Soon, the whole gathering is surrounded by musicians trying to carry a tune in some strange style, more food is brought out (your plates and cups are swapped out for more appetizing alternatives - small strips of meat that resemble greasy chicken in looks and taste, and a mildly intoxicating drink with a smooth, pale green thick drink). The party is quickly in full swing.
If anyone speaks draconic, they can overhear enough to pick out that they village seemed to have expected visitors, but they were surprised when you showed up two days early. They are scrambling to make you feel welcome as their honored guests. Have characters roll a perception check (DC24). If they fail their throw, they understand that they are being honored, and patch together that the lizardfolk feel threatened by a young, black dragon living nearby. They believe the party has been sent to enter the dragon's cave and vanquish the dragon.
If anyone exceeds the 24 on their perception check, they pick up on an important syntax in the lizardfolk's draconic. The party are expected as a sacrificial offering to the dragon. They are basically being fed and sedated in order to lock them in the cave with the dragon.
Once the frenzied dinner is over, their hosts will lead them to their lodgings for the night. They will try to bring them up a steep trail on one side of the bowl the village is in to an opening in the hillside. They insist it is a place of honor and has been prepared for their use. If the PCs protest too loudly, they will move them to the nearest hut, an abandoned hut, partially collapsed, as the only available option. If the PCs get too carried away with the festivities, and pass out, the lizardfolk will simply carry them into the cave and leave them in the space prepared.
The lizardfolk are not trying to be deceptive in any way. They tell the PCs they have been expected to go to the dragon. The perception check is key to understanding the difference between intent and understanding. If the characters actively suspect the situation, allow them to roll their perception check with advantage.
If the characters take shelter in the abandoned hut, the lizardfolk will try to move them into the cave in their sleep. They will use a Sleep powder on them to try keeping them restful while they move them. Once they are in the cave, the lizardfolk will close a portcullis they have constructed to lock the inside, leaving two guards at the gate to keep it shut.
If they are unable to move them into the cave during their sleep, they will greet them with spears in the morning, urging them to head into the cave. They will insist they are meant to go to the dragon, and that they must go now.
Tomorrow, we'll plot a mini dragon cave...
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