Following Zarsh’s lead, you pass through the village to get to the priest’s dwelling on the outskirts of your territory. Unexpectedly, aside from the small cluster of eight tents, there are many others spread out more loosely throughout the surrounding trees. “Um, Zarsh? How many people live in this village?”
The lizard woman thinks for a while. “About forty or so adults, I’d say. If you want a more accurate number including young and hatchlings, ask Tharss.”
Forty!? You almost stumble. It was much more than you had thought when you first arrived. Thinking of the changes you are single-handedly imposing on so many, you start to second guess yourself. Could you really do this?
Searching your heart, you feel that strange certainty again, that voice telling you that this is the right calling. You admit that it’s crazy, that you should feel terrified at doing this to these people that you had just met a day ago. Yet, despite all that, you know you have to carry through with your resolution. No matter what, you will have your warrior woman tribe.
At last, you reach a structure with a few torches surrounding it, still unlit during the day. Totems made from bones and carved wood lends a mystical vibe to the tent which itself is painted with winding designs and symbols.
Marching up to the entrance, Zarsh lifts the tent flap and calls inside. “Verix, it’s Zarsh! Are you decent? Our new chief wants to talk with you.”
You blink in surprise. The casual greeting seems at odds with the imposing atmosphere of your surroundings.
“Zarsh?” A booming voice from inside answers. “You look different. New loincloth perhaps?”
“Very funny, mud-muzzle,” Zarsh snaps back with an exaggerated glare. “You know very well what has happened. Now, get out here! This is serious business.”
“Yes, yes. It’s always serious business with you,” Verix chuckles as he finally comes into view, still in the process of donning a headdress of bones and polished gems. You take an involuntary step backwards. He is gigantic, a veritable mountain of a lizard man. Standing easily over nine feet tall, his muscled, broad shouldered body shines with ebony black scales, giving you the impression that he is absorbing daylight.
With headgear now in place, the priest lumbers over to Zarsh, who seems even tinier next to him. His broad muzzle splits into a jovial grin as he pats her shoulder companionably. “It’s good to see you again, my friend! It feels like we haven’t spoken with each other since we were younglings.” Then, he turns to you. “And this must be our new chief. You’ve accomplished great things in a short amount of time, young lady. I congratulate you.”
“Um, thank you?” You manage to answer in a small voice. Verix is not at all how you had imagined he would be.
“Oh, stop with the ‘young lady’ stuff, Verix,” Zarsh says with a snort. “You’re no older than she is. Anyway, our new chief here wishes to gain your support for her first decision for our tribe.”
“Does she now.” The priest stands a little straighter as he regards you again. “You’ve wasted no time. I am honored that you would seek my guidance with your first order. What might your decision be?”
You glance at Zarsh, and she motions for you to go ahead. So, taking a deep breath, you quickly blurt out, “I want to make this entire tribe female. So, I’d like to figure out how to transform all the men to make this possible.”