Tolheimia Brass's page

The remainder of the group moves through town. You discuss among yourselves what needs to be done. Tolhemia will attempt to talk to the others at the refugee camp in terms of resources, but she doubts she will be able to assemble more than a thousand gold worth of items, which will then have to be sold and liquidated into coin or traded for materials suitable to magical research, which are going to become scarce given the lack of trade with the outside world.

"Isn't it strange, that although no war rages, this place is locked down and held siege by a shadow enemy?"

Will the rest of the group go to retrieve some of their finished items ( Kiki's weapons, the order from the enchantress?).

As the group walks to the Fort, they discuss things about the hammer and the war between the giants and dwarves.

"Quassine, many of our clan are also out on scouting missions or assisting the town as they are able to shore up defenses or put their magical abilities to use. Some of the more learned have offered to help the Loremaster, but his quarters are small, cluttered, and he has his own manner of research and peculiar hours. The best we could do was offer the assistance of Jovar, who is quite invaluable. I know that we all wish to find Master Goodwin, but I don't think the Thane gives Cronin much time for side projects. He spends much of it researching lore for the Thane, and investigating the scepter's power."

"Xanya, lore about the hammer may exist in old history texts or dwarven histories. Some of that may be here at the Fort, I cannot know. Books in general are valuable and not just laying around. The hammer itself, will be secured and protected in a vault so well guarded and protected, that I doubt sneaking in will be a viable solution. If caught it would irreparably damaged the relationship our people have with the Thane. I suspect he would banish all of us immediately or worse. To be tossed out into the wild now, with the impending attack would be terrible, although the enemy has been few and far between so far, many of us could have been days of travel into the heart of the realm, so it is difficult to ponder. We have thrown in our lot here for now, and I guess it will be up to us to navigate its perils. Would we not face similar or worse problems elsewhere? Here we are tolerated at least, thanks to the efforts of some of our people in establishing trust with the dwarves and humans."

Soon enough the group reaches the gate, and through the elaborate, and overly cautious security protocols and escorts to finally arrive at Cronin's suite or labs, library and living quarters.

A knock on the door and Jovar the homunculous answers. The loremaster dozes in a chair in front of several open books. The small construct gently wakes the old man who starts awake.

As the small group attempts to tangle through the various implications of siding with either group, Tolhemia listens implacably, her demeanor almost metallic in appearance, something you always thought strange about Goodwin's creations.

"We want so hard for the world to be black and white, and situations like these are so grey when we don't have enough information. Ones viewpoint is often certainly valid from ones own perspective. I think we can all agree that there is more here to unfold. I believe we have an ally in Loremaster Cronin. I am not skilled at reading people, nor did I ask for the role of leader for our people here, but I take the responsibility seriously. My primary concern is the protection of innocent lives. If a fight between two eager participants is to come, let it come. I fear that not everyone on the battlefield will be a willing participant. I must admit I do not have years of experience to draw upon. I cannot rightly foment rebellion against the dwarves as that may cause more chaos. At least things are stable here. I think that our role as scouts and spies for the Thane has to end. I cannot know where Head Marshal Hawke's heart lies, but I think we need to take upon ourselves some investigation." Her voice a whisper tinged with a metallic ring, she continues, "I will continue to work with Cronin and see what I can learn about the Fellhammer legends. He has the most contacts and access to outside information. He will be our pipeline for that, although I fear for his health. The Thane pushes him hard, the old man barely sleeps. Several times we have taken magical restoration and healing to shore up the man's health."

She ponders further, "Wandering the field will only net us more raiding parties. For all we know they are a distraction or a minor role, in the quest to recover the hammer. We need to understand more about the vector of the enemy attack, and what their capabilities are. Even if they are justified in their quest to recover the hammer, lives are at stake, and they must be prevented from obtaining it through violence. Also, we do not know their goals once they have the hammer. Its original intent was as a tool of creation as well as to fight the dragons. Loremaster Cronin says there are fewer dragons in this age than in the past, although he thinks they have just gotten more careful as every want to be hero wants to kill a dragon."

"I will visit Cronin in the morning. I have had Jovar remain with him and assist him." she says referring to the homonculous whose tinkering catapulted your group from stasis into this plane.

Tolhemia takes everything in that Goliath said. "Things are troublesome here. Everyone is buckled down, and the defenses keep mounting. The only people to come and go really are the scouts and patrols. We have also been helping with some patrols and we send out small groups to help relieve and refresh others. Here in the town, people are going stir crazy. Even here in our compound, people are edgy, luckily Hawke has allowed us to send patrols so the most energetic can get out and stretch their legs." which seems an odd comment coming from her as both of her legs are metal.

"Head Marshal Hawke and his patrols have not seen any large army, only these small bands, each led by a fire giant. It would seem that each carries these scepters in some sort of ritualistic mission. Loremaster Cronin believes that there is some cultural aspect to these missions as strategically they make little sense, given the magic that appears to be at the enemies' disposal, why would they not travel magically or invisibly and deliver the scepters?"

She lowers her voice a bit, "There is also some other aspect here, that the Thain is not telling people we think. The giants want something specific. We believe the dwarves hold an item called the Fellhammer. I was able to get Cronin to tell me about it after information came in regarding it. Supposedly long ago, the dwarves and giants worked together on a mighty artifact called the Fellhammer, and as part of their alliance, were to share its powers and fight off the dragons. The alliance fell apart and they have been warring with each other over it for a long time. The Dwarves currently hold it, and it is actually here in Cliffort, though why it would be here of all places I do not know. I would think buried deep in some planar vault or at the heart of some warded wizard tower would be safer, but the dwarves apparently like to stir up trouble. This is almost, one might say, a taunt to the giants, an invitation to war. The enemies know this, and this time they seem to be taking a strange and curious route to obtain it. I have been studying some of this history with Loremaster Cronin. There is also more afoot here even beyond the war over the Fellhammer."

She pauses, letting you take it in.

"What news of the raiding giants?"

"Very well. Excellent. If the three of you would be able to get the message to our different groups, we can hopefully let them know that we may have located the temple. Go now quickly, and hopefully the Loremaster can use this painting somehow to lend aid."

"If we could communicate to them that one of our groups has found the temple, and when their mission is finished to return to the fort. If we can contact that other group, we can establish a way to keep in touch. Who else is active in your group that could assist?"

"Hopefully the Loremaster can assist and provide the magic needed to transport you. I don't know what is being dealt with, but it would help to ask if something like that would work. Please convey to him our request to bring our groups into successful communication."

Champawat mentions the painting that Loremaster Cronin had discussed with her and its implications as both a dark, cursed item, but also as a useful tool that the Loremaster thought could be used to transport people through the shadow realm. She makes mention that the Loremaster would have some of them attempt to parlay with the Shadow Lady that is depicted in the painting, attempting to lift the curse in exchange for aid rendered against the giants.

Tolheimia ponders for a bit and says, "Would this painting allow you to travel to our various groups spread through the lands? If so, this may be more important than tangling with a dangerous and powerful undead. One of the groups has gone far afield, so far that Jovar has mentioned that travel to them is impractical. However, if, by use of the painting, you could reach them, that may help. We are working on way somehow to keep our different groups in contact via magic but resources are extremely low, we are doing our best just to keep everyone fed, sheltered and out of trouble."

"Could you ask Loremaster Cronin if the painting will allow a type of transport or even scrying?"

"It has been challenging to keep track of all of our brothers and sisters, though that is to be expected I suppose. Most of the groups that formed into smaller parties are afield fighting the initial raiding parties. I know that one group has been to speak to the Goatling Elder shamans and did a ritual commune. From what I understand they were successful in pinpointing the location of the temple that Jovar was trying to take us to. I have not had contact with the group however. Do you have a message you would relay to any of our siblings? I can dispatch Jovar to aid."

"Greetings." she nods and the others smile and wave.

She steps towards you on metallic feet and legs, and extends her metallic hands greeting you. Her solid shimmering eyes, gaze at you, slightly unsettling, as they belie now emotion in them without being able to see and pupils or irises or determine which direction she is looking without her turning her head.

"How goes your search for Father?"

Tolhemia waves and motions you over as she mentions something to the marshals. They approach as you approach and make sure your token is in order and one of them has a wand. Tolhemia speaks "They wish to cast a share languages spell with one of you. It will help greatly and lasts for an entire day. Our understanding is some other groups arrived before us last night and were ferried over and given quarter in the fort. We intend to do the same today. If you wish to bypass the fort, that may work well, but yes you may want information about the surrounding lands. I would say it may work to speak with someone in town, but I suspect your appearance will be a detriment. When we are in, we hope to have some of our more 'normal' looking brothers and sisters seeks information."

"I understand some of the other groups will have audience with the Thain, as we know it seems now the Thain is looking to recruit us in aiding the fight against the incoming giant raiders and their allies. We and the goatlings have decided to stay and aid as we can in defense, but we will not be part of any offensive strike forces. Qahnaarin, I would like to chat later when we have more time, about possibilities." She gives you an eye movement that the marshals do not see, but that you catch to mean she would prefer to discuss something privately, as well as not waste their time perhaps.

The marshals indicate questioningly who wants to be the target of the spell.

"Greetings Nathan, it is good to see you. Thank you for letting me know of your plans. We all plan to leave tonight yet, but a group this large is slow in moving. Here take this token, Hawke gave some to Golden Ram. Show it to the guards when you arrive at Cliffort to ensure safe entry. You will probably arrive well before us. I do not know what it will be like there and how we will be greeted or accommodated. Good luck and be safe in your missions. I know your group to be capable and true of heart."

Tolhemia addresses those still assembled. "So, fate once again steers us. Perhaps this will take us closer to our goal. It certainly puts us with the dwarves and access to information, although in the madness that is sure to follow it may be a challenge to investigate any leads. I will work my best to keep our people safe."

"I wonder where Jovar is right now. I could use it's assistance."

Tolhemia addresses those still assembled. "So, fate once again steers us. Perhaps this will take us closer to our goal. It certainly puts us with the dwarves and access to information, although in the madness that is sure to follow it may be a challenge to investigate any leads. I will work my best to keep our people safe."

"I wonder where Jovar is right now. I could use it's assistance."

Tolhemia addresses those still assembled. "So, fate once again steers us. Perhaps this will take us closer to our goal. It certainly puts us with the dwarves and access to information, although in the madness that is sure to follow it may be a challenge to investigate any leads. I will work my best to keep our people safe."

"I wonder where Jovar is right now. I could use it's assistance."

Tolhemia addresses those still assembled. "So, fate once again steers us. Perhaps this will take us closer to our goal. It certainly puts us with the dwarves and access to information, although in the madness that is sure to follow it may be a challenge to investigate any leads. I will work my best to keep our people safe."

"I wonder where Jovar is right now. I could use it's assistance."

Day 4 - Mid Afternoon

After some time Tolhemia, her 'sister' Ania, and the Vishkanya woman Melanaj emerge from Golden Ram's lodge. Tolhemia returns to the part of the village that has been set aside for the people of Goodwin, and she gathers all of you around.

"Brothers and sisters, Ania and Melanaj have returned from the dwarven hold, named Cliffort and here is what we know. There, Thain Yarvik Ironfist IV rules in a stern yet honorable fashion. He is a no nonsense individual, and is not particularly happy to be dealing with monstrous refuges from another plane. His goal is to promote stability and foster an environment so that the loggers and miners that work in the area can get their materials downstream to the rest of the kingdom. At his side is High Priest Stonehammer, who seems to be a surly yet trusted counselor. Stonehammer appears to worship Clangeddin, if the symbolism still follow. It may be worth noting that some of the old gods still endure."

"Cliffort is a community of many races, largely dwarves who provide most of the defenses, but also many humans, with whom they are allied in this endeavor. Cliffort is part of a larger kingdom, and the Thain appears to report ultimately to a king. Cliffort itself is, as its name describes, a fortress built into the side of a cliff. The cliff overlooks a natural canyon, and the river naturally flows through it. The river has been dammed up and the canyon has turned into a small lake. This lake is used by the people as a defense as well as a way to coalesce the logs and mining resources that come downstream from the logging and mining camps. They transfer them past the dam on barges that are lowered through a series of locking compartments which allow them to raise and lower the water levels through some giant pumps. The materials then continue downstream. So important are these resources, that the fort itself is near impregnable and the lake is surrounded by a wall. Within the walls a small village huddles. There are apparently merchants and your regular trade and craft folk that would inhabit such a place."

"From all that Ania and Melanaj could determine, little has changed in ten thousand years in terms of innovation, attitudes or even customs. While fashions, languages, and other cultural things vary and change over time, they said they found it hard to distinguish if much had changed. Their understanding is that not that much before their arrival, another of our groups had arrived and had been given audience with the Thain, who sent them on a dangerous mission to prove their worth. The Thain's main scout is a man with the position of Head Marshal, going by the name of Hawke. This man, though also stern seems to have a larger world view and understands the plight of our people and the opportunities we could present to the fort. He seems to understand that we aren't just going to go away, and if we are, we need to know where we are going. Though some of the negotiations took place with magically augmented communications, Hawke speaks Celestial, which appears to have changed little wirh the passage of time. We believe Hawke has been trying to convince the Thain to allow our people to take up residence in the town. We have also just discovered, somewhat by accident, that there is reason for this. Hawke leads a brigade of scouts who patrol the skies on griffons. They can range far and wide and see a lot. Apparently Jovar overheard a report that indicated that a force of humanoids is gathering and the belief is that the target is the Fort. Nothing more is known about this. This places us in a position to help or to also not get involved. Our help would help them protect their fort, and show we can be allies, and give us standing to request fairer treatment for the goatlings. It also places us in a position to take advantage of their town and crafting and start as a new based to more forward."

"Golden Ram has already advised that they are willing to help the dwarves if a battle is coming. While the dwarves have not treated them fairly, if the fort were to fall, the instability would create more problems, particularly if the area was overrun with humanoids raiders and giants. Ania and Melanaj have secured an audience between Marshal Hawke and Golden Ram. They are to meet at the border. There we will reveal that we know of this impending 'army' and offer our aid as well as the goatlings' in return for protection, fairer treatment and security. Marshal Hawke is to meet with us tomorrow afternoon at the border between the lands. Those who wish to stay and help fight come with us, those who wish to leave the lands, we have also secured safe passage. Marshal Hawke will have one of his outriders escort any groups through the outlying areas to other regions. There is quite a bit more information to process and interpret, and you may all have many questions, please feel free to ask of us anything you wish to know."

"Jovar felt that the attacking group was comprised of evil humanoids from the mountains, ogres, giants and the like. Perhaps more. The report was limited and he did not overhear much. He is investigating further."

Day 4 - Mid Afternoon

After some time Tolhemia, her 'sister' Ania, and the Vishkanya woman Melanaj emerge from Golden Ram's lodge. Tolhemia returns to the part of the village that has been set aside for the people of Goodwin, and she gathers all of you around.

"Brothers and sisters, Ania and Melanaj have returned from the dwarven hold, named Cliffort and here is what we know. There, Thain Yarvik Ironfist IV rules in a stern yet honorable fashion. He is a no nonsense individual, and is not particularly happy to be dealing with monstrous refuges from another plane. His goal is to promote stability and foster an environment so that the loggers and miners that work in the area can get their materials downstream to the rest of the kingdom. At his side is High Priest Stonehammer, who seems to be a surly yet trusted counselor. Stonehammer appears to worship Clanggedin, if the symbolism still follows. It may be worth noting that some of the old gods still endure."

"Cliffort is a community of many races, largely dwarves who provide most of the defenses, but also many humans, with whom they are allied in this endeavor. Cliffort is part of a larger kingdom, and the Thain appears to report ultimately to a king. Cliffort itself is, as its name describes, a fortress built into the side of a cliff. The cliff overlooks a natural canyon, and the river naturally flows through it. The river has been dammed up and the canyon has turned into a small lake. This lake is used by the people as a defense as well as a way to coalesce the logs and mining resources that come downstream from the logging and mining camps. They transfer them past the dam on barges that are lowered through a series of locking compartments which allow them to raise and lower the water levels through some giant pumps. The materials then continue downstream. So important are these resources, that the fort itself is near impregnable and the lake is surrounded by a wall. Within the walls a small village huddles. There are apparently merchants and your regular trade and craft folk that would inhabit such a place."

"From all that Ania and Melanaj could determine, little has changed in ten thousand years in terms of innovation, attitudes or even customs. While fashions, languages, and other cultural things vary and change over time, they said they found it hard to distinguish if much had changed. Their understanding is that not that much before their arrival, another of our groups had arrived and had been given audience with the Thain, who sent them on a dangerous mission to prove their worth. The Thain's main scout is a man with the position of Head Marshal, going by the name of Hawke. This man, though also stern seems to have a larger world view and understands the plight of our people and the opportunities we could present to the fort. He seems to understand that we aren't just going to go away, and if we are, we need to know where we are going. Though some of the negotiations took place with magically augmented communications, Hawke speaks Celestial, which appears to have changed little wirh the passage of time. We believe Hawke has been trying to convince the Thain to allow our people to take up residence in the town. We have also just discovered, somewhat by accident, that there is reason for this. Hawke leads a brigade of scouts who patrol the skies on griffons. They can range far and wide and see a lot. Apparently Jovar overheard a report that indicated that a force of humanoids is gathering and the belief is that the target is the Fort. Nothing more is known about this. This places us in a position to help or to also not get involved. Our help would help them protect their fort, and show we can be allies, and give us standing to request fairer treatment for the goatlings. It also places us in a position to take advantage of their town and crafting and start as a new based to more forward."

"Golden Ram has already advised that they are willing to help the dwarves if a battle is coming. While the dwarves have not treated them fairly, if the fort were to fall, the instability would create more problems, particularly if the area was overrun with humanoids raiders and giants. Ania and Melanaj have secured an audience between Marshal Hawke and Golden Ram. They are to meet at the border. There we will reveal that we know of this impending 'army' and offer our aid as well as the goatlings' in return for protection, fairer treatment and security. Marshal Hawke is to meet with us tomorrow afternoon at the border between the lands. Those who wish to stay and help fight come with us, those who wish to leave the lands, we have also secured safe passage. Marshal Hawke will have one of his outriders escort any groups through the outlying areas to other regions. There is quite a bit more information to process and interpret, and you may all have many questions, please feel free to ask of us anything you wish to know."

Day 4 - Mid Afternoon

After some time Tolhemia, her 'sister' Ania, and the Vishkanya woman Melanaj emerge from Golden Ram's lodge. Tolhemia returns to the part of the village that has been set aside for the people of Goodwin, and she gathers all of you around.

"Brothers and sisters, Ania and Melanaj have returned from the dwarven hold, named Cliffort and here is what we know. There, Thain Yarvik Ironfist IV rules in a stern yet honorable fashion. He is a no nonsense individual, and is not particularly happy to be dealing with monstrous refuges from another plane. His goal is to promote stability and foster an environment so that the loggers and miners that work in the area can get their materials downstream to the rest of the kingdom. At his side is High Priest Stonehammer, who seems to be a surly yet trusted counselor. Stonehammer appears to worship Clanggedin, if the symbolism still follows. It may be worth noting that some of the old gods still endure."

"Cliffort is a community of many races, largely dwarves who provide most of the defenses, but also many humans, with whom they are allied in this endeavor. Cliffort is part of a larger kingdom, and the Thain appears to report ultimately to a king. Cliffort itself is, as its name describes, a fortress built into the side of a cliff. The cliff overlooks a natural canyon, and the river naturally flows through it. The river has been dammed up and the canyon has turned into a small lake. This lake is used by the people as a defense as well as a way to coalesce the logs and mining resources that come downstream from the logging and mining camps. They transfer them past the dam on barges that are lowered through a series of locking compartments which allow them to raise and lower the water levels through some giant pumps. The materials then continue downstream. So important are these resources, that the fort itself is near impregnable and the lake is surrounded by a wall. Within the walls a small village huddles. There are apparently merchants and your regular trade and craft folk that would inhabit such a place."

"From all that Ania and Melanaj could determine, little has changed in ten thousand years in terms of innovation, attitudes or even customs. While fashions, languages, and other cultural things vary and change over time, they said they found it hard to distinguish if much had changed. Their understanding is that not that much before their arrival, another of our groups had arrived and had been given audience with the Thain, who sent them on a dangerous mission to prove their worth. The Thain's main scout is a man with the position of Head Marshal, going by the name of Hawke. This man, though also stern seems to have a larger world view and understands the plight of our people and the opportunities we could present to the fort. He seems to understand that we aren't just going to go away, and if we are, we need to know where we are going. Though some of the negotiations took place with magically augmented communications, Hawke speaks Celestial, which appears to have changed little wirh the passage of time. We believe Hawke has been trying to convince the Thain to allow our people to take up residence in the town. We have also just discovered, somewhat by accident, that there is reason for this. Hawke leads a brigade of scouts who patrol the skies on griffons. They can range far and wide and see a lot. Apparently Jovar overheard a report that indicated that a force of humanoids is gathering and the belief is that the target is the Fort. Nothing more is known about this. This places us in a position to help or to also not get involved. Our help would help them protect their fort, and show we can be allies, and give us standing to request fairer treatment for the goatlings. It also places us in a position to take advantage of their town and crafting and start as a new based to more forward."

"Golden Ram has already advised that they are willing to help the dwarves if a battle is coming. While the dwarves have not treated them fairly, if the fort were to fall, the instability would create more problems, particularly if the area was overrun with humanoids raiders and giants. Ania and Melanaj have secured an audience between Marshal Hawke and Golden Ram. They are to meet at the border. There we will reveal that we know of this impending 'army' and offer our aid as well as the goatlings' in return for protection, fairer treatment and security. Marshal Hawke is to meet with us tomorrow afternoon at the border between the lands. Those who wish to stay and help fight come with us, those who wish to leave the lands, we have also secured safe passage. Marshal Hawke will have one of his outriders escort any groups through the outlying areas to other regions. There is quite a bit more information to process and interpret, and you may all have many questions, please feel free to ask of us anything you wish to know."

Day 4 - Mid Afternoon

After some time Tolhemia, her 'sister' Ania, and the Vishkanya woman Melanaj emerge from Golden Ram's lodge. Tolhemia returns to the part of the village that has been set aside for the people of Goodwin, and she gathers all of you around.

"Brothers and sisters, Ania and Melanaj have returned from the dwarven hold, named Cliffort and here is what we know. There, Thain Yarvik Ironfist IV rules in a stern yet honorable fashion. He is a no nonsense individual, and is not particularly happy to be dealing with monstrous refuges from another plane. His goal is to promote stability and foster an environment so that the loggers and miners that work in the area can get their materials downstream to the rest of the kingdom. At his side is High Priest Stonehammer, who seems to be a surly yet trusted counselor. Stonehammer appears to worship Clanggedin, if the symbolism still follows. It may be worth noting that some of the old gods still endure."

"Cliffort is a community of many races, largely dwarves who provide most of the defenses, but also many humans, with whom they are allied in this endeavor. Cliffort is part of a larger kingdom, and the Thain appears to report ultimately to a king. Cliffort itself is, as its name describes, a fortress built into the side of a cliff. The cliff overlooks a natural canyon, and the river naturally flows through it. The river has been dammed up and the canyon has turned into a small lake. This lake is used by the people as a defense as well as a way to coalesce the logs and mining resources that come downstream from the logging and mining camps. They transfer them past the dam on barges that are lowered through a series of locking compartments which allow them to raise and lower the water levels through some giant pumps. The materials then continue downstream. So important are these resources, that the fort itself is near impregnable and the lake is surrounded by a wall. Within the walls a small village huddles. There are apparently merchants and your regular trade and craft folk that would inhabit such a place."

"From all that Ania and Melanaj could determine, little has changed in ten thousand years in terms of innovation, attitudes or even customs. While fashions, languages, and other cultural things vary and change over time, they said they found it hard to distinguish if much had changed. Their understanding is that not that much before their arrival, another of our groups had arrived and had been given audience with the Thain, who sent them on a dangerous mission to prove their worth. The Thain's main scout is a man with the position of Head Marshal, going by the name of Hawke. This man, though also stern seems to have a larger world view and understands the plight of our people and the opportunities we could present to the fort. He seems to understand that we aren't just going to go away, and if we are, we need to know where we are going. Though some of the negotiations took place with magically augmented communications, Hawke speaks Celestial, which appears to have changed little wirh the passage of time. We believe Hawke has been trying to convince the Thain to allow our people to take up residence in the town. We have also just discovered, somewhat by accident, that there is reason for this. Hawke leads a brigade of scouts who patrol the skies on griffons. They can range far and wide and see a lot. Apparently Jovar overheard a report that indicated that a force of humanoids is gathering and the belief is that the target is the Fort. Nothing more is known about this. This places us in a position to help or to also not get involved. Our help would help them protect their fort, and show we can be allies, and give us standing to request fairer treatment for the goatlings. It also places us in a position to take advantage of their town and crafting and start as a new based to more forward."

"Golden Ram has already advised that they are willing to help the dwarves if a battle is coming. While the dwarves have not treated them fairly, if the fort were to fall, the instability would create more problems, particularly if the area was overrun with humanoids raiders and giants. Ania and Melanaj have secured an audience between Marshal Hawke and Golden Ram. They are to meet at the border. There we will reveal that we know of this impending 'army' and offer our aid as well as the goatlings' in return for protection, fairer treatment and security. Marshal Hawke is to meet with us tomorrow afternoon at the border between the lands. Those who wish to stay and help fight come with us, those who wish to leave the lands, we have also secured safe passage. Marshal Hawke will have one of his outriders escort any groups through the outlying areas to other regions. There is quite a bit more information to process and interpret, and you may all have many questions, please feel free to ask of us anything you wish to know."

"The fort is only a some hours downstream from here. The goatlings really are not that far from the dwarven lands. There are logging and mining camps aplenty between the border and the fort."

"I think that would an unwise strategy in any event. Why build some sort of home out here at the reaches of civilization? Well, I guess I don't know everyone's mind set, but I will try to dissuade that from happening."

"I will indeed. I hope it doesn't come to that."

Hmm, armor may be tricky, but hopefully once we engage the dwarves we can ask them to start forging us armor. Leather armor I know is simple do make, but I think the armor workers usually boil it in oil so that it is hardened. Some types are softer though."

"It would be helpful to have some more scouts. If your group would be willing to investigate the lands around this area that would be very useful. I am sure we could get some information from Golden Ram about the lands near theirs, and if we get help from the dwarves, maybe more information. If we knew their borders we could stay clear of them, and instead stick to the wilds. We NEED to find what happened to the temple. Jovar's plane shift brought us here, but the spell is notoriously inaccurate. That means we may be up to 500 miles from the site of the temple, if it still exists. Clearly wandering the wilderness looking for something that may be buried under thousands of years of debris is foolish, but if we knew the lands nearby, when we find the temple through maps, history or divination, we will have a clue what sort of nations we are dealing with. I prefer to have something else as an option as well in case the dwarves decide to be dwarvish and truculent. No offense Gunther."

"Thank you Eleanor. Your words encourage me. The bonds and unity of our people, and Master Goodwin's faith in us, and he creation of me, are all things that drive me to keep going and make this a success for all of us."

"Nathan, those are good ideas. I too have not heard of elves being mentioned yet, but they may be scarce in these lands perhaps. I hope we have news soon. "

"Clearly there are ways to circumvent the dwarven lands, by travelling though the hills and canyons beyond. My major concern is the lack of equipment our people have. I had hoped to create a tie to the lake town and purchase goods and services, however without any coin of the realm, it will take us a while to accumulate any wealth. While many of us have skills and abilities to offer, even if we were welcomed with open arms, we would saturate the town with our presence, and drive prices up with our demand for armor, weapons and equipment. It may be best if some of us moved beyond. I for one am ok with waiting a bit and learning as much as I can. I don't wish to wear out the welcome of the goatlings, but I believe Golden Ram will tolerate us as long as we are working towards helping his people with the dwarves. We can also help around the village as well, so I believe our status here is secure for the short term."

"The minimal gear we received from the goatlings will help in wilderness survival at least. How many of your group need additional weaponry or armor?"

Tolhemia seems to consider Champawats words. "You are right. In my zeal rescue our beloved master, I relegated others around me to a lesser status of importance. I will strive to assist the goatlings as I can. If our messengers return we will know more about creating a tie to the dwarves."

"I am curious would you be willing to bypass the dwarven lands and move beyond them into other lands sooner rather than later? I am torn to ask, because I know Prar has offered to be present when the messengers return, hopefully with news of an audience to the Thain. It may help to wait somewhat to see what information comes of it. I do understand if you are eager to press onwards. There are many among the groups who wish to spread out and explore the world."

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 good, 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."

"The goatling village for now. If it changes, we will try to communicate it."

"I will give them until tomorrow. I know that they were taken into the fort. Unless they made a diplomatic faux paus, I suspect they are just going through a question and answer session perhaps, maybe they are taking advantage of the situation to learn more. The Thain may be busy and cannot grant an audience. If they do not return soon, we will send familiars to scout the fort and find out what happened."

"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."

"Indeed, well I wish you the best. It may be that a far ranging team may also learn much of the world from a different perspective. I suspect a bunch of dwarves holed up in a fort on the fringe of civilization may not have an overly worldly view of things, or will certainly be skewed. We shall see."

"If he has some sort of water teleportation abilities, that will work out well, perhaps some day you can return to the lake with ease."

"It may be that the creature means well, I know some lore about such things but not a great deal. If given the chance, perhaps I may revisit the lake and interact with it. Lotham, if our messengers return soon, those of us who are interested can discuss a unified message that may help convince the Thain of our situation and lend some aid, or at least point us in a safe direction if they do not wish to deal with us. I would hope they have no interest in provoking hostilities. While the fort seems ridiculously fortified according to our scouts, I would hope any ruler would be unwise to start a fight for no particular reason."

"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."

"Interesting. How does the turtle get to these distant lands? I know Jovar has access to some magic that Master Goodwin infused him with, but I do know it has some limits. If you are far enough away it may be a challenge for him to keep up more frequent contact until we all grow enough in power to be able to manage remote communication via magic."

"We have not heard from the group Grobly was a part of. As I understand they were also heading to the fort area. We can ask if they have made contact if we are granted an audience."

"Tavros, I agree we owe the goatlings much, for their generosity. I believe they feel they owe us for mistakenly attacking us. In addition I think they feel we have the ability to help their cause. We do and I intend to help them as I can, but I cannot lose sight of our primary goal, to rescue Master Goodwin. I know he would want to us to help others, but I need to weigh and balance everyone's needs."

"Lucina, it makes sense, I think we can all prove that we would ultimately not be a burden to any society we join, we have much to offer, but there will be mountains of prejudice from the commonfolk, and probably many of the leadership. Also, once we reveal our power, we will become pawns for powerbrokers. I would not see my kin manipulated for greed or furthering someone's machinations."

"Five thousand gold? That is a large sum. What spells of divination did it say it was using? I would use caution. That amount of money can go towards many things. I think in enough time we could master divinations ourselves. Although....it may be worthwhile to explore this creature. Perhaps I should learn more. I can make sure your group is involved if the Dwarven Thain grants an audience."

Nodding at Rechau, "I understand. I have had a difficult time leading the remainder of our people. I am not the best leader. I can be harsh and blunt, or so I have been told, and I do not have a lifetime of experience to draw upon, but I don't need to eat, sleep or breathe, so I can tirelessly work towards our goals. Jovar, also a construct has been relaying messages and scouting non-stop as well. He is an excellent resource. Together we have been working day and night to gather information. Information is our best goal currently. We need to learn what is going on this world. For all we know there is an oracle of some sort that lives nearby that dispenses all the information we want, if we just knew about it. An extreme example, I am sure, but you understand my meaning I hope."

"Thank you Prar, I will see to if that you will be a participant. I do not know of any concrete plans for an outpost. These are not our lands, we cannot just stand up a building as we please. I agree we need a central location to work towards our goals, but it may be that these lands are not the best spot. I do wish to help the goatlings..." She lowers her voice a bit "...but they are not my principle concern. They have done ok by themselves before us and will do fine after we leave. I'd like to see to it that they are treated fairly by the dwarves and humans, but if we need to move on to a larger city and location with the resources we need to find Master Goodwin, that is my goal. There are enough of us that can mingle and work among the races that we can establish a foothold somewhere better than the edge of civilization. If we can merely gather enough coin to rent a place for a while, or even take over an abandoned keep with the permission of a lord, we will be better if we are closer to civilized lands. There is so much we do not know about the world, that for me, I wish to move swiftly and learn much before we make commitments like running an outpost."

"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."

You know that Ania is a Goodwin 'Golem' the same as Tolhemia, and that they are considered sisters, even though the nature of the artificial people makes that label a stretch. Melanaj you remember as a Vishkanya, who looked very very human like, without the reptilian eyes of her people.

"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."

Akluzzar? Is this the turtle that I have heard of? What does he intend for you?"

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."

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."

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."

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."

The discussion and chatter has been nonstop since the group initially arrived. As people broke off to hunt, explore and discuss their future, many began to assemble into smaller groups, often into cliques of friends that hung out together in the demi-plane. Here and now some of the same groups reformed and you note that one of Goodwin's Daughters, one of the half construct golem race, created by Goodwin has been organizing and assembling many of your kin into a large organized unit. She had sent some off to hunt or explore, according to their skills, while she requested casters to prepare various spells for the ordeals ahead. You know her as Tolheimia Brass. After a while she addresses the group in a powerful voice. "There are some of us who deem the lake to be a good starting place. We wish to visit it first, and perhaps gather food and take shelter there for a few days. From there we will move cautiously and learn what we can of this world. There are many of you who will do better moving swiftly and utilizing your skills in other ways. We will do our best to maintain contact with all of you. Jovar will come with us, and be a messenger of sorts between the groups. Those to whom I have spoken, please gather with us now, we leave immediately for this lake. Thank you brother Grobly for your scouting prowess."

The construct woman bows, tightens a short white cotton robe, and casts light on the tip of a staff she fashioned from a sapling. She begins to slowly lead a large group away towards the lake. Several members fan out as scouts in front of the company. The sun gleams off of her one brass colored arm, and off of her legs, brass from the thighs down. She turns one final time and says, "Goodspeed. May we see some of you soon." before leading the large group away.