Arlo scowls. "Hmm. Let's see if we can see them first."
During their days with the dragon, Rollo engages in arcane discussions; mostly his opinions on the Dream magic that they recently were introduced too.
On the ridge....
Rollo watches the approach of the cats with a disinterested glance. The Sage does a quick mental inventory of their prowess...
"Shield and guns Arlo, the rest of you make ready."
As they come out she moves behind Arlo, pulling her revolvers as she does.
Lions move fifteen feet, into view, per map.
The dragon Ang is quite fascinated by Rollo's discussion of dream magic. While Ang's magical talents haven't reached their full potential, he has been gathering information on the lore of illusions and the influencing of men's minds ("for the mind of a human can be more easily influenced" he mentions at one point - he has already noted that none of the party are true humans).
Being somewhat vain, Ang bluffs a bit more knowledge than he really seems to have. Still, he describes a bit of dragon magic (some comes from voice and some from the magic within them) and lets slip an interesting rumor; some of the more elder dragons are rumored to take the shape of men and wield power in the kingdoms of humans, especially the two adjoining kingdoms, the so-call Free Lands and Kind Lands. "Ah, How easy it must be control those who have credence in the supernatural. What ripe pickings they must have. I am too young, must bide my time and my treasury." Seeing Ang up close, his temperament is clear; honorable with and respectful of the powerful, proud of following oaths and his ancient speech, a heritage of all dragons (in this plane, it seems). But A natural predictor and eager to consume the weak. Vengeful and greedy, no doubt but far from a dumb beast.
Stepping into view, forty feet from you and down a moderate slope, you can see the two snowy white cats are thin for their ten foot height. It's late winter/early spring. Some beasts are coming out of hibernation but food must have been hard to find for these two last winter. The beasts in these mountains are large and able to defend themselves. The party may not be any kind of prey the lions know but you're small enough that they're hoping for an easy meal.
The two are likely a mated pair, hunting together. They spread out to twenty feet apart and roar, seeing if they can get you running in fear. The two would be formidable combatants (on the level of dire tigers and such) - they might be scared by a fireball or something equally showy but they seem fairly determined to attack.
She did not want this fight so, chose to scare them off. Pulling out a flare grenade she flung it between the pair of beats.
"Cover your eyes!"
She calls to the others.
Then a bright flash of light.
Grenade, Chemical [Phosphorus] This grenade is modified and enlarged to release a cloud of Phosphorus upon detonation. Resembling an overlarge metal can with a small lever and handle protruding from the bottom, the grenade is armed by pulling back on a metal firing pin held in place by the handle’s depressed lever, which is released when thrown. At the beginning of your next turn, the grenade spews forth a cloud of burning Phosphorus in a 20-foot radius. Ref saves 15 to catch on fire for 4 rounds. Objects get a save of not flammable.
Rollo uses his arcane knowledge to cast his spell at a higher power. He targets both animals.
Rollo's spell seem to effect one of the creatures and then phosphorus grenade goes off - once everyone's eyes open, you can see just the creatures' tracks moving out of view.
This encounter happens at the 25 mile mark, so it's late in the day. With Paritosh and Arlo's wilderness awareness, you are able to move far enough that you feel fairly certain the creatures aren't following you.
Having been in this plane for two days and a night and observing the sky, you aren't entirely sure what the nature of this sun is. It could a part of the "music of the spheres" as found in more philosophical realms or it could a ball of "nuclear" fire as found in more base material realms. In any case, it traces a perfect circle across the sky at an angle that indicates early spring.
Going forward, crossing those snow-free sections of ridge where you leave no foot prints, you find another buried room of worked rock, similar to the room Ang pointed you to - you also passed one in the morning just after leaving Ang's "realm". This being an obvious defensible area, you carefully set stones against the entrance and take watches for the night, having hiked ~28 miles, with 12 miles to the land of Oomsatta.
Waking when the first light comes through the rock's cracks, you prepare breakfast and whatever else needed for the day. Thus, at approximately 9:30am, you find yourself overlooking a remarkably green valley surrounded by the high, cold mountains you have been hiking through. Clearly it, is protected by some sort of magic, as alluded to by both Ang and your employers back in Sigil.
The villages are on a fertile flood plain, about 60 mile circle, with two tall spines separating them. The main pathes leading to Oomsatta area connect to flat, snowy areas, probably glaciers, on either side of the valley. You start on the foot of a mountain beside the one glacier and, having no reason to hide yourselves, walk towards the nearest village (A on the map, at the edge of one spine). Crossing in the green area, you just a tinge of magic and then step onto green grass. As you approach the village, a low melodious gong sounds and you are met by a small delegation, consisting of an elder named Pantish and her two sons, who speak Draconic and are pleasantly surprised that foreigners can speak the language (note they use the "low" mode of draconic, a mode normally used by outsiders and those petitioning a worm but modified to a language on it's own).
They are dressed traditionally. One son has a riffle and the other a long spear. Pantish has a staff that detects as having elemental magi. They refer to themselves as children of the earth and invite you into their house for a long, friendly, somewhat formal lunch - they speak gently and indirectly, so their meaning only becomes evident over a longer period of speaking with them. They say their village is call Merva (Od Eck Merv - "Close to the mountain") and they have some small cabins where foreigner stay sometimes. The village is fairly primitive, with a dirty floor and pieces of wood to sit on. But there are technological ammenites scattered through the village and a smattering of non-Oomsatta walking about. Some Oomsatta tend the simple fields surrounding the village, the seem to be organized communally.
Pantish talks of village... "There are some foreigners there now but there are still cabins and you would be welcome to stay in them. Most Foreigners who stay in the winter come to home but some come to trade. There are some traders here now. You don't have to pay money to stay in the cabins. Some foreigner leave gifts and gifts are appreciated..." After much conversation and a four course meal of different forms of spiced goat and vegetables, the elder finally says that anyone who stays in village for long, should talk to the Hetman in the main village between the spines, Narmashan (D on the map). So gaining the information you find useful in Merva, you set off for Narmashan, just two miles away on steep path over the stony spine.
As they greet the Oomsatta's she is happy to talk and tell them they are travelers from a far off land. She sits as the others eat but does herself do no more than drink, a little water.
she does take note of the tech and rifle. Asking to see it.
Paritosh and Moonbeam will look about from on high.
+2 Urban, +FE Bonus
Lyra spends time learning about the children of the earth in Merva, culture, and the lands they live on. She asks about the other city-states and what they think about them.
Rollo watches as the animals retreat for less aggressive prey. The Sage nods an appreciatively at Lady Lyra's toy.
At the land of the Oomsatta, the dhampir soaks in the cultural differences and similarities, language and facial expressions, reactions and actions of these tribal (and thought less developed) people. Rollo excitedly converse with those that greet them. He shows absolutely no show of aggression, superiority, nor does he allow any knowledge not already present to slip his lips.
Arlo also tries to to fu<k anything up while conversing with his charges.
As they meet up for the two-mile trek, Lady Lyra has put on a more fitting explores outfit.
But with some parts of local dress still in place.
Her guns are on her hips and combat knives stapped to her boots.
"Well then let's get started, this should not take long'
In conversation Rollo learns the careful and indirect communication style of the Oomsatta and something of their cosmology.
Pantish: "The Oomsatta live together, we meet in the dream time if not the day time, none rules us though the hetman, the chief, the animal speaker and the earth speaker and the plant speaker are all respected. Together we shelter the valley from snow and other things, in waking and in dream time. The Free Land and The Kind Lands? You must be from far away indeed if you have not heard of them. They are both wise and foolish. We are very few compared to them. They are much more than 'city states'. They live squashed together in many cities but out spread over the valleys. I visited the Free Lands once, years and only barely managed the gold needed to leave. They love their gold. Certainly they have many things."
Pantish: "They are both wise and foolish. They shape their metal to their will, move in their metal machines and their weapons are certainly worthy. It is said these 'humans' left the forge of the earth early, then the Oomsatta and the dragons left later, so we share a common language. And we may return to the forge of the earth as well, if we face danger, though none living know of its location. Once the humans of these Lands feared us and the magic we wield to keep this valley green. Now it seems they covet this land and intend move when the glacier is clear. What we will do then, I do not know. We have our guns, mostly from the Kind Lands."
Pantish: "The Kind lands are like the Free Lands in the main, it is said they broke off from one another years ago. The Kind Lands are bit more kind, they take care of all but less free. And I would not call the Free Lands free. The Kind Lands, it seems, intend to stop the Free Lands, which would also mean taking our earth, it seems."
Both "Kind Lands" and "Free Lands" are said in common where the rest of the discussion is in low Draconic.
As the discussion continues, Paritosh excuses himself with moonbeam decides to go soring over the village and the area, up Maybe 500 feet, his enough see the entire panorama of Oomsatta land. It's peaceful and well tended. One thing he notices is a human, non-Oomsatta, standing by the side of the steep path looking out over the Merva side of spine. After a bit, Paritosh also notices several falcons pacing him and when he returns to earth learns the Oomsatta keep falcons and use them as scouts (somehow, speaking to them?).
Once the discussion end and further questions asked, the party sets out over the steep path to Narmashan. The party has gone maybe a mile when you see the figure of the tall, well-built non-Oomsatta human man standing in alcove beside the stone stair are they walking on (who Paritosh saw earlier). Coming closer, you can see he very well equipped indeed; wrapped in cloth, he has both a sniper rifle and an assault rifle and a knife and pistol, all of the highest quality, he likely wearing some sort of then body armor under his nylon shirt and essentially has the most hitech travel/military gear possible for earth circa the 20th century tech. He greets them in gruff, friendly, but somewhat imposing common. "Well met friends, I assume are also traders going among these rustic people, clearly from afar. This is place is now a hub of activity, it seems, with opportunities available for the enterprising. So I'm glad to catch you alone so I make an offer. I have a surveying expedition going in a couple of days, trying to find some minerals, and I need several more men (or people) for it. I can pay in Gold. What say you?"
She walks up to him and looks him over, kit and all.
"Well Meet, that is some fine equipment you have there, you look as if you're to war."
She pulls her coat to herself as if cold.
"Good to find a fellow trader here, would it be impertinent of me to ask your name Sir and from where you hail? before we talk Business."
She reaching into a pocket and brings out a Business card which she offers him with a bow. It states her name and her company as 'United imports and exports.' and her workshop address.
Rollo listens intently Pantish's history of The Oomsatta. He find's different cultures fascinating!
At mention of ... And we may return to the forge of the earth as well, if we face danger, though none living know of its location., the Sorcerer presses for more details...
To Narmashan...
Rollo wanders with the group over the hills, and through the valleys to Narmashan. Once the stranger makes introduction, the Sage warily calculates how long before Lady Lyra draws on him....
Arlo stands at Lady Lyra's elbow in a quiet, dwarven menace; silently telling this stranger he doesn't trust him.
When Rollos prompts Pantish for more information about the Forge of the Earth, she says "perhaps the Speaker Of The Earth would know. This is only a saying we have."
Armaund: "I am called Armaund, btw. I come well armed yes. Anyone who would go out in this winter would be wise to do so and I suspect you too have significant protection if you came through these hills in winter. Have you seen these dragons? Huge, impulsive and sadistic. Fortunately most of them know of firearm by now. I mean, I carry these people's trinkets too. Can't too careful.
The stranger steps back a bit, allowing the party to pass if they wish.
A: Yes, I keep my men safe when we're out prospecting. I even use the "magic" these people have, get my weapons enchanted. I mean, anyone who's been around these hills has to believe in this spirit power, even if they don't like it. Apologies if you're a believer. Still, all the spirit power is going away, come spring, all the world's magic is not going to be a match for the tanks of the Free Lands. It's be a shame to see such a colorful place gone but it's going whether I like it or you like it or not. It'll be a few months, 'till the ice clears but the force is already assembling, I saw them on my way out. Why I'm doing my prospecting now. When I finish my survey, I'll have valuable information when things die down, if things die down."
A: Suit yourselves if you're not interested in the job, just making contact. Everyone new interests me. We traders should stick together. Nice to meet you. My cabin is in the North end of Merva, the Wolf House. I have several men with me and I will probably hire some of these Oomsatta if you are not interest and if I can entice them with gold.
[ooc]He takes Lady Lyra's card and ne's not making any effort to hinder or attack you so I'll assume you can ask more questions or simply go on. [ooc]
If, assuming, the party continues to Narmashan, they arrive to see a somewhat larger town, also mostly rough cabins of dark, thick wood. There is a central gathering platform and four small platforms around it and several a somewhat more ornate wood building near these. There first person you meet will direct you to the building with the office of the Hetman. Walking in the office, you see a fairly conventional office with a young man with a book and a pen at the table who says, in common, "Welcome to the office of the Hetman, I am Winston his assistant, may I get your names, purposes and your expect length of your stay." He takes out several cards as he says this.
She nods as he talks not being at all threatening.
As Arlo comes up she says.
"This is our head of my security Mr Armaund, he always likes to get a good look at new faces. So then you're from the Free Lands, it sounds the most amazing place. They say you have the most advanced things there, is this not true Rollo?"
She looks over at Rollo, then back at Mr Armaund.
"This is my Business partner Mr Rollo"
She looks back at Rollo,
"You where the one most interested in the free and kind lands Row, now is a perfect time to find out more from our new friend Mr Armund here."
She knows she would have problems here, bluffing was not one of her strengths. Whereas Rollo has a gift for it, he was also very well-read and he picked up everything. So best hand over to him for this.
She took a step back so that Rollo could carry talk to Mr Armaund.
Rollo mentions that a visit to speak with the Speaker Of The Earth is a priority.
Rollo bows his head to Lady Lyra. The dhampir approaches the mercenary. The Sage studies him a bit; accessing his martial prowess, mental capabilities, and origins.
He offers to walk with the mercenary as they continue to wander.
Monsieur Armaund. I would be delighted if you would allow me some of your time, as we walk? I am absolutely fascinated by our current locale; and, I would be most honored if you could educate me. I am willing to hear more of your pitch; but, I am deliberating on its merits; and how aligned with our plans it is.
The Sorcerer waves a hand at their surroundings.
Why this land? What does it have that merits two kingdoms attention?
He will discuss anything that would not betray their true purpose, origins, or affiliations.
She watches Rollo and the scout officer walk-off talking,
Whisper - "Do you think you can follow them disreatily Arlo, Close to protect but at a distance to let Rolloes silver tounge do its thing"
Then she goes to Paritosh
"Do you think you can track where he has been? I have a hunch but it would be good to have it confirmed"
"I'll give it a shot", Arlo whispered back.
The dwarf does his best to tail the merc and the sorcerer.
Armund is happy to chat with Rollo all the way down the path to Marva (and back to his cabin there for brandy with four of his men if Rollo wishes). Arlo has no trouble tailing them from a reasonable distance.
Armund start out doing his best to probe Rollo for what goods he might be selling, seeking to buy or what information he might be seeking, guessing one thing then another. But as Rollo responds with charming and elliptical answer, Arnaud launches into a discussion of the Free Lands and the Kind Lands.
"To know what's happening now, you have to understand history, you see. The Free Lands came to be when Simon James Thompson overthrew the kings and dragons who had previous ruled the valleys, becoming First Chancellor Thompson, and bringing the "reign of freedom" to all the low lands, the reign where every man, woman and child must earn their keep with the accounts keepers. To be honest, this great freedom most benefits those with wealth or initiative the most but all but laziest benefit in my opinion. Since that time, the Free Lands grew and grew, building our machines for a multitude of purposes. Of course, there are always complainers, so fifty years ago, the Conspiracy of Eight seized the land East of the Iron Mountain (these being The Iron Mountains) to found the Kind Lands, lands where all are guaranteed a modest living, "kindly given" by The Eight in exchange for absolute loyalty to the bureaucracy. Since then, the Kind Lands and the Free Lands have been at each other's throats. This area would be a key pass in the war between the two nations - if the glacier wasn't in the way. But last year, that glacier melted 75% and we estimate, or they estimate, the glacier will be gone by early Spring or mid summer and then the tanks of the Free Lands will roll and restore freedom for all. In ways sad but it is hard to stand in the way of progress, I certainly wouldn't."
........
As this happens, Lady Lyra and Paritosh trace Arnaud's path back up the mountain path to a point when his footsteps leave the main path and wind through modestly heavy undergrowth until they reach a level area in "the spine", at which point Paritosh notes an odd pattern indeed - Arnaud's steps start here but next to them are the tracks of a dragon, going only for ten feet, three full steps and seeming to meld into those of Arnaud.
To her, bending down she looked closely at the snow, it was just a mess of snow as for as she could see, but to Paritosh, it was much more. She now doubts about his tracking skills. If he said it was so then it was.
"So what your telling me is, he or it landing as a Dragon and changed into human form as he walked."
She stood back up, looking back the way they had come.
"Well my hunch was right, this is a good and bad thing. Good as we have a better idea of what we are dealing with now, bad as this very much complicates things."
She took out one of the small devices she had found at the planes shifting hotel. It seems to come to life, it looked like a small book. She pointed it at the snow. There were a number of 'click' like sounds she pointed it a different part. Then she put it away.
"Well we best get back, see what the others have found it. You fly I'll run we should make good time."
Her lattice-like tattoo shown for a moment.
Rollo enjoys his informative excursion with Arnaud. The dhampir listens, responds, and genuinely appreciates the mercenary's candour.
I wonder how the dragons feel about the situation? We met a magnificent gentledragon on our travels. He was most honorable. I am wondering if the dragons will meet with us? I am terribly interested in their opinions.
The Sage is sincere.
The Android moves fast getting back to the others.
As she got close she slowed down and walks up to Arlo and Rollo, she takes a long look at Armund.
Her mechanical eyes and the nature of her circuity helped her study him.
If it was magic it would be up to Rollo to detect how the dragon did this.
Paritosh is careful to point out the tracks could indicate either dragon assuming human form or human who previously polymorphed to dragon form, though a dragon taking human form seems a bit more likely.
Lyra walks down the steps back to Merva with graceful mechanical speed just in time to meet Rollo and Armaund at the side Wolf Cottage, where Armaund is inviting Rollo for brandy with four of his men who are already behind the simple cabin, sitting on split logs. The men look rough, weather beaten but definitely civilized.
Looking up, the (ostensible) Free Lands traders says: "Lady Lyra? Have you changed your mind? There is certainly still time to make plans to join the coming expedition. Or have I detained the charming Rollo too?",
Looking at the man, even scanning in great detail there is nothing that stands out as indicating a shape shifter or any kind of magic user for that matter (though he does carry a few amulets and such).
She shrugs her shoulders
"Rollo looks after the Schedule you best ask him"
She says with a smile.
Then walks over to the other 4 men, checking them out.
Rollo accepts the proffered refreshments. The Sage nods expectantly at the message from Lady Lyra. He continues to discuss current and past events, concerning dragons and their take/role on the coming war.
I am wishing to set up a meeting with the dragons, concerning the current events. Would you have knowledge of how to integrate ourselves with them for a meet?
He also mentions the fable of And we may return to the forge of the earth as well, if we face danger, though none living know of its location. to his Host.
I believe it to be important in the upcoming conflict.
Rollo then motions to the Lady as they arrive.
Ah, just in time for refreshments.
He will fill the others in on his findings. Also, he will remind them of the need to visit the Hetman's office for "passports".
With Armaund
"Well it seems we have paperwork to do 1st, but we will talk your offer over between ourselves."
She waits a while so Rollo can finish and then says.
"We thank you for your Hospitality, please Keep safe in the wilds, and good luck with your venters. All of you"
Again she bows and starts to depart but stops and looks back at Armaund.
"There is a saying where we are from. 'Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.' We shall think on your offer"
She turns and carries on.
==================================
As they get close to Narmashan, she studies the somewhat larger town, the rough cabins made of dark and thick wood. The central gathering platform with its four small platforms set around it. She spied several somewhat more ornate wood building near this site.
She asked the first person they meet who directed them to the building of the office of the Hetman. And as they walk into a fairly conventional office with a young man with a book and a pen at the table who says, greeted them.
"Welcome to the office of the Hetman, I am Winston his assistant, may I get your names, purposes, and your expect length of your stay." He takes out several cards as he says this."
Lady Lyra takes out her card and hands it over.
"We are envoys and Muchents from the far land of Sigil, here for trade and to facilitate the building of relationships between our cultures. My information is on my card"
When Rollo mentions a meeting with Dragons, Armaund chuckles, "Hmm, you're not thinking small there, are you my friend? Is that what brought you all this way? I don't think I'd try it myself but if you could get them working with you, you'd have it made. There's rumors of all sort of things buried out in these peaks. The problem is, all these flying ash cans hate each other. They hate each more than they hate us. Doesn't make much sense, does it? Well that's dragons for you, crazy. I try to stay away from them but let me know if you have any luck. If you get a lead that seems very promising, I might be enticed."
Rollo, Arlo and whoever else of the party have some Brandy with Armaund and his men and take off once again up The Spine and finally arrive at Narmashan. Like Merva, the rough streets and paths have many of Oomsatta pursuing crafts, preparing crops, playing and passing the time. Looking closely, one thing you notice is that some of play of the older boys and girls seem it might involve serious preparations for battle and this group also takes a bit more notice than the other groups.
When the arrives in the hetman's building and introduce themselves to Winston, the young man turns and shouts "Papa" in draconic and after a minute or so, a man about 40 appears, dressed in a slightly more ceremonial-seeming version of standard Oomsatta dress, covered with old scars and wearing a slightly rueful expression. He greets you politely and listens to Lady Lyra's story.
Looking with a slightly puzzled expression he says in unaccented common "I was educated in University Of Vernberg in the Southern Part of what is called The Free Lands. I made that journey to have learning to help my people understand the vast empire that has grown up all around them in the span of six generations. Part of my studies involved the geography of what these others call the world globe. In none of my studies did I hear of a land call Sigil. There may be parts of the globe the Free Landers may not have explored, parts even who's existence they may conceal but those parts would be a least unusual. Regardless, I am certain there is more to your story than you say. To be honest, many come into this room leaving things unsaid and I leave it be. But in your case, if you wish to establish a "relations", then perhaps you wish to aid us. And we need aid, all the aid we can find. All who arrive now generally know that an invasion immanent. And while we may have plans, the prospects are daunting. So do you offer aid? Or should I sign your cards and go back to my preparations."
A Sniff--or two--of Brandy
Rollo genuinely enjoys the few hours conversing with Armaund. The dhampir continues to speak of things pertaining to the immediate; although, he does seem to be realizing him as a friend.
Once they group deems it time to depart to continue the journey, Rollo truly grants the mercenary a firm handshake.
We will seriously consider your proposals; although, there may be a time soon that I may require your expertise in finding more information about these dragons. I do believe they are the key to peace here.
Narmashan
Rollo conveys all his thoughts; concerning their visit with Armaund to the group.
I believe that he may not even remember his shifting from human to dragon. I surmise that it has become an unconscienced choice, depending on present need. He may be our in, if we can join his two personalities together....
The Sage seems to be deep in thought; leaving the present business in town to Lady Lyra.
She takes a seat and nods
"We come to aid, your dilemma is known to us and we hope to have means to save your people from at best feudal enslavement to at worst mass death."
She looks around and sees a large map on the wall, showing the realm he looked after and those around. The man did like his geography. She stood up and went to it.
"Here the free lands, here the kind land, and here you are. Kind and free are massing forces here and here. Waiting for the ice wall to fully melt come spring."
She points
"Then two mechanized armies will pour into here and here, to fight to stalemate here and here and here. I know this as we have just met an advanced scout reconnoitering the area to find quicker transit points. I also expect advanced forces to be embedding near strategic locations starting any time now."
She turns from the map.
"You know all this so how can we help you. Well, simply put the plan it to get the *&^& out of the way and let the morons slaughter each other. To do this you have to move to a new home. Close by but some trek for this time of year. While we slow them down, we have the means to keep the ice wall up a little longer. And, well let's say we are good at divertive tactics."
Then She looks serious.
"This is the part where you say something like "We can't possibly move too hard, ancestral homelands, it's the wrong time of year. And we work hard to persuade you. Doing this, that, or the other."
She adds sadder
"We just don't have the time. It's going to be a blood bath here, I know trust me. 10s if not 100s of thousands will die as the two-pour ever more troops and equipment into the fight. We just don't want your race to become a footnote in history as two great powers rep each other apart on top of your bodies. So it's move or...."
She shrugs and goes back to the seat.
"We are here to protect you on your journey", Arlo adds. "Please allow us to not only save your children, but your culture and your future."
"As Arlo says, I said here to help"
She gets up and looks closely at the map again.
"Talking of Culture, and while we are here, can we have a look at the forge of the world, the one that is under this valley, we just don't know the way into the caves. The caves the Dragons can't fit in when big and the place the earth races came into being."
She is looking at the map when she says this.
Rollo nods sadly as Lady Lyra composes their tragically crafted future, if they remain here. He adds a bit of dramatic doom to the narrative. But he also offers possible savior routes to rewrite the doomed scenario.
Yes, we believe that the dragons and this secret safe zone may be the correct combination to save your people.
She turns and checks her coat then walks over to the Hetman.
"What we are saying is, let us help you"
The Hetman nods, somewhat what solemnly, maybe looking at most a bit more optimistic.
"Yes, all you say...yes" Then stops, tells his assistant/son to go fetch him something and seems to think for a bit.
"It is very good you wish to aid us. Aid is appreciated. Advice if it good is appreciated. Your advice seems good but I will have to verify as much as I can... " he pauses.
"I want to put together an informal council of 'the five', myself, being Hetman Ranon, Chief Bonimon, The Beast Speaker Raja, The Earth Speaker Mornam and The Plant Speak Gev. In dream time, tonight or tomorrow. We will discuss your ideas. Then we will invite you to speak in normal time with us, the day after tomorrow most likely. Perhaps then we will speak to all of the Oomsatta in dream time. " Again pausing, sitting down.
"There are several things to consider about the situation.... This valley and it's green and pleasant climate are maintained by the collective magic of the Oomsatta. All around us is snow and if the magic is lifted, if we leave, the snow will invade this valley and it will perish. The Oomsatta and the Dragons, the fiery lizards, live by a compact that each may visit the land of the other but that none can settle or disturb that land. If we were to leave this valley permanently, and attempt to settle in the mountains, we would be breaking the compact and could mean war with the dragons. "
"And The forge of the world? I do not think it is in this valley. But they say none now know it's location, perhaps we should consider this possibility. If we knew the location, perhaps we could return and fulfill the old tales... " he pauses.
"These problems may still be easier to deal with than the machines of the Free lands. The dragons are like fire; powerful, dangerous, unpredictable. But perhaps some way of dealing with them can be found. The caves or rather buried store houses, are a complicated question. Perhaps the Forge of The World lies within them or perhaps they offer clues. The stories say the stone house were here before we arrived but then there is disagreement about their purpose. Perhaps discuss this with the earth speaker."
"One thing that would make it easier would be if you could be considered members of the tribe. There are various ways this could be accomplished. Certain dream time rituals or joining in a hunt. We will consult on this too. "
"One thing that would make it easier would be if you could be considered members of the tribe. There are various ways this could be accomplished. Certain dream time rituals or joining in a hunt. We will consult on this too. "
He then opens a drawer and takes out a small white staff. "This staff indicates you have my trust, in moderation. If you wish to any of the Speakers, show it and they may be willing to speak more freely. Unless you have more questions, I will speak to you tomorrow ... or the day after. "
Lady Lyra takes the staff and thanks to the Hetman.
She then hands it to Rollo saying.
"Would you be happy to do some research into these legends, and the compact with the Dragons to see if we can move them without starting a war."
Then to Paritosh
"Paritosh, we need to know what the two powers are doing and the state of play at the Ice wall. Would you be happy to scout them and it out"
Then to Arlo
"How about me and you go have a look at the Storage caves, see if they go, father, the way we want to go."
Back to the Hetman.
"That all sounds good, but time is not with us, we should do these things now and that should give you time to have your meeting and set up us becoming members of the tribe. If that is fine with you Hetman."
Paritosh nods at Lady Lyra's request, "but of course, scouting is what Moonbeam and I do best!"
Paritosh and Moonbeam will head out to do some scouting...
+2 Urban
+2 Urban, +FE Bonus
Then to Arlo
"How about me and you go have a look at the Storage caves, see if they go, father, the way we want to go."
"Aye", Arlo nodded. The dwarf hadn't seen a good storage cave in years. Might be nice.
Rollo seems quite focused as the hetman speaks. The Sorcerer takes the white staff.
With your permission, hetman, but I will need to interview each elder; concerning the dragons and the Forge of the World.
He smiles.
Perhaps, we begin with Earth Speaker Mornam.
The Sage studies every piece of literature (written and oral) that they may have concerning dragons, pacts, Forge of the World; and any new banana bread recipes.
I am a sucker for a good banana bread!
Hetman Ranon is willing to show all the lore books the Oomsatta have but these are few. Ranon is one of the few literate Oomsatta - indeed, Ranon created/reconstructed the draconic script from old carvings after his education in the Free lands and has brought what literacy exists to Oomsatta. He has transcribed a few Oomsatta myths but there much to be written. Nearly all of the traditions of the people are still only oral, handed down to apprentices and those interested and shared during dream time. The details of compact could be found by discussions with the beast speaker and possibly others. The party is welcome to speak all of these personages but they each are busy in somewhat different areas of Oomsatta territory (he gives all of their most common locations ).
Once the meeting is over, with just a bit of flying scouting with Moonbeam, Paritosh can see that the glacier leading up to Oomsatta land is indeed melting fairly quickly. It maybe be river in a month and passible in a month and half. He observes this and flies back to report his findings.
Earth Speaker Mornam is described as living in an earthen hut several miles to the South of Marvana. Arlo spotted the storage caves on the way down from the spine and the party stops there on the way to Mornam's hut. The caves are active - it is late-winter/early spring and the Oomsatta are removing vegetables and an unusual smelling herb from last summer's harvest at the same time they are storing meat gained from winter hunts. The Oomsatta doing this are quite surprised to meet foreigners speaking their language and interested in their process and the white staff is a sign sufficient to gain their cooperation. Still, a look shows clearing the way to most ancient part of the cave might take hours. Arlo settles down to work on this task as the others head to the Earth Speaker. At that points, Arlo feels an unusual tug from gray sword, Something lets him know he should accompany the party South.
So, after walking about mile south past the cultivate areas, the gray sword gives a signal of unease, to the point that, with nothing clearly visible, Arlo draws the sword, brandishing it in different directions, with the enchanted blade having a sort of magnetic feeling to it. As this happens, the party can see, slowly, vaguely outlined ahead of them, the figure of two nearly invisible creatures - two greater hellcats, these two in the shape of enormous leopards, fifteen feet from head to tail, now staring menacingly at the party.
"Who would go forward to see the Earth Speaker?" Says the first. "We may have to prevent this, we are in a way his guardians." says the second. "Though he may not know about us, no" says the first, in turn. "And our master has asked us to keep it that way" Says the second, speaking again.
Arlo looks down at his relatively-new blade with a surprised smile. "Alright, then! About time someone started earning their keep!" The dwarf then looked to the revealed outsiders and gave a sneer. "Let's have some fun!"
Arlo begin to advance on the hellcats.
She talks the news from the others in her stride.
"Hold Arlo, these are the guardians of the one we seek to talk to, Earth Speaker Mornam"
Then to the beasts,
"We would have an audience with Earth Speaker Mornam, we have a white staff and have spoken to the Hetmen. Will you not, let us pass or inform Earth Speaker Mornam that we are here?"
Rollo nods his appreciation to the hetman. The Sage will most definitely attempt to converse with anyone that may know an oral tradition, relating to his theory.
Not showing the white staff, Rollo grins knowingly at the two Hellcats.
And, I would suppose that anyone who may need speak to him will find their paths blocked by a couple of fresh-fur kittens?
Rollo laughs.
They most certainly lie. They work for one who has just shown his hand!
Rollo prepares for battle!
As she was talking her odd tattoos shine,
She had been buying time for them.
"Arlo! divide and conquer play"
Then she moved inhumanly fast. Running at them so fast then leaps up and over.
Landing on the other side of them she goes into full defense mode.
The cats also move quickly, one leaping forward at Arlo as he closes and the other turning and leaping at Lady Lyra. Each lands one swipe, doing 11 points of damage to each character.
One cat comments, "Oh dear, we may have said too much. The first Chancellor will be pissed." The second cat says. "There you've said more. The first cat says, "What matters it in the end, either they will be dead or we'll be back in hell.