We eat the dead and decomposed as the ritual of return, but even base animals are in such a state, so a corpse may serve us well. If you know what to look for, the Alchemist and his apprentices often like certain natural herbs and fungi for their potions.
We eat the dead and decomposed as the ritual of return, but even base animals are in such a state, so a corpse may serve us well. If you know what to look for, the Alchemist and his apprentices often like certain natural herbs and fungi for their potions.
"You may have the right of it in the path being too long for our current trip; we are pushing it, a little as it is now.
While you may not be at liberty to return with us all the way to the gnome's village. That would be your Alchemist ultimate decision, you are welcome as far as you wish to go. Perhaps along the way you can point out things your Alchemist and Sage would find of great interest allowing us to expand our opportunities for trade."
Ulfgar wonders if he has spoken out of turn in inviting Miku back to the gnome village or at least along the way with the group but feels there is much to be learned from a continued exchange with the hunter.
Hannarr screws up his courage and walks into the lab. He pulls out a flask of water as he approaches the cage and pushes it into the enclosure with his walking stick. I am Hannarr Diamondheart. Which among speaks for this group? he asks in undercommon. Do you require food? Medical aid?
Kragg hears the others answer what is the essence of being a dwarf and simply lets those answer stand. While he may other ideas his opinion is colored based on his longer life span and what he has seen in that time. When shown tot he skis'raal Kragg looks to see what state they are in and wether they are in good health or not.
heal
Once that is determine he will channel as necessary to heal them or aid in the information gathering.
diplomacy aid
We do not wish you harm. All we ask is for answers to unravel the situation we find ourselves in . Perhaps too that we may be able to help each other.
Dolgrin tries a different tact You were captured by the Xan. They contemplate your fate even as we speak. Tell us true, do the Skis'raal wish war with the Xan?
"You may have the right of it in the path being too long for our current trip; we are pushing it, a little as it is now.
While you may not be at liberty to return with us all the way to the gnome's village. That would be your Alchemist ultimate decision, you are welcome as far as you wish to go. Perhaps along the way you can point out things your Alchemist and Sage would find of great interest allowing us to expand our opportunities for trade."Ulfgar wonders if he has spoken out of turn in inviting Miku back to the gnome village or at least along the way with the group but feels there is much to be learned from a continued exchange with the hunter.
"I shall inquire learn as best can, friend Ulfgar. Perhaps I will permitted be if I tell the Alchemist as you say of learning more of beyond jungle for trade. Gladly will I go with you then," Miku says, "Give me short time to ask and I will know soon."
The Skis'raal at first back away, unsure...
Hannarr screws up his courage and walks into the lab. He pulls out a flask of water as he approaches the cage and pushes it into the enclosure with his walking stick. I am Hannarr Diamondheart. Which among speaks for this group? he asks in undercommon. Do you require food? Medical aid?
One, perhaps the boldest of the three, tilts his head to look Hannar over. The other two remain cautious.
Kragg can tell that while the Xan have not deliberately tortured their prisoners, blood was drawn, and there are signs of slight abrasive wounds no doubt from where they were bound after escape was attempted.
Those vanish in a moment of healing, indeed, the creatures look much better. Though still a bit dirty. It is hard to read the expressions of spider folk, but they seem surprised, and the other two move forward at that up to the bars.
We do not wish you harm. All we ask is for answers to unravel the situation we find ourselves in . Perhaps too that we may be able to help each other.
Dolgrin tries a different tact You were captured by the Xan. They contemplate your fate even as we speak. Tell us true, do the Skis'raal wish war with the Xan?
In undercommon the boldest one finally speaks, "Is this a Xan trick? It is they who started the war with us. We were scouting, looking for two criminals of our kind, when we stumbled too close it seems for the mushroom heads liking," the speaker gives an odd chitter akin to a snort, "if this is a trick to tell you of our people's defenses you will have little luck. If it is sincere, help us get out. We wish to go home."
Two criminals? We happened across two Skis'raal that had murdered several Svirfneblin. Could these have been your criminals? Dolgrin asks
A third Skis'raal speaks up, "It is possible. Skethyk and Azraak were abominations...they even fed upon the sentient."
The first wants more details, "Where and when was this? Did you find a leg band on any of them?"
Ulfgar nods in understanding as he'd many times had to explain his reasons for needing to go beyond the borders of what they considered their territory. "Should you wish me to explain something please send for me I'll be glad to answer questions the Alchemist may have"
"Dit was 'n geruime tyd gelede & hulle was die eerste van jou soort wat ons teëgekom het. Ek is bang dat ek nie onthou as hulle so 'n gebaar versiering. Hulle was eerder besliste oor hul name egter." Anka replies in answer to the prisoner's query, adding in an offhanded mutter, "En die bereidwilligheid om ander te vernietig...."
"And the willingness to consume others..."
"Dit was 'n geruime tyd gelede & hulle was die eerste van jou soort wat ons teëgekom het. Ek is bang dat ek nie onthou as hulle so 'n gebaar versiering. Hulle was eerder besliste oor hul name egter." Anka replies in answer to the prisoner's query, adding in an offhanded mutter, "En die bereidwilligheid om ander te vernietig...."
** spoiler omitted **
The first one bobs his head "If you slew or captured them, then you have saved many innocents. They were among the worst of the worst we can be. There was a reward, but obviously..." A rather impressive shrug given all the legs, "That is beyond our power to give at this time. Is that why you are here? Did you know about the reward and hope to collect?"
The other speaks up, "How could they be here to do that? Beyond these walls, Most do not even know we are here. No, it must be another reason."
"True. Please, explain what you want then?" the first says again
They did indeed have an armband from what I can remember. We are here to scout the Azathyr for the Drow menace that threatens Fasturvalt. We wish the Skis'raal's aid in thwarting the Ulamahazian plotters. Dolgrin doesn't quite trust the Skis'raal enough to tell them about the Dammerhall.
They did indeed have an armband from what I can remember. We are here to scout the Azathyr for the Drow menace that threatens Fasturvalt. We wish the Skis'raal's aid in thwarting the Ulamahazian plotters. Dolgrin doesn't quite trust the Skis'raal enough to tell them about the Dammerhall.
"While we do not trust them, the Skis'raal have little wish to anger the drow, not while the mushroom men seize our hunters or kill them in ambush" The first says.
The second agrees, "Only a fool fights two wars ...one is bad enough."
Kragg listens in and hears the second skis'raal speak. That is part of what we came here to talk about. It seems that the drow are the ones who instigated this war by framing the skis'raal in ambushes on the Xan. We have a missive here saying as much. We hope to create a peace between the 2 races. Such a situation would further our goals of finding trade partners with Fasturvalt. Should diplomatic relations improve then we could see about other joint ventures in repelling the drow who seem to be enemies of us, you and the Xan.
diplomacy
How we are to exactly go about that peace agreement is still under debate. We are here to speak with you to find out what your side of the conflict is. My hope is that with enough communication between you and the Xan with us as emissaries we can get this resolved. Then you would not be at war at all. While we have had conflict with the drow once it remains to be seen what exactly is the current diplomatic state as I believe none of them survived when the fled into the river.
You asked if this was a trick. The answer is that yes, it is, but not one perpetrated by the Xan. The drow weave plots here stickier than any web and drive both you peoples to war. Hannarr then reads the missive that Kragg mentioned to the skis'raal captives.
The third one speaks up, "I believe them."
The first and second look back at the third, "Why? " The first adds, "The fact they knew about the criminals?"
"That, and can you really see the mushheads thinking of something so elaborate as to involve bringing dwarves down from the surface, hunting down criminals to get information on them to make a story plausible, all in an elaborate intrigue to blame things on the drow?"
There's a long pause from the first two, when finally the first nods, "You're right. Xan don't have that kind of imagination." He turns to you, "We may believe you, or at least believe that you think you're telling the truth, but we can do little about it while trapped here. Even if we are freed, it will be hard to convince our tribe of what you say. Can you have us set free?"
Kragg shrugs his shoulders, I do not know what authority we have here but perhaps we could have you released under our 'custody'. I say this not to alarm you but to appease the Xan. If that is acceptable then I would see you and one of the Xan whom we are friends with join us as we travel home to make sure that Fasturvalt is safe. Once that is done then we can all travel to your city to meet with your leaders and go from there.
Diplomacy to make custody sound better than the word is normally connotated with.
"Escape is escape, however you can arrange it as long as we do not betray our people."
Hannarr tugs on his beard in thought then replies, No one is asking that of you. We will leave now and speak to the Xan about what you have said. Perhaps an accord can be reached. Peace is what all parties here want.
With that said he turns and departs, eager to discuss things with the Alchemist and the Scholar.
Nodding to the prisoners, Anka murmurs under her breath to herself as the others follow Hannar out once more. "Jy weet hoe dit is met die eerste datums, jy is nooit seker of jy moet flirt of veg..."
Ulfgar walks with Miku back towards the college in hopes of meeting the others and catching up on their interview with the Skis'raal prisoners.
If he doesn't meet htem he will return back to the room unless Miku and the Alchemist have need of him.
The groups meet up, Ulfgar and Miku finding the group leaving the college. Notes are compared...
The Sage, for his part, was happy to release the prisoners as he'd rather focus on other things but you go once before the Alchemist to get permission.
This is granted, almost immediately, with the understanding that if the three Skis'raal are caught again before a peace is brokered, they may not have it so lucky next time.
with time on your protection running out anyway, but feeling much more rested, the dwarves release the prisoners and find themselves with odd companions.
Miku, who seems to consider you all friends for saving his lives.
And the three Skis'rall: Shado, Tuvix, and Slyd. It maybe too soon to say, but Shado appears to be the boldest of the three spider folk, with Slyd more thoughtful, and Tuvix somewhere in between.
Once you get them to the gates of Xan, the weapons and gear of the Skis'raal, are handed to the dwarves, "If you trust them, you may wish to outfit them," Says one Xan guard. A cautious pause, "I would not trust them."
The next question beyond that? Even with miku and the three Skis raal to help speed the journey, can you afford to leave Fastervault for longer while you seek out the Skis'raal?
Fasturvalt has survived without us for a very long time. We can push our return back for a few weeks to ensure the success of our mission. Let us return the Skis'raal to their home, and broker peace. This will improve our position against the followers of Ulamahaz.
While it is true that Fasturvalt has survived wihtout us before, we are now its leaders and responsible for its current situation. They always had a ruler there to guide them. Now they are bereft of that leadership structure and may well begin to worry what has happened when we do not return within the allotted time. I know I gave instructions to be carried out and indicated when I would be back. While striving forward and pressing on seems noble and all I will not risk what we have behind us. It does no good to discover and explore new areas if our only safe location has fallen behind us.
Kragg continues on a bit shaking his head in disappointment.
If you insist on continuing onwards then I will take my leave of you for the time being and volunteer to return to Fasturvalt. Taking a breath and exhaling with a sigh.That way they know of the situation and you are not obliged to rule over those you have taken responsibility of.
Hannarr exhales softly at the thought of having to referee another difference of opinion between Dolgrin and Kragg.
He leads them out of earshot of their new travelling companions and switches to the dwarven surface tongue. Kragg,I too share your desire to not overextend ourselves and build a strong centre. We have things to do back at Fastervault: continue to build the city's defences, start construction on that outpost we talked about, send scouts back up the trails the drow used to reach the city. But we are trying to avert a war here. Do you think the Skis'raal and the Xan will just leave each other alone for the several weeks it takes us to travel to Fastervault and back? I understand that we have a burden of responsibility to the gnomes, but could your conscience handle returning here only to find a field littered with corpses, victims of a conflict we could have stopped?
He pauses, listening to Kragg speak of heading back on his own. I think you have the right of it. Sending a messenger back to the gnomes is the right thing to do. I fear a lone traveller would not be up to the task though, and I'll not let any of this band, here he throws a sidelong look back at Dolgrin, throw their lives away out of stubbornness.
He gives Kragg a rueful grin and suggests, Perhaps our friends the Xan could get a message to Fastervault faster and with less risk than a stubborn old dwarf trudging through the muck could eh?
Miku hears this idea, and offers immediately, "This I would gladly do to repay you all. And it would be a grand adventure as well to see it for my own eyes. But mention me in the letter so I will have prove of my alliance with you perhaps then?"
Your points are valid Hannarr. Preventing a war is a noble endeavor but to me is not as important as doing our duty to our people. As much as allies with the Xan and Skis'raal may help our first thought should be towards the dwarves and then the residents of Fasturvalt.
Hearing about sending miku with a missive Kragg shakes his head, A letter will not do him any good if they fear an attack and shoot first and find the letter after the fact. You all can go prevent the war and I will go with Miku to keep Fasturvalt structured and organized. I will have them work on claiming the entrance to the mushroom forest and build an outpost there. If you need to find me that is where I will be as well.
If someone translates for the confused Skis'raal, there is muttering among them, then finally one speaks, "We are still confused on why you aided us, but if it will help keep peace among you, two of us can go home and pass your messages while a third goes with you. The message would include sending a Skis'raal speaker for the people to your own village. We move faster than you dwarves, I think."
At the Skis'raal's words, Anka raises a hand placatingly before turning back to the others.
"We are dwarves, we finish our tasks." She begins in Common. "Yes, we are needed in Fasturvault," she nods in acknowledgment of Kraag's argument, "but brokering a peace among our neigbors serves our people, moreso than clinging to a timeline at the expense of those we claim to aid."
Dolgrin nods in agreement with Anka. He is glad she has voiced her opinion.
We are Dwarves. We are the Mountain. We are also the servants of Holy Ardwal, and anything that weakens the Enemy is a Boon to those of us that follow His teachings. A peace between the Skis'raal and the Xan weakens the Enemy, and strengthens us.
Dolgrin looks to Hannarr for his wisdom.
Dragonbone, Goldrune your thoughts?
Hannarr holds his counsel until Ulfgar and Mondar speak...
Ulfgar looks back and forth momentarily between Kragg and Dolgrin, choosing his words carefully.
"Both of you feel that yours is the only right way of solving this issue. Dolgrin, dwarves are as the mountain, strong, steady, resolute. A mighty thing to behold and ever standing proud, head bent to no one.
Kragg, as rulers we have responsibility to those we accepted the charge to lead. To train them, counsel them, lead them and be part of their lives.
The strangest part of it to me is you're both right. We should be proud of our heritage and do what is in our power to regain the heritage that was lost. As well if we were going to leave those in Fastervault as children on a dark stormy night then we should have never taken up the charge and responsibility to lead them; but that we did.
If regaining our heritage was our only desire down here we could have simply kept walking when Ivy approached us. But we helped her and in that moment we set in motion a course we should not lightly deviate from. You claim that they had leadership before we came but that leadership is now gone. First the sheriff by the betrayed of the skis'rail assassins. Then the king in a brave, even if foolish, defense of the bridge. Their leaders are gone as well as many other good gnomes.
Anka, you and Dolgrin started training their army. Modnar found some with the skill and started their training. Kragg began a smithy and also has pupils left behind. Each of these things are good starts but not and ending. We have a responsibility to continue that work.
But the conflict between the Xan and Skis'raal cannot in good conscience be ignored either. To leave them to possibly go to war because we return is no good either.
Let myself and Hannarr approach the Skis'raal about the peace treaty with the Xan. My job as warden is to protect our borders, and preventing our neighbors from going to war is my first priority to which end I have tried to work with Miku on possible trade opportunities. Hannarr as our chief diplomat this should be you priority as well. Peace between us and our neighbors means strength in the future when it is needed."
Ulfgar looks to Hannarr for support to his plan.
Well said Ulfgar and I agree with your proposal. It accomplishes both of our tasks in an appropriate timeframe without leaving any loose ends.
I can't say I'm happy about splitting our fellowship. But Kragg, if you are set upon this course, then Ulfgar's proposal is sound. Who knows, with skis'raal, xan, dwarf and gnome all gathered under Fastervault you may do much to reach a lasting friendship between all.
So Miku and one of the spider-folk shall travel with you. Our Diplomat and Warden shall go with the other skis'raal to their home. Mondar, Anka, Dolgrin; you should each choose the path to which your conscience and sense of duty guides you.
Kragg shakes his head no at Hannarr, We are not splitting the fellowship up but just separating to accomplish both tasks in a timely fashion. I fully expect in 2 weeks time that you will have made it to he Skis'raal city and accomplished your mission. Once done then if you can return to Fasturvalt we shall be ready to make another expedition. This time hopefully from the outpost at the edge of the mushroom forest. That will save us weeks right there by having a forward outpost. No my friend in 2 weeks time this will all be behind us and all the happier for it.
Throughout the Xan and Skis'raal negotiations, Modnar remains silent. The prudent move is to let those with smoother tongues do the speaking.
As his colleagues debate how to proceed, the wizard continues to hold his peace. His brow creases as if in contemplation. Finally, he speaks. "I would be a liar if I said that I had no doubts about separating. While I cannot speak for you, I still feel a stranger in the Azathyr, and seeing fewer familiar faces will not reduce that anxiety.
"On the other hand, I cannot help but feel that both destinations merit our attention. It is true that the svirfneblin have long known how to handle their own affairs -- their prior monarch could hardly be described as a hands-on ruler. However, they have also not had a dozen initiates of the Art who have yet to build the discipline to wield it. Though I trust Lady Miatha to keep an eye on my pupils, I worry what one or two may try to do in their haste to attain greater mastery. Meanwhile, we cannot ignore the brewing hostilities here, and I have no desire to allow the drow any foothold.
Modnar pauses and inhales deeply before continuing. "Given the circumstances, I think it best if I return to Fasturvalt with Kragg and any others who go with him."
It is obvious that the Skis'raal are grateful enough to be out of Xan that they will abide by whatever choice you make
Ulfgar nods at Modnar's decision, while taking time to show Miku places they had encountered trouble in their original trek here. "Beware the rock scorpions, definitely trouble if they catch you unawares"
Dolgrin, I think, is heading that way as well, am I wrong on that?
And so the records would note that on this day, the inheritors of Dammerhall's legacy would divide their few numbers, turn by the conflicting pull of twin duties.
It was not an easy choice to make, but eventually the two parties made their own way hoping to rejoin later.
The smaller group, consisting of Kragg, Modnar, Miku, and Tuvix headed towards Fastervault, but it would not be a quick journey to return. They moved forward for three days, Miku and Tuvix eye each other warily, which is ironic, for both are fairly skilled scouts.
Meanwhile, the other two Skiss'raal, Shado and Slyd guide Anka, Dolgrin, Hannarr, and Ulfgar towards the Skiss'raal village. Shado is bolder
As the smaller party heads back for Fasturvalt, Modnar's eyes dart about the caverns of Azathyr, as if sure that every crevice hides a predator.
He mutters softly, "Perhaps going alone was not a wise choice."