Golden Ram's page

You ask your final question and the same as the others the Elder goatling shaman asks in his voice, and the answer comes back in an otherworldly tone. This time however instead of a simple yes or no, you receive a different answer. "Potentially."

The shaman's eyes return to normal and the feeling of power and otherworldly presences vanish. The shaman's eyes are wide and he notes, "Interesting. It is rare for the spirits to respond with such an answer. Only if it would be misleading to answer with a direct yes or no would they choose to deviate from such a response."

"I hope I have helped aid your people in finding your lost mentor." He places his fury hand on each of you and utters a blessing and his assistants escort him from the tent.

Their leader, Golden Ram, who was present during the questioning nods solemnly to the group. "What will you do now? You seem to have pinpointed the temple's location to a small, easily searched spot."

Day 4 - Late Afternoon

As the new of the impending raiders spreads through the camp, people take time to prepare. Golden Ram sends out goatling scouting parties. Though unable to fortify their village, they move things around and make other precautions. As the flurry of activity increases, everyone shouts and points to the sky. You see a figure mounted on a griffon flying swiftly towards the camp. A white peace banner flies from the tip of a lance. The goatlings assembled beneath seem to respect it and hold their javelins in check.

The griffon and its rider spiral in a loop and then descend in a hovering slow drop to the ground which kicks up a cloud of dust and debris. Several dozen armed goatlings surround the rider. A man dismounts and waits for the dust to settle. He appears to wear light armor and is equipped with sword, bow and lance. He has a worn and weathered look bout him, but his features are sharp and could indicate elven ancestry somewhere. Golden Ram emerges from his lodge and moves to meet the man among all the commotion. Golden Ram takes a moment and utters a spell. They have a brief conversation and disappear into the lodge. Everyone stands around in a state of confusion. Word spreads quickly that the bold visitor is Marshal Hawke from the dwarven fort. He was not supposed to arrive until a day later, at a designated neutral meeting place at the border. The man's griffon sits stoically eyeing the crowd which gives it a healthy space.

Their meeting must have been very brief. Hawke emerges from the lodge shortly thereafter and scans the assembled crowd of goatlings and all of the collected children of Goodwin. He seems to sigh inwardly and swiftly mounts his mighty griffon and they wheel into the sky its wings kicking up more dust and dirt. Soon then are gone.

Golden Ram steps from his lodge again and speaks to a few assistants. Some of his elders are with him. He approaches the group and addresses Tolhemia and all of the children og Goodwin.

"Our visitor was Head Marshal Hawke from Cliffort. Our meeting tomorrow was preempted by news that the army of giants and their allies are moving more quickly than before. Griffon riders have spotted hell hound scouts infiltrating our lands. Several forest fires already burn. The Thain is moving quickly to secure the region of Cliffort. All logging and mining camps have been notified, evacuating, and they are moving to take refuge within the walled confines of Cliffort. According to Hawke, given the recent circumstances, the Thain has reluctantly decided to allow the goatlings and the newcomers to also take refuge within the walls of Cliffort, if they are willing to pledge and fight with the dwarves against oncoming scourge."

"Hawke explained that history shows that occasionally the giants will plunder and pillage south from their lands into this region, but that they are usually easy to dispatch or drive off. This however appears to be much more, an organized effort to march a large force out into these lands with a specific goal. He guesses that the giants remained hidden and organizing with their allies in the lands of black ice to the north, within the caves, tunnels and deep underground warrens under the glaciers. They may be driven by a longstanding hatred with the dwarves, although Hawke I believe suspects there may be another hidden reason."

"Personally, I believe this to be a sign, one that we have been seeking, and one that unite our people together against a common foe. My warriors and I will join the dwarves, humans and their allies, and meet these invaders in battle. Our people will take refuge in the fort, and we will prepare for battle!"

At that moment the mighty war drums thunder and the great battle horns that you heard at the Ceremony of the Lake are sounded. The noise shakes the earth and heavens, nearly deafening you and scaring the wits out of you.

"Our village will pack now, and leave soon, we will will make the journey tonight and take refuge at the fort. Your people are welcome too. Hawke notes that the Thain would prefer you keep a lower profile, particularly the most monstrous of you, but that you will be armed and equipped if able, to assist in the fight. He personally noted that he could make use of any of the bravest groups to act as strike forces against the giants, and any advance units of the enemy. Whatever your choice will be, this village will be abandoned soon. I must now prepare."

Golden Ram turns abruptly and goes with his elders to prepare his people for the exodus.

Tolhemia and many of the others stand there briefly, then a cacophony of voices erupts at once, and people start running hastily to grab what few possessions they have. Tolhemia gathers about her a few of her closest advisors and advises them to gather everyone into groups for the journey.

Day 4 - Late Afternoon

As the new of the impending raiders spreads through the camp, people take time to prepare. Golden Ram sends out goatling scouting parties. Though unable to fortify their village, they move things around and make other precautions. As the flurry of activity increases, everyone shouts and points to the sky. You see a figure mounted on a griffon flying swiftly towards the camp. A white peace banner flies from the tip of a lance. The goatlings assembled beneath seem to respect it and hold their javelins in check.

The griffon and its rider spiral in a loop and then descend in a hovering slow drop to the ground which kicks up a cloud of dust and debris. Several dozen armed goatlings surround the rider. A man dismounts and waits for the dust to settle. He appears to wear light armor and is equipped with sword, bow and lance. He has a worn and weathered look bout him, but his features are sharp and could indicate elven ancestry somewhere. Golden Ram emerges from his lodge and moves to meet the man among all the commotion. Golden Ram takes a moment and utters a spell. They have a brief conversation and disappear into the lodge. Everyone stands around in a state of confusion. Word spreads quickly that the bold visitor is Marshal Hawke from the dwarven fort. He was not supposed to arrive until a day later, at a designated neutral meeting place at the border. The man's griffon sits stoically eyeing the crowd which gives it a healthy space.

Their meeting must have been very brief. Hawke emerges from the lodge shortly thereafter and scans the assembled crowd of goatlings and all of the collected children of Goodwin. He seems to sigh inwardly and swiftly mounts his mighty griffon and they wheel into the sky its wings kicking up more dust and dirt. Soon then are gone.

Golden Ram steps from his lodge again and speaks to a few assistants. Some of his elders are with him. He approaches the group and addresses Tolhemia and all of the children og Goodwin.

"Our visitor was Head Marshal Hawke from Cliffort. Our meeting tomorrow was preempted by news that the army of giants and their allies are moving more quickly than before. Griffon riders have spotted hell hound scouts infiltrating our lands. Several forest fires already burn. The Thain is moving quickly to secure the region of Cliffort. All logging and mining camps have been notified, evacuating, and they are moving to take refuge within the walled confines of Cliffort. According to Hawke, given the recent circumstances, the Thain has reluctantly decided to allow the goatlings and the newcomers to also take refuge within the walls of Cliffort, if they are willing to pledge and fight with the dwarves against oncoming scourge."

"Hawke explained that history shows that occasionally the giants will plunder and pillage south from their lands into this region, but that they are usually easy to dispatch or drive off. This however appears to be much more, an organized effort to march a large force out into these lands with a specific goal. He guesses that the giants remained hidden and organizing with their allies in the lands of black ice to the north, within the caves, tunnels and deep underground warrens under the glaciers. They may be driven by a longstanding hatred with the dwarves, although Hawke I believe suspects there may be another hidden reason."

"Personally, I believe this to be a sign, one that we have been seeking, and one that unite our people together against a common foe. My warriors and I will join the dwarves, humans and their allies, and meet these invaders in battle. Our people will take refuge in the fort, and we will prepare for battle!"

At that moment the mighty war drums thunder and the great battle horns that you heard at the Ceremony of the Lake are sounded. The noise shakes the earth and heavens, nearly deafening you and scaring the wits out of you.

"Our village will pack now, and leave soon, we will will make the journey tonight and take refuge at the fort. Your people are welcome too. Hawke notes that the Thain would prefer you keep a lower profile, particularly the most monstrous of you, but that you will be armed and equipped if able, to assist in the fight. He personally noted that he could make use of any of the bravest groups to act as strike forces against the giants, and any advance units of the enemy. Whatever your choice will be, this village will be abandoned soon. I must now prepare."

Golden Ram turns abruptly and goes with his elders to prepare his people for the exodus.

Tolhemia and many of the others stand there briefly, then a cacophony of voices erupts at once, and people start running hastily to grab what few possessions they have. Tolhemia gathers about her a few of her closest advisors and advises them to gather everyone into groups for the journey.

Day 4 - Late Afternoon

As the new of the impending raiders spreads through the camp, people take time to prepare. Golden Ram sends out goatling scouting parties. Though unable to fortify their village, they move things around and make other precautions. As the flurry of activity increases, everyone shouts and points to the sky. You see a figure mounted on a griffon flying swiftly towards the camp. A white peace banner flies from the tip of a lance. The goatlings assembled beneath seem to respect it and hold their javelins in check.

The griffon and its rider spiral in a loop and then descend in a hovering slow drop to the ground which kicks up a cloud of dust and debris. Several dozen armed goatlings surround the rider. A man dismounts and waits for the dust to settle. He appears to wear light armor and is equipped with sword, bow and lance. He has a worn and weathered look bout him, but his features are sharp and could indicate elven ancestry somewhere. Golden Ram emerges from his lodge and moves to meet the man among all the commotion. Golden Ram takes a moment and utters a spell. They have a brief conversation and disappear into the lodge. Everyone stands around in a state of confusion. Word spreads quickly that the bold visitor is Marshal Hawke from the dwarven fort. He was not supposed to arrive until a day later, at a designated neutral meeting place at the border. The man's griffon sits stoically eyeing the crowd which gives it a healthy space.

Their meeting must have been very brief. Hawke emerges from the lodge shortly thereafter and scans the assembled crowd of goatlings and all of the collected children of Goodwin. He seems to sigh inwardly and swiftly mounts his mighty griffon and they wheel into the sky its wings kicking up more dust and dirt. Soon then are gone.

Golden Ram steps from his lodge again and speaks to a few assistants. Some of his elders are with him. He approaches the group and addresses Tolhemia and all of the children og Goodwin.

"Our visitor was Head Marshal Hawke from Cliffort. Our meeting tomorrow was preempted by news that the army of giants and their allies are moving more quickly than before. Griffon riders have spotted hell hound scouts infiltrating our lands. Several forest fires already burn. The Thain is moving quickly to secure the region of Cliffort. All logging and mining camps have been notified, evacuating, and they are moving to take refuge within the walled confines of Cliffort. According to Hawke, given the recent circumstances, the Thain has reluctantly decided to allow the goatlings and the newcomers to also take refuge within the walls of Cliffort, if they are willing to pledge and fight with the dwarves against oncoming scourge."

"Hawke explained that history shows that occasionally the giants will plunder and pillage south from their lands into this region, but that they are usually easy to dispatch or drive off. This however appears to be much more, an organized effort to march a large force out into these lands with a specific goal. He guesses that the giants remained hidden and organizing with their allies in the lands of black ice to the north, within the caves, tunnels and deep underground warrens under the glaciers. They may be driven by a longstanding hatred with the dwarves, although Hawke I believe suspects there may be another hidden reason."

"Personally, I believe this to be a sign, one that we have been seeking, and one that unite our people together against a common foe. My warriors and I will join the dwarves, humans and their allies, and meet these invaders in battle. Our people will take refuge in the fort, and we will prepare for battle!"

At that moment the mighty war drums thunder and the great battle horns that you heard at the Ceremony of the Lake are sounded. The noise shakes the earth and heavens, nearly deafening you and scaring the wits out of you.

"Our village will pack now, and leave soon, we will will make the journey tonight and take refuge at the fort. Your people are welcome too. Hawke notes that the Thain would prefer you keep a lower profile, particularly the most monstrous of you, but that you will be armed and equipped if able, to assist in the fight. He personally noted that he could make use of any of the bravest groups to act as strike forces against the giants, and any advance units of the enemy. Whatever your choice will be, this village will be abandoned soon. I must now prepare."

Golden Ram turns abruptly and goes with his elders to prepare his people for the exodus.

Tolhemia and many of the others stand there briefly, then a cacophony of voices erupts at once, and people start running hastily to grab what few possessions they have. Tolhemia gathers about her a few of her closest advisors and advises them to gather everyone into groups for the journey.

Day 4 - Late Afternoon

As the new of the impending raiders spreads through the camp, people take time to prepare. Golden Ram sends out goatling scouting parties. Though unable to fortify their village, they move things around and make other precautions. As the flurry of activity increases, everyone shouts and points to the sky. You see a figure mounted on a griffon flying swiftly towards the camp. A white peace banner flies from the tip of a lance. The goatlings assembled beneath seem to respect it and hold their javelins in check.

The griffon and its rider spiral in a loop and then descend in a hovering slow drop to the ground which kicks up a cloud of dust and debris. Several dozen armed goatlings surround the rider. A man dismounts and waits for the dust to settle. He appears to wear light armor and is equipped with sword, bow and lance. He has a worn and weathered look bout him, but his features are sharp and could indicate elven ancestry somewhere. Golden Ram emerges from his lodge and moves to meet the man among all the commotion. Golden Ram takes a moment and utters a spell. They have a brief conversation and disappear into the lodge. Everyone stands around in a state of confusion. Word spreads quickly that the bold visitor is Marshal Hawke from the dwarven fort. He was not supposed to arrive until a day later, at a designated neutral meeting place at the border. The man's griffon sits stoically eyeing the crowd which gives it a healthy space.

Their meeting must have been very brief. Hawke emerges from the lodge shortly thereafter and scans the assembled crowd of goatlings and all of the collected children of Goodwin. He seems to sigh inwardly and swiftly mounts his mighty griffon and they wheel into the sky its wings kicking up more dust and dirt. Soon then are gone.

Golden Ram steps from his lodge again and speaks to a few assistants. Some of his elders are with him. He approaches the group and addresses Tolhemia and all of the children og Goodwin.

"Our visitor was Head Marshal Hawke from Cliffort. Our meeting tomorrow was preempted by news that the army of giants and their allies are moving more quickly than before. Griffon riders have spotted hell hound scouts infiltrating our lands. Several forest fires already burn. The Thain is moving quickly to secure the region of Cliffort. All logging and mining camps have been notified, evacuating, and they are moving to take refuge within the walled confines of Cliffort. According to Hawke, given the recent circumstances, the Thain has reluctantly decided to allow the goatlings and the newcomers to also take refuge within the walls of Cliffort, if they are willing to pledge and fight with the dwarves against oncoming scourge."

"Hawke explained that history shows that occasionally the giants will plunder and pillage south from their lands into this region, but that they are usually easy to dispatch or drive off. This however appears to be much more, an organized effort to march a large force out into these lands with a specific goal. He guesses that the giants remained hidden and organizing with their allies in the lands of black ice to the north, within the caves, tunnels and deep underground warrens under the glaciers. They may be driven by a longstanding hatred with the dwarves, although Hawke I believe suspects there may be another hidden reason."

"Personally, I believe this to be a sign, one that we have been seeking, and one that unite our people together against a common foe. My warriors and I will join the dwarves, humans and their allies, and meet these invaders in battle. Our people will take refuge in the fort, and we will prepare for battle!"

At that moment the mighty war drums thunder and the great battle horns that you heard at the Ceremony of the Lake are sounded. The noise shakes the earth and heavens, nearly deafening you and scaring the wits out of you.

"Our village will pack now, and leave soon, we will will make the journey tonight and take refuge at the fort. Your people are welcome too. Hawke notes that the Thain would prefer you keep a lower profile, particularly the most monstrous of you, but that you will be armed and equipped if able, to assist in the fight. He personally noted that he could make use of any of the bravest groups to act as strike forces against the giants, and any advance units of the enemy. Whatever your choice will be, this village will be abandoned soon. I must now prepare."

Golden Ram turns abruptly and goes with his elders to prepare his people for the exodus.

Tolhemia and many of the others stand there briefly, then a cacophony of voices erupts at once, and people start running hastily to grab what few possessions they have. Tolhemia gathers about her a few of her closest advisors and advises them to gather everyone into groups for the journey.

"Thank you Kiki and Quassine, it has also been our pleasure to meet such a unique group of people, which the most unusual of circumstances. "

Golden Ram asks some questions of the mephit and there is some back and forth. "Maapallo is bound to answer the summons when the ring is used. It is unclear how much he is obliged to follow the summoner's orders. He says the rules are fairly clear, and that he cannot harm the summoner, although powerful magics can strip the summoner of protection, and he has heard of ways that others can usurp control."

Shortly after answering that there is an goatling at the tent flap, who speaks with an assistant.

Golden Ram advises "Messengers set by Tolhemia to the dwarven fort have returned. She has met with them and will now meet in private with me. After that I assume she may wish to share details regarding those events with you. Please excuse me while I attend to the urgency of this news."

"He speaks the Terran language, that of the elemental earth spirits."

"Thank you for coming to see me, and I wish you the best of luck on your quest for your Master Goodwin."

Simon explains to Golden Ram that he will summon a mephit and asks that Golden Ram assist in translation so that they can find out more about it and possibly the ring and its owner. Golden Ram and his elders are curious and Simon had requested politely.

Simon calls forth the mephit, and it appears.

It looks around in a bit of a startled manner as if you had just surprised it. It gives a sort of 'what now?' look to everyone.

After a moment, Golden Ram speaks to it. It answers in return.

Golden Ram says to the group that it calls itself 'Maapallo'. He relays to the creature your names. It seems to acknowledge it, but seems detached and perhaps a bit surly, although it is difficult to read its emotions given its earthen nature. Its features and expressions don't match those of one with flesh and blood, and facial muscles for smiling.

Golden Ram nods and goes on, asking it who its master was before. After an exchange, hes says to you that the creature say it briefly served a powerful merchant for a short time, but that the merchant rarely called upon him. The merchant's name was given as Vendimias.

When asked about the ring and what it means, the mephit shrugs and responds, that it was bound to the ring and can be called from its home and plane periodically for short times to provide 'assistance.'

When Golden Ram advises that your group would like to learn to speak with the creature, it replies, and Golden Ram says that the mephit would greatly appreciate it, because if you plan to pull it away from its life and activities on a whim, it would prefer you be able to communicate effectively. Golden Ram notes, trying to restrain a smile, that the mephit advises that 'It has things to do and is a busy being, and being pulled away from its regular life to provide novelty to prime planars is not its idea of fun.'

Maapallo taps it foot impatiently.

"Is there anything else from the group?" asks Golden Ram

"The fey have not departed totally from the lands. To be sure, they are rare and spread out, and some areas just do not suit them well. I think in the lower warmer forests you will find more. The plateau can be a cold harsh place when the winter snows fly. In terms of others, well I must say we have encountered some races in our time, but we do not often if ever meet any of the very rare races, or those who typically do not dwell above the surfaces. Here in the hills we will occasionally see orcs, goblinoids, ogres, giants and the like. I assume there may be those who chronicle such things in the other nations. More I cannot offer helpful information, I am sorry."

"Good Morning Quassine. We are glad to offer some hospitality and understand that although peaceful here, our lifestyle is not likely to promote success in finding your Master Goodwin. We wish you success in your endeavors. We thank you for your interest in the well being of our people, and for keeping a look out for new lands should we need to move. We have no other requests of you. Your willingness to aid us shows that your Master had a good heart, and chose wisely in selecting your group."

"Xanya, welcome. We have not had much time to discuss our tactics to handle those who enter our lands unwelcome, as it has been barely a day. We also await the return of the messengers Tolhemia has sent to the Thain. If they return and an audience is granted to Tolhemia, we will endeavor to see what may come of it. These diplomatic proceedings take time and care to craft."

Golden Ram seems to smile at Xanya's random stream of consciousness discourse. Nodding at the small blue woman, he notes "We have taken your advice to heart, and will look at all avenues available to us to secure our lands."

One of the Elders whispers something into Goldem Ram's ear, and Golden Ram grunts and nods. His eyes seem to soften a little and he takes on an almost grandfatherly look. "Take care of yourself out there. Watch over your friend Xanya." The Elders all smile at Xanya, as much as people with goat faces can smile, they nod in an understanding way.

"Are there are final requests that are within our limited capacity to grant?"

"Greetings Kiki. How may I help you today?"

"Welcome again. Simon, that is easily done, I can offer to translate, I have magic active to allow me to understand and speak with many languages."

"It would be unforgivable to not offer basic survival supplies to those in need. We cannot offer much, simply bags, baskets and bedrolls. We can offer some bronze weapons like knives or axes, or shortspears. Some basic provisions and an herbal kit for each group. We do not have a trading post like the other races. That is not our way. We are willing to help in this small way though."

Golden Ram nods at Teniel. "Your group is large and varied. The many personalities I see as a strength. Even amongst Tolhemia's group there were many opinions and voices. I know they will not stay long in our village. The urge to find your master is strong."

"Tavros it was a pleasure to have you join our dances. There will be talk for many years of your participation and intensity in the Battle Dance. Perhaps some day you will be able to join us again."

Nodding to the group, "I know that you may have plans to take a different course, but I will mention as I have to your other groups, that if you wish to stop by our village, we will give you basic supplies and equipment to make your survival somewhat easier. The journey would place us there at nightfall, and you could return on the morrow and meet the Water Spirit for your journey elsewhere."

Golden Ram and the Elders wait patiently for the others if there is anything to say. He also adds, "I would very much like to hear of this job in distant lands. For us, as discussed with others, one of our potential future strategies, if the future does not work out well for our people here, is to move to new lands. A place where we could live undisturbed would be welcome. If you find any such place in your travels, let us know."

"Prar, I believe this will work out. We have realized we must change some of our ways. We know your people will treat the land with respect and I think we can both benefit from each other. I have invited many of you to return with us to our village. I know for most of you, your quest lies in saving your master, but on that journey your path may keep you with us if that is your choice. We can discuss more at our village, should you choose."

Golden Ram and his entourage are wrapping things up and preparing to depart. Organize your own group and decide on your next path of action, and we will move it along.

Day 3 - Afternoon

You arrive at his tent as he is finishing the group talks. You suspect you will have some time to discuss with him, but it appears Golden Ram is preparing to depart soon.

He nods and he introduces his Elders. "Welcome, please speak your mind."

Day 3 - Afternoon
After a good portion of the morning is spent in discussions with the groups of people, Golden Ram ends the talks. He leaves the tent so that the goatlings can disassemble it and pack the remaining items up and return the beachside campsite to its undisturbed pristine condition.

Golden Ram makes his way among the various groups for continued discussion and farewells.

As he moves among the various groups he offers final words, "Before we potentially part ways, I wish to thank you and also apologize. I am sorry for the misunderstanding and for my people attacking your camps. We have found you to be honorable and forthright people with a desire to rescue your leader. Your kind ways have shown us there can be good in the other races, and your words and diplomacy have convinced me that we can work on some sort of partnership amongst our people. You are all welcome to make a stop at our home village, or even travel with us as we make our own way there. While we are unable to accommodate everyone indefinitely, you are welcome to some of our supplies, tools and basic gear to begin your next journey. I know some of you wish to discuss issues with me or our elders yet, please feel free to continue these at our village. Some of you wish to also commune with the Great Water Spirit that lives here. My Elders and I have spent some time with the Spirit as well, and it has agree to aid us. This will be a boon for our people. Though your people have convinced us you are not spirits, we believe you were fated to come here, and for our people to meet. The gods and spirits work their goals in subtle ways. It has been my personal pleasure too meet all of you. Please visit our village."

Within due time, Golden Ram and his entourage pack up and head along the shore and down stream, the thunder of drums and horns signaling their departure.

Those who wish to wrap up brief personal discussions or table discussions with Golden Ram or the Elders can do so at their table. Lengthier exchanges will be encouraged to continue at their village. If you wish to take advantage of their offer of supplies and aid, you must also travel to their village. The journey back to the goatling village will take several hours, placing you there near nightfall. Tolhemia's group is also there. You also have the option to stay here, delay the journey to the village, strike out on your own elsewhere, or basically any number of other options.

If people wish to interact with other groups, you may continue to do so here. If your group leaves the lake side, post it here so others know you are gone. Most play will continue at the table level, unless there are some group interactions at the village.

"The Elders assembled here with me are some of the oldest, wisest and most learned among us. I suspect your questions may be quite involved however, so if you would prefer, we can arrange for a more detailed discussion upon our return to our home village. I hope that will work as we are preparing to depart the plateau. All of you are welcome to visit the village before you move on to other ventures."

"We would be happy to grant you some supplies, clothing, some leather satchels, some basic tools, and provisions. For weapons we have spears and javelins, and knives, but no iron or steel and not the variety you might find in other societies. Please travel with us or visit our main village before you set out into the world and we will provision you. Unfortunately, while we have many shamans, we do not have any arcane practitioners who utilize books and scrolls for their studies. Our shamans' spells are divinely granted. You of course have our permission as well as long as you are respectful of our people and the lands."

He gives you a small token that seems like a stamped bronze disc, like a large coin, with his image on it.

Diplomacy success, they are friendly and aid will be rendered.

"This is the first time a spirit of water has manifested to us in this form at the Ceremony of the Lake. On its nature, I cannot comment more, but it appears wise and has offered to help us in exchange for our people's aid."

"As we have never met this Water Spirit before, his promise to aid us is new. We have not discussed a tribute arrangement, although there will likely be some exchange of resources for any aid rendered. Our people to not use gold or valuables in the sense that other races or nations do. I cannot attach a sum that would make sense to you, and it may be meaningless given your time away from the world."

"Welcome Prar and Qahnaarin." he states in your ancient version of Common. He seems to be aided by linguistic magic of his own. You are also not sure how he knew your names. Surely it may have come up, and its likely he overheard talk, but it does seem somewhat odd.

"Please be seated. The main group of your compatriots has already come and gone, but I am meeting with all and any who wish to interact with me before I head back to our village."

"Quassine, indeed that is true, and we would fight if it became obvious that we had no other choices. There is much that must be considered. No important decisions will be made in a day that will affect generations."

"For the group gathered here, I thank you for coming to offer aid, and I will also extend an offer to you and your groups. If you need some basic supplies, provisions, clothing and tools, come to our village, and we can outfit you. From there you will have easier access to the lands beyond, whether you wish to involve yourselves in our affairs with our neighbors or not. You may wish to enter their lands of your own accord and take the risks associated with it. Although we have a tenuous treaty and things are not always well, I can also put in a word for any who wish to travel to the dwarven lands. Surely they would not ignore my word completely.

I will remain here for a little while, even though they are taking down the camp now and restoring the beach to a pristine condition."

"Your idea has merit. I must admit our people are not skilled in the sort of administrative tasks that it involves, but times will force upon us change. We cannot remain forever in the wilds always fleeing the world. If we are to live in it and take ownership of our area, we need to pursue multiple possibilities. We will consider this aspect, thank you Xanya."

"Does anyone else have any discussion topics? I will remain here for talks for people until early afternoon, then I will depart for our home village."

"Thank you for being our eyes and ears in the world as you make your way within it."

Addressing Kiki, "Those are unique solutions but I feel they will do little to deter them. Their greed drives them and the desire to fuel the building needs of their kingdoms which fills their coin purses is what matters most."

"Perhaps it is time for us to find a new homeland. While our current lands are well known to us and this plateau and lake is sacred, we would consider the move to similar lands elsewhere as long as we are not pushing out any other peoples. Do you think any of you would be able to aid us in finding new lands? I know your people to not know the world as it is now, but perhaps as you spread out and seek your master you may find lands suitable for habitation. This process will not happen overnight. I also feel that perhaps we can sell the rights to our lands to the dwarves and humans and with the money fund our move to a new location."

The suggestion seems to shock the other Elders but as the possibility sinks in they seem to mull it over, weighing the pros and cons. So far, none of them have spoken in the proceedings.

"Yes, I would rather have less unpleasantness rather than more. Despite our people's love of battle nothing good can come from a perpetual war with these stronger nations."

"Perhaps, it would have to be lengthy to prevent circumvention, and what would prevent one from chopping through it or burning it?"

Since there is no established order that people arrived or said their say, I will basically note that it occurred in the order that it happened.

The goatlings are in good spirits after the Ceremony of the Lake the night before. Golden Ram seems eager to meet the rest of the people who had split from Tolhemia's group, possibly, you imagine to determine the spirit and mettle of such folk who would strike out on their own.

"It is a pleasure to meet you all, Lotham, Nathan, Simon, Aury'tss, and hello Quassine. I believe more may be coming but I will answer your questions so far. "

Nodding at Aury'tss,
"We understand your plight, and wish to help. I would not wish to have our relationships tarnished by yesterday's misunderstandings. We wish to help, but as you can imagine our resources are few. With us we have little for this journey, but at our village we have much we can share. We do have food, tools, gear for survival, and ability to make leather, cloth and wood items as well as some bronze, though our people disdain mining and we try to take trees sparingly"

Then turning to Lotham. "Yes, we are honored that you would help us, and in truth we have received some pledges from Tolhemia for aid already. Though we do not ask that you would fight a battle for us. It is unlikely the dwarves will ever attack us, for they are honor bound to uphold the treaty. It is the miners and loggers who stray into our lands, taking choices trees, or seeking veins of minerals. The Thain of the dwarves turns a bit of a blind eye, and in truth I am sure cannot send scouts and guards to police the loggers and miners or to be troubled if there we are somewhat inconvenienced."

"I would..."
With a rustling of the tent and a somewhat clumsy entrance, the Elder Council seems taken aback that Xanya would ride her spirit beast into the tent where the diplomatic talks were held. They seem even more taken aback that without so much as any introductory formalities she launches into a lengthy speech. When finished, Golden Ram clears his throat and replies. "Welcome Xanya. We are glad you could join us, your entrance was....interesting. Since space in the tent is very cramped, please feel free to allow your spirit beast to remain without the tent, unless it is critical to our discussions."
The goatlings were already friendly/helpful but your entrance did little to sway them.

"As we were discussing just briefly, we were determining the needs of our two peoples. Your ideas mean well, although it is a challenge to make a visible border through the wilderness. The loggers and miners will ignore them, as they know we would violate peace if we attacked them, and truly we would not, and will feign ignorance if we bring the attention to their leader. Building forts, walls and roads are not our way, and require clearing forests and and large amounts of stone and rock. We are not builders or masons as are the dwarves or humans. You raise the option of diplomacy with other nations or other cities, but who among them care about us, out here squabbling over a few miles of forest and rugged hills. Few will take up our cause, and those who must endure life in the cities away from their families will grow weary, broken of spirit. "

Golden Ram sighs and contemplates, to the group he remarks, "I believe we will carry on as we have before. The coming of your people is a chance to change things, and I believe your presence and those who attempt to engage with the dwarves will introduce a dynamic to this area that remains unseen at this time. Upon my return I will work with our shamans to plan for the future. Also, we will be on contact with Akluzzar the great water spirit. Perhaps its presence will change things for us. There is much to consider, but I did not want to leave before meeting all of you and know who was in our lands, and where you would be going, and what you would be doing."

He pauses for responses.

About time I had an alias for Golden Ram, and the avatar is ridiculously perfect.