Jek nods, then sends an illusion of a smiling beautiful woman up in front of him, shining with a bright light.
Using a mixture of his magics, Jek weaves a story infront of them.
First, a view a Celestia, with a bright daylight sky around it showing 1, than 2, than 3 suns.
The image changes, the suns come together, and the sky gets dark.
The image changes again, a giant bird carrying a group of people off Celestia, traveling towards land. (Jek will point of the people, and then points to his compatriots.)
The image changes, the figures are heading downwards, into the earth, while being hunted by a wolf made of shadows, that is then blocked up above.
The image changes, the figures are traveling through the mushroom forest of the Underdark. Included in the image is the map of the underdark The path they took is illuminated yellow, and there is a marking showing where he thinks they currently are (with a question mark above i). He will gesture to the map, pointing out there current locations, then gestures to there surroundings (trying to convey that this is where he thinks they are.
A dotted line extends out from where they are to the Garthim Carverns, indiciating that's where they want to go next.
Wo-Dan takes out a bit of ash and rock salt to cast a spell. Speaking a few words in the old tounge of Auryn casting 'Comprehend Languages' he signals to the Dwarf before him to repeat what it had said hoping to learn this new language and translate it to his partners.
Wo-Dan nods a few times as the Dwarves speak to him, managing to repeat some of their language after a few stutters to clarify a few points, he then speaks to his party.
"They seem to be a peaceful, friendly folk. They were initially fearful that we were a people they call 'The Masters' that come and harvest from their numbers, but I have managed to set them at ease on that point. According to them it has been many a year since last they have seen a surface dweller or indeed any not of this 'Master' race they speak of until quite recently."
He spends a few minutes in a drawn out conversation wherein he tries several different variations of wordings from the language he has so far heard to ask questions on the Dwarves.
"It seems that we are very lucky to have made it here by flight as the underworld has developed quite a few monsters that specialize in claiming anything that ventures too close to the ceiling of the caverns. We may need to rethink our traveling options from here on out."
Rum waits patiently as Wo-dan communicates with the grey dwarves, nodding in approval as he mentions that they are peaceful.
As Wo-dan turns to explain the situation with flying creatures, he stands from his kneeling position. "Well done, Remnant Wo-dan, that is useful information. Do they perhaps have an alternative that we can trade for? And maybe a description of these 'Masters'?".
He is aware of the threats of the sky, having been attacked by Wyverns in the past.
Lady Kaede also nods her appreciation at the friendliness of the dwarves, and Wo-dan’s amazing ability to communicate with them. Upon mention of the attacks from the sky, she suddenly keeps looking up and down, up and down, nervous that these mystery monsters will suddenly appear at any time.
”Perhaps we could share some of our food with these friendly folks, in exchange for hospitality for one night? We could share stories and hopefully learn more about this cavern….perhaps they could help us on our journey by recommending ways of avoiding the Masters?”
Jek looks amazed. "Good job! That's a handy ability. Ohh, stories, I love a good story! But I agree, we probably want a better idea of who these Masters are." Jek bounces up and down at the prospect of learning more about these new people.
Jek will go up to one of the smaller ones. He points to himself and says "Jek Utinni." Then he points to them, expectantly.
As Wo-Dan relays the messages from the other Remnants and Jek introduces himself, the crowd of little gray dwarves grows larger. They seem very eager to see what goodies the surface dwellers have brought down from the surface, and several of them gather up around Kaede and begin to pull at her pockets and armor, looking for whatever these surface goods are that she spoke of.
It turns out that the Masters are what would commonly be known as Drow, though it seems these Drow are not as friendly as Shirin had been. Apparently, in recent months, they've been accompanied by small groups of what the band comes to realize are Stormtroopers, after one of the Dwarves draws a Imperial Sigil in the dirt...
Rum listens to Wo-Dan speak of Drow and Stormtroopers. "It is disconcerting that these stormtroopers have ventured this far through subternia, Remnant Wo-Dan. And even more disconcerting that they are making allies down here. Of course, it is not unexpected".
"Did they speak of mounts that they might provide?", he asks Wo-Dan.
As they cluster around Lady Kaede, he tries to think of anything he might have on him that would interest these dwarves. He draws out some of the iron rings he had made to help him train way back in Riverwood, just after they left the Ivory Tower.
He holds 2 of them out for any of the grey dwarves to take, and if they are interested enough he will take out another 2.
Wo-Dan's relay of of his question prompts the dwarves to look at one another, head's shaking. There are muffled conversations in the other language, and finally Wo-Dan informs Rum that they have no mounts at the moment because the Masters took all of them one day when the Stormtroopers first arrived. It seems they were all taken south, toward the Great Cavern...though none of their number have been brave enough to venture that direction.
Two dwarves scoop up the iron rings and examine them. They smile, and both produce a few gems from their pockets, offering exchange to Rum...
Rum gladly exchanges the iron rings for gems, not because he wants the gems but because he feels it would be rude not to except.
"A night of hospitality sounds good if they are willing. The lack of mounts to purchase is a shame, fellow Remnants", he says looking at their current winged beasts. "If there are predators that will prey on us if we travel in the air, and stormtroopers on the ground that will spot us, it will be wise to continue on foot until the next settlement. Do they know of any larger settlements that might have mounts, Remnant Wo-Dan?".
To a particularly rugged looking dwarf, Lady Kaede smiles broadly, kneels down and doffs her backpack, and pulls out her spare set of Ō-yoroi armor. It's lacquered black and red, in royal colors, with a sigil of her father's shogunate painted on the back. It's worth likely more than these dwarves have ever seen in their long lifetimes. She offers it to the stout dwarf, smiling.
"Take this as a token of my appreciation, master dwarf-sama, and use it to protect yourself from the Masters when they return. And when they do, please tell them that you got this from Lady Kaede Ashikaga, daughter of Shōgun Ashikaga, who offers his protection in your time of need."
She has no idea if the dwarf understood her or not, but the gift is freely given.
The Ō-yoroi armor is Splint armor, non-magical, but extremely finely crafted by master artisans in the employ of the Emperor.
As Jek watches the dwarves react, he decides to take a look in his bag as well. Hmmm, oh right, he has a crossbow! And why would he need two daggers?
He pulls out the crossbow, crossbow bolts, and one dagger. He lays them out in front of himself, seeing if any of the dwarves are interested.
After any trading occurs, he will decide to put on a little show. Using a number of different spells, he will start juggling lights and fireworks, hoping to entertain those around.
The conversation continues in its strange mix of languages and its strange mix of magic invocations. It is revealed, mostly through pointing, that another large settlement lies to the south, off in the direction of the Great Cavern beneath Hylia. It is actually surmised there may be more than one settlement in the area, and that this section of Subternia may be the most populace. It seems the settlements in this area are all a mixed bag, though the Masters are also settled in the vicinity and control what goes on in all the surrounding villages.
When Kaede produces the armor, and Jek produces the weapons, the dwarves panic. They hold up their hands and back away, none of them seeming to want to touch what has been produced. It seems that not only are they not armed, but they have some aversion to having such implements at their disposal...
Kaede to her fellow adventurers: "I wonder if these supposed Masters have invoked a sense of fear in these dwarves in arming themselves? It's as if they think they'll be harmed if they take up arms? Poor things."
Continuing, to Wo-Dan, "Do you think you can determine from them the size and compliment of these Masters, err, Storm Troopers, that are nearby? How large of an army are they?"
"I think you are right, Lady Kaede", Rum replies after seeing their reaction to armour and weaponry. "These folk have been well and truly subjugated. We must be careful, because if these masters find out they have helped us, it might go very badly for them".
He looks around, and up towards the edge of the chasm.
"The safety of this settlement is appealing for the night, but we should make haste as early as possible on the morrow", he suggests.
It seems that weapons and defensive apparatus are completely forbidden for these people, as the Masters always visit hellish vengeance upon them when they have tried to defend themselves in the past. There's mention of the Newts spying on them and telling the masters, but this is an elusive observation.
When asked about the stormtroopers, they gather up and start discussing. It's clear they're talking numbers. Fingers are held up, pointed down, hands are waved in clear gestures of 'no, that's not correct'. Heads nod. Heads shake. Heads nod some more. When it's finally relayed to the group, it seems like there are many, many Masters over many settlements. The large settlements in the Great Cavern sound like cities, while the nearby outposts sound like small squad and platoon sized elements. When asked about the Stormtroopers, it seems like they've been seen in small, squad sized elements, though they're probably operating out of one of the Master's base camps.
They are agreeable to letting the lot of you stay the night.
"Are we to assume the Newts are those red lizards, Rmenant Wo-Dan?", Rum asks a little concerned. "If so, and they are spies for the masters and their stormtrooper allies, our presence is likely to have been reported already".
"We can only hope that not all of these masters, these drow, are allied with the stormtroopers. Otherwise stopping at any settlement will be a dangerous undertaking".
"The stories I've heard, whispered amongst my father's men, is that drow are definitely not to be trusted. The whole lot of them."
After pondering the darkness for a minute, she continues. "...but we shan't forget our mission here. Master Wo-Dan, can you ask the dwarves if they know of a way to get to the next cavern, safely, perhaps skirting around any other settlements, especially where the Masters may be located?" as she points to the next cavern they're trying to find on the map.
"Also, if possible, can you ask the dwarves about that sound like music, like flutes and strange wind instruments being played in unison by many musicians that we've been hearing?"
"Probably so." Wo-Dan says as Rum asks his question. He spends another moment or two conversing with the dwarves, gesticulating, using magic, then turns to Rum. "Seems it's not all of them, but at least a good portion of the Newts have been forced into some form of subservience as well. The presence of the Stormtroopers has made this worse. Ah, Lady Kaede, they say the flutes are the Newts. It's how they communicate over long distances. Newts with flutes..."
He poses the question of travel to the dwarves, and some of them begin drawing maps in the dust.
"We go back up the chasm..." He says, pointing to the side opposite of where they flew down from, "...and then south. It gets narrow, and there are boulder fields and treacherous terrain. There are trails amongst the fields but...it seems the Masters use them quite frequently...wait. That takes us south, to the Great Cavern. For the Garthim Cavern, we continue on along the chasm...."
Wo-Dan points eastward along the expansive divide, whose bottom they cannot see...
Jek nods, then sends an illusion of a smiling beautiful woman up in front of him, shining with a bright light.
Using a mixture of his magics, Jek weaves a story infront of them.
Jek nods, and says to Rum "Hows that!"
"That was perfect, friend Jek", Rum whispers to his friend, before waiting to see the reaction of the grey dwarves.
He remains kneeling passively, making no move at all, let alone one that could be construed as aggressive.
Wo-Dan takes out a bit of ash and rock salt to cast a spell. Speaking a few words in the old tounge of Auryn casting 'Comprehend Languages' he signals to the Dwarf before him to repeat what it had said hoping to learn this new language and translate it to his partners.
Wo-Dan nods a few times as the Dwarves speak to him, managing to repeat some of their language after a few stutters to clarify a few points, he then speaks to his party.
"They seem to be a peaceful, friendly folk. They were initially fearful that we were a people they call 'The Masters' that come and harvest from their numbers, but I have managed to set them at ease on that point. According to them it has been many a year since last they have seen a surface dweller or indeed any not of this 'Master' race they speak of until quite recently."
He spends a few minutes in a drawn out conversation wherein he tries several different variations of wordings from the language he has so far heard to ask questions on the Dwarves.
"It seems that we are very lucky to have made it here by flight as the underworld has developed quite a few monsters that specialize in claiming anything that ventures too close to the ceiling of the caverns. We may need to rethink our traveling options from here on out."
Rum waits patiently as Wo-dan communicates with the grey dwarves, nodding in approval as he mentions that they are peaceful.
As Wo-dan turns to explain the situation with flying creatures, he stands from his kneeling position. "Well done, Remnant Wo-dan, that is useful information. Do they perhaps have an alternative that we can trade for? And maybe a description of these 'Masters'?".
He is aware of the threats of the sky, having been attacked by Wyverns in the past.
Lady Kaede also nods her appreciation at the friendliness of the dwarves, and Wo-dan’s amazing ability to communicate with them. Upon mention of the attacks from the sky, she suddenly keeps looking up and down, up and down, nervous that these mystery monsters will suddenly appear at any time.
”Perhaps we could share some of our food with these friendly folks, in exchange for hospitality for one night? We could share stories and hopefully learn more about this cavern….perhaps they could help us on our journey by recommending ways of avoiding the Masters?”
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
Jek looks amazed. "Good job! That's a handy ability. Ohh, stories, I love a good story! But I agree, we probably want a better idea of who these Masters are." Jek bounces up and down at the prospect of learning more about these new people.
Jek will go up to one of the smaller ones. He points to himself and says "Jek Utinni." Then he points to them, expectantly.
As Wo-Dan relays the messages from the other Remnants and Jek introduces himself, the crowd of little gray dwarves grows larger. They seem very eager to see what goodies the surface dwellers have brought down from the surface, and several of them gather up around Kaede and begin to pull at her pockets and armor, looking for whatever these surface goods are that she spoke of.
It turns out that the Masters are what would commonly be known as Drow, though it seems these Drow are not as friendly as Shirin had been. Apparently, in recent months, they've been accompanied by small groups of what the band comes to realize are Stormtroopers, after one of the Dwarves draws a Imperial Sigil in the dirt...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Rum listens to Wo-Dan speak of Drow and Stormtroopers. "It is disconcerting that these stormtroopers have ventured this far through subternia, Remnant Wo-Dan. And even more disconcerting that they are making allies down here. Of course, it is not unexpected".
"Did they speak of mounts that they might provide?", he asks Wo-Dan.
As they cluster around Lady Kaede, he tries to think of anything he might have on him that would interest these dwarves. He draws out some of the iron rings he had made to help him train way back in Riverwood, just after they left the Ivory Tower.
He holds 2 of them out for any of the grey dwarves to take, and if they are interested enough he will take out another 2.
Wo-Dan's relay of of his question prompts the dwarves to look at one another, head's shaking. There are muffled conversations in the other language, and finally Wo-Dan informs Rum that they have no mounts at the moment because the Masters took all of them one day when the Stormtroopers first arrived. It seems they were all taken south, toward the Great Cavern...though none of their number have been brave enough to venture that direction.
Two dwarves scoop up the iron rings and examine them. They smile, and both produce a few gems from their pockets, offering exchange to Rum...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Rum gladly exchanges the iron rings for gems, not because he wants the gems but because he feels it would be rude not to except.
"A night of hospitality sounds good if they are willing. The lack of mounts to purchase is a shame, fellow Remnants", he says looking at their current winged beasts. "If there are predators that will prey on us if we travel in the air, and stormtroopers on the ground that will spot us, it will be wise to continue on foot until the next settlement. Do they know of any larger settlements that might have mounts, Remnant Wo-Dan?".
To a particularly rugged looking dwarf, Lady Kaede smiles broadly, kneels down and doffs her backpack, and pulls out her spare set of Ō-yoroi armor. It's lacquered black and red, in royal colors, with a sigil of her father's shogunate painted on the back. It's worth likely more than these dwarves have ever seen in their long lifetimes. She offers it to the stout dwarf, smiling.
"Take this as a token of my appreciation, master dwarf-sama, and use it to protect yourself from the Masters when they return. And when they do, please tell them that you got this from Lady Kaede Ashikaga, daughter of Shōgun Ashikaga, who offers his protection in your time of need."
She has no idea if the dwarf understood her or not, but the gift is freely given.
The Ō-yoroi armor is Splint armor, non-magical, but extremely finely crafted by master artisans in the employ of the Emperor.
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
As Jek watches the dwarves react, he decides to take a look in his bag as well. Hmmm, oh right, he has a crossbow! And why would he need two daggers?
He pulls out the crossbow, crossbow bolts, and one dagger. He lays them out in front of himself, seeing if any of the dwarves are interested.
After any trading occurs, he will decide to put on a little show. Using a number of different spells, he will start juggling lights and fireworks, hoping to entertain those around.
The conversation continues in its strange mix of languages and its strange mix of magic invocations. It is revealed, mostly through pointing, that another large settlement lies to the south, off in the direction of the Great Cavern beneath Hylia. It is actually surmised there may be more than one settlement in the area, and that this section of Subternia may be the most populace. It seems the settlements in this area are all a mixed bag, though the Masters are also settled in the vicinity and control what goes on in all the surrounding villages.
When Kaede produces the armor, and Jek produces the weapons, the dwarves panic. They hold up their hands and back away, none of them seeming to want to touch what has been produced. It seems that not only are they not armed, but they have some aversion to having such implements at their disposal...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Kaede to her fellow adventurers: "I wonder if these supposed Masters have invoked a sense of fear in these dwarves in arming themselves? It's as if they think they'll be harmed if they take up arms? Poor things."
Continuing, to Wo-Dan, "Do you think you can determine from them the size and compliment of these Masters, err, Storm Troopers, that are nearby? How large of an army are they?"
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
"I think you are right, Lady Kaede", Rum replies after seeing their reaction to armour and weaponry. "These folk have been well and truly subjugated. We must be careful, because if these masters find out they have helped us, it might go very badly for them".
He looks around, and up towards the edge of the chasm.
"The safety of this settlement is appealing for the night, but we should make haste as early as possible on the morrow", he suggests.
Wo-Dan continues his translations.
It seems that weapons and defensive apparatus are completely forbidden for these people, as the Masters always visit hellish vengeance upon them when they have tried to defend themselves in the past. There's mention of the Newts spying on them and telling the masters, but this is an elusive observation.
When asked about the stormtroopers, they gather up and start discussing. It's clear they're talking numbers. Fingers are held up, pointed down, hands are waved in clear gestures of 'no, that's not correct'. Heads nod. Heads shake. Heads nod some more. When it's finally relayed to the group, it seems like there are many, many Masters over many settlements. The large settlements in the Great Cavern sound like cities, while the nearby outposts sound like small squad and platoon sized elements. When asked about the Stormtroopers, it seems like they've been seen in small, squad sized elements, though they're probably operating out of one of the Master's base camps.
They are agreeable to letting the lot of you stay the night.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
"Are we to assume the Newts are those red lizards, Rmenant Wo-Dan?", Rum asks a little concerned. "If so, and they are spies for the masters and their stormtrooper allies, our presence is likely to have been reported already".
"We can only hope that not all of these masters, these drow, are allied with the stormtroopers. Otherwise stopping at any settlement will be a dangerous undertaking".
"The stories I've heard, whispered amongst my father's men, is that drow are definitely not to be trusted. The whole lot of them."
After pondering the darkness for a minute, she continues. "...but we shan't forget our mission here. Master Wo-Dan, can you ask the dwarves if they know of a way to get to the next cavern, safely, perhaps skirting around any other settlements, especially where the Masters may be located?" as she points to the next cavern they're trying to find on the map.
"Also, if possible, can you ask the dwarves about that sound like music, like flutes and strange wind instruments being played in unison by many musicians that we've been hearing?"
Last to know and first to be blamed...
As a free action, can I regret my life choices?
"Probably so." Wo-Dan says as Rum asks his question. He spends another moment or two conversing with the dwarves, gesticulating, using magic, then turns to Rum. "Seems it's not all of them, but at least a good portion of the Newts have been forced into some form of subservience as well. The presence of the Stormtroopers has made this worse. Ah, Lady Kaede, they say the flutes are the Newts. It's how they communicate over long distances. Newts with flutes..."
He poses the question of travel to the dwarves, and some of them begin drawing maps in the dust.
"We go back up the chasm..." He says, pointing to the side opposite of where they flew down from, "...and then south. It gets narrow, and there are boulder fields and treacherous terrain. There are trails amongst the fields but...it seems the Masters use them quite frequently...wait. That takes us south, to the Great Cavern. For the Garthim Cavern, we continue on along the chasm...."
Wo-Dan points eastward along the expansive divide, whose bottom they cannot see...
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York