With orders relayed via Malthir's amulet, the Duke and the Guardians continued to seek out the Nomen tribe, heading east and leaving the hilly terrain behind; entering the grassy plains known locally as the Dunsward. An impressive amount of birds were spotted as the group wandered, including a pair of giant eagle that did not even deign to notice the adventurers.
The plains were expansive, however, and a day of searching yielded no centaurs or even tracks to follow; although the group ate well from the easy pickings Kalev was able to hunt. The Guardians bedded down for the night and resolved to continue the next day.
The sun was out in full force at midday, under a cloudless sky. The weather was absolutely glorious and it seemed to inspire a fine mood in the group. In the end, it was centaurs who found the Guardians, and not the other way around.
The thundering of hooves in the distance heralded their approach; a band of what looked to be a dozen of the horse-like humanoids were rapidly bearing down upon the Guardians, half of the group fanning to either side in an obvious pincer move; the band of centaurs obviously planned to surround the Guardians...
While the centaurs were almost 1000 feet away, they moved at incredible speeds at full gallop and would be arriving in less than half a minute...
Kip strokes his pony's mane in an attempt to sooth the animal, but takes no other provocative actions. He studies the centaurs as they approach...
All right, everybody. Keep your weapons sheathed and your hands in the open. These guys don't look like they need much of an excuse to strike first and ask questions never.
Kip whispers to the others, What about a defensive illusion? Muddy ground around us? A wooden stake wall to discourage a charge?
Malthir attaches a white kerchief embroidered with a gold symbol of Kardas given to him by Vaysh to the end of his lance and raises it in the air so the Centaurs can see it.
Even if they attack we just defend ourselves until we know their intent. It sounds like the Centaurs may have reason to not trust us from their relationship with Varns people...I aim to change that.
We wait to see if they approach...Does anyone know if they speak our tongue?
We wait to see if they approach...Does anyone know if they speak our tongue?
"Somehow I get the distinct feeling we're about to find out." Casimir says wryly, keeping Shadow in thight rein.
A smirk stretches over Malthir's face.
Honestly, how come no one ever welcomes us...it's not like we are giant Worg mounted trolls.
"Must be our winning personalities. Besides, maybe this IS how centaurs say hello."
Maybe we should try looking like giant Worg mounted trolls, just to see what difference it makes.
The centaurs mostly held spears and the second rank held bows, although not one warrior was without at least two weapons. The small stampede let out shrill howls as they closed, and then perfectly scattered into two smaller groups in case a fight began.
They seemed mildly surprised at the lack of a defensive response from the group but wasted little time in seizing a tactical advantage by fully surrounding them at a distance of thirty feet. Arrows were nocked but no order to fire was given. The Guardians noted with interest that the group was made up entirely of female centaurs; there were no males amongst them.
A few moments passed. Several of the centaurs seemed tense, hands upon drawn weapons twitching somewhat. But they seemed to be gauging the group's response to their aggressive tactics, waiting for them to make their intent clear...
"Malthir, you should probably take lead on this one. I'll back you and provide magical translation if needed."
Kip smiles broadly, barely able to contain his excitement at seeing the centaurs charge up in such practiced unison. He makes a traditional sign of Desna as a greeting and adds in Sylvan,
After Kip's friendly greeting...
Malthir looks to the Centaurs, hoping to sense one that the others seem to be deferring to...who could be the leader. But addresses them in general if one doesn't become evident.
In a strong voice...I am Malthir Al Dagon, I speak for the humans here. I offer you my lance, that you might know our peaceful intent. You may hold it until you feel we have proven our words and our offer of peace.
To the SouthWest a great evil has happened to the humans there. We are investigating what has happened. We are hoping we can speak with you and your elders to find out if you can help us and by helping us...maybe help yourselves against this great evil. May we speak and treat with you?
Malthir turns his Lance around and shows them the grip end, obviously offering his weapon to them as a show of peace, but also strength. He also nods his head in slight deference.
Fenna watches with unmoving features as the centaurs surround the group, and listens to Malthir's words silently. As the centaurs consider the duke's words, the gnome adds her own, following Kip's example of speaking in Sylvan.
"I understand you may have had past difficulties which have left you with reservations in trusting the word of a human, but I assure you that Malthir is an honourable man. If you give him no cause to be an enemy, he will be a strong ally."
The tenseness of the situation slowly faded as Malthir made his intent clear. His lance was not taken but his reassurances, as well as his earnest allies, seemed to soothe the tension. Arrows were unnocked and spears were slowly lowered as the conversation went back and forth. Introductions for the Guardians were made and the Centaur's seemed to accept the Guardian's presence and rationale there, judging their words and faces to be honest ones. Eventually, their leader became apparent as she spoke; an older Centaur that looked to be a veteran warrior. She spoke with an authoritative, maternal tone. She spoke in Sylvan and Kip and Fenna alternated in translating the words into Taldane.
Well met indeed, men and women of Kardas. I am Danide Thunderhoof and I am honoured to meet such noble folk although making your acquaintance in this place is rather... strange for us. We know of the lands of which you speak, those belonging to Maegar Varn; though I am not certain our Elder was aware that any such harm had fallen upon them. What is the nature of this evil? A magicplague, perhaps? Perhaps Mother Moon chose to punish their young soldiers for hunting our young warriors; to warn Maegar Varn that he must keep his promises? The spirits are grave and powerful in these lands; our sacred home. Has such a thing come to pass?
Even with the persuasiveness of the charismatic group, it was clear that the Guardians were being treated as exceptions; a few of the centaurs were showing subtle signs of still being wary of the humanoids.
Kip smiled cheerfully at the centaurs but refrained from doing much else, thoughts of the nixie encounter replaying over in his mind. He waited for those more practiced in this sort of thing to speak...
Malthir asks if Casimir can share their language with him or ours with the Centaur leader, We are honored by your belief of our words, they are our bond.
We believe it is something much more dire than you describe to take Varn and every one of his people...hundreds of them. He lets the magnitude sink in.
Whatever it is has also unleashed 2 undead armies, one against Kardas and another against the human realms to the North, Brevoy. Their numbers reached into the thousands. Yet we know almost nothing of what happened to them other than some rumored writing and the vague words of a local cat.
As further proof of our good intent, we return this to you...a bow we found on some evil ones we defeated, we believe it belongs to you? Casimir, can you bring out the bow?
Will you convince your people to help us to find out what happened to them? Whatever did this will threaten your people eventually.
Potential Clues-
#1- Inside a thoroughly looted home is a book torn in half at the spine. Reuniting both halves, the book looks to be a journal. Between the group's limited grasp of Linguistics, they are able to at least ascertain that the handwriting is in Skald; the language of the northmen. On one page, a single rune of some kind is inscribed in charcoal; it looks like a letter.
#2- The word NOMEN, hastily scrawled upon the door of the inn, the town's largest structure.
#3- Inside said structure, the group had found books and notes that could be construed as a clue...
Recap wrote:
Of particular interest was an incomplete ethnography of the indigenous tribes of the Iobarian steppes; recent notations on the parchment speculate that the local tribe of centaurs known as the Nomen are an off-shoot of the greater Rashalka population, that broke away and relocated to the Stolen Lands some time in the distant past. Scattered amongst the books are charcoal sketches of a heavy jade bracelet bearing peculiar markings; whoever was doing this research seemed to be under the impression that this bracelet was attributed to the pre-migration Nomen centaurs.
At the bottom of the stack of papers, sat a letter dated some two months ago; from Maegar Varn and addressed to Professor Ervil Pendrod. The letter described a strange bracelet found by one of Varn's men, a certain Willas Gunderson, a self-titled treasure hunter. Apparently, Willas discovered the bracelet on "a river of local provenance" and Varn had requested the Professor's expertise, expecting that he would be interested in further study of it.
A search of the guest rooms of the Inn reveals that only one of them was in use before whatever happened to Varnhold, happened. The group found some personal effects and items of clothing that are neatly labelled Ervil Pendrod in the unlooted upstairs section of the inn. Among the mundane possessions is a small library of further tomes. Cross-referencing them against the works found at the desk downstairs found one match in theme; a centuries old geography book created by one Carmyn e'Brothasa, chronicler of Taldor's Third Army of Exploration into the north. One passage is distinctly marked in a well-thumbed section-
"And so it was, high upon the Torres and well above the Vale's stairs, where rises from the high water a stony island of dire report. Known as Vordakai's island to those that do live thereabout, some legend of its name doth come down through the locals. For they speak of a guardian that doth destroy all who would set foot upon its accursed shores. They did name no fewer than a twelvecount of their hero-knights who had left their bones upon its rocky shores over the years after having tested their mettle against its dread warden, 'til none would any longer go there for fear of its hidden terrors. And the name of this terror was given unto this island..."
In the margin by this section of the book, a small handwritten script reads- "Vordakai- perhaps a Nomen centaur god?".
The collection of books, all included, is very valuable (although they are clearly marked as the property of the Kitharodian Academy of Oppara).
#4- Fenna found a half-starved cat in the Weaver's home. Speaking with him, he told her the following;
"My feeders left me in the red-sun time when they heard the new bird song. I was busy eating a bit of fish and did not follow them out. My feeders did not come back and I am now quite hungry for some more fish!"
Perhaps your elders will know something of what we have found..
Casimir reaches into the bag of holding and pulls out the bow. Holding it high for all to see, he guides Shadow forward and presents it respectfully to Danide Thunderhoof.
Hellknight doctrine demands that they stand as faceless avatars of law when in the presence of any other than trusted allies. As such, Ricter keeps his helmet on and stays back with Kalev as the skilled diplomats of the group do their work.
Behind the mask, though, he's pleased to see things are remaining civilized.
Turning to Ricter, Kalev mutters I almost feel bad for sitting astride a horse in this company...
Kip looks at Kalev mischievously while whispering and smiling You feel bad? How do you think your horse feels?
Thunderhoof's eyes went wide when the bow was presented and she took it solemnly, reverently, as she whispered-
Skybolt...
Recovering her composure, the centaur beamed a magnificent grin. You know not what you give. This stolen relic is an ancient part of our history and heritage; as well as being the most powerful individual weapon we possess. Come then. We will escort you to our home and you may have an audience with our warpriest, Aecora Silverfire. I cannot and would not presume to speak for her, but I will urge co-operation. We have seen no such undead armies in our territory but our scouts have encountered stragglers.
I must warn you, the Nomen relationship with the two-legged has always been strained; and the Varning's recent breach of our truce has certainly not helped to endear them any further. You will not be harmed, but many will look upon you with mistrust and resentment.
The centaur party bade you ride with them and they took you further into the Kamelands. Your mounts were clearly not as fast as the centaurs and a few of the warriors looked upon them with disdain and snorts of contempt as they slowed their pace. The sun had fallen by the time the group made it to the Nomen camp- a scattering of open-sided tents arranged in a loose pattern; perhaps numbering several dozen in total.
If we get a moment away from the Nomen before we enter the camp, Malthir would like to cast Honeyed Tongue, to help with their efforts in making closer ties with the Nomen.
Guardians, perhaps we should clean up a little before we meet their leader. Kip you have a spell that can do that correct?
May we make ourselves presentable before meeting your warpriest, Aecora Silverfire? Malthir asks Danide.
Kip was thoroughly enjoying the ride with the centaurs, even though his pony was having trouble keeping up.
Kip responded in the affirmative to Malthir's question, but did not proceed with the casting until Danide also responded.
Danide Thunderhoof seemed unconcerned and called a halt to allow your spellcasting.
Very well, but we must be quick. The Warpriest has many rituals to perform this night.
Kalev, in an attempt to earn the respect of the Centaurs, quickly took off his breastplate, securing it to his horse, then took out his old and worn hide shirt, sent a short prayer to Erastil, and followed the group on foot, leading his horse by the reins.
Kip uses his catrip as requested...
Malthir casts his spell as Kip is casting his on the epeople of the group and then lets her know we are ready to meet their leader.
Having freshened up... Kip is likewise ready to meet the centaur leader.
Some curious glances are directed Malthir's way as he produces a small jar of honey and mutters some magical words as he takes a drop of it; but he is not interrupted from his brief ritual.
Scowls and glances of mistrust, as well as a few drawn weapons, greeted the Guardians as they rode into the midst of the centaur tribe. Danide Thunderhoof commanded enough authority to make these other centaurs stand down but there was a palpable tension in the air. Many centaurs shadowed the group and their escort, keeping a respectful distance from Danide but wanting at the least to watch what followed, and some perhaps with the intention of being ready for battle. The quality of the Guardian's weapons and armour did not go unnoticed; the presence of such weapons indicating that the group could be far more deadly than their numbers suggested.
Aecora Silverfire's glance at the approaching group was wary and perhaps even a little hostile. Danica galloped over to her first, presenting Skybolt and whispering some words to her. Her features softened. Gathered in the centre of the camp and with over a hundred (entirely female) centaur warriors gathered in a circle around the proceedings, she spoke as the Guardians approached. She spoke with a strong hint of authority; it is likely she alone ruled over the tribe.
We thank you for returning Skybolt to us. This gesture has done much to endear you to the tribe and dispel some initial misgivings. We were no friends of the men of Varn; but we would not want what happened to their town to befall us as well. When my scouts said that the town had gone quiet, I initially suspected the Culchek tribe of Spriggans... but it is clear that they were not to blame, nor did they have the strength to displace Maegar Varn and his battle-hardened men. I can formally deny any link to this disappearance of your fellow men; and I invite you to search our camp, under supervision, if my denial is not sufficient.
I'm sure that won't be necessary, Kip thinks to himself. He steals a glance at Ricter, concerned at what the the Hellknight might say...
Malthir hears her words then speaks aloud, Thank you Aecora. The weapon belonged to your people and Kardas is nothing if not a bastion of truth and justice.
I don't think we really believed you had anything to do with the towns disappearance but we had to follow any loeads we had found...and the clues we had pointed to your people. It is this possible clue that led us to you.
Malthir brings out the book and reads the passage to her.
"And so it was, high upon the Torres and well above the Vale's stairs, where rises from the high water a stony island of dire report. Known as Vordakai's island to those that do live thereabout, some legend of its name doth come down through the locals. For they speak of a guardian that doth destroy all who would set foot upon its accursed shores. They did name no fewer than a twelvecount of their hero-knights who had left their bones upon its rocky shores over the years after having tested their mettle against its dread warden, 'til none would any longer go there for fear of its hidden terrors. And the name of this terror was given unto this island..."
In the margin by this section of the book, a small handwritten script reads- "Vordakai- perhaps a Nomen centaur god?".
Do you wish to look at it? We are hoping that this means something to you, something that can help us find out what is happening. Whatever it is will certainly threaten you as soon as it is done with the others in this area.
Kip fidgets in his saddle...
Casimir sits with a dreamy stare, as if his mind is preoccupied with something. Possibly he is pondering if a couple of wondrous items might aid the group in their quest.
Ricter remains a faceless sentinel at the edge of the party of guardians, keeping watch for any attacks against the Baron.
Behind his visor he smiles slightly upon hearing the description of Vordakai's Island read aloud. Perhaps one day - should he stay true to his path - he would command as much awe and fear as this nameless, undefeated guardian...
The mention of Vordakai and the words that Malthir spoke seemed to make the centaur priestess pale slightly; she immediately became even more solemn and her voice, when she spoke, was far quieter- obviously not intended for the mass of centaurs.
T-the name is not unknown to me... she began, but was interrupted by Danide Thunderhoof, who moved in close to her to whisper something to her. Her own response was louder as she replied to the warrior-
Order two patrols to harass it with arrows; if it does not leave they are authorised to destroy it. Only bid them do not engage in melee.
She turned her attention back to the Guardians.
According to ancient tales passed down by oral tradition from the time of the Rashalka's, when the Nomen were still part of that great host. Vordakai is referred to as a "slumbering warlord from the time of the mother tribes". This Vordakai is an ancient figure from the past; and there is little more I can tell you. There is, however, a place you can investigate to learn more. A place we call "Olah-Kakanket"- the Valley of the Dead. This place is taboo to our people, but tradition also dictate that we must watch the valley for signs of disturbance or strange awakenings. Recently, a... she hesitated for a moment huntress, claimed to have seen a strange and frightful shape lumbering amid the stones of Olah-Kakanket. I wonder if, perhaps, the humans of Varnhold, with their insatiable curiosity and drive to expand and conquer, might have entered Olah Kakanket, and if this is the case, it may; perhaps, be tied to the vanishing of their people...
Malthir's gauntlet groans as his fist contracts as he hears the confirmation of the writings.
It is possible oh noble Nomen that by accident that some of Varn's people have disturbed this Vordakai. Or perhaps this creature was just waiting, resting until now. In any case we should investigate this place. Can you spare someone to lead us into the area.? We would be most grateful.
Maybe we can even help you with...whatever problem you seem to have encountered now?
I know you have had doubts about Varn and his people, hopefully these gestures can win your trust in me and my people. Your people should speak with mine at length, you will learn the truth of my words and the truth that is Kardas!
His voice is eloquent and convincing, empowered with Iomedae's blessing...
Kip continues to fidget in his saddle...
Mother Moon thought slowly and carefully as she considered Malthir's requests.
We require no assistance with our own affairs human. Our people cannot venture into Olah-Kakanket; it is taboo as I have stated. Danide Thunderhoof will take you to its edge and we shall... permit the transgression of you and yours walking there.
The centaur seemed like she might say more for a moment, but then it passed.
You may camp within a short distance of our own camp tonight and I shall see to it that our patrols also keep you safe.
There was a tone of finality to her words that made it clear she considered the audience over.
Well that went... well? Kip remarks to his companions once they are relatively alone.
Kip's halfling curiosity is piqued by both the Valley of the Dead, along with its mysterious figure, and of the interloper that is being driven off by the centaur patrols.
Kip has the idea to take a little flight and see if he can spy what the centaurs are occupied with...
Kip makes a mental note to see if he can convince Danide to reveal the identity of the intruder...