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Zot still attempts to wrap his mind around everything. Given that the immediate chaos had mellowed out, he began to ponder the possibilities and opportunities. He would turn towards Evanora as they spoke in goblin, clearly acting as the only translator among the group.
"What kind of meal have they had? Perhaps I can help enhance their meals if they cooperate?" The gnome then opened his coat and began taking an inventory of each of the spices and herbs in his possession.
Zot would then look over towards Aurax and Shirin, "I dare say, I don't think what kind of foods you all would like. I don't think I came prepared for dragon..." Zot admitted clearly at a loss.
Sverrir pulls out a map of her own. One that seems somewhat more detailed than what she was going to provide for the rest of you. With points and details added on it in a very fine runic script, and that looks to have seen a fair bit of frequent use, as well as a piece of leather thong that has been marked with notches at regular intervals Settling on the ground quite comfortably she set it before herself, in a way that others could gather and see while she explained.
This here is where we are now. About six miles west of us is the Iceflow river. Under different circumstances, we would have headed there straight away and crossed, but it is being well watched by the Witches right now, and even without prisoners, it might not be an easy crossing.
Stretching out the cord however she marked a fairly straight line that past through only a couple of marked areas, down to the south.
Instead you are going to have to cross some fifty miles south, to here. The hamlet of Harvest's End. Right on the Rimeflow, that will be your best place to cross, and then over again to Trollheim. Where I understand safety arrangements had already been set up for you, and off to civilization, while some of us are left out here in the old witches frozen waste.
There was a hint of a joke, but also a slight hint of jealousy in that last line. Giving again the impression that this team has been on duty out here for a while.
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Evanora translates Zot's request to the goblins. "This one"She points to Zot. "Is our cook. Tell me what you like to eat and he may prepare it for you...if...you are very very good. Do everything I tell you to, and not only will you not get blasted into little bitty bits, but you will also get to eat your favorite foods!"
After Sverrir produces the map and goes over the game plan, Evanora nods sagely. "Witches. They can be very dangerous indeed! Can you tell us more of these...witches? What kind of crossing can we expect at Rimeflow? What entities might we expect to attempt to waylay us in transporting these goblins?" Evanora frowns at her hint of a joke.
Sverrir seemed to not get Evanora's joke, but the snort of one of her companions, was enough to show it didn't quite go over everyone's head.
If you're not already familiar with the Witches of Irrisen. I hope you stay that way until you can learn of them in safety. Organized and powerful, they control the nation, and hold it in a very tight grip. One of the nice things is, and it makes our lives easier, and yours too. The people out here tend to not be curious, and they tend to stick to their own business and stay out of others. However, they are still loyal, be it out of real loyalty, or out of fear to the White Witches. and if you draw too much attention, well you best hope you're out of reach before word gets back to one of them.
Pausing she seemed to piece her thoughts together. Deciding to describe the dangers on the trip first, then the crossing and Harvest End as one subject.
there are dangerous animals, often hungry as prey can be scarce, although not as bad out here as it is closer to habitation, but keep an eye out for ravens and avoid any kills, and you probably won't have much risk. Your route will take you through a low pass, where you might get snow at any time. There was an old watch post in there, but it's deserted. It could provide you shelter if you hit foul weather, otherwise I wouldn't stop.
Harvest End, is like most of the communities around here, very insular. I don't think you will find any refuge. Not with your charges. Goblins are considered people here, but a mixed group is certain to be noticed and noted. One with obvious prisoners more so. However that is the only legal ferry in the area. The ferry master is a beast of some kind, but I do not know any stories of it causing too much trouble for merchants and other travelers.
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Evanora taps her lower lip. "Wild animals, but no mention of monsters or a retaliatory force after the goblins. That's good. Watch post in case we need to take refuge, but not welcome in Harvest End. A 'beast' will take us across the river. Simple enough."
Speaking to the goblins in their tongue. "We will be leaving soon. Remember; be good and get good food. Be bad and get blown to bits. Now, give me your names. I am Boss Lady."
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Chalmers grinned at the description of the journey. It sounds like we should be fine, unless some predator is driven to hunger beyond reason. We have enough provisions to get us there. Avoid Ravens, copy that. Does anyone have enough coin to bribe the ferryman to stay quiet about our passage? I have some.
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Zot pondered the offer of coin, "I may have some rare spices laying around, as well as a few coin if it comes down to it. I'm really good at being persuasive though and I could offer to assist in trying to barter our way though silence? the gnome offered.
Zot then pulled out a small journal book and made a few notes: Avoid Ravens. Ask Evanora about goblin food.
He then regarded the other Ulfen around them and pondered if they would be joining. "What of you all, will you be joining us or be taking your leave? If you are to join us, perhaps we can share your stories over some drink and food! I'm sure the goblins wouldn't mind." Zot reflected, hopeful of having a few more moments with the Ulfen before taking their leave.
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Chalmers watches the interactions with much the same reaction as Evanora, but finding the dragon very charming and fascinating. When the gun goes off he remembers what they are about, and growls at the goblins to stay in line. You little ones will be quiet and obedient, yes?
[dice=intimidation, aid ]1d20+6
When Aurax addresses him he bows, Greetings, I am Chalmers, it is a pleasure to meet you also. turning to Shirin, he says, Apparently you have many diverse talents and friends! I am impressed with your connection to this being.
”Well Chalmers, “this being” is totally going on my nerves sometimes and it’s sweet talking is the most intolerable trait!!“ Shirin says to Chalmers while rolling her eyes.
Zot would then look over towards Aurax and Shirin, "I dare say, I don't think what kind of foods you all would like. I don't think I came prepared for dragon..." Zot admitted clearly at a loss.
”Oh please don’t worry about me Zot! I’m an astral dragon. We really don’t get any food on the plane of pure thought!“ the serpentine dragon says smiling.
”But I’ll try anything you’ll prepare!“
He then looks at Shirin and raises a finger.
”Behave!! I’ll be watching you! Goodbye to everyone!“ and with that statement the astral dragon moves it’s body and opens a portal to the astral plane.
Auras vanishes.
The Goblins are quite forthcoming with their names, perhaps a little too forthcoming as they chattered and talked over one another and but in time you managed to sort out each had about three names. What they called themselves, what others called them but they answered to, and what others called them that didn't get a polite response but in the end you settled on 'Blonoze''Durkly' 'Gomgurt' 'Hooch' 'Pickle' and 'Skimbleshanks' who seemed to be the defacto spokesperson of the group, due perhaps to the -virtue- of having a voice that cut through the rest with a bit of a shrill, slightly unpleasant pitch.
Bribery might be a good plan, but don't draw any more suspicion to yourself than you must.
With a shake of her head as she looked at the camp that had all but disappeared around them, at the expert hand of a well practiced team.
No, we are not coming with you, it is the hazard of being very good at your job, there is always more to be done. We will be making miles Eastward from here, and you should be making miles of your own. I do not expect our paths to cross again any time soon.
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Zot made a point to jot down each of the six goblin's names. Nodding to himself he placed the journal back into his cold weather jacket.
Zot frowned, realizing the sacrifice these people had to make to insure this all went according to plan. "Thank you for your help! Hopefully when we do meet again we can share in boasting of our accomplishments, yes?"
Zot then turned towards the others, eager to get the journey started. "What do you say everyone, shall we get moving? Adventure awaits!"
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Chamlers agrees with the gnome, Zot's got the right of it, we should be heading out quickly to use daylight and get these goblins delivered. he tightens the shield on his left arm, resplendent with a painted whiporwill on it, and rests his gauntleted hand upon the warhammer at his belt.
Does anyone here speak Skald, or is any good at following a map? I'm no good at either sadly... he asks the Pathfinders.
The Goblins, still being somewhat intimidated and impressed were quick, at least by Goblin standards to get together, with only a modicum of pushing, shoving, and name calling. But of course had no idea where they are supposed to be going, just stood milling around for a bit...
Out of the void steps the 6 ft serpentine dragon with deep blue scales, large black horns and sharp ebony teeth!
“So you are still here?! Ahhh, seems like I need to stick around!“
Aurax moves to Chamlers to help with the map.
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Shrugging at the lack of expertise in map reading, Chalmers accepts the map and tries to make heads and tails out of it.
I am pretty sure this is the right way, the half-orc says confidently, I have seen how I shall make my way to the Boneyard, and freezing to death today is not how... he points and starts walking in the direction indicated on the map.
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Zot looks towards Chalmers with mild curiosity, "I have no idea what my boneyard would look like, let alone how to get there."[b] the Gnome reflected. He would then turn his attention to the map and then back to the others, [b]"Shall we be off then? With map in hand and our pathfinder ways I'm sure this ought to be quite the adventure indeed!"
And with that Zot secured his wares, making a mix of clinks and clanks as he did so as various pots, spoons, and cooking gear bounced against each other and his armor. Once secure he gave an affirmative nod and awaited to take follow behind on Chalmers' lead!
And with that the sun shone down upon them. The air, while cool, rose to a comfortable enough temperature to make the travelling mostly pleasant for the majority of the day. With little to see, and less to do even the goblins seemed to follow along without much trouble. However as the ground rose the sunshine never changed, but the air temperature grew colder.
A narrow southern pass winds its way through steep, icy hills, the frigid wind periodically dusting all in its path with a layer of snow. Two ancient stone watchtowers stand on either side of the path between two nearly vertical bluffs rising thirty feet to either side, just as Lightfoot’s map indicated they would. The eighty-foot-wide path narrows to a mere twenty-five feet in width between the two fifty-foot towers.
Aurax looks around while slithering over the ground.
”This cold is awful. I mean I could imagine an ice party with the withches but where are they anyway?!?“
The road narrows somewhat up ahead, as marked, giving more than enough reason for the two towers location in the pass. But as everyone draws closer one thing stands out slightly and manages to catch the attention of everyone in the group. There is snow in this pass. Not a lot, but recent enough to leave a bit of a layer on everything/ Yet the battlements on the tower, at least the battlements facing the path of travel, are snow free.
"Oh, oh! This can mean that there was a recent battle here, right? I do not feel safe! Shirin, Shirin, I want to go home!" the serpentine dragon suddenly shouts.
A rune that is identical to Shirin's rune on her forehead suddenly starts glowing on Aurax scaled body and it seems as if the dragon is in a trance.
Without saying another word the dragon starts to move towards the two towers as if he is a puppet that is being controlled by puppet master.
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Evanora squints as she gazes up at the battlements. Putting her hand over her eyes, peeking through her fingers, she says "Huh. The battlements. They are clear of snow. Either there is a furnace burning on the floor below, or someone is keeping them swept off as they watch the pass. We were told that this old watch post was deserted. It is no longer." Looking back at her companions, she waits for them to break the dramatic pause. Or for Aurax to attract a bolt from the towers.
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Chalmers draws his warhammer and spins it over in his hand quickly, before securing a strap around his hand and nodding toward the tower. We potentially have opponents in the ruins, we should investigate quickly. He looks at Talion, and begins closing the distance after Aurax, so his armored form won't be so far behind if violence breaks out.
All of a sudden as you make your approach, the high pitched cry of alarm can be heard from the top of the Eastern (map top) tower and a couple of heads excitedly peek out. Goblins, which of course means that the information on your map might have been accurate at the time of being recorded, but somewhere since, new tenants have arrived.
[ooc] Going to treat this as a surprise round for everyone, even if no one is exactly "surprised" Evanora is up. Followed by Talion and Aurax)
Aurax immediately jumps into action and starts to climb up the tower to reach the goblins.
"Oh hello dear goblin friends! We are here with other goblins! Let us celebrate! Yeah!!"