DM Greg's Red Hand of Doom

Game Master Algar Lysandris

A large catfolk with coal black fur sits at the table, and has been listening carefully. He has some recently healed over scars on his face, although it makes him look rugged, rather than scarred. He wears a cloak and a finely linked chain shirt that clinks softly when he moves.

"Hmm, so, sounds like an overwhelming force." He turns to look at Wiston and Sorrana. "I'm assuming you can't raise similar forces. What's your force disparity? Any allies you can call on for assistance? Or should we be planning for evacuation of non-combatants with the time we have?"

"Fi'dho" Swirls mist parrots, somewhat off guard at the immediate wave of questions. That is a very strange name for a halfling. Perhaps I should speak with Reill on it. the scaled one considers before considering the focused creatures second question.

I will leave the descriptions of the details you desire to Borrum and Galdamor as I lack much of the knowledge you desire. I can say that from my flight the previous day that the army has many more war bands than I have ever seen in a tribe. Manticores flew the skies around the camp in great numbers. Hundred, more than hundred of Hobgoblins, and goblins made much of the warriors I saw. Campfires to cast the whole of the plains north of the witchwoods in light at dusk. More tents than I have ever seen before many which bore a symbol of a blood red hand. Dozens of the largest caravans I ever saw and at the very least a few dozen ogre."
Swirls mist intones slowly, his voice flat.
"I do not understand the tactics of such large masses of foes but I can say that when I returned this morning there was a dozen goblins riding Worgs and three Manticore guarding the destroyed bridge. I can only guess that their leader considers this number of warriors 'small' for his horde as I can see no reason to guard a broken bridge with such forces otherwise."

The scaled one looks to the new speaker, hand fiddling with a large fang on a crude string around his neck.
"Much as I have reason to desire to feed the reeds with these creatures corpses I know that to fight them here would be giving the crocodile both of your arms rather than the one it already has. Leaving would be best, preferably to a place with strong walls and stronger roofs. Manticores are frightening things in groups."

Rigo huffs, his fur fluffing out around his ears. "Manticore's I'm not all that concerned about. They are dangerous, but even raw recruits can kill one with bows and some training. I'm much more concerned about masses of trained soldiers, and even more so, dragons. A dragon is not easy to kill, and other dragons tend to take a dim view of lesser beings killing another dragon, even one they hate." He makes a general wave with one hand. "Gives the grubs all sorts of grandiose ideas about dragons and dragon hordes."

The captain looks at maru and stars him down I'll have you note Mercenary she says pronouncing the last word slowly that you hold no charges here, As captain of the Army and currently in charge of the town's militia i'll be the judge of that she turns toward the "old" party Those mercenary just got in town a day or two ago and i asked them here in case you had wanted to extra hands

as she is about to continue the Town speaker interrupts her with a slight motion of his hand

An army you say ? Nonsense the hobgoblin tribes have been raiding each other and everyone else for ages. They wouldn't even know were to begin with tactics and real warfare. Sure a few clans or one that got larger then usually is probably sending rather large parties of raiders, But you can stop them can't you ? i mean when you say enormous, you mean a small few hundred, with our superior skills, our militia veterans, superior equipment and the Elsir river we can stop them. It wouldn't be the first time them have come to take this place

Meanwhile the captain looks a the dragon's head.

So i see someone finally got the Hydra lurking in the woods. The dark places of the Witchwood are dangerous with plenty of monsters including a few handful of manticores at least

Getting frustrated with listening to the talking and lack of action, Borrum steps forward and vents his opinion to the assembly.

"Speaker Wiston, Eyes knot here ta blow smoke up your arse, but weez are knot talkin' about ah few hundred hobgobs. Weez are talkin' about thousands ah battle tested an' trained troops made up ah hobgobs, orcz, gobs, wurgs, giants, manticores, minotaurs. Day had ah freakin' dragon wit dem. Dis little piss-ant, non-defensible town is knot gonna stand ah chance when dat horde comes through here. Eyes doughnt know what haz brought dis army tagether an' whos controls it, buts it is obviously someone ah power ta lead dat group."

"As da captian says, weez are just ah few mercenaries. Two ah da group were dead soon before Eyes joined dem. One left whilez weez out investigatin' da woods for yous an' two more are about ta beat feet ta get away from dis army, yous think so little ah."

"Maybe if yous pulled your heads out ah your arse an' take heed ah our warnings and consul, yous may be able ta return ta your homes in da future. If knot you will probably end up dead in your beds. Yous should beez workin' on gettin' da people out ah town, wreckin' dem bridge foundations, an' destroying dat ferry once da utter-side is cleared out."

"If yous do knot want to listen ta us, where is dat guide yous sent wit us?"

Edit: removed glow in sky comment.

You what ?? he says sounding alarmed Did you have to ? when things get back to normal, we'll need that bridge. There will be no trade along the Dawn Way until we build a new one. That Work was Dwarven made and very costly.

he pause for a second and is about to seak as the captain take over

Did you see those hundreds or even thousands with your own eyes and all those other creatures? Last i know there hasn't been a giant seen in the forest since Vraath keep fell all those years ago. The woods are very dangerous

Borrum in all the nights you have spent camping out you have not seen the glow of thousand night fire in the sky :)

The captain send for Jorr to be ushered in.

He tells of the journey the party had in the witchwood. The attack on the Hydra, the assault on Vraath Keep, the meeting with the last giant and finally the attack on the forces guarding the bridge (he can really say what the medium flying creature was as like every one he doesn't have a clue. When ask whe he think it was he will answer A Medium sized Lizard that flew and breath Acid

The speaker resume

So if we count correclty you have face a few monsters that we knew inhabited the woods, faced a green skin raiding party not twenty strong. I do wonder how that Minotaur came to join them. Encountered the last surviving Giant and faced again an other party of green skin that were guarding the bridge, not even 20 strong. While i do commend you fore facing a force 3 times your size and to feel for the death along the way. This is no where the thousands you have mentioned.

He scratch his head that creature is bizzard but no real sense in worrying about since you Killed it. he says with a smile feeling relevied and truly grateful for the work you have done

"Well keep your heads where day are, Eyes beez leavin' in da mornin' also den. Eyes be here in da mornin' ta get my pay." He says before turning and leaving the meeting.

As we continue to not find any evidence of the army's plan, I see no sense in Borrum staying here.

"... you can accuse those who serve the Scourge of Battle of many things! but lying about war is not one of them." Fi'dho states, plainly. "To ignore the possibility - this is rather preposterous. If there is such a threat, it needs to be rectified. Immediately, if not sooner. And you need to protect your citizens - the people loyal to the Throne -" he says the last word with a breathy reverence, "and ensure they're safety. While I don't know that this exactly appears to be a dragon of myth, I do know that often enough myths are far less mythical than we fancy, and invulnerable creatures of legend are, in the end, creatures. This may well be a dragon, or at least some sort of hatchling creature. If it were: would any of us know? By the Invincible, if the Platinum Wind himself showed up, I dare say none of us could guess. Rebuke as you will, Sheriff. As I said: incredible, but it is something that we all must reserve judgement for, until we've seen. And until we've seen, we must prepare for the worst. If what you've said is true, these folk have bled for you, died for you, and hunted for you. This is a sacred act for their kind. To disregard it is folly. Still, I will go, ascertain with my own eyes what is there, and return, if I am able."

"Swirls Mist: you have oft faced persecution for your nature. I understand this well." - what an odd thing for a Halfling to say - "and thus, I need you to be as clear with me as possible."

Fi'dho would assist Swirls Mist in getting rough approximations of numbers, based on "this many?" and showing pictures and dots. It is rather unbelievable. "Very well. We must strike immediately. Once we are rested, let us go forth to find this... Red Hand. We will ensure they live up to their name."

Marru would then rest for the evening.

Rigo shrugs. "They have some evidence. It is at least worth investigating, and taking precautions. Even if the army is only a few hundred, that's enough to cause major issues if they take us by surprise. " Rigo says calmly, trying to inject a bit of civility into the childish arguments. "Failure to do so, should it cost the lives of citizens, would surely cost everyone dearly." He leaves it unsaid that the cost to those making the wrong decision would likely be loss of power at the least, and possibly worse. "I suggest that defenses be tightened up, word of what has transpired, along with the scouts reports, verbatim, as well as mention of the precautions being taken in an abundance of caution. Then we send out more forces to scout and confirm or deny the issues."

Captain Sorana lowers her head and speak inside the mayors ears. She speaks to him for about a good minute when she is done

the mayor stands up. nods to you all

A promise is a promise, Payment will be ready in the afternoon and heads out

The captain stands quietly smiling at you all out of polite fashion.

The town speaker on your information and on my advice will gather the town council in a day or two to talk about this matter. You should understand that this situation has never come before and at most we had to face raiding parties at maximum 200 strong compose of splinter group of maximum 20 in numbers in the last 5-6 years. While this is still consistent with your report, you have to imagine that moving a bit over a thousand citizens with all their stuff isn't going to be achieved in one day. That is if we manage to convince all of them to abandon their valuable, their home etc.

The town militia is about 130 strong including the 50 experienced veteran, we have a decent outer rings of choke points and watchposts and the tactical advantage of the Elsir river

So far if i understood your reports only the Lizard folk has seen this threat or at least partially. Green skin war bands that are strong always tried to include large monsters in their fighting force. But having a more then a few manticors is what give me a concern

With our current force and setup we can defeat with great loss to our side about three times our numbers, if we draft in the town's mage and local clergy.

unfortunately work prevented me from responding to the Mayor's dismissal of my character in time. *shrug* and I had such wonderful points to put in him.
I assume that Swirls mist has a general understanding of the major figures in town due to having live in the area for a god chunk of time.
Oh and go go gadget Wall-o-Text

The lizardfolk stands stock still as he is solidly dismissed by the leader of the town and guardian of its interests. As the man leaves a low rumbling hiss escapes the creatures chest, decidedly inhuman and laced with anger.

"Jorr, you describe the creature you saw as a "Lizard that flew and spewed acid" Did you fail to remember that it had but a single head and was intelligent enough to be considered an ally rather than a war beast by the hobgoblins? When I began fighting it the bugbear evoker that fought us on the bridge specifically focused its spells on me.
It was aware enough to fight intelligently and attempted to flee rather than fight a losing battle.
This was not some mutant hydra."
The druid states to the aging huntsman.

Swirls Mist looks oddly at the halfling ahead of him, curious to the way he states his sentence
"I find the common tongue strange at times, many words I know in my home language do not translate well. If the captain says that every single humanoid living in this village is close to a thousand people the portion of the camp I was easily able to see held at least four times that number in heavily armored goblinoid warriors. Most of them wore armor in similar style to those that we brought with us, and there was more of the camp I did not see very well. The Manticores acted as a flying hedge around the camp and I was unable to stay close for very long. I am sure I saw Ogres hobgoblins and Manticores, They have mounted riders in the form of goblins on their worgs."

Once he hears Fi'Dho's intentions Swirls mist will respond
"Your desire to bring the fight to this army will only result in your death. Just the minimal number of foes we have encountered in our battles have been problematic, the goblinoids of the army are not mighty but they are tenacious and driven enough to fight to last man rather than run. Whatever leads them is mighty enough to merit that sort of devotion, this is not just goblinoid battle lust it is much more than that. However If you still desire it on the morrow I can assume the hawk form that got me here, with a saddle to ride or if you are willing to leave most of your armor and gear simply carrying you I could bring you within range to see for yourself."

the druid considers for a moment before turning to the captain.
"You leader is unwilling to believe my words, you at least are willing to consider them. So, rather than break the rock I shall flow around it. Who holds places on the Council? Who holds greater sway in the city itself?
Where is the Mage of your city? Call him here and ask him to confirm that this creature is in fact what I refer to it as. Call your cleric, ask him to summon a Zone of truth to confirm that all I say is real as the blood in my veins, where is the druid who tends to the standing stones of your village? If he is capable of shaping himself then ask him to do so and find the truth of my words in the forest. If I am wrong then I will gladly pay for these individuals services, but if my words are true I am ensuring the people of this village have the time to flee before the oncoming storm rather than die in its teeth."
The druid finishes looking steadily at the human
And on the blood of my fallen companion Catches Crows, on the words of my ancestors and the blessings my goddess has given me, I assure you my words are truth.

In drelin's ferry the people of importance are the captain (who does not sit on the council, the town speaker, the Mage Serentien the Wise, the senior cleric of Pelor, the druid from time to time and two important merchants. I really would like to tress the point that while the players know that was you faced WAS a dragon, it still a beast of legends and you have no certainty about was it was. It never called itself a dragon and no one in the camp said anything about a dragon. Think of it like if you would return after a trip in the mountain and Say you saw a unicorn. Most people will just tell you you saw a horse and leave it at that. Or if you came back with a foot print of Bigfoot etc... So yes most people will rationalize the Dragon's head to a creature that is more common. There are in fact hydra that do breath fire / cold etc... Now the mayor isn't a man of knowledge and that is probably why he is gathering the council on top of the fact that this beast doesn't pose a threat as you have killed it.

if you are attempting to bluff or not with your increase to four times the number you can roll the appropriate skill (bluff or diplomacy)

To the new players: usually goblin and most green skin will attempt to flee if they do outnumber 3-1 normally. That Swirl mist is telling you that they fough to the last man, refusing to flee is problematic. It is something almost unheard of. Only the a handful Clan boss commands such a loyalty and usually trough fear. And even then goblins will choose to flee and never go back to the clan until the Warboss is dead.

The captain answers It is not that i don't believe you. It is just hard for most people to image how a force of several thousands are descending upon us. While i do not know what the druid can do or can not do i will arange a meeting in the morning with him, the senior brother of Pelor and Serentien before the council starts.

Yeah, I had figured the speaker was just trying to rationalize all this so he had an excuse to not have to flee for the hills and leave his nice house to be burned to a cinder.
He just seems to have missed the point that a beast of legend is following a group of hobgoblins rather than pillaging and looting like the tales say they do. That the army is organized is dangerous, that whatever leads the army is strong enough to have a dragon follow its commands is more so.

Silent until now, Galdamor took a step and said

I understand you are man of peace and you don't have the experience of soldiers and armies. Borrum and I fought numerous battles under the standard of our holy order, we are trained soldiers, not mere adventurers looking for treasure and ladies in distress.
Our experience of War tell us these few greenskin we meet were not just bandits but true soldier.
May be the creature we fought at the bridge was just a mere flying giant lizard and not this mighty beat of legend called a Dragon but it was here not to ask paiement for passage but to guard it and to kill any intruder.
As for the hogoblins, they were equiped not for raiding, but for war.
If you looked at the map and have any experience in war, you will see that the bridge is a strategic position any wise commander would have to cross the river.
Yet, we have no proof except our experience and our words to present. But I'm sure the captain as a seasonned officer would understand the Truth of my words.
I'm not here to convince you I'm right, because I am, I'm here to tell you to gather our troops and prepare for war. Peace is at End, War is the begginning. If you don't do it, you will all perish under the army of this so called 'Red Hand' sooner than latter.
If you don't listen to us that's your choice and Hextor will judge you guilty of cowardness and you will all die.

the captain ponders Galdamor's words

I understand all too well the strategic value of the bridge, by destroying it you gained us a bunch of days to asses the situation. I will place my troops on high alert for the time being. I have asked these two mercenary to come and stay and if you like to join your group since it is my understanding that at least two of you will be departing for Brimdol in the morning. With your permission i will get this head to Serentiel the Wise in the mean time why don't you get a good night's rest and visit the merchants in the morning.

to make it simple here are the items that are for sale (i will like to say that these do not belong in a full Greyhawk world environment but are here to help you in the module - in a normal greyhawk environment you would find these items only in major magic shops in the larges cities: +1 Battleax, +1 longsword, +1 heavy steel shield, +1 breastplate, Scroll of ; bless, CMW, CSW, Dispel Magic, Lesser Reso, resist energy, Fireball, Invisibility, Fly, Mage Armor, Web. Potions of: Cat's grace, invisibility, and fly. Bracer of armor +1, Ring of protection +2. Potions of Barkskin, CLW, Lesser Reso and §Neutralize poison. (all standard PHB Price. Only one of each Except the potion of CLW (10 available)

So the evening passes. What do the Heroes want to do in the morning?

Rigo, being new, and having been hired to accompany the other group, get's up early and prepares to travel. He then goes to wherever the group was indicated to have been staying, and he waits outside, leaning against a lamp post or hitching post or wall, his eyes sliding back and forth up and down the street.

Swirls mist shifts in his chair, frowning slightly. "I am not pleased with your speaker, but I am happy to see you at least treat our claims with some respect."
He looks to his remaining ally.
"I was fortunate to have allies such as you to help with this. The last time I tried to deliver such unwelcome news it did not go nearly as well. With that in mind I would ask what the price I need to pay to hire your and Borrum's services for a few days. I wish to ensure this city knows the danger it is in before I move forward and both your and Borrum's expert opinions will be helpful to that. If the foolish Speaker and his allies feel that even after such a show that we are liars, then I would ask to join your company for a time as my assistance is not desired by the wise men and leaders of Drellin's Ferry."
Looking to the guard captain swirls mist nods.
"Please take the skull to your wise man, in addition I would ask that you inform him to prepare a ritual of identification, there is a staff we obtained that evaded Rufa's knowledge before she was stuck with blindness. "
Looking to the newcomers
Fi'dho, and... I do not believe you have chosen to give us your name." The lizardfolk states looking to the catfolk "I am unsure of your intentions for the current time, but I would highly suggest you purchase a strong mount of some kind in the coming day. Regardless of the Speakers dismissals I assure you death comes to sweep the valley, like many dangers it just does not look like a great threat until it is to late to flee."

Fi'dho grins at Swirls Mist.

"I would, friend, but I've not the funds. You wouldn't be too interested in riding double, eh? I do agree, however, that swift-moving action would be good. Sad to say, I'm not a horse person: I've alway found that they lack stealth. Still, I'll stay here the night and we'll see what happens on the 'morrow."

"As to my intent, it's simple: if there is a threat to these lands and the loyal people of the Throne," it still almost sounds like divine reverence when he says it, "I'm going to end it, or die trying. It's that simple." he blinks! looking at the followers of Hextor. "For the money of course." he adds after a moment too long of pause. "On account of being a mercenary, as that's what I care about. Entirely." No one, with the exception of maybe Borrum is fooled. The mercenary... doesn't care about money.

"In any event," he continues, changing the subject, "sudden death is the best kind. And if we can use that on our foes, so much the better. That's more my style anyway. Anyone needs me patching up before bed?"

He'd head off to bed with the others, though he'd be glad to do untrained Heal checks if they could help. The next day, being up before the others, as he wasn't exhausted, he waits at the meeting spot, and, after Rigo arrives, and doesn't notice him for a minute or two, he greets the cat folk.

"'Mornin', my fellow hair ball!" he hails, coming out of hiding.

He... looks different today. Just a bit. Hm... maybe it's the stubble?

"Glad to see you!" He would make small talk as they wait.

"Now, how 'bout we get this thing going, eh?" he asks, when the others arrive. "Who wants to ride double?" he grins.

Everybody to the time warp! Do the Time Warp!

Previous day
"I am Rigo'Sharva, if you wish my aid, I am reasonably priced for my utility. I am a scout, with some arcane knowledge and tricks. Horses slow me down." He listens to Fh'ido pretend to be about the money, then he shakes his head. "I, on the other hand, am all about the money. Show me the coin. You want me, I am yours. Equal part of any spoils, or 250 gold a month, whichever is more. In exchange, you get someone who is trained at stealth and scouting, trained in arcana, is the best night watchman you ever encountered, and who is a bargain at twice the price."

Let's do the time warp agaaaaiiin! (Not the actual video of the actual film; you can thank me later.)

Previous day...

"Yeah. What he said. That's my deal. Exactly my bargain, too." he thumbs at the recently introduced Rigo. He then scribbles down something furiously.

Those closest to him are pretty sure he's writing down a good bargain for a typical mercenary, despite writing it a language you can't understand, as he's muttering it under his breath in plain common, albeit softly.

"This is typical merc's pay. Be sure to ask for this next time. Also, look less experienced."

He finishes with a flourish, deftly dabs the book dry, and then puts it away.

Rigo looks at the odd aquatic looking creature, then hooks a thumb toward him. "If you hire him too, I get another 5 gold a week on top of all that for annoyance factor."

For those who don't know me, I'm Galdamor Graak, follower of Hextor.

I know what must be done and I'm ready for it. Swirl Mist I will help you.

June 10th Morning: Galdamor gets a note

Good

After reading the note, Galdamor said to his comrades

I've just get a note from Serentien The Wise. He agree to study the staff for 150gp. I think it's a fair price. He will need the next 8 hours to perform this deed. So during this time I propose we buy all the food, clothing, water, horses, tools, scrolls and potion we can afford before the town prepare, or not, for war and the prices get up.
If you want to go with us, Rigo and Fi'dho we can lend you money, with faire rate of course, to buy useful item you could need.

The odd aquatic looking creature

Unless you've got true-seeing, Fi'dho actually just looks like a horse-faced Halfling with a hairy face.

Timewarpin all night long. Also, was Fi'Dho offering swirls mist the note he wrote or suggesting he remember what Rigo had asked as good Merc payment? Unsure so spoilering Swirls response if he ends up getting a note in a language he is unable to read.

The druid grins at Galdamor, sharp teeth making the gesture more predatory than an affectionate gesture. The motion clearly forced, possibly taught to the lizard folk by a race with less dangerous teeth.
"I am thankful that you are willing to assist me Galdamor. The prospect of forcing a room of strangers to accept a truth they do not wish to see by myself was not an attractive one. Perhaps if you would speak with him Borrum will hold his departure for a day, his steadfast strength will be very useful in the coming days."

------------ Following day
Swirls Mist exits the Inn they had been granted passage at, rolling his shoulders in quiet joy as the morning sun reflects off the scales of his head and chest. He enjoyed such days as well, I will need to ensure his sacrifice brings this red hand to an end. the druid reflects, gripping the fang hanging from his throat.
Looking across the way the druid spies the recently arrived mercenaries nodding to them both and flashing an awkward half smile still coming out wrong. "Greetings, Fi'Dho, Rigo'Sharva." the druid says, half to give greeting and half to ensure he still recalled the correct syllables for the warriors given names. On hearing Galdamor's news he nods "I wish the mage had prepared his rituals yesterday night but if we must wait then fine. We should sell the materials we have now, if the town has one skilled in weapon and armor perhaps he could make a say to the quality of the armor and weapons we have retrieved. It seems another piece that would encourage these people who drag their feet in the sand that the danger we speak of is real. Once we have enough funds mounts for the party would be preferable, I would be willing to pay from my share for an extra one for either carrying extra gear or permitting one of our prospective new allies use."

Rigo looks at Galdamor. "Pretty poor mercenary I'd be if I didn't stay bought, or if I didn't come equipped for trouble. I don't deal with a lot of rules all that well, but once I'm bought, I'm bought. Just don't expect me to act like no Paladin, and you won't regret your money spent."

He turns to Swirls. "Look, if you want an extra pack mule or something, feel free to buy yourself one and bring it along. But as to keeping up, I haven't met a horse yet I couldn't pace along side all day. Horses are great at bursts and sprints, and some of them can out sprint me, but none of them can keep up with me over a long period of time. Add in that if you weigh them down with junk, they don't out pace me. You're hiring me to be a scout, I will be useless to you in that regard on a horse. Big smelly thing that crashes through the woods." He looks around at everyone. "Only a fool hires a cook for a wedding and then tells them how to make soup. My job requires me to be light and fast and quiet. If you want someone to haul garbage around, hire a gnoll. They're good at garbage."

----------------------

Next Morning, assuming he's still hired after not being obedient

Rigo nods at Swirls, before taking off at a clip that leaves swirls of dust behind him. The catfolk races to the edge of town and then comes back, his legs pumping rythmically. He moves at a clip an unencumbered horse could just keep up with, and that leaves the dogs in the town in his dust as he moves. He returns and stops, dusting himself off. He's not breathing hard. "As I said, horses slow me down, make too much noise, and smell. If you want one to haul things for you, that's another matter."

Rigo's speed is 50, which is a horse's speed, which means he doesn't really need one to keep up with the party, and he's a lot quieter without the giant smelly animal crashing through the woods

At whatever time we did introductions to one another.

"Eyes Borrum Orcfoe, ah Sarge from Roka's Iron Fist. Lord Hextor has guided me ta find Galdamor Graak an' assist him in creatin' ah Church of Hextor in dis Vale. To let da Iron Gauntlet guide the peoples ah dis land ta prosperity. Eyes not here fur da pay, Eyes here fur me faith. Da Lord of Battle will provide me da spoils Eyes deserve."

... back to present...

"Eyes say weez buy everthin' from dis soon ta beez destroyed town, an' sell it back ta dem fur ah profit when day learn da cost ah knot believin' in our words."

"If Galdmor is stayin', den Eyes stayin'."

Perfect ! said with a smile Galdamor to Borrum comment about his staying at his side.

Sadly, we lost our two arcane user at it seems none of you are said Galdamor to the two newcomers.

But, I hope we will able to manage to do it without arcane support.

A small Boy enters in the common room he looks at the different individual composing the party, looks puzzled and then goes straight toward Galdamor and hands him a parchment and leave.

Galdamor nod at the small boy, giving him a penny.

See, our payment, at last Said Galdamor showing the parchement.

Galdamor and/or Swirls Mist... Can I assume you healed Borrum up before we retired last night?

Rest last night would have healed you 5hp, Swirls mist would have gladly used 4 charges of the vigor wand to bring you back up to full. Second, where are we going today? I thought the party was waiting for the village idiots to get their friends together.
I think we can avoid purchasing more than 4 steeds. Though if borrum would like to buy the rest and sell them to hapless individuals when the red hand arrives and people attempt to flee that could work. Would definitely get us a small sum of money.

Swirls Mist cocks his head and looks to the catfolk Dislikes horses, though I can't blame him. Strange beasts they are stomping around and huffing all the time. Wish we had a proper mount like the lizards back home.
"I am glad they actually had the funds then." The lizardfolk states on seeing the voucher
Would you be willing to handle the sale of the items Galdamor?
I have found my presence drives prices up marginally and I would much prefer these merchants give us all they will let go.
Looking back to the catfolk Swirls mist responds to his statement
"Stinking loud beasts as they are, I had hoped to purchase a horse for Borrum, Galdamor and myself, an extra for carrying gear and such.
I appreciate the demonstration of skill but in addition to yourself Fi'Dho has not demonstrated capability at moving with such speeds." The druid states looking from the catfolk to the hafling "It will be simpler for all of us if you had your own mount until we had need of it as a beast of burden. Do you find this disagreeable?" The druid asks the hafling.

Rigo shrugs. "You didn't specify who you were talking to. More specificity results in more accuracy." The catfolk grins, showing fangs. "But, I suggest a pony or donkey for the halfling, not a horse. I doubt you'll find an exotic saddle for him to ride one in this town. Maybe in a bigger city, or one with a larger halfling population."

For a small to ride a large, you need an exotic saddle, same as a human riding an elephant

"I find nothing you've said disagreeable. But as Rigo notes, I'm... shorter than the average bear. Heh. I said 'bear'. Anyway, I'd be intrigued by the possibility of a donkey. I hear they're quite fearsome." he grins. "... and, depending on the breed... quieter than horses. Both good things in my book."

Yes, I will do make the buys Swirls Mist. As a matter of fact I will go to each merchant and buy all we need.

"Here, I can help with that." Fi'dho tells Galdamor. He would go off with him to do the shopping.

Borrum listens to all the strange sounds being spoken be everyone but him and not wanting to look ignorant responds, "Yep, sounds like ah plan."

Swirls mist nods to Galdamor, a minor tilt to his shoulders as he considers the discussion It might be a fumbling tongue but at least most know it, I do not desire to be like the men of this land when I first arrived bleeding and unable to speak their language. Being unable to communicate is a painful thing.

"I am going to find the towns druid, I need a place to mourn my companion and summon a new one. It is a long process so I will likely wait for a few hours to see if the village speaker will converse with us today.
While I am there I will see if the druid is able to shift shapes and if so I will show where the army was two days ago to him. I will inform you if this occurs. If there is a skilled craftsman of armor in the town perhaps they can add to our voice on the danger after seeing the materials the Red hand carry."

as Serentien is busy with the next 8h identifying the staff, the town council will only happen the next day late afternoon after he had a chance to study the head. The druid is named Avarthel and can cast at most level 2 spells. Morlin Coalhewer is a dwarven weapon and armor smith of some skill. Swirl Mist will need 24h of uninterrupted ceremony to call for a new AC. Now the druid can call for a specific type of animal it will take some time for it to arrive. If there aren't any in the immediate vicinity then the closest animal will come. The Wichwood isn't a very ape friendly (SRD gives us: Environment: Warm forests. (Gorilla which the creature is modeled after refers to more tropical weathers) So i will give you a 20% chance that there is 1 individual from a very small group that you can call for. Boars are common and so are wolf and dogs. Black bears are present close to the mountain range. Eagle / hawk / Owl / Horse and snake are also very accessible

I can only assume that the wizard is busy with other things then as the only spell I can think of relating to such things is Identify(1hour) and legend lore (Level 6 spell)
As to Animal companions.

Western low land gorillas have been found and recorded in swamps, in a fantasy game where crocodiles grow to the size of elephants and impossible monsters exist everywhere I would absolutely disagree that Apes would not have a fair chance at being found in a swamp like the Blackfens north of us. the Black fens which happen to be next to a rather large mountain chain.

As to the summoning itself, there are no such rules applied to it for how it works.
The core rule book just says that you complete the 24 hour ritual and select from the chart available. There is absolutely no mention of proper biomes or obtaining a creature of that type. I was always under the impression that just like summoning a familiar or summoning a paladins mount that summoning an Animal Companion is a complex Conjuration spell and follows the same rules just summoning a generic animal rather than summoning a planar horse or a demon or whatever.

But if that's not how it works in your world, fine by me. Roll the dice, if I'm not permitted an Ape then I will summon a Dire bat as looking at the last time your druid lost a companion it was on the list and we are still in the same area.

After the squeaks, squawks and grunts being made by the others finish, Borrum pulls out four parcels from his backpack and toss one to each of you.

"Eyes was bored an' Eyes want ta get movin' az soon az weez can."

Fi'dho's parcel: Handy Haversack, Potion of CMW, 3 Potions of CLW, 2 Elixir of Truth

Rigo's parcel: Handy Haversack, Potion of Invisibility, 3 Potions of CLW, Scroll of Mage Armor, Wand of CLW (CL1)(41chg), Wand of Magic Missiles (CL5)(10chg)

Swirls Mist's parcel: Potion of Invisibility, Potion of Cat's Grace, 3 Potion of CLW, Scroll of CSW, Everburning Torch

Galdamor's parcel: Staff of Healing (7chg), 3 Potions of CLW, Potion of Lesser Restoration, Potion of Neutralize Poison, Scroll of Bless, Scroll of CMW, Scroll of Dispel Magic, Scroll of Lesser Restoration, Scroll of Resist Energy

Squirreled away on Borrum (FYI): Potion of CLW, Potion of CMW, Potion of Fly, Potion of Barkskin +2

"Very gracious of you, Master Dwarf. Although a mercenary who clearly values gold over the lives of others, such as I am, I can tell that you have a gracious and humble spirit about you. Very kind."

Bluff: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 So not a mercenary, you guys.
Charisma: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 2 = 17 Very likable, though! (Diplomacy stand-in)

Rigo goes through the items, makes sure he knows what's in the haversack, and then nods. "Right."

AC high is good: 1d100 ⇒ 90