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."
Prar listened to Tolheimia with interest. He thought of her questions. He had never really considered himself a leader, although he had taken the lead in communication with Golden Ram.
We waited for his siblings to input their opinions and spoke his own in a rasping whisper. "Are some of us still establishing an outpost? Trade with the goatlings and dwarves would be beneficial. It is good that messengers are have arrived. I would like to be present when our people are granted audience."
"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 do not believe we should become mired in local politics. The goatlings tried to murder us, and I spare no love for them. I am certain the dwarves would be happy to point us toward a larger city."
"The more land we cover, the happier I'll be, but maybe that's just me. While I also hope and pray that master will be okay, I also wonder about how many other people we'll need to help out along the way. Master would not want us to turn a blind eye to someone else's problems under the justification that master is more important. Master would want us to help all that we can, to be a boon to this world and its peoples, to see positive growth as a result of our actions. Our mission these days will be more than to simply rescue master...I suspect it will be to rescue the world."
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."
"Far roaming may be better. I am confident that our siblings can handle the Thain. If we sojourn beyond the lands of the dwarfs before we get permission to traverse them, it may be better in case the dwarves reject us. Better to ask forgiveness than permission as they say."
"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?"
"I am willing to do whatever is needed Tolheimia. I prefer to remain mobile over being stationary, but I won't speak for my brothers here. I will say that we could use some armor. I think we may be able to make some leather armor out of what the goatlings have provided. That is enough of a start until we can acquire better."
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."
"Staying put while Goodwin is in trouble ain't my style. I'll be out lookin' for him, even if it's fruitless. We can go meet th' dwarves, sure, but I ain't got any intention o' stayin' long." Gunther states, before adding, "None taken. We're all stubborn as the hells, and pro'ly better for it."
"I would suggest a serpentine pattern. We can begin scouting in a given direction for perhaps 5 or 10 miles, then bear to the side and complete a semi-circle until we stop. Then we reverse and repeat, slowly forming a fan-shaped area."
"You are both correct. We must at least make a stop at the dwarves for equipment and food. If they will not give it to us, we may need to steal it. In service of the greater good I believe. Fan shaped exploration with respite at the citadel followed by a long excursion into the lands beyond. Yes this is well and good." Prar whisper/rambles to himself.
"So...it sounds like it's settled then. We'll be moving on to scout ahead. Does anyone have any other business to finish before we leave?
How long did it take for the messengers to reach the dwarven fort? We should probably plan to return after an agreed upon amount of time to report and check in, at least until we're powerful enough to communicate from distance."
"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."
"Then let us not tarry in this place. We will scout forward as quickly as haste can make, and one of our number can return and report if we find anything."
Day 4 - Noonish
As the group prepares to move from the camp, with a plan to scout and keep moving through the dwarven lands, new arrives that the messengers sent by Tolhemia have returned.
Goivan is strapping up his equipment and getting ready to head out when the news comes. The goatlings have already made it clear they don't want to give us long term accommodations. I hope this doesn't delay us any further. He turns to the others. "I suppose we should go talk to the messengers."
"Yes! I am eager to hear of what lies ahead. The politics of this valley may interest some, but I wish to see the wider world. Hopefully the dwarves accommodate our exit from the valley."
Nodding Prar moves to follow his siblings and see what the messengers have to say of their trip.
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 - Late Afternoon
As the new of the impending raiders spreads through the camp, people take time to prepare. Golden Ram sends out goatling scouting parties. Though unable to fortify their village, they move things around and make other precautions. As the flurry of activity increases, everyone shouts and points to the sky. You see a figure mounted on a griffon flying swiftly towards the camp. A white peace banner flies from the tip of a lance. The goatlings assembled beneath seem to respect it and hold their javelins in check.
The griffon and its rider spiral in a loop and then descend in a hovering slow drop to the ground which kicks up a cloud of dust and debris. Several dozen armed goatlings surround the rider. A man dismounts and waits for the dust to settle. He appears to wear light armor and is equipped with sword, bow and lance. He has a worn and weathered look bout him, but his features are sharp and could indicate elven ancestry somewhere. Golden Ram emerges from his lodge and moves to meet the man among all the commotion. Golden Ram takes a moment and utters a spell. They have a brief conversation and disappear into the lodge. Everyone stands around in a state of confusion. Word spreads quickly that the bold visitor is Marshal Hawke from the dwarven fort. He was not supposed to arrive until a day later, at a designated neutral meeting place at the border. The man's griffon sits stoically eyeing the crowd which gives it a healthy space.
Their meeting must have been very brief. Hawke emerges from the lodge shortly thereafter and scans the assembled crowd of goatlings and all of the collected children of Goodwin. He seems to sigh inwardly and swiftly mounts his mighty griffon and they wheel into the sky its wings kicking up more dust and dirt. Soon then are gone.
Golden Ram steps from his lodge again and speaks to a few assistants. Some of his elders are with him. He approaches the group and addresses Tolhemia and all of the children og Goodwin.
"Our visitor was Head Marshal Hawke from Cliffort. Our meeting tomorrow was preempted by news that the army of giants and their allies are moving more quickly than before. Griffon riders have spotted hell hound scouts infiltrating our lands. Several forest fires already burn. The Thain is moving quickly to secure the region of Cliffort. All logging and mining camps have been notified, evacuating, and they are moving to take refuge within the walled confines of Cliffort. According to Hawke, given the recent circumstances, the Thain has reluctantly decided to allow the goatlings and the newcomers to also take refuge within the walls of Cliffort, if they are willing to pledge and fight with the dwarves against oncoming scourge."
"Hawke explained that history shows that occasionally the giants will plunder and pillage south from their lands into this region, but that they are usually easy to dispatch or drive off. This however appears to be much more, an organized effort to march a large force out into these lands with a specific goal. He guesses that the giants remained hidden and organizing with their allies in the lands of black ice to the north, within the caves, tunnels and deep underground warrens under the glaciers. They may be driven by a longstanding hatred with the dwarves, although Hawke I believe suspects there may be another hidden reason."
"Personally, I believe this to be a sign, one that we have been seeking, and one that unite our people together against a common foe. My warriors and I will join the dwarves, humans and their allies, and meet these invaders in battle. Our people will take refuge in the fort, and we will prepare for battle!"
At that moment the mighty war drums thunder and the great battle horns that you heard at the Ceremony of the Lake are sounded. The noise shakes the earth and heavens, nearly deafening you and scaring the wits out of you.
"Our village will pack now, and leave soon, we will will make the journey tonight and take refuge at the fort. Your people are welcome too. Hawke notes that the Thain would prefer you keep a lower profile, particularly the most monstrous of you, but that you will be armed and equipped if able, to assist in the fight. He personally noted that he could make use of any of the bravest groups to act as strike forces against the giants, and any advance units of the enemy. Whatever your choice will be, this village will be abandoned soon. I must now prepare."
Golden Ram turns abruptly and goes with his elders to prepare his people for the exodus.
Tolhemia and many of the others stand there briefly, then a cacophony of voices erupts at once, and people start running hastily to grab what few possessions they have. Tolhemia gathers about her a few of her closest advisors and advises them to gather everyone into groups for the journey.
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."
"There is little we can do about appearing monstrous. The only option is to all disguise ourselves, but I think that ruse is both risky and unnecessary. We will have to approach him openly and honestly."
"In ten thousand years nothing has changed? That either means that they really got something right or somebody is ruling with an iron fist. Being the optimist I am, you can guess which one I think it is."
"Getting better treatment for the goatlings while gaining access to resources and a safe base of operations sounds like a good plan."
~~~
Goivan simply stays silent and nods at Golden Ram's words. But I will intervene if I think it necessary.
Will the group assemble and travel to the fort by themselves or with any of the other groups? It appears one group has already left.
The group considers the options. It does make sense to stop by the fort and get some better equipment.
Also:
Without wasting any more time, your group gathers its meager possessions and leaves the goatling village as well. You push quickly towards the river as you know evening is coming. Despite having darkvision, it is much easier to navigate in the day. The group reaches the river uneventfully using the trails you came in on, and then starts to follow the fast flowing river south. You push on through the rough hills and valleys and rocky lands of the goatlings and then move into the wooded hills below.
As the sun sets behind you, you have mad good time, but it will be dark before you reach the cliff fort. You see just the smallest of glint of light and activity in the distance, many many miles away as the setting sun reflects. You pick up some well traveled trails used by miners or loggers to bring their goods to the river and send them downstream. You move cautiously, but do not encounter anyone. Eventually, not far ahead you see the lights of the cliff side fort. You can hear the shouts of people and the noise and clanking of activity, all the hustle and bustle of a fortress preparing for battle you suspect. You are mix of emotions, while you have perhaps fought in your past lives, and trained often under the guidance of Goodwin and various masters and golems, and recently a real fight with the goatlings, the prospect of major pitched battles with giants and their minions can be daunting. The reality that this could be a small war weighs on your minds, as surely there will be many losses and deaths.
You can also tell that the trail here has been recently well travelled, signs of hoof prints and cart or wagon wheels evident. Ahead you can hear the voices and hustle and bustle of people. You are not quite to the lake area yet, where the fort is located, but clearly there are many refugees heading to the fort for protection, and you might be encountering people before you even get there.
Will the group employ any sort of strategy?
Gunther looks to the others, knowing full-well that simply walking right up to the toiling humans and dwarves could bode poorly for them, especially in the dead of night. "What d' ya think?" he asks the others, explaining the dangers that may await them.
"Walking straight up on them in the dark of night would probably lead to an unfortunate misunderstanding. Especially considering the rumors of an army of monsters approaching for war. I doubt they will look favorably on us. We can retreat a ways and camp out for the night, head in during the day so they can see us coming. The other option would be to try and sneak, but one misstep could lead to a violent confrontation. I think we should wait until morning, tough it out in the woods. If they're preparing for war, they may have scouts out, so we should probably distance ourselves."
Goivan considers the situation. "I could disguise myself as human and approach, then come to a resolution once they realize we're not monsters."
There are side trails you could take possibly that would get you close enough. But at some point you will be encountering people in some fashion or another. It isn't clear to you yet if any of your brothers and sisters have come this way, which could have set a precedent. You don't know if they know you are coming or not.
"If your disguise fails at an inopportune time, it could lead to a bad situation. Maybe you could use your disguise to monitor the trails, keep an eye out for the goatlings or our siblings. If a group is approaching, it would be safer for everyone if we join up with them to enter the city. If no one else comes through tonight, we'll head into town in the morning."
"I for one, am not much for stealth, and if we seek the diplomatic route, broad daylight maybe less threatening." Prar chimes in.
"I am fine with waiting for daybreak."
Day 4 - night
The group slips back down the trail, taking more time to determine the best approach. They decide to camp off the beaten path for the night. The air is not as chilly as the mountain plateau, and after creating a small campfire and preparing a bed of rushes from the river, decide you can probably sleep reasonably well, as tired as you are from walking. For some, your feet still ache without proper footwear, effectively wearing leather slip-ons hastily fashioned from rabbit hides or the leather given to you by the goatlings. You aren't ones to complain overly much and taking some water and food the night goes by. You set a watch but hope it is not needed.
Day 5 - Morning
The group wakes, wipes the crust from their eyes, and swishes the overnight taste from their mouths, and takes some food to give some energy for the day. You know you did not travel far from the loading area, so it will be a short ten to fifteen minute walk there.
Gathering up your gear, you press down the trail and back to the rivermouth. When you arrive, there are less people there now, but more goatlings. The entire tribe must have arrived overnight, much later than your group. It also appears Tolhemia and the large group that she travels with has also arrived, in the middle of the night. While both groups have set up tents and camps quite a bit back from the loading area, few are stirring at this hour yet. A few guards, and light sleepers are awake in both camps and move about quietly at their tasks.
Loggers, miners, hunters, trappers and other outdoorsmen who have arrived late or who did not make it over last night are here also. They ferries, barges, boats and skiffs never stopped throughout the night and are still transporting people over, though traffic is lighter.
You watch from the cover of the brush for now from a distance, and attempt to formulate a plan. If the goatlings and Tolhemia's group waltzed right up and set up camp, it can't be all that bad, and the people there clearly know about you by now, so you figure there isn't any reason why you couldn't approach the docks as you are. Although still like to draw looks, you hope that the presence of the goatling camp and that of your brothers and sisters, would not give people cause to run screaming in panic. You have your official token from Marshal Hawke.
You see Tolhemia emerge from a tent and walk about the camp and talk to a few people. You recall she rarely sleeps and you see her approach the marshals and begin discussing something with them.
Now might be a good opportunity to approach yourselves. You recall Tolhemia has linguistic magic that may be of some assistance in facilitating your passage.
Qahnaarin raises a hand in greeting. "Good morning, Tolhemia. We were hoping for your translation magic to be of assistance, if you have the time and energy. We are interested in pressing past the valley and fort. We are hoping to secure information from the fort regarding what lies beyond. We believe that finding a regional metropolis of some sort would give us the best chance of finding information and funding."
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.
"I would be a good recipient of the spell." Goivan says. "Let's stop by the fort. It's always good to know more information."
"I'm afraid I am more given to command and issuing orders than in making friends. I will stay behind and allow our more diplomatic siblings to meet with the Thain. Tolehimia, I would be happy to meet with you later at your convenience." He pats Goivan on the shoulder. "Represent us well, brother. We need to make friends when we can, and be free to search for our master as quickly as possible."
"Agreed. Gather what information you can before we set out to strike at the opposition. See if they will loan us a set or two of light armor. We will wait for you brother."
The marshals invoke the wand and cast the spell on Goivan. "Will your group be crossing over to the fort now?"
"I believe we will. Some will be spokesmen, and some have need of equipment and expert services. I would also like to hear of the seriousness of the impending attack. I want us to avoid entangling alliances, but there is no reason to leave them to their doom without our help."