"It has pride and majesty. If we kill it, we disrupt a sacred balance."
"I have hunger," Bashuk grumbles. "It's just a goat, the 'sacred balance' wouldn't even know it's missing. Weird druid stuff, as if nature doesn't like wolves same as it likes goats."
"M-Maybe next time? It'd compliment...whatever Igaz had pulled up." Nikolai mutters, nodding towards the countess. "If the Countess would not mind, I would enjoy your company tonight. You are the new ruler of the county and Ustalav is hungry to know more about you. I would enjoy learning the answers of a few of those questions."
The party awakes to a cool morning upon the mountains' lower slopes, but the rising Belkzen sun promises to grow baking before long. Fortunately, the hike ahead of you promises to carry you into a more alpine reach, where the height and fog will provide a shield against the harsh sun.
The air grows more chill and the light dimmer as you climb the mountain, following the untiring Igaz. After several hours, though, he stops to scan a plateau spreading out before you. He squints into the distance, then begins to excitedly hop up and down.
"There! There! Big rock!" he shouts, pointing at something ahead.
Following him across the alpine plateau, you quickly see what has him excited. A large upthrust of rock rising from the ground like a monolith, leaning against a heap of rubble that keeps it leaning at a precarious angle. Lichens cover its surface, giving it a pale, greenish hue.
Valeska looks around, sizing up whatever could be used as landmarks... Damned if I know, but it looks unique enough.
Bashuk shrugs. "We've followed Igaz this far, a bit late to start doubting him now. Lead on, goblin."
Nikolai stops for just a moment as Igaz's excitement grows, his eyes widening as he looks upon the stone. Moving up quickly beside the countess, he speaks softly and gestures towards it.
"Lady Talanova, this is not a natural rock. Minerals like this are not common to this area. It look...like stonework, like a fallen statue. We may be close to the actual destination." Nikolai will hurry over towards the fallen stone, examining around it for anything else unusual. Dwarves were notoriously good craftsman and if there was an entrance somewhere, it may be here.
Igaz brings us the stuff of legend, neh?
Valeska is pleased, their trust in the Goblin bore fruit. The county will be blessed and thrive with resources and allies.
Nikolai spots the next clue even before Igaz can find it again. A ventilation shaft is cleverly hidden among the local rocks. Whilst they might be mistaken for natural fissures at a glance, Nikolai readily identifies them as being designed and carved by expert craftsmen.
"Yes yes! This dwarf hole!" your goblin guide confirms. "I climb down, get stuck, hear dwarf voices below!"
Eyeing the fissue skeptically, Bashuk clears her throat. "If there've been dwarves down there for...gods, I don't know how long, centuries I guess...I don't think it'd be smart to just let ourselves into their home. Think we could deliver a message to them somehow? I dunno if dropping a introduction down the hole would be found very quickly.
"I speak Dwarven. If we can gain the attention of the dwarves, I could speak to them quite easily." Nikolas pipes up after Valda asks for who can speak their tongue. Bashuk's worries though are repeated in his own expression as he looks down the vent. "I am also worried to a degree; dwarves are known for their isolationist tendencies. Cut off from the world and dealing only with enemies, it is possible that they could've radicalized and grown to have more violent reactions to intruders."
Looking over the cleverly disguised ventilation shaft, he frowned a bit and looked to the others. "I could write a letter?"
Well, the way I see it, we are going to have to investigate at some point. And, I don't really favor the idea that they have managed to survive all this time with no trade or food... Either way, nothing is really getting done if we stand and discuss.
The group seemed split but himself, Valda, and Bashuk all seemed to be in agreement that sliding down into a vent into a dwarven home uninvited with no easy way out seemed to be a particularly dangerous idea. Heading to a nearby rock, he would begin to write out a letter with incredibly quick fervor and skill. The Dwarven was written in an eloquent fashion. A candle sat nearby, gently lit not for heat or light but to create a gentle pool of wax to seal the letter once ready. In the note, it said...
"To the gracious lords and ladies underneath,
My name is Nikolai Lukresh, graduate of Lepidstadt Univeristy and consultant to the noble Countess Valeska Talanova of Canterwall. We heard news that your hold, through the determination that only dwarves could muster, still survived here in the Tusk Mountains. We wish to make connections with you to both our mutual benefits but we do not wish to intrude upon your home uninvited.
Up above, you shall see the vent that our guide heard the voices of your people through and that we later discovered. In a month's time, we shall return to either continue correspondence if you are able to reply to us up here on the surface or to descend down into the depths below if we receive no correspondence.
We hope that the County of Canterwall may be allies to you and yours, to stand against the dangers of the Hold and create a better tomorrow."
Nikolai would show it to the Countess and the others, letting them put their opinion on it before sealing it with wax and letting it slip down the cracks of the vent down below.
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Igaz covers his eyes when Nikolai begins to write, afraid that the words might steal the thoughts from his brain. However, his look becomes gleeful as the letter is deposited down the ventilation shaft, as the goblin guide is delighted by the idea of draining the thoughts out of dwarven brains.
For now, yours becomes a game of waiting: waiting for the letter to be found, discussed, and acted upon by the unseen inhabitants of the long-forgotten dwarf hold hidden deep beneath your feet.
"So...do we just come back later? Feels like we should leave a gift or something behind if we do, yeah?" Bashuk fidgets a bit impatiently, though she's pleased that her suggestion met a welcome reception.
"While I'm not sure what predators or other dangers may linger here, I wish not to draw anymore attention to this vent. When we return in a month, we will bring gifts then." Nikolai suggests, looking back towards the others. "Shall we return back to the encampment now? I'm not sure searching up here will provide anything else worthwhile."
This vent is not a point of entry. Igaz, slight as he is got stuck.
I would think there is a way in, at least large enough for Dwarves. Let's search a little.
This vent is not a point of entry. Igaz, slight as he is got stuck.
I would think there is a way in, at least large enough for Dwarves. Let's search a little.
"As you wish Countess. I would suggest we split into teams of four with no greater distance between us than fifty feet. We can search over the area and see if we can discover a proper entrance." Nikolai said with a bow of his head, though he felt the idea was dangerous. Another cold night upon the mountain did not appeal to his sensibilities and dwarves were known for their cleverness. Yet the accolades of helping reconnect with a long lost hold of dwarves, let alone one of possible legend? He could not deny that the risk was well worth it.
"Marshal Kain!" Nikolai shouted to the man who kept an eye out on the area around them. "W-would you join me in searching this area of the mountain? I would appreciate your strong arm and Valere's noble stature in case I fall into trouble."" The scholar would offer the best smile he could to the military veteran before taking a moment to fix up a catalyst. After a minute of time, he would push a small coffee being into the extract and shake it up. It would fizzle and bubble, the smell wafting into the air before he took a drink of it and shook his head hard.
"Wow. Okay, I'm ready." Nikolai would muster, smiling at his friend before making his way along the path.
The task ahead of you is no mean feat. The lost hold of Gerduhm has remained hidden for centuries uncounted. Thus, you attempt no less than finding the unfindable.
You spend several hours combing the mountainside, looking for any greater sign of the hold beyond the ventilation shaft or the lichen-shrouded statue. However, it is not some cleverly disguised door that you discover first, but rather you spot a lone figure watching you from a perch atop a jagged outcropping.
Careful observation reveals that instead of an orc, goblin, or mere beast, this is likely a dwarven scout dispatched to identify the deliverers of the mysterious letter.
Kain spots the figure and gives a nod.
Nikolai, I believe whoever is down there has found your letter. I also owe you a meal I think. If they are living. I'd also wager they are more than wary of us. Considering they have yet to approach.
He turns with a smile.
Should I say hello? It may be accented, but I do know a fair bit of dwarven.
Greetings, Earth-Warden... we come in peace and wish to trade.
Say that to them... or something along those lines. Respect and business.
It had almost seemed that the journey had been for naught when he heard Kain's voice over the chill winds that only began to grow with more bite as the hours passed. Turning his attention towards the approaching figure, he would narrow his eyes somewhat and try to make out any details of the figure that approached. "They may have magical protections or invisible comrades, marshal. Do not assume it is just the one." Nikolai mutters out as he peers at the approaching figure.
Nodding at the countess, he would bravely take a step forward and think about the countless books on dwarven forging, artificing, and culture that was logged within Lepidstadt. It was impossible to read their technical books without also learning something about their culture and ways of being. When he spoke, the dwarven fell smoothly off of his tongue with only the slightest touch of his Ustavalic accent peeking through.
<"Greetings, son of Torag! I am Nikolai Lukresh and I speak on behalf of the benevolent Countess Valeska Talanova and her most honorable retinue. We come seeking peace and trade, a most benevolent exchange between our communities. May we have the honor of greeting you and yours as friends?>
Bashuk stays quiet and still, extremely self-conscious about her orcish appearance and aware that her mere presence could complicate the diplomacy.
Nikolai spots a crossbow laid upon the rock beside the scout. Although it is within reach, it is not currently in hand. He also sees leather armor beneath the scout's stone-colored cloak.
There is too much distance between the party and the scout for Valda to get a precise reckoning of the dwarven scout from her divinely attuned senses. She can tell that he or she carries something enchanted, but the aura is so muddled by range that it is hard to pinpoint. Furthermore, she does not recognize any hints of malevolence from the scout.
Nikolai's translation of Valeska's introduction echoes off the mountainside, carrying across towards the scout's perch. No response is immediately forthcoming, leaving the mountain wind to fill the silence for a time. The scout does not leave their elevated perch, but neither do they reach for their crossbow.
Finally, a woman's husky voice sails down from the outcropping.
<"You travel with a goblin and an orc. We would not have enemies learn our location. Why should we trust you?">
The scout is clearly wary, but your initial overture ensures that you still have her ear.
Silverwing cocks his head to the side, curious he attempts to walk closer to the dwarf, however is stopped by Kain, who tells him to stay. In a small attempt to show his displeasure, he immediately sits, nearly dumping the poor cavalier from his back.
After collecting himself, and standing to the side of Valere, with only a mild glare, he returns his attention to the dwarf before calling up.
Well, the goblin is the one that lead us here. As for Bashuk, she has proven a capable ally, and her people of different cut than most Orcs. We seek no trouble as we are here on behalf of a burgeoning barony within Ustalv, not terribly far from here all things considered. We seek allies and trading partners. And perhaps, to tell the world your hold yet lives. Though, if you do not wish that, none of us will utter a word.
Kain's contribution to the party's diplomatic appeal serves to allay the scout's concerns. She rises from her prone position, shoulder her crossbow, and climbs down from the rocky perch.
<"I hope you don't expect this to earn you a guaranteed welcome,"> she says as she alights upon the rocky, alpine field that you stand on.
<"I'm just a mere lookout, not the High Oathkeeper. My duty is to assess the danger you pose, so the oathkeepers can decide how to respond. For what it's worth, I don't think you have to worry about finding yourselves on the deadly end of a battery of these,"> she says, patting her crossbow.
Nikolai murmurs quietly to Valda what is being discussed between the parties, acting quickly as a translator for the paladin. When the dwarven woman stands up and shoulders her crossbow, he lets out a held breath and gives a faint nod towards the woman.
"<We would never assume such a thing. Your hold has held together for who knows how long now, we are honored to even have a chance to meet you and your kin.>" Nikolai says with a smile, gesturing to the others with them. "<We were searching for a proper entrance, in case our message was not found so we could offer a chance to negotiate and peace in the coming years. If we are not to be afforded a chance to speak with the oathkeepers for now, I am certain we can come to an agreement of how to communicate with one another? Our barony is some distance from here but we are interested in pushing into the hold and reclaiming what Canterwall has lost.>"
Nikolai looks back to the countess and the others, waiting to see if those who traveled with him had anything else to say or wished to correct him. The hopeful scholar was putting himself out there, eager for a chance to join the new noblewoman's court and see what their impact in Ustalav could be.
The scout sits down on a small, flat stone. She wipes her brow and sighs.
"<Even with good intentions, you have no idea how much commotion you've caused downstairs. By Dranngvit's hound, how did you even find us? We've been hidden for one hundred generations.">
After a pause, she remembers her manners and introduces herself as Vreya Grayhand.
<"I can't show you the entrance. I have strict orders to that effect. I will relay your intentions to High Oathkeeper Moradan. He'll discuss the matter with Oathkeeper Faldar and the rest of the council of priests. The only thing I can promise is that it will be a slow deliberation. Unless you're keen on spending weeks camped on the mountainside, you may want to go home and return later.">
Valeska bows her head towards the scout, accepting this new information.
We are exactly as we said we are. I only wonder how isolated they have been for one hundred "Dwarven" generations. Is it possible they know nothing of Canterwall at all?
The current state of threats, politics and geographies around them? We could leave a map, Nikolai?
We will invite them to come to Canterwall, cautioning them to all the possible threats along the way, as well as allies.
Nikolai translated for those who could not understand Vreya's words before listening to the Countess and giving a nod. If they had been hidden for that long and isolated, it would mean that they would have no real idea to the current state of the world and the politics that exist around them. There was also the potential of all the books and knowledge that had been saved within it. Nikolai could barely contain his excitement.
"Of course Countess, I will provide an idea of how to reach us safely." Nikolai says before turning his attention to the dwarf before them. "<Vreya Grayhand, may I approach? We wish to leave you with an idea of how to reach us should you or your elders wish to.>" With her permission, he approaches and describes the way to Canterwall with great detail. If necessary, he takes out ink and quill and quickly makes a document for her to reference.
Vreya accepts the proffered gift. Assuming the map is not handed over sealed, she hazards a look at it and spends a couple minutes staring at the map. At first, you assume she is trying to decipher the layout and legend. Soon, though, you realize she is likely trying to get a glimpse of the world beyond her mountain. She, like untold generations within the hold, have likely never strayed more than a mile or two from their hidden sanctuary - if they have left at all.
<"I can only pray to Kols that, if the Oathkeeper Council agrees to send representatives, I am entrusted with the responsibility of guiding them towards this Canterwall of yours,"> Vreya says, quietly excited about the prospect of venturing into the unknown.
There are dangers known and unknown, warn her... the sortee must be small enough to avoid and evade - yet, strong enough in number to overcome.
I wonder if they will send her among the party's number. They will be welcome in Canterwall.
The countess cannot help but smile.
Kain nods with the others. Then as an after thought, he adds.
By the by, I would suggest you warn your people about heating arguments near such vents as the one we passed out letter through. I believe that is how this goblin figured out your hiding spot. Though, the likelihood he would have found a real entrance is... unlikely. That said, having dwarven allies would be most welcome. There are few you can trust as well as a dwarf, and fewer still you can rely on in times of trouble. I am curious, how do your people provide sustenance? What is it you eat? And do you have any questions about the world at large?
At this point, Kain starts to make casual talk. His curiosity caught by this isolated dwarven hold.
The revelation that a random goblin eavesdropping down a ventilation shaft is what led to the hold's discovery leaves Vreya quite shaken. She is only somewhat relieved that the ones led back are so friendly.
<"Gerduhm is not a very large hold,"> Vreya explains, eager to distract her worries by changing the subject. <"We presently number only 108 in all. The Oathkeepers, with their daily prayers to Kols, are able to provide a fair bit of sustenance. This is supplemented by farming mushrooms and tubers that do not require light, as well as raising small herds of mountain goats and sheep on plateaus that are inaccessible from outside Gerduhm.">
She also reveals that the High Oathkeeper and his inner circle use their magic to keep in contact with members of their order living in other holds and Sky Citadels. Thus, they are not entirely out of touch when it comes to the affairs of the wider world. They are aware of the broad strokes of history that have unfolded during their isolation, such as the death of Aroden, the defeat and imprisonment of the Whispering Tyrant in Gallowspire, the splintering of the human empires of Taldor and Cheliax, and so forth.
Nikolai happily translates, enlightens, and teaches others whether it be about the dwarves that his comrades have or when the dwarf seems slightly out of place. It is a position that the scholar seems quite comfortable in, educating without making one feel like a fool.
Valeska takes a hesitant step forward. She begins to speak directly to the Dwarfess, trusting Nikolai will translate.
Vreya, may I approach?
If the scout seems willing, Valeska will slowly reach to take the girl's hand gently into both of her own.
I'm Valeska, thank you for the allowed... hospitality.
Please tell the Oathkeepers, that Canterwall is rebuilding and in need of allies, artisans, miners and 'smiths. We intend on establishing a trade route to revitalize commerce.
We are in need of and at... your service.
With those last sincere words, Valeska bows slightly and gently releases Vreya's hand, should she be holding it.
Bashuk blinks in surprise when Vreya volunteers that the dwarves number barely more than a hundred. They're going to be inbred fools--if they aren't already--and then die out. That's too few to survive even if we hadn't come along.
She keeps those thoughts to herself, since uncomfortable truths from an orc likely wouldn't be welcome.
Vreya is locked in confused, awkward silence as Valeska approaches. The dwarven scout is visibly uncomfortable when the countess takes her hand, but she is too anxious to break free or step away. Once Valeska is finished with her offer, as translated by Nikolai, Vreya manages to stutter her response.
<"Oh! Um, er...I don't...I'm not...">
It takes a few moments for Vreya to compose herself. When she does, she admits that as a mere scout, such overtures are well above her station.
Vreya politely but eagerly excuses herself from the party so she can vanish back into the alpine fog before disappearing back into the hidden entrance to long-lost Gerduhm. Besides her crossbow, she carries your message with her, bearing your tidings and intent to the Oathkeepers who govern the secret hold.
Thus, you are free to backtrack and descend the mountainside, meeting up with Gargan and his band and reclaiming your steeds.
Valeska seems satisfied.
Sasha looks after the scout as she withdraws, as if bidding her farewell before turning to accompany Valeska and scanning the surroundings for trouble.
You all have my deepest gratitude. Canterwall could not have accomplished this without you. You too, Igaz!
Let's get back to base camp.
We can discuss our next move along the way... Thoughts?