He thinks to the group with a snide remark, ::As many as you wish. Though most of the outposts are not really needed. The Emerald Gate and then the capital are the main locations we need to make connections at. It will likely take three more days to get to The Emerald Gate and then another ten to get to the capital.::
Ginza too adds in his two cents.
"I'm not sure about how many more dwarvish outposts but I guess all of you should be informed that we have new tenants. A whole tribe of them numbering a few hundreds." his amusement is plain in his voice.
Nonplussed, the half-fiend godling acknowledges the Guildmaster's plan. Domayoku was always amazed by Dominique's tactical mind, and experience has shown the former Lithuanian to trust it.
He seems surprised as he responds, ::Wait, What?! Back up and tell me more!::
Once he understands the new allies and their numbers he asks, ::Should we get them transported to the guild hall then? What purposes are we proposing with them?::
Ginza updates the what he knows from eavesdropping.
"Lady Ekaterina first broaches the possibility of hiring some of the elves as guards for our lands. Some how the negotiations went from retainer fees to having the entire tribes move into more hospitable lands. And I do not know how we'll get them there. They seem able and willing to migrate enmasse overland. Unless it's not what her intention was, maybe she'll inform us."
I am envisioning them as the embryo so to speak of our conventional ground forces. Or as a force that can take and hold territory we gain in one way or the other. If you look at the long term prospects of armed mercenary groups throughout history, they either became states or the perished. And yes, I absolutely intend to carve out a sizeable landmass from a merc job, it kind of worked for Rurik.
::So how many elves are we talking about. We have plenty of money and resources to hire and house them. Lady Ekaterina will you be staying with them to get them settled or will you be delegating that to your HR team?::
With the situation with the elves being handled, Dominique and Amadea wait for the others to get to them. Once they are all there, she teleports the group.
Dominique and Amadea leave the group behind at this next outpost. It is much more welcoming than the previous on. It even has multiple proper bars! The dwarves call it, Crossing Guard. As there is a massive chasm seperating this side of the outpost with the other.
Another day passes and they return. She teleports the group again this time before a massive Emerald Gate. The gate is not open. As you approach bull's eye laterns appear pointing at you group and you hear a gruff dwarven voice yell, "Who goes there? Well at least you ain't the mongrels. Anyways the Emerald Gate is closed until the threat is handled, take the tunnels to the North and West. Bring us back a few silver hides. Then we will let you into the shining city."
Domayoku, now accustomed to the gruff dwarven mindset, sighs quietly. The half-fiend walks over to look down the west tunnel.
You see three medium sized humanoid fuzzy creatures. Their mouths are full of sharp teeth.
He heads towards the North looking for something to fight.
Soon enough the roars of beasts echo from the tunnels.
Been a while since I last shot something Casting heroism on self, walking behind dominque.
Ginza shrugs and joins the others, drawing his lesser blade as he does so. Deeming the creatures not worth Torment's Edge.
Domayoku walks among the dwarves, talking about the Dwarf King, and any rumors to his possible whereabouts.
Domayoku went down the West tunnel alone to find...
You see three medium sized humanoid fuzzy creatures. Their mouths are full of sharp teeth.
The three of them roar as they charge you. Their bites fail to even touch you as you dodge them.
+10
Lady Ekaterina, Bob, Ginza and anyone else that goes North finds Dominique standing over several bodies. They seem to be humanoid rats of some kind with lots of sharp teeth.
As the others join him, he states, "I merely knocked them out but my cold may have a more lethal effect. No silver pelts here, we will need to go further. Lady Ekaterina would you like to take point with those pistols?" If she agrees he follows the group. Intercepting any threats that get into melee range of her.
The next encounter for the group heading North:
You find a troop of the creatures, about 20, they speak in a strange language using many snarls and animalistic notes. The tunnel is still pitch black unless someone has a light. They see you at the same time... the ones in the front seem ready to spring forward but wait. The two silverbacks are squabbling.
Fortunately dark vision is one of my specialisties, half succubus template is good! Now, how do I deal with this effectively?
Ekaterina considers her options.
Ginza checks the meat of the creatures to test if they would make good cooking......
The next encounter though upon finding the group, he waits to see if the party has anything.
"Do we wish to engage with them or scare them away?"
I dont think they would make for effective recruits, which may just be an aesthethic racism, but even if we hire them somehow how do we market that? She pauses
I am open to letting those who flee flee. Likely, one of the squabblers is counseling retreat, the other confrontation.
Perhaps we can combine my wiles and your intimidation for greater effect?
SHe proposes to Ginza.
Ginza you think that the meat would be that of a dehyrated dog. Likely very gamey.
"I welcome that suggestion but do anyone of us speak their language? Would they speak ours? " Ginza is amendable to Lady Ekaterina's suggestion even as he rejects the meat in his mind as not worth in a crusine.
He waits as well.
Some of the creatures leave the others following one of the Silverback.
The others lay down and prostrate themselves before you. Chattering away in their language.
---
The tunnels are dry and style. Not unpleasant to most.
He lets the others deal with the prostration critters, he moves to take another tunnel North West that is not where the others fled from.
Domayoku nods and follows his guildmaster.
Ginza looks a the prostrating ones.
"What are we going to do with them?" he asks.
"We can't be recruiting everything we see right?" he says to no one in particular though he does notice some of his party members leaving.
I dont see them as recruits, but I am also not mass murdering surrendering foes out of hand. I do have standards, perhaps we can jointly give them a really good scare?
Bob relays telepathically, ::Ginza do your thing and terrify them!::
Ginza seeing his team's decision nods and breaks away from the group.
Once done.......................
The atmosphere suddenly seems colder as Ginza drops his disguise entirely. His release on his aura fills the empty void that has appeared around him enveloping everything in it's icy tendrils of fear. The air seems hot yet cold at the same time and an oppressive feeling creeps onto those who remain in his vicinity.
Turning his piercing emotionless flaming eyes on the group, he makes sure to hold their attention and he brings out his weapon with a slow yet intentional drawing of the blade.
Pointing in the direction away from the group, Ginza finally speaks but a single word.
"F L E E!!!"
Ekaterina plays some intimidating music to back up Ginza
The creatures do that, they flee and run from you. They also squeal while trying to get away.
He returns to the group with Domayoku beside him, in their hands are three silver pelts. :We got what we needed. Shall we go back to the gate?:
Back at the gate you can hear the locks grinding and the doors moan as they slowly get pushed out. There is about a dozen dwarven guards geared up for a fight beyond. As you approach with the pelts they nod to you and let you pass.
If you ask the guards don't want the pelt's unless you don't want them. One tells you, "Go to the tanner on the end of emerald street and he should give you some good coin for them." As another rebuttals him, "I will take them for nine silver coins!" As the rest just grumble...
Once past the gates you see that the Emerald Gates were true for the coming streets. Arches with glowing emeralds inlaid on them light the pathway. There are many mirrors up on the dome of the cavern which appear to catch a lot of daylight and sends it down.
There are vendors covering the shops and it appears most buildings are apartments or homes. There are not many established stores. But there are a few.
Domayoku looks up astounded by the beauty of the emerald pathways and mirrored ceiling. "Wow!"
The half-fiend fighter looks around to see check out the vendors.
Each vendor is pretty much selling their collection: jewelry, hot dog stand, fruit stand, ice cream stand, talismans/holy symbols, spices, fried food stand, baked goods stand, clothing, scarves, etc.
He quickly relays to the group before picking her up and flying overhead with her in tow, ::Amadea and I will teleport around to get some key spots in her memory and we will be back in about a half hour. Meet us at the central fountain by then if you can.::
Left to his own devices, Domayoku visits some food stalls, wanting to get a taste of the local culture. He buys some food at the fried food stands and asks for directions to the central fountain.
With his normal silver tongue Domayoku asks and those commoners around are nearly falling over each other to answer your question. If allowed you are whisked away to the central fountain. A wondrous display of magic and engineering. Many statues have been built in ornate manner. All sorts of fountains making up the central fountain. Apparently it is also a major bathing area for the city, the children run and play in the water freely.
Ginza having rejoined the party and reapplying all his suppression to himself browses the stalls.
Enjoying the many available food as he remembers their reciepes.
Ekaterina introduces herself with a polite little performance in the most classy bar she can find.
After the half and hour hopefully you find the central fountain. You see the dark form of the ninja half dragon appear above and with Amadea in his hands.
He flies casually around the fountain as it is a large area, looking for his allies. Once he sees you he lands and Amadea in her human form offers her hand. "Shall we?" She asks and waits.
Dominique quietly waits.
"Unless you had some shopping or wanted to see the sights, we should continue." He offers as he waits for the others to touch them or say something in response.
"Where to next, Guild Leader?" Domayoku asked.
Agreed, I am unclear of our currently available funds on any account
He intones, "Well I have a few hundred gold coins worth of currency of this world. Now if you are asking how much we have gold we have in the vault, that would be in the 10s of millions. Now onto the next location is a bit of travel with minor outpost farming towns along the way. You can stay and enjoy yourselves here or come with us on the path."
The half-fiend looks around. The town does looks interesting, Domayoku thought.
"No. I'm ready to go when you are. This is the best way to see this new world ."