"You march... to where and why?"
"I am Dwelgar. We are from the Hammerfirst Holds and we are on the way to Brindol under orders from my father, Orthrek, the Clanlord of Hammerfist Dwarves. We were told by Thordak, son of Throtgar of the inevitable attack upon Brindol by the hobgoblin army and we are on our way to help defend the city."
"I see, and cannot deny that the humans need help. If there is desire I could speed the passage of one or more of you to Brindol? - so that an appropriate welcome can be prepared?"
"Uhmm, nae thanks! That will nae be necessary. Oi've seen Thordak fly on his winged beast and that is enough fer me to know that Dwarves are meant tae walk on the ground. Besides, we are just the advance scouts for the rest of the Clan. There are about three hundred armed dwarves following, including my father, Clanlord Orthrek. They cannae be mair than a few hours behind us."
"However, if yae want tae send word tae Thordak and the chiefs in Brindol that we are on oor way, Oi'd be richt pleased. Dae yae know how much further tae gae?"
At Edvard's signal, Killiar lands his great owl next to Hestar and he sits and listens to the interaction, giving the dwarves an appraising look.
@Bofous, Tirion, Thordak, and Mantooth
Bofus, Tirion, Thordak, and Mantooth depart the city through the north gate in an effort to find Edvard in the Elven encampment. About a mile from town you come to a quiet camp where an elf stands up to greet you. You recognize his face as one of the Tirio Kitor, but you do not recall his name. He smiles, but does not say anything as you arrive.
"Hail and good morning to you sir! We're looking for our friend Edvard. Have you seen him of late? WE need to get movin' if we're to strike another blow against the coming darkness, doncha know!!
The elven warrior looks at you for a moment, quizzically trying to figure out what you are saying. However, upon speaking Elven to him, understanding is clear he is able to reply easily.
"You will be eating dust for some time yet... but I would implore you to send at least a single dwarf aloft with us. Then he could deliver what words you wish to Thordak in person before we depart in the morning. But the choice is yours Dwelgar."
"Ach! Oi hate the thought of getting on one of those strange eagles, but Oi suppose it would be faster than walkin."
Dwelgar turns and talks to his companions for a moment.
The young Dwarf then replies saying, "Ach, alright, Oi'm comin wid yae. Now what dae Oi dae tae ride on this bloomin bird?"
Killiar and Edvard fly back to Brindol carrying with them the dwarf, Dwelgar, son of Othrek. The ride takes a little longer than the way out, and the dwarf complains the entire way back, but you all return safe and sound.
"Ach, what kinda way to move across the country is that! The wind is always blowin mae beard every which way and if yae let gae fer a minute, then yae'll be plummetin tae the ground tae yer death. Crivvens, remind me never tae dae that again!"
When Dwelgar dismounts from Hestar, he notices Thordak and walks up to his friend with a great smile on his face. "Well look who Oi see with mae own eyes, Thordak, son of Throtgar! Oi wondered if Oi would find yae back here in Brindol. What have yae been daein since yae left us back in the Hammerfists? Don't tell me you've been lollygaggin about here!"
Kelarius, the young hunter comes up and takes Hestar's lead from you and remarks in Elvish, "Je suis heureux de vous voir revenir en toute sécurité. J'espère Hestar était bonne pour vous. Je sais Killiar pense qu'elle est un oiseau de bon, mais elle est en fait très particulier sur qui va la monter. Vous devez lui ont donné une bonne impression."
"Ach, what kinda way to move across the country is that! The wind is always blowin mae beard every which way and if yae let gae fer a minute, then yae'll be plummetin tae the ground tae yer death. Crivvens, remind me never tae dae that again!"
When Dwelgar dismounts from Hestar, he notices Thordak and walks up to his friend with a great smile on his face. "Well look who Oi see with mae own eyes, Thordak, son of Throtgar! Oi wondered if Oi would find yae back here in Brindol. What have yae been daein since yae left us back in the Hammerfists? Don't tell me you've been lollygaggin about here!"
Dwelgar, Son of Orthrek! Welcome te Brindol! We just arrived last night, we've been...huntin'. Took out a Wyrmlord an' his dragon in tha sunken city o' Rest. How was tha way, an' where's ev'rybody else? We'll get you all briefed when ye get here. Thordak says, clasping Dwelgar's arm in his in greeting.
How did tha spear-shooters work out? Me an' tha others Oi travel with have another pressin' errand, Oi'll be trustin' you te protect tha humans till we get back. Oh, an' make sure they've got some good Dwarven traps an' machinery te fend off tha horde. Oi'll introduce ye te Lord Kerden Jarmaath--he's tha human's leader--an' he'll get ye resources an' manpower if ye need it, an' if ye trust tha humans with makin' any o' tha machines! Har!
"Dwelgar, Son of Orthrek! Welcome te Brindol! We just arrived last night, we've been...huntin'. Took out a Wyrmlord an' his dragon in tha sunken city o' Rest. How was tha way, an' where's ev'rybody else? We'll get you all briefed when ye get here."
You cannot help but witness the joyous reunion of two great friends as they embrace each other with a hearty clasp.
"Oi shouldae known yae weren't just sitting around drinkin awa at the tavern. Mind yae, Oi'd be disappointed if ye didn't dae some of that as well! So ye went after Wymlords and dragons instead. Ye always did like tae get a' the attention now didn't ye? Just mak sure ye don't keep it all te yerself! We've got me Pa comin with o'er three hundred o' the finest clansmen!"
"How did tha spear-shooters work out? Me an' tha others Oi travel with have another pressin' errand, Oi'll be trustin' you te protect tha humans till we get back. Oh, an' make sure they've got some good Dwarven traps an' machinery te fend off tha horde. Oi'll introduce ye te Lord Kerden Jarmaath--he's tha human's leader--an' he'll get ye resources an' manpower if ye need it, an' if ye trust tha humans with makin' any o' tha machines! Har!"
"Aye, they put yer ideas te work and they're haulin them flimsy things along. Let's see if they don't fall apart on the way here!" Dwelgar gives Thordak a sly grin that reveals that the ballistae are likely made to last the century. "So ye can't just sit still. Ye have more te dae than enjoyin a few hard earned drinks and singing a few battle songs with the clan? Where are ye off te next Thordak?"
"Elle me portait bien et sans se plaindre."
Kelarius looks at the reunion of the two Dwarves, smiles and discretely mentions to Edvard something in Elven.
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At the mention of three hundred dwarves a surprised look crosses Killiar's face and he says something to Edvard and Kelarius also in his native tongue. "C'est beaucoup de nains à venir en aide aux êtres humains de thèses. Je ne suis pas sûr Sellyria se rend compte du niveau d'engagement de ces nains ont montré. Je me demande si je dois rentrer et de l'informer de ce qui se déroule. Je déteste à penser que les nains seraient plus nombreux que nous!"
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Yes, many will die. But between the cooperation we have here, and the work WE are going to do--we WILL win, make no mistkae!
Shifting back into common . . . Sorry for interrupting there, but Edvard can be a bit of a dark cloud. I think he needs more exposure to my sunny disposition, what what? You agree Edvard--you ready for more of the open road??
"So ye can't just sit still. Ye have more te dae than enjoyin a few hard earned drinks and singing a few battle songs with the clan? Where are ye off te next Thordak?"
Mantooth steps forward and interrupts as he speaks to Thordak. "Are you going to stand there and chat this whole time without introducing us?!" Turning to the new acquaintance, offering him a handshake, he politely introduces himself, "Pardon the interruption, Dwelgar, I am Mantooth Longbrow and these companions of mine are Bofus, Tirion, and I see that you have already met Edvard. I just want to say, we are grateful for all of the help the dwarves of Hammerfist are offering. If they are half as good as Thordak with an axe, I know the Red Hand will be in for a battle they are not expecting."
Tirion continues to listen to the exchange between the elves, the dwarves and the party.
All I can say is that this is an army of chaotic and evil creatures. All that binds them is the iron fist of those in control. So far we have slain two of their dragons and eliminated two of their vaunted Wyrmlords. With each additional head we chop, the force will become more difficult to control. Cut off enough and this horde will turn on itself, just like a pack of hungry rats, leaving only the few strong for us to cull.
Turning to Edvard: Despite the Wyrmlord's note, I still do not think this is the best idea, but it appears to have been the one that was chosen. So, yes, I am ready to head to the crypt of the Ghostlord so that we can stop an army of undead from supporting the horde. I only hope that we can do it without excess personal bloodshed, but I am not overly optimistic.
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*sigh* See, Edvard, now you're just TRYING to goad me, aren't you, you little ray of sunshine?? Could I ask you to step aside for a moment . . .
Bofus walks apart so he and Edvard can speak alone for a bit, with just a touch of heat.
Let me make something quite clear, my friend. Yes, I steal, and yes I lie. But I *never* do *either* unless the recipient deserves it!! Everything I told Killiar, I believe completely. So I will kindly ask you to refrain from calling me a liar to my face--with no supporting evidence--in front of polite company in an effort to bolster your own fatalstic position, please and thank you!! I deserve a public apology, but I won't go so far as to demand it.
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We'll discuss our plans as a group, because there's still something that needs to be cleared up--after the elves and dwarves are no longer listening.
Unless the sidebar continues, Bofus will rejoin the others to greet the dwarves. He addresses the elf captain (assuming he's not interrupting a discussion in progress)
Killiar, you know that I believe what I say, right?? This is going to be a fight, to be sure--but it is far from hopeless. I'm certain that I would not have condoned inviting our new friends to a certain disaster party!!
"Killiar, you know that I believe what I say, right?? This is going to be a fight, to be sure--but it is far from hopeless. I'm certain that I would not have condoned inviting our new friends to a certain disaster party!!"
Killiar weighs Bofus' words before replying and finally speaks. "I know that you have an excessive amount of optimism, Bofus, and I know you believe what you are saying, but I am not clear how this battle will truly end up. War is not a pleasant thing and certainly death is a possibility at every turn. However, I will need to refrain from judgement until I see exactly what we are up against."
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Killiar weighs Bofus' words before replying and finally speaks. "I know that you have an excessive amount of optimism, Bofus, and I know you believe what you are saying, but I am not clear how this battle will truly end up. War is not a pleasant thing and certainly death is a possibility at every turn. However, I will need to refrain from judgement until I see exactly what we are up against."
May I kindly remind you how you thought we were heading to our certain doom against the black dragon, when you make your analysis?? :-)
"May I kindly remind you how you thought we were heading to our certain doom against the black dragon, when you make your analysis?"
"Yes, yes, but when I make the analysis, I also know that not everybody has the luck of a halfling, dear Bofus! Dragons usually eat their victims after they've scorched them with breath weapon!"
Where are ye off te next Thordak?"
We're headed Thordak says, leaning in and whispering To tha Thornwaste.
We'll have plenty o' time te drink after tha battle! Har! Oh, er right, this tall one's Mantooth Longbrow, tha little black one's Tirion Dajerdahar, tha little pink one's Bofus Beerswizzler, an' tha gloomy chap over there's called Edvard. Company, this is Dwelgar, Son of Orthrek!
Wot's that, Bofus?
"Please, Edvard, let us not argue. I am sure that young Bofus is not underestimating the Red Hand. In fact, I'm sure that the young halfling would appreciate as much support as we can possibly get. However, this discussion accusing each other of not telling the truth will get us nowhere. None of us can predict the future and I care not to wait and find out who is right and who is wrong. I prefer to work as a team and press onward to the Thornwaste and try to find this hidden crypt of the Ghostlord. Whether we we have a hard heart or a soft heart, we still need to handle the stress of this evil in the best way we each know how. Now I beg your pardon if I am wrong, but if truth be told, I do not believe any of us have ever seen anything of of the magnitude that we are about to face. Whether it is a lich or a horde of dragons and dragonspawn, I do not think that anyone can truly be prepared for such realities. However, I will tell you now, that if you follow me, I give my life and my sword to this cause and the Inheritor willing, we will smite down this evil and perhaps save a great many people. Now, in the meantime, can we all agree to stop with the accusations and look to each other for support?! We need each and every one of us if we are to succeed at the tasks appointed us. Now, will you all join with me and stand united in the fight against the Red Hand and their evil dragons?!"
Diplomacy
"You have an impressive way with words, Mantooth Longbrow. Oi'm use tae mae father talkin tae the other clans, trying tae resolve matters justly, but nothing quite so eloquent like that. Did yae ever consider becomin a judge some day. Yae'd be good at settlin disputes and such. Oi also want to give the rest o' yae mae regards. It is a pleasure tae meechae! Oi hope Oi'm not interrupted any important discussion that needs tae happen! Please carry on as if Oi wasnae here! Oi'll just sit here and sharpen mae axe. Besides, Oi like hearin a gud argument!"
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Have you seen the Horde, Edvard? Honestly? I *have.* You telling me I'm underestimating the Hand is just plain foolish, man!! I was IN THEIR CAMP with Tirion here, pilfering their plans so we could do the good work of warning these folks right here in front of you--these folks who are ready to die for their cause!!
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Don't you be lecturing ME on keeping my eyes open!! Yes, folks will die. Of course it's sad and unfortunate. But you're leaving out the key factor of WHY we're still going to win: HOPE.
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The way you're talking, you might as well fall on your sword now and save the Hand the trouble of skewering your hide. Me, though, even if it *is* overwhealming odds, *I'm* going ot fight the best way I can, as I know my friends here, old and new, will also do. Because we have HOPE.
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I will THANK you not ot try to stifle my hope, because without it, I'll just crawl in a hole and hope the stinking horde passes me by.
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The victories we've had--which you have not seen but only heard of--is part of what gives me hope. We happy few have been sticking our fingers in the eye of this scourge for weeks now, making real progress. Because we have HOPE that we'll succeed. And succeed we will! With eyes open--because I'll be DAMNED if I'm going to miss this!
Bofus gives a sweeping gesture to the gathered allies. They have hope. Don't take that from them. You can have both eyes open, and have hope, I promise.
He then walks over to Edvard. Now, we're going to go get the Ghostlord out of this fight--or maybe on the correct side, if we're really lucky. We're doing it in spite of, not BECAUSE of, your threat to leave if we did otherwise. I give you my word that I'll take everything we do as seriously as is its due--if you give your word that you won't resort to childish sulking for argument tactics. Agreed?[b] the halfling extends his hand up for a shake. [b] And no hard feelings, friend?
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Bofus lowers his hand, lips pressed a bit. Of course we desire the strength of your art. Only a fool would do otherwise. And you don't want to be my friend? That's fine too. But at least we have to trust each other to do what needs to be done. And just remember that speaking your mind carries consequences. You quench the warriors' hope, you lose the war. Period. And, I'll keep speaking my mind, too.
After a glance around at the rest of the group . . .
Are we ready to move on folks? Any more drama we need to air out?
"Are we ready to move on folks? Any more drama we need to air out?"
"I am ready to move on, Bofus. I just want to make sure that we stay united in our cause. We certainly need to trust each other. Although, we all seem to be under a great deal of stress, I still hope that we can overlook our differences and accept our commonalities and perhaps grow our friendships through the trials that lay ahead. If there is anything else to be said, them let it be spoken of here. I do not want the bickering to continue in all the days to come."
Unless anyone else has any business in the city, I say we head out. We can get a good four hours of travel in before sundown.
"Has the day o'ertired your owls? Any shortening of our journey would be of great benefit"
"The owls have ridden too much today to allow them to take all of you out, but tomorrow morning after some rest, we can fly your entire company out in any direction that you wish to go. I would just ask that we leave at first light."
If we go with the owls, then we are on foot. I can summon steeds, but this will use up some of my magic for the day. Bofus and I can ride on a single horse, but we will need more for you Edvard, Thordak and Mantooth. Summoning 4 horses will take a fair amount of my lower level spells, but can be easily done if necessary.
"I still have the great steed, Vartak, who will serve me in my need. Perhaps it would be better to bring our mounts and that way we will always have the freedom to move about the Elsir Vale as needed. We also have Thordak on Lulu if we need anybody to fly up and scout from up on high."
Moonday, Lamashan 9, 4710
You depart Brindol in the late afternoon and travel west on horseback along the Dawnway as far as you are able. Thordak flies overhead, scouting on his hippogriff, Lulu. You pass several groups moving east along the road to Brindol, but there is no traffic moving west. By late evening you pull into the town of Talar. Most of the town appears deserted, but you still see a light on in one of the towers of the keep of Lady Celiira Nesten.