"Quassine, I would like to accompany you, when you go to Golden Ram, there is something that bothers me, the goatling that talked to us when we came to the village, he said that there were no fey in their lands, but the lands look perfect for the ones with a strong connection to nature. "
"it is, and quite a different kind of beauty than the forests I called home. before Godwin. I don't think that we have to worry to much about them extinguishing the sun, I don't think its an easy task, and most beings will oppose them, the gods, the fey and most races that are not from the underdark, even if most of theose will oppose them on principle. And even if they manage to do it, if its possible to extinguish the sun, then it will be possible to reignite her too."
Quassine nods, "Sure, I have not problem with that. I wouldn't worry too much yet. Your direct brothers and sisters maybe somewhere else where the goatlings have not ventured. This is why I also want to parlay with the dwarves and humans. They will have different observations than the goatlings."
"Good, I am glad that my surface brothers and sisters would fight my evil Underdark brethren to protect what is beautiful. I don't think the Illithid have the power to extinguish The Burning Mother, but they could darken the sky which is more within their power."
Simon raises his hands when it growls at him.
"Sorry."
He turns to the others.
"We should probably let him stay back home until we get to the village. Golden Ram could probably help us translate. Now that we know how it works, I would appreciate if I could hold onto it Xanya, hun. Normally I'd be cool with whoever has it, but I did sort of make a vow on someone's grave over it..."
Simon very obviously sounds uncomfortable with requesting it back, not wanting to sound greedy, but he does sound sincere in his desire to fulfill his promise.
As soon as the creature starts speaking Xanya downs her extract of comprehend languages. she then bumps her chest, squashing her nearly free breasts in the process, and says her name. "Xanya.
While waiting for a reply she chants a quick cantrip to sharpen her mind then tries to remember if she has seen anything like this creature before.
To Simon's request she says. "Sure, of course you'll get it back. Let me try to understand it first though."
To the discussion about seeing Golden Ram she says. "Let's all go see Golden Ram, in fact I think we should do so while we travel. He'll undoubtly be busy once we get back, but while we travel he won't have much else to occupy himself with."
Day 3 - Afternoon
Xanya you think it is a mephit of some sort. In size and height it is actually about the same size as you are. Mephits tend to be mischievous and are elemental creatures in nature.
When you introduce yourself, it replies, "Xanya, must be your name,or maybe what you call those flesh bags hanging from your chest? It appears you have obtained the ring somehow. So, what do you want? How did you get the ring by the way? I hope you can understand me, because I sure can't make out your babbling." It bursts out laughing again as it sees the small stone it had set on your head still balanced there. "Oh, hey sorry, I just thought of a funny joke, that's all. Anyway, you look like the ragtag mob, is there anything fun to do around here? I hope you aren't as dull as the last ring holder, what a stick in the mud. Where are we? Hmm, I guess it hardly matters. Anyhow, I hope you aren't going to make me work or anything. That would be unacceptable, lets just make that clear right now. I wonder if I could get two to balance up there.." He makes to pick up another small stone, and moves to set it on your head..."Hold still now won't you?"
Day 3 - Afternoon
Golden Ram is fairly busy during the travel back to the village. He is in some discussion with his Elders and is unable to chat at that time.
Day 3 - Evening
The large procession arrives at the village with fanfare. Its arrival was announced by the drums and horns that you are familiar with, goatlings come running to see the return of their leader. For the first time you see female and young goatlings. The small village can't decide whether to be a permanent fixture or not. Most of the 'homes' are the tee-pee style tents made from skins, that you are already familiar with. Several larger lodge styles permanent structures have been erected with stone and some wood, with thatched roofs. As you can see the goatlings have begun a slow switch to agrarian from hunter gatherer lifestyle. fields of oats are sown and managed. Regular mountain goats wander freely in the village in small flocks. A stream flows past the edge of the village nearby. It seems somewhat idyllic, but it is noisy. Also greeting the procession are your other brothers and sisters, the large group led by Tolhemia Brass who arrived yesterday. A temporary guest area has been set up to house the new guests until they press on to other goals. Though it is late, people are awake and excited to talk. The goatlings go about their duties in returning to their homes and families or taking the various gear used for travel and doing whatever is appropriate for it. Many goatlings quickly move to erect another half dozen teepees for the new comers in the guest area. Golden Ram and his Elders move off to meet with those who had stayed behind. You are advised that in the morning you will be supplied with some equipment as needed, and for the night you can turn in or chat with your friends. You are given a tee-pee to sleep in and there is food and water therein. Tolhemia and many of your brothers and sisters greet you, and Tolhemia mentions she would like to meet and discuss in the morning when you are freshly rested.
Whether you turn in or stay up to explore and chat, the village itself quickly calms down and everyone returns to their tents for the night.
With the earth merphit:
Xanya mutters a quick incantation again to better be able to articulate herself as she tries to formulate an answer.
"I'm Xanya. These are breasts. They are for feeding our young." She tries to keep the rocks on her head in balance and gladly accept another one.
She continues "Found ring on corpse, dead man. Want to find, rescue Goodwin and do good. Do you know good? What can you do? Can you fight?"
The mephit seems to be speaking Terran, but he tries Common, neither of which you understand.
"Really? Ugh, what are you babbling? Ok, so you can understand me, but I cannot understand you. Great! This should work out well...." He reaches out and knocks the stones from your head grumbling.
He rolls his eyes and mutters "Why me?" as he ambles about looking at the various people. "Anyone here speak Terran? Gaaaaah!"
Day 4 - Morning
The village awakens early, and the sound of goatlings going about their morning business quietly and dilligently fills your ears. Life in the village appears simple but full of work. Most of the effort revolves around food gathering, preparation and storage. There is also leather crafting and pottery work to be done.
Your group rises and partakes in breakfast, and goes about its morning routines. In time the various children of Goodwin mingle and chat. After breakfast, some goatlings arrive with supplies to distribute. Each group is given the following:
1 waterskin per person
1 personal hide tent per person
leather for clothes (the goatlings do not wear clothing, so you are expected to craft it yourselves)
large belt pouch per person
1 healer kit per group
1 bronze handaxe per group
1 bronze knife per group
oat cakes/leaves/goat cheese - 3 days worth of food per person
wicker ware - baskets or containers for carrying items - 1 large item or 2 small per person
ceramic ware - pottery, flasks, vials, mugs, bowls - a small set per person
minor tools, scrapers, needles, awls, punches, leather working - 1 set per group to work leather
After the goatlings give you your goods, they move on to the next group.
Tolhemia stops by shortly thereafter to greet you and to help answer any questions you may have.
"I have sent two messengers to the Dwarven Thain who runs the Cliffside Fort town downriver. It is the nearest civilization with a chance to provide us with information. I have not heard back from my messengers yet, although familiars we sent to spy have returned with proof that the messengers made it safely to the fort. If the meeting goes well, I had requested an audience for our people and a chance to move into their society. The tension between the goat people and the dwarves and their human allies makes this a diplomatically awkward situation, but we must remain focused on finding Master Goodwin. I have assured Golden Ram of our intents to win greater security for his people. I also seek to secure safe passage for our own people if not a chance to provide services for the dwarves. As we have no resources to afford food or goods, I fear the Thain may look distastefully on us as refugees and vagabonds who will stir up trouble and disrupt order. None of this even addresses the racial issues sure to spark problems. I seek your input should you have any. I would also learn of your plans so that I may keep informed of our people's whereabouts."
Quassine nods to Xanya, "I agree, let's all see the Golden Ram and Council together."
Quassine thanks the Goatlings in Goatling. He shows no interest in the healer kit since he is not the primary healer, nor the axe, and the knife. He does not care about making clothing since his monk outfit suffices and actually allows him to move more freely than leather would. However, Quassine will use his clothing allowance to make a leather backpack.
"Hey guys, shall we mend our leather lean-to tents together to make one big tent or pavilion? Also, let's make sure to use every leather piece like discard strips since they can be cut into making normal or leather-basket saddle bags since really the baskets are kind of too big to be lugging around. Hmm, I will also use my large basket to make a back pack saving time and leather for other things. I will also use leather scraps to strengthen the ends of my monk outfit to make it stronger for adventuring. The edges fray faster than the rest of the outfit. Lastly, when should we see the Golden Ram and when do we want to leave since it looks like we have some crafting to do?"
Quassine looks at Tolheimia, "Well met, Tolheimia Brass." with a high bow. Quassine nods and smiles, "Well done Tolheimia and thank you for the update. Were our envoys assorted humanoids like us or something closer related to them or were they constructs? I am using this information to gauge the dwarves"
A large well built warrior strolls up behind Tolheimia and places a hand on her shoulder.
"You telling stories again. Well met brothers and sisters of Goodwin. Some of you may remember me. I am called Goliath. Tolheimia has told me of your group. I am sure you are all capable as all of Goodwin's childre are, but my services would seem to fit best among you. I follow the teachings of Ragathiel, "The General of Vengeance." I owe Goodwin as we all do and seek to find him. My duty is first to my god, then to Goodwin, and now to you."
He takes a knee in front of the group, plunging his massive blade into the ground.
"My oath to you is to uphold the ideals of chivalry in pursuit of our father. I will protect each of you as if you were my blood and strike down with wrathful vengeance any that would do harm to you or Goodwin's name. This is my oath."
He runs his hand down the blade cutting into his flesh, he clenches his fist as blood comes out and hits the ground.
"This wound is so I remember my oath and show my pledge in blood to you my family."
He then comes and sits with the group.
"Now all the pomp and circumstance is out of the way. What are our plan of actions. Tolheimia is probably right about the dwarves. They would look more favorable to us if we had trade goods or something to offer. I will listen to the group discuss. I have little insight to offer at the moment. Please catch me up on anything I may need to know."
Quassine bows low to Goliath, "Oh yes, well met Brother Goliath!" He bows low again after he takes his Oath, "I ... we will do the same."
Quassine looks to the others, "In summary, speak to the Golden Ram, get our gear prepared, and move out as soon as possible. I prefer to go to the Dwarves or Humans but I will go with what the group decides."
"I have sent Sister Ania as well as Melanaj. They look perhaps the most human like. Melanaj is also skilled in diplomacy and has at her disposal magical aids to understand language."
"Well met again Goliath. Please do look after this group. May Ragathiel watch over you. Another group has also left us on the way to the village. We have not had much contact with them, although they headed downstream before we parted ways."
Xanya licks her lips with a smile as Goliath cut himself. Ah, another maschosict! It's nice to have a kindred spirit and someone who might like what I can deal as well. Maybe we can freely inflict pain on each other without having to worry about what others might think. That's not evil right?
Xanya bows low from her perch upon Cryxial. "I am Xanya Zellor and I greet you Goliath. It's nice to meet the scion of Ragathiel, though somehow I feel not worthy of your pledge, but I hope to live up to it one day. We, me, Cryxial and even Ikik will do our best to protect you as well and make sure you don't come to undue harm, unless you want it for pleasure of course. We share many things. A desire to find Goodwin, the incredible man who brought me to the way of good, the will to do good things and a dedication to enact what is deserved from people who do evil things and or deserves our vengeance! Maybe we even share in interest for activities off the battlefield."
Xanya proceeds to nod to Quassine. "Combining our tents is a good idea, for protection, companionship and comfort. I don't want to waste time to modify our equipment now though. We can buy what we don't have now once we get rewards for doing good things in other lands. Meanwhile we'll be grateful and do fine with what we got. We should go see Golden Ram, then be on our way as soon as possible. Maybe we can find time to craft in the evenings while we travel. It sounds like the Dwarven and Human lands are pretty much the only way out of here that we know of. Is that right Tolheima? If so, we should head there right after speaking to Golden Ram. Do you know how they might react to races like ours Tolheima? As mentioned before I got the ability to disguise myself, but I can't share it. I think we should wear disguise until we are certain they'll react favorably. Derro are not known everywhere, in fact they might no longer exists, which would be sad, but where they are known, they are known for their sadism and unpredictability."
Goliath smiles at the little blue skinned woman.
"Well met Xanya. Some tents are bigger then others. If we can fashion a tent for us all to rest under then so be it. If not I will use mine as a blanket. From what I remember of dwarfs they hold grudges and are trained to fight against my people. I don't know how they will act toward me even though I have never wronged them, but for Goodwin I am willing to find out. I am ready to go when the rest of you are if you have not other business here at the village."
Quassine nods, "Since we want to move out quicker, then I will make a quick backpack with my wicker basket and make it more elaborate as we travel. Also, we can all work on making our lean-tos into a tent or a 1 room pavilion while traveling. And I agree, we should disguise ourselves in some fashion until we know for sure what kind of reception we will receive. As for some of us, 10,000 years later, some of our races may have past into legend now."
"I am ready to see the Golden Ram as soon as you are all ready."
"Xanya, I do not know yet what the view of the dwarves and humans here are yet. We are erring in the side of caution until we have an idea of their culture and viewpoints."
"Ok, that's basically what I'm suggesting with the disguise as well. But what about other paths out of here? Do we know more of the surrounding area other than that there are some humans and dwarves nearby? Some maps over the continent perhaps?"
"I think it'd be a good idea for us fix our stuff here. The dwarves aren't going anywhere, and the quality of our work will be better if we can focus on it instead walking. We wouldn't get far walking trying to do this, and we wouldn't do this well trying to walk. Instead of half-@$$ing two things let's whole-@$$ one thing and then the other. Know what I mean?"
Simon offers a hand shake to Goliath, noticably the one that would require his use of the one he didn't cut open. There's a sort of bristle that runs over Simon's scales when he gashes his hand open in front of them.
"Nice to meet. I appreciate the gesture, but you don't need to wound yourself over us. I'd rather just take your word for it."
He smiles charmingly.
"I'm not entirely sure how much we can make me look like a dwarf or a human, exactly. I'm not really... person shaped..."
He shakes his bifurcated tail, wings, and muzzle.
"Maybe it would be better to be open about what we are instead of trying to go in disguise. They might not like it if we do managed to cover up and they found out what we look like after we're in the city. Better to get stopped at the gate than to get in and not come back out. I can make another loincloth out of leather and we can use my white one as a flag to show we don't mean harm."
"We know none of that yet. We have had some scouts look around the area near the fort. The river flows to their artificial lake, and over a dam or through some walled basins that they use to raise and lower the water with large pumps. We have no maps of other nations yet. We hope the dwarves, if friendly can supply us with this information. If your disguise works, your only challenge may be language based."
"I don't mean to craft while we walk. Rather, we can't exactly spend the entire day walking, so we can craft in the evenings. I agree that doing too many things at once is likely not a good idea. I don't like the idea of waiting here to craft at all though. We won't be all that much better prepared to deal with neither diplomatic nor hostile situations after we fix those things. Dallying at this point is just procrastinating. Eventually we'll finish crafting in the evenings or we'll come to some point where we can buy what we need."
"I really do think a disguise is better. You could perhaps disguise as an Aasimar with wings or somesuch? Even disguising as a half-dragon might make things easier, especially of the metallic variety. It all depends on what you use to disguise. If magic is used, you can disguise as anything. Anyway, we can continue this discussion and even take a vote later, let's see Golden Ram."
The group collects itself, and heads to Golden Ram's lodge to seek an audience.
Upon arriving, there is a short wait, and then you are allowed to enter. Cryxial is allowed in if present, but you can't ride in mounted ;)
Golden Ram is seated in an audience hall, and some of his Elders and others are present around him.
He welcomes you.
Simon smiles and nods to Golden Ram.
"Hello, sir. Good morning. And to you all as well."
He also nods to the council.
"I think there were some things that my compatriots would like to ask you, but when that's done we were hoping if you could spare a moment of your time to translate someone for us, if you would. I'll let them parlay before we get to that, though."
He steps back to let his friends ask their things.
Goliath smiles at Simon and takes his hand.
[b]"Nice to meet you brother. I need little at this point. A leather skirt and a sack to carry things. My needs our simple."[b]
At Golden Ram
Goliath offers a nod when entering and then stands at the back arms crossed and looks on as the others sit and begin their meeting.
"Welcome again. Simon, that is easily done, I can offer to translate, I have magic active to allow me to understand and speak with many languages."
"Well met, Goliath. I promise you in return to also treat you as if you were my blood-kin." Kiki bites the tumb of her top right hand and lets a single drop of blood fall to the ground.
"Simon, I could scout ahead into the town,I am small enough to stay unnoticed and walls don't stop me. I could check how the situation in town is, get a feel for the mood."
[ooc]disguising as a different race is only a -2 ;)
" Xanya, if the way past the humans and dwarfs turns out to be inpasable or inpractical we could also try to find a way trough the cliffs and canyons, as I said before walls don't stop me, neither natural nor artificial and with enough sturdy rope you should also be able to follow.
the Spiderling offers the seated goatlings a nod. [b]" Greetings Golden Ram and honored elders", unsure how to handle the elders, as she is not used to old people.
"Greetings Kiki. How may I help you today?"
While Quassine makes a temporary backpack and packs his items, he nods at Xanya's comments, "There is such thing as too much planning and before you know it, we will prepare too much and end up staying here longer than we should. We have enough tools and materials to get us going and something to do around the campfire at night." Quassine pauses and continues, "I do have a little skill in disguise so maybe I can make improvements on my or the group's disguises to help us obfuscate our identities even more?"
Quassine bows low when entering and then again when the Golden Ram and the Council greet the group, "Well met and greetings Golden Ram and the Elder council."
Quassine waits for his turn, then bows low and continues ...
"Thank you Great Ram and Council for your hospitality, we are most humbled by it. Your village reminds me of my village from long ago when I was human. The only difference is we learned how to manipulate metal. Although I prefer to remain here to remember what my home was like years ago, we want to depart the village as soon as possible because we feel we can be more beneficial on the road. As we travel, we will look for new lands for your tribe to settle. In addition, we plan to stop by the Dwarven and Human communities to see if they can improve on meeting the treaties between them and the Goatling people. Is there anything else as we travel, do you want us to focus on while we search for our Master Father and conduct the already mentioned tasks?"
After Quassine finishes, he bows low once more and takes a step to allow the next group member to have audience with the Golden Ram.
Xanya comes in unmounted this time, though Cryxial is by her side. "Greetings again Golden Ram. I guess I have to stay unmounted through the session today. I do low to mount things though. Or be mounted... Anyway, that's beside the point. How goes the work with figuring out what to do with intruders? Are you able to put my ideas into practice? Are there any obstacles to implementing that that you see? Xanya is a great remover of obstacles. I mean we all are. Though going would be nice, helping also nice is!"
"Good Morning Quassine. We are glad to offer some hospitality and understand that although peaceful here, our lifestyle is not likely to promote success in finding your Master Goodwin. We wish you success in your endeavors. We thank you for your interest in the well being of our people, and for keeping a look out for new lands should we need to move. We have no other requests of you. Your willingness to aid us shows that your Master had a good heart, and chose wisely in selecting your group."
"Xanya, welcome. We have not had much time to discuss our tactics to handle those who enter our lands unwelcome, as it has been barely a day. We also await the return of the messengers Tolhemia has sent to the Thain. If they return and an audience is granted to Tolhemia, we will endeavor to see what may come of it. These diplomatic proceedings take time and care to craft."
Golden Ram seems to smile at Xanya's random stream of consciousness discourse. Nodding at the small blue woman, he notes "We have taken your advice to heart, and will look at all avenues available to us to secure our lands."
One of the Elders whispers something into Goldem Ram's ear, and Golden Ram grunts and nods. His eyes seem to soften a little and he takes on an almost grandfatherly look. "Take care of yourself out there. Watch over your friend Xanya." The Elders all smile at Xanya, as much as people with goat faces can smile, they nod in an understanding way.
"Are there are final requests that are within our limited capacity to grant?"
Xanya nods to the question, there was indeed something more. "Thank you for your concern. I believe Kiki was wondering why there are no fey in the area. These lands are well suited for her kin. Have you heard anything about such creatures or know where they might be found? Maybe you have some legends or stories?"
Quassine bows low, "Golden Ram, may your wisdom and humility be a blessing to us all."
Quassine waits for a pause, "Not to be rude Xanya, Golden Ram, and Elders." Quassine bows low. "Perhaps, have you seen any of our kind? The purpose in this question, is to gauge society today and I am sure Kiki's inquiry goes deeper than that?" Quassine bows low again and looks to Xanya and Kiki to continue.
"The fey have not departed totally from the lands. To be sure, they are rare and spread out, and some areas just do not suit them well. I think in the lower warmer forests you will find more. The plateau can be a cold harsh place when the winter snows fly. In terms of others, well I must say we have encountered some races in our time, but we do not often if ever meet any of the very rare races, or those who typically do not dwell above the surfaces. Here in the hills we will occasionally see orcs, goblinoids, ogres, giants and the like. I assume there may be those who chronicle such things in the other nations. More I cannot offer helpful information, I am sorry."
When everyone else is done, Simon will explain circumstances and give warning before summoning the Mephit, so as not to surprise people.
Before hand he explains the circumstances in which they acquired the ring, the promise he made, their lack of communication, and the few things he'd like Golden Ram to speak with him about.
1. The exchange of names and who people are.
2. Who his master was before their group found the ring.
3. What it means that they now have the ring and what it entails. How he was bound to the ring, what sort of relationship they have, etc.
4. That he/they would like to learn to speak with him as soon as possible.
All the while, Simon is very grateful for Golden Ram being willing to use his time to help them, and he is highly courteous to those involved.
"Then I am reliefed. I was worried, if a place of nature has no fey, then there is usualy a reason for that, and usualy one that makes that place ill suited for habitation. But if there are just few fey, because it is to cold for the fey of the forest and to warm for the fey of frost, then that is no reason to worry."
Quassine bows low first to the Golden Ram and then to the Elders, "Thank you Golden Ram, this is all I have. I no longer need to take up your valuable time." Qassine looks to his Brothers and Sisters, "Brothers and sisters, are we ready to depart?"
Simon explains to Golden Ram that he will summon a mephit and asks that Golden Ram assist in translation so that they can find out more about it and possibly the ring and its owner. Golden Ram and his elders are curious and Simon had requested politely.
Simon calls forth the mephit, and it appears.
It looks around in a bit of a startled manner as if you had just surprised it. It gives a sort of 'what now?' look to everyone.
After a moment, Golden Ram speaks to it. It answers in return.
Golden Ram says to the group that it calls itself 'Maapallo'. He relays to the creature your names. It seems to acknowledge it, but seems detached and perhaps a bit surly, although it is difficult to read its emotions given its earthen nature. Its features and expressions don't match those of one with flesh and blood, and facial muscles for smiling.
Golden Ram nods and goes on, asking it who its master was before. After an exchange, hes says to you that the creature say it briefly served a powerful merchant for a short time, but that the merchant rarely called upon him. The merchant's name was given as Vendimias.
When asked about the ring and what it means, the mephit shrugs and responds, that it was bound to the ring and can be called from its home and plane periodically for short times to provide 'assistance.'
When Golden Ram advises that your group would like to learn to speak with the creature, it replies, and Golden Ram says that the mephit would greatly appreciate it, because if you plan to pull it away from its life and activities on a whim, it would prefer you be able to communicate effectively. Golden Ram notes, trying to restrain a smile, that the mephit advises that 'It has things to do and is a busy being, and being pulled away from its regular life to provide novelty to prime planars is not its idea of fun.'
Maapallo taps it foot impatiently.
"Is there anything else from the group?" asks Golden Ram
Quassine bows, "Quassine has nothing for Maapallo and prefers not to waste his time until I or we learn his language, and what language was that again?" Quassine bows again.
"He speaks the Terran language, that of the elemental earth spirits."
"Thank you for coming to see me, and I wish you the best of luck on your quest for your Master Goodwin."