Goivan listens and watches the whole ceremony with silent curiosity, making mental notes about their culture. He gives a polite clap at the end, drowned out by the noise of the goatlings. We had not agreed to any such thing yet. This could go poorly. Then the fog and water starts and Goivan jumps up, weapon in hand as he stares suspiciously at the water.
With the heavy fog its nearly impossible to see anything interesting. Add the throngs of goatlings, the noise, the smoke from bonfires, the smells of food, the music, the dancing and stomping on the ground. It's close to the worse situation imaginable for trying to detect something.
Qahnaarin sees Goivan take up his weapon and follows suit. As the fog rolls in and a roar sounds, he backs up until there is at least 60 feet between him and the shoreline.
A voice echoes in your head "Fear not mortals, I have heard your music and I have come from the waters to give audience." Within moments of that all of the large bonfires are extinguished, and many of the smaller perimeter torches are snuffed out. A few peripheral torches and the cookfires still burn dimly. "Behold the power of water over all! But do not fear, I do not come to harm, to maim, or to fight. I come to see your gathering at my lake." A huge shape takes form, emerging from the fog. A massive scaly turtle slips from the water onto shore. Its shell alone must measure fifteen feet across, and its overall length my be even greater, although much of it is concealed by the cloud of mist around it. In the near darkness, several small fires illuminate the scaly beast ominously. It lets out a long deep gutteral rumble, seems to sniff the air, and its large eyes move about independently taking in the camp and the party. The goatlings have all quieted. The music has stopped and the dancing as stopped. Somewhere, one of the goatlings half whispers
After that the hushed whispers increase among the goatlings and they seem quite excited.
"I am Akluzzar, ancient and wise. If you would come to me for wisdom, bring a sacrifice and receive my blessings!"
Gunther eyes the huge turtle warily. "Well, good t' see they ain't just makin' a fuss for no reason, I s'pose," he grumbles to no one in particular. The dwarf's grip on his weapon relaxes, and he watches to see how the goatlings handle the over-sized reptile.
Prar cursed internally at his lack of parchment and pens, this was something to draw and document.
The pages of my spellbook are far to valuable. Already inscribed with magic essence, ready to have spells scrawled.
Having watched the evening's happenings as a spectator and documentor, this he felt prone to engage in.
He walked forward and spoke to the Turtle in a hushed whisper.
"Su spirtit, nə xərac sizin hikmət axtarmaq edirsiniz?"
Goivan remains silent and on guard, looking to Prar to see how the talking goes. We've gotten way over our heads. Let's hope we don't drown.
Prar cursed internally at his lack of parchment and pens, this was something to draw and document.
The pages of my spellbook are far to valuable. Already inscribed with magic essence, ready to have spells scrawled.
Having watched the evening's happenings as a spectator and documentor, this he felt prone to engage in.
He walked forward and spoke to the Turtle in a hushed whisper.
"Su spirtit, nə xərac sizin hikmət axtarmaq edirsiniz?"** spoiler omitted **
Prar as you approach the turtle, a voice echoes in your head "Multiple Illithid people, very interesting, a mingling amongst the other races without issue. Tell me, use your mind, what is it you seek?"
It doesn't seem to respond to your Aklan tongue. Quite likely it may not understand it.
Prar scratches a tentacle. He lacked the psionic ability to speak telepathically that his dark brethren developed young. He will his thoughts forward at the Turtle's request. Hoping the beast would understand.
"We seek our Father. We seek civilization. We seek knowledge." he felt guilty about tacking that last one on there, Prar sought knowledge, his brothers did too, it was a deeper issue for Prar though.
A giant turtle. Reminds me why I prefer the trees and avoid the water. Champawat thinks to herself.
Qahnaarin looks at Akluzzar.
Qahnaarin looks at Prar.
Qahnaarin looks at Akluzzar.
Qahnaarin looks at Prar.
Goivan mirrors Qahnaarin, thinking Prar hit the nail on the head.
"Illithid, it is well that you have come to me. As I am learning about you and your ...kin, it seems clear that all of you are searching, mostly for your lost master. Since so much time has passed, you will not likely find anyone who can recall him or any details surrounding him. it will require highly potent divination magic to acquire this information. The material cost for this is quite high, although I can perform the necessary magic if you were to recover enough wealth for me."
Prar whispers to his kin, relaying Akluzzar's message. "He says that he has the ability to cast the divination required, but is in need of the material components, which come at no small cost. He feels it will be unlikely that we find the master another way."
Champawat simply stares on and listens as everyone attempts to communicate with the giant turtle, skeptical of it's demands and abilities. This is such a waste of our time she thinks to herself from her perch. We must all split up and go our separate ways to find master, then we all end up at the same party back together again. We make peace with those that attack us unprovoked and hope that these beatniks know something about what we seek. We've got to be moving on tomorrow. Hopefully the others will be ready to travel.
"Finally, a direct lead to follow. How much does he require?"
"Pro'ly more than all our hides combined," Gunther deadpans. With barely even their weapons to their name, effectively any amount of money would be well out of the reach of the gathered children of Goodwin.
Day 3 - Morning
The night comes as the ceremony dies down. Goatlings move in the late night to clean up the camp. Those of you who have been working on goatling understand some of the basics. They are excited about the water spirit. Some goatlings stand watch and patrol the camp as the night passes. The fires burn lower, but some are kept going. Perimeter watch torches are also kept alive. Among your groups, most of you settle into the tents they loaned you for the evening. It is your choice to post a watch.
The night goes uneventfully, some of you have trouble sleeping given the turbulent day. For some the trauma of combat and death is hard to push from the mind. For many if may have been the first time they have to draw blood or fight for their lives. The hardship of the wilderness has tired the body even if the mind is racing. Wild dreams or even nightmares awaken many of you. You feel somewhat safer in the huge camp and more secure in the 'comfort' of the goatling hide structures (think teepee).
Other than that, the night passes uneventfully and the morning of your third day arrives. The sun greets you and begins to warm the chilly alpine air. Once again you are thankful for the shelters that protect you from what could have been a dangerous night exposed to chilly temperatures. The goatling camp stirs as they waken and begin to prepare meals and take down some of the campsite. It seems clear that they do not intend to stay here long. The large tent of Golden Ram is still up and before long there is activity there. It seems that they are preparing the tent for a meeting, hopefully it is the one that many of you have been hoping to attend. After a morning meal, several goatlings go to the various tents and inform the participants that they are welcome to come and seek counsel with Golden Ram. He doesn't want a large contingent of people in there as it is difficult to focus on individual needs, so he will keep it small. Also the tent is not that big.
Gunther is more than content to allow his other companions to speak with the leader of the goatlings. He's neither sociable nor diplomatic, and his time would be much better spent hunting more animals for food, bone and hides.
Qahnaarin is grateful for their hospitality, but wishes to depart the goatling camp as quickly as possible.
Qahnaaron, no one said specifically if they got a number from him. Since all the conversations happened telepathically, a lot of information was not shared openly it seems. You aren't sure if Prar was given a specific number.
Day 3 - Mid Morning
As you decide whether to meet with Golden Ram and who should do it, the goatlings are disassembling the camp and they come to remove your loaned tent. They seem to feel sorry for taking it away, but you realize the large tee-pee style tents must represent quite a bit in the way of labor, effort and resources to create.
Just before the meeting with the goatlings Jovar appears.
Jovar arrives to update everyone on the status of Tolhemia and her group. He flew through the night to arrive here.
"Greetings friends. Tolhemia has established a temporary home in one of the villages of the goatlings. They are taking up residence there and sending envoys to parley with the Dwarven Thain who runs the lakeside cliff fort that borders the goatling lands. The dwarves are in charge of this fortified town that is a joint interest of the human and dwarven kingdoms. Due to the large mining and logging resources, the two races have pooled their efforts to keep the area safe. A significant halfling population is employed in the logging industry at the lake front so say our scouting attempts. Gnomes also make up a small population. There are few if any elves seen. If discussions go well with the Thain, they will see if they can move to the fort town itself and use it as their next stepping stone before moving further. The goal being to learn enough of the world to make intelligent choices about where to begin the search for Goodwin. Tolhemia wishes to communicate her effort will be twofold. One, to seek out divination magics that will reveal where Goodwin is. Two, to strengthen in power, knowledge and wealth to afford the divination, or to master such magics ourselves. With extra strength and power, we can secure Goodwin's rescue. If the Thain rebuffs our efforts to peaceably join their town, they will remain with the Goatlings and seek a method to enter the civilized nations elsewhere. Several groups have split from Tolhemia's and are fanning out to attempt to explore into other lands. If you have messages you wish to relay to Tolhemia or other groups let me know. I see that many are still here at the lake."
Jovar also shows you a crude area map that Tolhemia had created on a scrap of cloth.
Prar awakens in the Tee-pee and prepares his spells and prayers. Upon exiting he is surprised and happy to see Jovar.
He speaks to the small Homunculus, "Jovar. Well done. Please relay to the others that Tolhemia has the right idea. In the heart of the Goatling lands at the furthest north lake where we are now, dwells an ancient turtle, an immortal guardian or water spirit of sorts. The being is willing to help us and able to cast the divination powerful enough to find Goodwin. They should redouble their efforts to gain valuable material components needed in high level spells, I have not an exact number, but we spell casters should be able to figure it out. Gemstones, crystals, and precious metals are more than likely required for divination, also valuable glass shards or works of art." he scratches his tentacle thinking of anything else that may pertain to divination. "Possibly also fine clothes, cloth, and things that have to do with thread."
When he finishes speaking to Jovar, he finds his siblings, "I will speak to Golden Ram is no one has any objections?"
"Feel free brother. We will wait for you."
Gunther nods in agreement. "Be careful, though, lad. They tried t' kill us jus' th' other day. I don't want ya comin' back t' us in multiple parts."
Gunther nods in agreement. "Be careful, though, lad. They tried t' kill us jus' th' other day. I don't want ya comin' back t' us in multiple parts."
"You think one of us should go with him, just in case? Come to think of it, this sounds just like something Goivan would be up for..."
"I will accompany him." Qahnaarin stands beside Prar and nods toward the tent of Golden Ram. "Shall we go?"
Day 3 - Late Morning
The initial group discussion seems to be winding up at the main tent. Those who wish to hold smaller meetings or even one on one are encouraged to visit. The campsite itself is being restored to a condition you can scarcely believe housed over a hundred individuals the night before. The campfires are extinguised, the ashes scattered, large rocks returned to their orginal spots. All refuse and garbage is picked up. Tents are all packed away aside from Golden Ram's tent and the goatlings are busy at work, making sure the beach looked unspoiled.
Prar nods at Qahnaarin. "Let us proceed." he stops outside of Golden Ram's tent and casts Comprehend Languages on himself.
He approaches, and enters respectfully, waiting for guards to motion him forward if required.
Walking up to Golden Ram, the Ithillid bows respectfully, arm out wide and tries to look grateful for the hospitality.
Unsure if they will understand him, he says "Greetings, Golden Ram." in all languages he knows. hoping that at least some form of dialect or phrasing rhythm would bleed through.
"Welcome Prar and Qahnaarin." he states in your ancient version of Common. He seems to be aided by linguistic magic of his own. You are also not sure how he knew your names. Surely it may have come up, and its likely he overheard talk, but it does seem somewhat odd.
"Please be seated. The main group of your compatriots has already come and gone, but I am meeting with all and any who wish to interact with me before I head back to our village."
Prar nods again and sits down in the indicated spot. "Thank you."
Prar glances around, once again cursing his lack of writing utensils. He prepared his mind to perfectly recall whatever he was about to learn.
"I namely seek information. On the nature of the Water Spirit, the political clime of the surrounding area, fastest routes to other lands, closest settlements. Also if your tribe has ever petitioned the Water Spirit for great knowledge, how much tribute was required."
"This is the first time a spirit of water has manifested to us in this form at the Ceremony of the Lake. On its nature, I cannot comment more, but it appears wise and has offered to help us in exchange for our people's aid."
"The political climate is difficult for me to comment on. Out of this mountain plateau, in the hills are our lands. Bordering our lands is a stretch of territory jointly claimed by distant human and dwarf kingdoms. The territory is run by a Dwarven Thain. They rule from a cliff side fort overlooking an artificial lake, created by damming the river that flows from this very lake as a result of mountain snow melt. They use the river and lake to transport timber and ore from their logging and mining expeditions downstream. At the dam they have series of mechanisms to move their goods lower downriver. They are then transported to parts unknown to us. We have little to no knowledge of other nations. I nor any of my people living have ever been beyond our narrow stretch of lands. Our interaction with the dwarves and their human allies has been minimal. We exchange treaty documents, but there is little face to face interaction."
"The fastest route to other lands will be through our lands and into the lands of the dwarves and humans. From there, downriver you can access other nations we would assume. What lies to the north or west beyond the mountains is mystery to us. We have never had the urge to explore or put ourselves at risk. Giants, dragons and worse are said to prowl the impassable mountains."
"As we have never met this Water Spirit before, his promise to aid us is new. We have not discussed a tribute arrangement, although there will likely be some exchange of resources for any aid rendered. Our people to not use gold or valuables in the sense that other races or nations do. I cannot attach a sum that would make sense to you, and it may be meaningless given your time away from the world."
Prar scratches a tentacle. "We thank you for your forthrightness, and ask for permission to travel unimpeded throughout your lands as we search for our missing master. Might I humbly request any aid you may give, supplies, weapons, guides. And if you have a shaman I would be very interested in any spells he may teach me, and I would be willing to share my own arcane knowledge with your people."
"We would be happy to grant you some supplies, clothing, some leather satchels, some basic tools, and provisions. For weapons we have spears and javelins, and knives, but no iron or steel and not the variety you might find in other societies. Please travel with us or visit our main village before you set out into the world and we will provision you. Unfortunately, while we have many shamans, we do not have any arcane practitioners who utilize books and scrolls for their studies. Our shamans' spells are divinely granted. You of course have our permission as well as long as you are respectful of our people and the lands."
He gives you a small token that seems like a stamped bronze disc, like a large coin, with his image on it.
Qahnaarin is pleasantly surprised by the proceedings.
Prar continues his pleasant conversation with Golden Ram. "Others from our clan are staying in the area it seems and establishing a holding. This is in no way meant as an infringement upon your people. My clan seeks only shelter and a base of operations as we excursion into further lands upon our quest. I feel it would be beneficial to both our people if we established trade, as your people have the numbers to hunt and forage far more effectively than us, and we have healers and skilled craftsmen. If your merchants or hunters wanted to trade food, furs, or weapons for services divine, arcane, and martial, we should be able to accommodate them. It may require a small investment of materials on the front end for your part, but long term, it would increase prosperity of all."
Prar nods in thanks to Golden Ram. "Thank you wise chief, we shall do as you ask. We go in peace, and I wish blessings and prosperity upon your people." At this, Prar stands, bows once more and exits the tent with Qahnaarin.
Returning to the rest of their small group, Prar relays the proceedings showing them all the stamped coin. "Golden Ram has granted us free peaceful travel throughout goatling lands, and my request for aid has been granted. If we visit and or travel with them to their main village, they shall provide us with provisions and what weapons they can for our journey."
"Prar, I believe this will work out. We have realized we must change some of our ways. We know your people will treat the land with respect and I think we can both benefit from each other. I have invited many of you to return with us to our village. I know for most of you, your quest lies in saving your master, but on that journey your path may keep you with us if that is your choice. We can discuss more at our village, should you choose."
"Thank you for your time and hospitality. We look forward to continued good relations with you and your kin." Goivan departs with the others.
"It sounds like we need a lot of diamond dust to accomplish our goals. Perhaps the dwarves will know where to find such precious gems."
"Yes, let us go and speak with the dwarves. It will be good to get a broader lay of the land."
Day 3 - Afternoon
The final group of goatlings makes there way from the lake side. The beach looks as though no one had been there. If you inspect closely, sure some stones look disturbed or some logs moved, but after wind, rain and a season passes, no one would be the wiser that over a hundred people had camped here.
The large group makes their way south along the river. They travel slowly as they are carrying the large drums, the huge horns, as well as many tents and the poles are long and unwieldy. The river is rushing quickly and as you reach the gap between the mountains and peer down below the sight is breathtaking. You look out over the rugged hills and wooded canyons. You can see for many many miles. The river sparkles and can be seen winding through the highlands below. The group continues and the elevation drops sharply. Near the river the forest is still rather thick and as the sun descends in the west the shadows kick up and the forest grows dim. The group talks and chats the trip which takes several hours. Soon, they veer off from the river following a smaller tributary to the east. You are told the village is not far now.
Champawat follows along with the herd and her family just happy to be on the move again. While still wary of the goatmen, the physical exertion of traveling has improved her spirit and helps to work out the tension in her muscles.
I still don't trust them, but if they are willing to help us find master, maybe they can at least prove useful she thinks to herself.
Gunther tags along, his stubby legs making it difficult to keep up with the rest of the group. Anyone who so much as looks at him gets a razor-sharp glare, but he stolidly maintains his silence as he follows along.
Qahnaarin keeps an easy loping pace with the larger group. He waits for a moment where Gunther looks less grim than usual to ask a question. "Brother Gunther. Do you worry about meeting the dwarves? From what I remember of the Master taught us concerning your race, there is no lack of enmity between your race and the dwarven folk."
Gunther scoffs at the question. "There ain't much o' anybody who get along with my kind. Worst case scenario, I stay outta sight an' let th' rest o' ya handle it."
Prar walked along with his kin. He thought about Qahnaarin's remark to Gunther and worried slightly as a member of an also underground dwelling race, traditionally enemies of the dwarves, and everyone else for that matter.
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.
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.