects himself: “Now that I know, I promise you that we’ll do a lot better. So, third - here’s what we can offer.
“We will return to Noob Town and arrange for a peaceful summit between your people and ours, which we will attend to ensure it proceeds fairly. No more of this... this... whatever’s been going on. A treaty will be negotiated, terms in black and white, and you can all decide together how to live in peace.”
“Live in peace,” Birgit scoffs. “By rights, they should be off this island.”
“Fair point,” Vector says. Turning to Alice, he asks, “How long has Noob Town been around? Could whoever came here just pick up and go back?”
“Not really,” Alice says. “Noob Town’s near its centennial - four generations of people have lived, raised kids, and died here. Elder Jim’s great-grandfather founded the place... most of them have no ‘back’ to go to.”
“Got it,” Vector says. “Peace, it is. Tell me, Birgit: if the humans stop killing your people, and pass some kind of regulations to limit their impact on your land and way of life, and we come make sure that your home is secure and your family safe... would that be worth passing up on a couple measly souls?”
Birgit considers. The offer is no victory over the invaders, but it is survival for her people, and a better way of life for her son than she has now. “We accept your offer for a summit, Vector.”
As the noobs head back to the valley, Pannych and Phyr join the others on the drawbridge. Alice says to Vector, “Huh. Well, good to know y’all have one good brain between you.”
They each get 20 XP for the social encounter. Phyr says, “Sweet, level two! Wait, how do I level?”
“Happens in your sleep,” Pannych says.
“Well, let’s not waste any time, then,” Phyr says happily.
The four then head back to Noob Town.
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