If we can't tell where the main logging camp is, we'll just follow along at about 90ft back.
The group follows the team of men at a distance of 90'. They don't move very fast with their laden team of horses. The reach the camp after a bit, and warn ahead of time that you are coming behind them. The entire camp is arrayed in front of several buildings when you close the distance. Most of them have their weapons out, largely axes or pikes, but many have bows and crossbows.
A burly bearded fellow bangs open the door from one of the buildings and steps red faced into the clearing, pressing through the crowd and moving to its front. He carries no weapons aside from a big knife on his belt. He steps out ahead of the group, as everyone seems to look to him. You suspect he must be in charge. He looks pretty big for a human, and as a logger probably has the physique to back it up. His giant bushy beard and messy hair complete the image. If his clothes were shabbier he might be a crazed mountain main. He calls out to the group "Hoi!" which you suspect must be some sort of greeting.
Quercus, they don't seem to be threatened by trees. You wanna take a Crack at explaining our situation?
Following along with the others and seeing the large and possibly in charge human greeting them in what appears to be a somewhat friendly manner Snow waves excitedly at the large man "Hello!" she chirps back hoping that he was in fact greeting them and that perhaps he would understand that she was doing the same.
Goggh waves, smiling innocently, and says Roy!!!!, trying to greet the man back and mispronouncing completely what he said. He steps back, shy, letting the not so menacing others try to approach and communicate.
Quercus shakes some of his leaves. "Ok, lets do this."
Steping slowly towards the leader and holding limbs upright and encouraging Mr Gibbons to act out some playful antics, he will utter back "HOI!!" Then bowing politely and motioning to the people behind he will hold his palms out.
Casting Goodberry and offering the picked berries to the people.
The foreman grimaces, but everyone seems to be watching him as Quercus offers the berries. The foreman steps forward and takes them from his (wooden?) hand. He seems to offer thanks, but doesn't eat them perhaps thinking them poisoned or enchanted.
He seems to look at the group and says something in the modern tongue. You can't understand it but the basic idea is he is asking what you want.
"Go ahead." Vamik gives Quercus a nudge to urge him on in talking. "I'll be ready with a silent image to help you out."
"Well, you people probably cannot understand me, but I am here with my friends seeking help. We are lost people from another time and place. We need to find our master. We are looking to join a new society so that we can do this."
The people don't seem to understand. The foreman shrugs his shoulders and looks at the group.
Silent Image:
The group of adventurers stands in a field. A portal opens up and whisks the whole party into it. Immediately, the field is empty. The sun and moon begin turning over head rapidly. As they speed to a blur, the seasons change rapidly over and over again. forests grow and a small logging camp appears in the now forested field. Then the seasons slow, the sun and moon become visible again. The portal reopens, and the adventurers come out back into the field. The look cold and hungry, but have angelic halos around their heads. People emerge from the logging camp with food and offer it to the adventurers. The adventurers bestow blessings of healing and light upon the loggers and sit at a table eating merrily with them. The scene changes and they head down the road with determination. The loggers wave as the adventurers depart.
The people watch it for a bit and talk among themselves.
After a bit of conferring the foreman steps forward and indicates that you follow him. Several men run ahead into a side building and a bunch of people come out. As your group get there the foreman leads you inside. The building is cramped for Goggh, but ok enough for the others, it seems like a small office building. The foreman indicates you to wait there. Some people come back with water and a little food.
You are left inside alone for a bit while they stand outside talking in low voices.
"Ok everyone, any of you have cure light wounds learned? I have extracts, but they only work on me. They might bring us wounded to heal. I also have mending prepared, so that's an option as well. If you can still prepare spells today, we might be able to fill their needs."
Day 4 - Afternoon
Eventually the people walk away, and you are left to wonder what to do. Within an hour they come back to check on your and hold their hands in front of you in a sort of 'wait here' motion and nod at you in an ok? expression?
"Interesting. Well, it seems they are not hostile which is good. I've been trying to pick up on what they are saying. I think with a bit of time I could get the hang of their language. If I had to guess, I'd say it's some offshoot of Taldane, but with a bit of the gruffness of Orc."
Goggh doesn't say much. He's tired and praying to Irori in every chance, in silence.
[dice=Linguistics check to note to origins of the language, and maybe make out a few words]1d20+10
It is extremely difficult considering how many thousands of years have passed, you hear some syllables of course and what you think are familar sounding words, but they don't make any sense on context, and leaves you somewhat confused.
After a long while, there is a light knock at the door, and it is opened and standing in the door is a tall cloaked figure, wearing a dark cloak, much like you saw on the people riding on a griffon.
The person steps into the building and nods, and looks about. "Mmm. MMhm."
He motions you outside and once outside, the person point to all of you and points to the south, and holds out one hand, and using the other makes a little walking motion with his two fingers, indicating he wants you to perhapds walk or travel in that direction. He draws on the ground with a stick and wavy line that ends in round wiggly circle. Next to the circle he draws an X, and points to you all and the X and himself, and says something that you take to be "Let's go."
Vamik, you carefully focus on the words and syllables and put them into your mind, trying to parse the language slowly. It will be tricky, but you hope by more interaction you can build a crude catalog of words.
The rider moves over to some trees and whistles and a griffon steps into view. He mounts up and points at you and to the south as he the sky.
The paladin tries to focus on the words as well, but he's far from being as intelligent as his companion.
He smiles to the tall cloaked figure (human?) - first showing his teeth, then slowly closing the mouth to hide it and use only the lips.
Goggh you focus on the words too. It is clear everyone will probably need to learn the new languages at some point. It makes sense to start practicing.
"Well, that was fortuitous! A mysterious traveler, pointing out where we should go. I have a feeling some of our party has been a bit more lucky than us. Either they found some leads for finding Goodwin, and want us all to meet there, or it's a trap. At this point, I'd settle for a trap. Shall we be off?"
Vamik bows graciously to any loggers in the area. "Thank you for your hospitality. You have been most kind. A lesser group of people would have run us out of town. Maybe someday we can come back and repay you."
"So, south along the river I suppose. I'm guessing there's a lake up ahead, and Cloaky wants us to meet him there. Snow, did you see it while flying? Any idea how long it will take us to get there?"
Vamik begins setting off to the south.
The group heads out from the logging camp. The people there all gathered and looking on quizzically but seem to be hurriedly packing up their belongings and gathering their teams of horses strangely.
You head downriver and follow the rider on its griffon as it wheels about and keeps you in view.
You travel for quite a few hours and it starts to get late. As the sun sets you see ahead through the hills what appears to be a lake with civilization around it. The water reflects the sun away from you, but you see its cast on the dark waters. You know you are close and darkness is less than an hour away, you may arrive at night but it must be where the rider is leading the group.
After a time longer of trudging dutifully you lose sight of the rider due to the darkness, but press on knowing the lake is ahead and your destination.
Before arriving, you hear the hustle and bustle of many people. You pick up some trails and have been using them for a while, well traveled by other loggers and miners and the like. You break from the trail you are on and into an open area, and see large groups of people gathered at a lakeside. You see they are trying to board vessels lined up at some docks. The walls of a mighty fort joined a sheer cliff face to the north and run to the river ending in a huge tower bristling with guards and ballistas and some large reflective concave lights, they use as spot light beams. Across the river gap that opens into a lake, another twin tower, the same guards the river entrance. Attached to that tower is a wall that runs south and east into the darkness beyond view. Torches and lanterns are everywhere illuminating the boarding area. You even catch sight of other brothers and sisters of Goodwin. Zarissa goes to join them.
Several cloaked figures approach you, looking the same as the one who led you here. One of them pulls out a wand and points at her mouth and at yours and the wand, as if to cast a spell to understand each other.
"I can take the spell. I am ready."
They invoke the wand and cast it on Quercus and place a hand on his limb.
"You can now speak and understand our language for twenty four hours. We will attempt to find you a boat to cross to the lake and into the town. The Thain has requested that all of your people be quartered in the fort tonight, and given audience tomorrow. I am Marshal Navica."
Marshal Navica is a medium build, woman with olive skin and almond shaped eyes. Her hair is dark red and tied in a long braid. She carries herself confidently, and walks back over to the boat area where people are jockeying for positions and she talks to the people in charge there. She returns shortly and announces. "Ok, you are going over tonight, we have room for you on a small barge of supplies. No one else wants to ride with you. Prepare to board."
"Thank you Marshal Navica. We are ready to board any time. Where are we exactly, and where are we going? What is happening here?"
Goggh looks confused, scratching his head and looking at both Quercus and the man. "At least the wand didn't kill my friend!" - he thinks.
Snow looks excitedly between the woman and Quercus as the two begin speaking excited to see that at least Quercus can converse with the humans and that at the very least nothing the woman has said so far has seemed to give Quercus reason to worry. Not entirely sure of the specifics of the conversation Snow merely busys herself with looking over the human woman quite curios about just about everything about her though clearly just a bit too wary to actually approach. "Humans are so interesting"
Vamik is beside himself with excitement. Finally, civilization! He cranes is small neck to see farther into the fort. "Do you see that? Look at those lights. That's a clever invention, focusing the light like that. Ohh, I'd bet my whiskers that they have decent alchemy reagents here. And the others are already here! Yes, this will do quite nicely. I feel like we are finally gaining a foothold to begin our mission. I wonder what the other's have discovered. Quercus, ask them if they have an apothecary in town. No, ask them if they have a mage's academy. No wait, see if they sell wondrous items. And where's the best place to get a drink in town? How many others are here? Where can we meet them? You know what, never mind. Just do your thing, I must exercise patience, isn't that right Goggh?" Vamik begins pacing back and forth impatiently.
Marshal Navica response to Quercus. "You are in Cliffort, well at the edge of it. We are responsible for guarding the outer territories here. Cliffort provides a base for the logging, mining, quarrying, hunting and trapping that occurs in this region. Good come down the river to this fort, across the lake and to the town where they are either sent further downstream or used by the inhabitants. "
"Currently, all that is being disrupted. Our griffon riding scouts have determined that a small army of giants, and other humanoids are about a week out, perhaps less. They are likely to set their sights on the fort and surrounding area. All the logging and mining camps have been evacuated, and all the refugees are here to cross the lake to safety of the fort, or further downstream. In the hills beyond here live tribes of goat people, they have arrived seeking asylum as well. In addition, your other people have been coming in groups big and small. We are ferrying people over all day and night to get everyone in. We have instructions to work with you and your people as well, despite your monstrous appearances. Despite that, many of the regular people are still at unease, so we have been transporting you over with priority to get you out of the way. "
"What's he saying Quercus? Are hot meals and free wine waiting for us?"
"She said the following: 'You are in Cliffort, well at the edge of it. We are responsible for guarding the outer territories here. Cliffort provides a base for the logging, mining, quarrying, hunting and trapping that occurs in this region. Good come down the river to this fort, across the lake and to the town where they are either sent further downstream or used by the inhabitants. "
"Currently, all that is being disrupted. Our griffon riding scouts have determined that a small army of giants, and other humanoids are about a week out, perhaps less. They are likely to set their sights on the fort and surrounding area. All the logging and mining camps have been evacuated, and all the refugees are here to cross the lake to safety of the fort, or further downstream. In the hills beyond here live tribes of goat people, they have arrived seeking asylum as well. In addition, your other people have been coming in groups big and small. We are ferrying people over all day and night to get everyone in. We have instructions to work with you and your people as well, despite your monstrous appearances. Despite that, many of the regular people are still at unease, so we have been transporting you over with priority to get you out of the way. '"
"Oooo, I've never fought giants before. But I have plenty of practice sparing with Goggh." Vamik begins circling Goggh and jabbing at the air toward him. "You up for some grab and stab buddy?"
While Goggh always appreciated playing and training with Vamik and friends, the whole idea of violence wasn't attractive to him. The paladin of Irori smiled to Vamik and Quercus.
- Goggh hopes it doesn't come to violence! Maybe we can reason with them too.
That said, he sit back heavily. He grunted in agreement to the human, but it probably sounded more terrifying than he'd like it to be.
Day 4 - evening
Your group is assigned a small barge with some supplies. Marshal Navica makes sure you get on board and the barge pushes off slowly, and carried by the current slowly towards the gap between the towers. The giant reflected light beams down to keep you within its light. As you approach the gap between the towers, crossbows and ballistas are aimed at you. Your barge pilot, a small old gnarled man, calls up in a cracked voice to the towers and there is a massive metallic clanking as huge gears and chains somewhere within lower something in the water. The watery gap between the towers churns and froths as some defensive mechanism under the water is lowered as the barge floats through. Shortly there after the noise repeats as the device returns. The spotlight keeps you in its beam and you are met by a small armored patrol boat soon, which escorts your closer to the shore.
You can see the village now surrounding the lake. On the north shore, lit by a smattering of torches and street lanterns you see the streets of houses, shops, and other buildings hunched in the looming shadow of the sheer cliff face. In the cliff face itself you see apartments and other abodes carved into the rock. balconies and windows look out over the lake. The south shore of the lake contains a village as well, the buildings a little less nice, but they sit in the shadow of a wall which encircles the south shore to the east where it meets the dam.
The lake is filled with all manner of boats, barges, skiffs and ferries, as well as massive log jams. Most of the logs have been floated to the southern shore where they wait to be sent downstream past the dam through a series of locks. Even at night, nimble halfling log jumpers hop from log to log, using hooked spikes to move the logs about, lining them up and unjamming stuck ones.
Your barge puts in at one of the berths in the north side village. Several marshals meet you there along with a large unit of heavily armored and armed dwarven guards. A small group of dockworkers waits nervously for you to disembark so they can get on with unloading the cargo.
The marshals pay the boat pilot, and motion for you to follow them. Word of your arrival travels fast apparently. "We will take you to your quarters for the evening. Follow us."
From bumbling through the wilderness and struggling with communicating with the loggers you enter a new world where you are escorted around. Despite being night, the village is alive and busy. If the impending attack is true, evidence can be seen here. People are moving goods around, and you hear the pounding, clinking and tapping of industry even at this hour as items are forged, defenses are increased.
Quercus follows along quietly. Waving to people as they travel, and keeping an eye on Mr Gibbons.
Vamik waits, watches, and takes special care to note possible escape routes should the need arise.
@Vamik:
You see quite a few potential escape routes, including a dash for the water, but security is heavy. Getting to cover and making a break before being riddled with bolts from the heavy crossbows of the heavily armored dwarven escort would be a gamble. You are probably faster than they are, but they know the area, and there are patrol boats and in all likelihood they could call in a small army of reinforcements in seconds to minutes.
--
Day 4 - Night
The group is led through the winding streets toward the cliff face and eventually to a giant set of reinforced steel doors that access the interior of the fort. The doors swing open silently for all their great bulk. A contingent of additional guards at the gate ensures that everything is in order with your dwarven escort and the marshals and you are ushered inside. The marshals leave you and you are met by another escort of dwarves once inside. A surly and sullen dwarven commander grunts at you and motions you forward.
Within a heavy portcullis is raised and you step into a gauntlet where you can see a drop floor, murder holes in the walls and ceiling where all sorts of death can be distributed to would be invaders. Another set of inner gates and portcullises is opened after the outer gates are shut. You proceed inside the fort where you are led down many tunnels and passages.
Your dwarven escort takes you through many doors, up and down stairs and through tunnels so low and narrow that Goggh has to stoop much of the time and even proceed slowly to squeeze through some gaps.
Eventually you are led to a solid door and it is unlocked. Within, it appears to have been set up as a sort of guest quarters. Several beds are inside, and few have been pushed together ostensibly for Goggh. A table with stool and a washbasin are there for clean up. Food and water are present. Chamberpots are stacked in the corner with a screen. The place has not been decorated and looks quite spartan and barren. There are no windows.
The dwarven commander with the unit of dwarves escorting you grunts "Ok, here is your quarters for the night. Like the rest of you, the Thain will see you in the morning and request your aid in the fight against the giants." He waves his hand in some sort of farewell, dismissive brush motion. The door is closed and sentries seem to be posted outside.
Well you are guests, but it seems like you may also be prisoners as it seem likely you are not to leave or wander the halls.
Goggh looks at the beds pushed together and lets out a smile.
Goggh is thankful! - he says, still not quite knowing how to speak the dwarven language.
The ogre didn't mind all the small space and squeezing; he was genuinely happy that the Humans and Dwarves were not taking him for another giant and trying to pierce him with their sharp weapons.
He sits on the floor, close to the beds, and taps them gently. Maybe they were prisoners, but would these walls contain them for long? He doesn't think so. He scratches his head. They need Goggh. Goggh maybe needs them more. - he thought, then he slowly let his head go over the beds.
Goggh is worried for his new friends. And Goggh misses old friends. - he says to Vamik and the others, with a sad voice.
"Cheer up! This is progress. Tomorrow we will meet with this Thain character, and be reunited with our brothers and sisters. In the mean time, we could get to know each other a bit better. I don't have any pressing plans. You? In fact, this place reminds me of home. I was in the dungeons of Sothis for a time in my previous life."
The group lies in their room, slowly falling asleep. You wake at various times, not sure exactly what time it is as there are no windows. Eventually you feel rested enough and wake, and freshen up. There is food and water still for breakfast, and eventually there is a knock at the door.
Day 5 - Morning
The knock comes and a dwarven commander enters the room. (Translating via Quercus) "The lot of you are summoned to audience with the Thain. No weapons, no pets, no magic." He motions the group along and you are escorted by a heavily armored and armed group of dwarves through tunnels, passages and many locked and guarded doors.
In a short while, the group is led into a room with the Thain. It looks to be set up as a war room. Maps and charts and papers are all over various tables. The room is large and spacious. You notice the Thain right away. He has dark hair, somewhat graying, and looks very no nonense. His long thick beard is braided in four parts, each braid kept in a golden band with valuable jewels. His armor is silvery and highly ornate, etched and inlaid. His head is bare; with no crown or helm. He seems to be reviewing some of the maps, but has paused as your group is filed into the room under heavy guard. Next to the Thain is another dwarf, shorter but portlier. This dwarf too wears armor, although it is clear this armor while excellently maintained has seen quite the number of battles. A large symbol of twin axes hangs from his neck. Other dwarves, officers of the guard or military units are also here offering counsel as the plan for the attack. Twenty or more guards encircle the room and stand at the tables front and back. They are heavily armored and wield loaded heavy crossbows in addition to an arsenal of other weapons, axes, hammers, spears and picks. The commander bows to the Thain, the officers and the other important dwarf and leaves the room with the escort unit.
The Thain speaks and welcomes you in your langauge, perhaps augmented by magic, "I Thain Yarvik Ironfirst IV welcome you to the Nordron Holdings, on behalf of King Karl Thunderforge." The formal greeting ended, he looks over your group. "This is High Priest Stonehammer, priest of Clangeddin. These are my officers. Your group arrived last night. Others of your people have also arrived last night and this morning. The goat people have also arrived and will all be housed safely here, and it is my wish that they help us in the defense of these lands. We will drive back these giants and their rabble and make them wish they had not stepped from their cursed homes. I understand that your people seek to find your lost mentor. We can assist in that if you swear allegiance to me and fight for us."
"Thain Ironfist, thank you for welcoming us into your land. Too bad it had to under threat of war. I am inclined to consider fighting for your cause, but I do have a few questions. If I may...
First, this conflict does not surprise me. By now you must have heard of our predicament, and our, for lack of a better term, old age. Even in our day, dwarves and giants fought unceasingly. It seems little has changed in that regard. Though I must ask, is this current battle part of the age old war, or is there some quest they are on. Perhaps vengeance?
Second, I need assurance that my friend Goggh here won't be accidentally targeted by your forces.
Third, where is the battle to take place?
Thank you for your patience."
The Thain looks at the ratfolk for a moment. "It is no secret the giants and dwarves have never gotten along. The difference is we try to live peaceably where we can, and the giants take what they feel is theirs because they are stronger and bigger. Fire giants are particularly cruel and warlike. Of course they will call it vengeance for some imagined slight."
"The ogre will not be targeted if he acts like a civilized person and looks it too. Most ogres stink and wear skins and garbage."
"The battle will come to the walls of the fort. Many of your people have volunteered to take the offensive to the giants though, scouting into the mountains between here and their smaller groups and attacking them before they reach these walls. Those that make it here will meet a stalwart defense and be destroyed."
"Well met Thain. We are willing to help I believe, but we may not be strong enough to attack giants. Maybe we can assist by attacking some weaker enemies."
To Quercus everything seems to be moving so fast.