"I think would should try to find food as we travel to the lake. If there's a feast it would be good to contribute to it and if not we'll have something to eat."
Greebins watches Nathan stomp through the woods searching for food and gently lays a hand on his forearm. "Err... perhaps you should let me help. I will find the prey, and you can shoot it."
Day 2 - Afternoon
Together the two make a better team as Greebins flushes out a small turkey tom, and Nathan drops it with a well placed arrow through the neck, decapitating it.
The group travels, albeit slowly as the goatlings maintain a faster pace, but many of them come and go, relaying messages as the group travels. It will take a little time to get back to the lake. Goatling scouts report that groups 2 and 3 are also close, and have sent messengers to talk with them.
Rechau will attempt to add to the pot as well.
And appears to have a little success.
Day 2 - Later Afternoon into Evening
As the various groups of Goodwin's disciples return the the lakeside, they see the Goatling camp in full swing. At least a hundred or more goatlings are moving about efficiently building large bonfires, collecting dead wood and driftwood also for funeral pyres. Quite a few more are involved in food preparation, as large bags of grain are opened and used to make food. It appears everyone knows of the outsiders now, and there appear to be no ill feelings for the deaths of their brethren. In fact they seem to take it quite in stride, and place a great deal of honor on the fallen, almost as if those who fell in battle were somehow blessed or lucky to do so.
You are able to mix freely with the goatlings, although in their hustle and bustle they move about with purpose and at times you feel as if you are getting in the way. They welcome you in the camp but it seems clear that you may wish to build your own shelters. The goatlings have set up some tents made of wild animal skins, but it isn't clear if you are invited to shelter in them. You see Bowki, Bavari and Rahaan at times as they move about, and many goatlings seem to be asking them questions about the newcomers.
In time more goatlings arrive, this time they bring with them large satchels, carried between two goatlings, which when unwrapped reveal many large kettle base drums. These appear to be very well crafted, each carved with fine detail, a masterpiece of art and craftmanship unto itself. These are set up along the shore in a special place on some large rocks that are moved in place.
The camp is a whirlwind of noises, smells, warmth from the fires, and cool breeze from the lake. There is a palpable aura of excitement in the air. Despite only having vague ideas regarding the Ceremony of the Lake, you feel it is a big deal for these people.
Not long after the camp is flowing smoothly. You hear the trumpeting of horns to the south, a mix of high clear bright noises accompanied by long deep, powerful blasts that shake the air and almost make you jump from your skin. The entire camp of goatlings stands at once, stopping what they are doing and look to each other in a state of surprise. Within seconds they all cheer at once and scramble to reverently assemble. Those of you with the ability to understand some goatling, it is clear that Golden Ram has arrived. This apparently unexpected event causes the camp to quickly fly into an even greater frenzy of activity, cleaning, adjusting, moving and clearing a space of honor for their leader's tent.
Shortly the leader appears. Golden Ram is tall for a goatling, you estimate nearly eight feet tall, not as tall as the minotaurs or ogres among you, but certainly majestic. His horns are long, thick and curved back, sweeping curking back into spirals behind his broad head. His pelt is thick and luxurious looking, and indeed quite golden in color. A thick beard adorns his chin and he wears a set of silvery armbands matched by a large silvery chestpiece.
Surrounding him are at least a dozen warriors, also large for goatlings, and they look grizzled and battle hardened. Some of them are missing horns or tufts of fur. They scan everything remaining vigilant and when they see the outsiders you they seem to be watching you in particular.
You see a few revered elders accompanying Golden Ram in the entourage, each with their own mini entourage of attendants and warriors. The horns you heard earlier are carried by several large goatlings, each with several smaller horns but also each carrying two very large horns from perhaps a dragon, elaborately carved. The entire procession settles in and they begin moving about efficiently. The Golden Ram confers with his elders and after a huge tent is erected, their leader disappears into the tent with some of the elders and the warriors fan out and create a guard around the structure.
The excitement of the arrival of their leader, has the goatlings scurrying about to make the campsite ready for the grand ceremony which probably takes place after darkness falls. Bowki or Bavari check in from time to time and see if the groups are doing ok.
Day 2 - Evening/Night
As the groups mingle amongst the goatlings, darkness rolls in. The large bonfires illuminate and warm the camp. Torches on stakes form a perimeter about the campsite. Lined at the shore are the funeral pyres for the nineteen goatlings and battle goats slain. While great honor is afforded those who fell in battle, there is some awkwardness as many of the killers are here in the camp, and despite their feelings about battle prowess and bravery you sense some remorse from the other goatlings, perhaps even some uncomfortable looks. As the last ray of sunlight passed beneath the tip of the western mountains, a small brazier was lit, when that brazier burned out a short time later, the funeral pyres were lit by shamans who sang a quick prayer in goatling. Those who have been studying the language make out little, but the basics involve the spirits of the ancestors guiding the fallen on a serene journey to the afterlife so that they may watch over the living and guide them in the future, in life and in battle. They speak of those who had just fallen as well as those who fell in battle or to other reasons in the past year. Music is played but the great horns and mighty drums are silent. Instead smaller drums, and lighter instruments are played, pipes and flutes and maracas made from gourds. The music is very fast and there is a lot of quick stamping designed to shake the ground. The sound of over a hundred pairs of goatling hooves on the rocky shore creates quite the noise. The wind blows the smoke, heat and luckily the smell of the pyres out over the lake to the east. The initial ceremony takes some time, and is followed by feasting with oat and seed cakes, dried fruit and some sort of fermented mash. For those who try the mash, it is quite sour, but packs a solid kick. Smaller dance circles break out and random music is played before the next ceremony.
Golden Ram is seated on a large chair overlooking the ceremonies, on a raised platform of wood and stone. He is surrounded by the Elder Council and his circle of grizzled warriors. Next begins a ceremony of the elements. It is explained that this will call spirits of nature and give thanks to the wind and rain, to fire and to the earth. It asks that those spirits continue to provide for the goatlings in the new year. All of the young goatling warriors form circles for this dance, and they begin to move in and out opening and closing the circles. The dance is not as quick as the funeral dance, less structured and more rhythmic. The music and singing is more sing-songy and they use a variety of instruments, some emulate vuvuzelas and others are like didgery-doos. The overall noise is like an ebb and flow of angry bees buzzing in and out. Golden Ram actually rises for this one and moves slowly in place, waving about a large sceptre in ritualized movements, with a little imagination you can see where the movements are designed to symbolize the elements as he moves through the motions. It appears to be largely ceremonial as those versed in spellcraft don't see anything arcane or divine actually happening. For all the singing, dancing and instruments you don't notice any spirits or anything very spiritual really, although perhaps more fermented oat mash might help.
Finally there seems to be preparation underway for the final Ceremony of the Lake. The great drums are brought forward and the giant horns are placed in position.
Greebins mantains a respectful distance from the goatmen during the ceremonies, and stays away from the booze. Mostly he just observes for now.
Eleanor keeps her distance, she finds a semi-comfortable spot to watch the ceremony but keeps a vigilant eye on her surroundings. These people were devoted to their leader and if he ordered them to they would most likely turn into their enemy's once more.
Day 2 - Night
After the Circle Dance of the Elements, things seem to quiet down as people prepare for the final Battle Dance. As it is set up some of the shamans and elders tell stories about ancient goatling heroes, and regale those who would listen with mythological tales.
The giant horns and massive kettle drums are manned by their musicians. Golden Ram stands on his platform and waves his sceptre. Everyone seems to quiet down. He addresses the assembled group, speaking, strangely enough in both Goatling and your ancient Common tongue, speaking twice in both languages. You suspect he may be aided by magic.
"Normally it is not the place of the Chief to attend the Ceremony of the Lake, this is for the warriors to demonstrate their battle skills, to come here and with the shamans, find their spirit with nature, and in battle. This year is special. Fate has sent us visitors from lands far beyond our world. These visitors have tested our warriors in battle, and our warriors fought bravely. Those who fell in battle today will be remembered, and those who lived through the battles will teach others. It is important that we learn from these visitors, because beyond our lands there are others who would see us gone. The dwarves and their allies take from our forests and dig in the earth for its wealth. Our lands shrink slowly over time, because we cannot match their magic and powerful metal despite our battle skills. These visitors have shown us that we are behind the times. I will speak with the visitors in the morning and see if they are willing to help us in exchange for our aid to them. Before we look to the future we must celebrate our past, and honor our warrior spirit. The Ceremony of the Lake is many things, but the Battle Dance is the culmination of the event. Our ancestors look on and the spirits of the world will judge us poorly if we do not show bravery in battle, cunning and stealth, resilience, wisdom and fortitude. Let the world know that our ferocity is strong and that our enemies will tremble before our battle drums!"
With his final words, the drummers all at once begin a thunderous attack on their instruments. The ground shakes louder than ever before, and the mighty battle horns are sounded, in what is a near deafening blast. None of you can imagine a time or noise short of something magic, or that of a lot of exploding black powder, that something was so loud. The goatlings assemble and begin dancing their Battle Dance. Their is a manic, fierce frenzy to it. Their eyes seem to glaze over a bit, and their movements and footwork are sure and quick. The drums hammer out different beats, and the horns, both the huge ones and the smaller ones, accompany them. The power of the noise shakes the lake, and you can see the water at the edge of the shore vibrating as tiny droplets spring up on the surface and plink back down with each blast of the horn.
As the dance and noise reaches a crescendo, a patch of fog rolls in from the lake, heavier and denser than the mist that formed on the lake as the evening came and temperatures dropped. There is a sudden surge as the waves slap the shore higher and higher, and you hear a mighty roar come from the water. Something big in the water is coming ashore....
Greebins wonders to himself if the story of Immo relates to Goodwin in some way, but when the dance begins he finds himself irresistibly drawn to join in. He begins to lose himself in the dance when the waters surge and reacts to the danger, entering a stance and preparing to draw his blades.
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You only have to post on the main thread if your words or actions are of interest to the group as a whole.
Nathan sits engrossed in the ceremony and listens to Golden Ram. As the fog rolls in Nathan stands bow in hand and armors himself with magic.
"Be on guard brothers."
Lotham does likewise.
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Rechau has spent the entire time nervous. Unlike the others, he still did not entirely trust these creatures. Now with this evening's activities apparently summoning some great beast, he awaited its revelation.
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!"
Lotham looks expectantly at the turtle, unsure what sacrifice he could bring himself, but certain that someone would offer something.
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Greebins looks sightly embarrassed for a split second at his overreaction, but plays it off quickly. He stares at the Akluzzar in awe, unsure quite what to do. He then gets an idea and takes the turkey he and Nathan hunted earlier, and kneels before the turtle spirit with it in hand. "Ancient spirit, I know not what gift suits you, but please accept this. It is all I have to give."
It looks down at you and sniffs. A large slimy tongue writhes from its mouth, latching on to the turkey, and pulls it in, crunching it up and swallowing in a very short time.
"What is your name, fur bearing person?"
"I am Greebins Higgo, the name was given to me by my patron Goodwin."
In your mind you hear your name repeated back to you "Greebins Higgo. Feel free to reach out to me telepathically. I am not versed on all the languages spoken amongst you, but I believe I was able to know your name. Greebins Higgo, tell me more of this master that you mention and that others are telling me about with their minds. I am learning so much already."
Lotham carefully approaches behind Greebins. He offers a respectful bow and says "My name is Lotham."
In draconic, "My name is Nathan, great one. I am pleased the turkey we caught is to your liking."
Greebins, unfamiliar with telepathy, attempts to focus his thoughts at Akluzzar. "I am not entirely sure of his nature, as far as what sort of being he was. He was a metaphysically powerful being, and took us all in to see if we could learn to suppress our darker natures and become better than we were. He had a demiplane that we spent our time in, and it appears there has been a large gap in the flow of time between there and here. We learned he had been captured some milennia ago and have come to save him if such a thing is even possible. Much of that I only know second hand..."
It seems the turtle acknowledges your greetings.
"Lotham, Nathan, it is my pleasure to meet you, but please use the telepathy as it is so much more efficient. Nathan, your draconic is somewhat understandable to me, but even such an ancient language changes somewhat. I think we will do best using our minds."
"Greebins Higgo, I am beginning to understand the dilemma. As I receive information from your group, I am able to paint the picture of your plight. One goal is clear, you will not stop until you can save your master, but you have no way to find him, as any clues have been lost to the ravages of time. There are many immortal beings though, and they have access to lost information. Finding these beings, and coaxing them to spill their information can be done, but it is costly. The magic has expensive material components. I believe I could exercise such magic, if you were able to provide the wealth required to cast it."
"I do not leave my lake very often to explore the lands around here as they have little interest for me. Regarding communion with the gods, well that is a tricky question. I have many abilities, and I do have great powers of divination. I believe I can find the answers necesary. Tell me minotaur, do you seek what the others here seek?"
"Much of what you found valuable in your day is still the same. Gold, silver, gems, ivory, and other precious items are in great demand."
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"The gods are a fickle sort, and do not heed the call of a simple turtle such as myself. There are divinations that I can call upon however, extremely rare, that may open a dialogue with them."
Everything seems on the up and up.
"Indeed, the particular spell that I cast will require the equivalent of 5000 golden coins.
Lotham breathes a sigh of relief. This is a start. Can you hear my thoughts when I don't direct them at you, Akluzzar?
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"Your story is quite fascinating... I see plane shift, yes that spell is notoriously unreliable. That and the length of time passed explains why you are having such a hard time finding this temple, if it even stands. You may need to find someone skilled in divination. Luckily I can provide such services at a cost, as I have discussed with many. I can also offer to transport you as well with plane shift, noting is notorious unreliability. "
"Excellent!"
You get no sense that he can hear your thought unless you respond to the telepathic communication stream.
Lotham idly detects evil on Akluzzar.
The turtle does not radiate evil.
Lotham nods to himself. As the turtle returns to the lake and the later evening approaches, Lotham avails himself of one of the previously offered/made shelters and lays down to sleep for the night.
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.
"I'll wait outside while those who've taken to the language better meet with the leader." Eleanor says to her group.
"I would like to speak with him. However, I have not learned goatling."
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Lotham makes his way to the area near the tent, but does not attempt to enter or get too close until he sees more of Goodwin's children preparing to enter, in which case he will join them.
Nathan follows Lotham and waits outside the tent with him, until they are invited in.
Lotham makes his way to the area near the tent, but does not attempt to enter or get too close until he sees more of Goodwin's children preparing to enter, in which case he will join them.
Both of you are outside the tent, and there probably some others milling about who will be joined as well.
Rechau will wander the camp. He still does not trust the events so far. Too much information is from single sources. He will wait for Lotham and Nathan to come back.