Rusting Leaves will stay in the background of the party after making his thanks for the hospitality and since Grimbald was the first to respond Rustling leaves will copy his example and give everyone present a big hug thinking that this is the correct protocol in this situation.
Rustling leaves will be very happy to be back in the forest and away from potentially deadly situations like banquets and balls and such that are fraught with such uncomfortable clothes and manners and the like.
As an after thought he pulls out the sack with the goblin and hobgoblin heads in it to show the family.
"I'm not sure the elves will appreciate such a gift, if that is your intention. Elves are as sensitive as humans in most respects, especially the younger elves. But if it is to show them that goblins are here in the valley then maybe that would work."
The party leave the Gravelstoke estate and soon are into the southern Harken Forest. Just as before it was like plunging into another world. It is much denser than the light woodlands scattered across Harkenwold, with larger trees and thicker undergrowth. There are few game trails, and those that are do not lead in the direction you want. Therefore the going is difficult. It would be even more so, if not for Grimbald and Rustling Leaves scouting ahead to find the easiest route. Even so there is much scrambling, hacking through brush, traversing hills and delving into small valleys, some of which you must climb out. Only Esa, her wings fluttering happily, seems to not mind the terrain. When she is tired of flying she sits on Augustin's shoulder until the next difficult stretch when she takes to the air again and leaves Augustin to struggle. Within a couple of hours Augustin's damaged leg is aching.
A few animals are seen, deer, a boar, and of course, the ubiquitous squirrels. The boar stood its ground and the party detoured around it, but everything else, including some beasts not seen but heard, fled the approach of the party.
Just after midday the party see a rectangular upright stone the height of Augustin, carved with words both in elvish and common.
It reads:
"Here is the boundary of the human-elf lands agreed to by the Baron of Harkenwold and the Great Elder of the Woodsinger clans in the human-elf accord. Crossing this boundary without invitation violates this accord."
It has the names of Baron Justin Stockmer and Eriyel Silmë of the Woodsinger Clans.
RL is in favour of waiting a while at the marker. Does Augustin knows a way to summon the elves?
I don't think he would.
Esa knows, however (she has a very good History proficiency) plus interaction with elves in her home, albeit these were eladrin rather than wood elves.
She rolls her eyes at the party not knowing basic etiquette and flutters forward at the boundary and yells in Elvish.
"We seek permission to travel in elvish lands for the purposes of making a request of the Woodsinger Clans."
The forest soaks up her words, and her voice sounds small and high pitched, even to her own ears.
As the party peer into the forest gloom, hoping to hear a response, they hear a voice.
"Hold there, travellers. We will speak with you."
A moment later an elf dressed in a short tunic of brown and green steps into the open and advances towards you, a bow in his hand but no arrow is nocked. He stands before Esa.
"I am Israfen, of the Woodsingers," he says. "I see you are not regular Harkenwolders, and you do not look like the mercenaries of the Iron Circle. Who are you and what is your business on our ancestral lands?"
We seek an audience with those who will listen. Evil is upon is in the form of the Iron Circle. We respect that you have little concerns for the actions of men, but perhaps you would consider an audience to exchange information regarding the Iron Circle engaging with the goblins in the area. The Iron circle will have offered something in return to the goblins and it may not be long before they come for you. Please, heed our request for an audience.
Israfen listens to Augustin and then replies, "This is a matter for Eriyel. Come, follow me."
Two more elves step out of the shadows to join him, and the three elves lead the party deeper into the Harken Forest.
After an hour you come to a small elven encampment in a clearing by a forest stream. There are elven houses high up in the massive trees.
Israfen introduces you to the Great Elder of the Woodsinger clans - Eriyel, an elf woman of middle years (which means some centuries old) with dark eyes and long hair that is both blonde and brown.
She invites you to sit and eat with them, announcing they do this without obligation; as Esa knows accepting food and drink can put you in a situation of obligation to fey races.
"You are in great haste," Eriyel speaks slowly and softly. "What do you wish of my people?"
Augustin gives the spiel, much the same as he has done previously. He lets the conversation ebb and flow again, he’s not sure how elves discuss these matters but he tries to be…. More respectful. He speaks of his 3-4 cuts theory and explains in detail about the goblin.
he guestures towards the bag, indicating the proof is in the bag, however, acknowledges it may be quite difficult to look at.
Augustin finishes by asking if the Elves would like to be another cut to the iron Circle, and how they think they might help.
He points at his Gammy leg and indicates the personal costs are high.
Esa will sit beside Grimbald, aware that with his history, he is likely to speak out of turn or without respect, and quietly warns him to show restraint, and follow Augustin's example of proper manners. She tells him that his voice does not need to be heard here, and beyond a "please and thank you", he should watch what he says. Elves are not to be trifled with.
Eriyel gestures for a goblin head to be produced. Augustin wrinkles his nose, but pulls it out. The Great Elder looks at it and gestures for you to put it back.
"A southern goblin, we saw them coming up the King's Road. We depleted them a little, but there were many goblins, hobgoblins, and humans. We withdrew, we do not want to be caught on two fronts," she says. "We grieve for the evil that has come over Harkenwold, but it is not our fight."
Eriyel. I understand your gaze is long and you will see more than we will ever know. But I implore you to look closer. The Iron Circle is consolidating their power and making alliances of there here and now. If we do not try and stop them now, we may not be in a position to do so in the future. You speak of being spread too thin amongst many lines. When the Iron Circle comes for you in these woods, and they will. They will scorch the ground we stand on to prove their point. They will enslave and trap your people like they have done ours (he points at the party). We have forged uneasy truces with the Bullywogs and your neighbours outside these forest. They have not made a commitment to fight, they cannot, not alone, but together we can make a difference by doing what we can.
I recall an eleven saying and speaks in Elvish “The best time to plant a tree is 200 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Do not look to plant a tree in the future when there is no one to help you tend to it.
Eriyel. I understand your gaze is long and you will see more than we will ever know. But I implore you to look closer. The Iron Circle is consolidating their power and making alliances of there here and now. If we do not try and stop them now, we may not be in a position to do so in the future. You speak of being spread too thin amongst many lines. When the Iron Circle comes for you in these woods, and they will. They will scorch the ground we stand on to prove their point. They will enslave and trap your people like they have done ours (he points at the party). We have forged uneasy truces with the Bullywogs and your neighbours outside these forest. They have not made a commitment to fight, they cannot, not alone, but together we can make a difference by doing what we can.
I recall an eleven saying and speaks in Elvish “The best time to plant a tree is 200 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Do not look to plant a tree in the future when there is no one to help you tend to it.
Guidance and what assistance RL can provide given the first is his home as well.
DM: Augustin can have inspiration if he doesn't already.
Eriyel replies: "There could be truth in what you say. Evil left unchecked cannot help but spread. Still, I deem it better to wait and watch for now. Given time, the Iron Circle may simply move on."
Augustin thinks she is less sure of her argument than she was a minute ago.
Esa speaks up. "I understand your reluctance. Humans can be petty and greedy, malicious and destructive. But the Iron Circle takes those traits and compounds them. They are a disease, and if left unchecked, will spread and kill. Once they have done away with the humans, they will come for the elves, only stronger than they currently are. Their power will not fade, it will bloom."
"I thank you for hearing us and our cause. May I ask you to not give your answer right away? Please think on it, consult those you wish, consider our humble words."
Augustin looks around at his friends nearby who have all given a lot of themselves over the last few days, more then anyone of them could have really expected.
He stands up dramatically, really struggling with his double leg.
He looks around the room at the elves and briefly considers what the lives of everyone in the room is going to be like when the Iron Circle comes for this land.
He draws his great sword (I imagine to much alarm) and pauses for dramatic effect before kneeling to the ground, offering his sword up to Eyriel and speaks in elvish.
Eyriel of the Woodsinger Clans. History will remember what choice you made here today, and we will write songs of it. We will write songs, not of the choice to hide in the woods and wait until the enemy is at your doorstep. No, we will speak the other truth. That you are fulfilling your Oath to the Ancient traditions of your land and its people. That you honoured the values of your ancestors.
Today I take an Oath to uphold your values and protect your Ancient traditions and way of life. I Augustin, will go forth and fight and defend the land upon which we stand in the name of the Woodsingers. I pledge myself, my sword and heart and soul, to protect your way of life, so that one day, when I am dead and gone. Your children’s children will be able to continue the same life you have today, free from tyranny and the threats of others.
Regardless of what you response. I will devote myself to protecting your Ancient ways. I will fight and if so, die, protecting your way of life.
There is stunned silence from everyone, even the elves.
Eyriel looks serious as she considers Augustin's words.
"You offer one life, your life, for risking many of ours. I do not devalue your offer, and we are obligated to match your selfless oath. There is a task you can do for us, but it is almost certain death for you. If you were to succeed somehow, then we will aid you. There would be no argument from other clan elders."
Her eyes fall to Augustin's horn at this side. Elves don't do comedic double takes but Eyriel came very close. Her voice is almost a whisper.
"Tell me, Augustin of Harken, whereby did you gain that horn? May I see it closer?"
Rusting Leaves will stay in the background of the party after making his thanks for the hospitality and since Grimbald was the first to respond Rustling leaves will copy his example and give everyone present a big hug thinking that this is the correct protocol in this situation.
Rustling leaves will be very happy to be back in the forest and away from potentially deadly situations like banquets and balls and such that are fraught with such uncomfortable clothes and manners and the like.
As an after thought he pulls out the sack with the goblin and hobgoblin heads in it to show the family.
Xander gives a deadpan face.
"I'm not sure the elves will appreciate such a gift, if that is your intention. Elves are as sensitive as humans in most respects, especially the younger elves. But if it is to show them that goblins are here in the valley then maybe that would work."
The party leave the Gravelstoke estate and soon are into the southern Harken Forest. Just as before it was like plunging into another world. It is much denser than the light woodlands scattered across Harkenwold, with larger trees and thicker undergrowth. There are few game trails, and those that are do not lead in the direction you want. Therefore the going is difficult. It would be even more so, if not for Grimbald and Rustling Leaves scouting ahead to find the easiest route. Even so there is much scrambling, hacking through brush, traversing hills and delving into small valleys, some of which you must climb out. Only Esa, her wings fluttering happily, seems to not mind the terrain. When she is tired of flying she sits on Augustin's shoulder until the next difficult stretch when she takes to the air again and leaves Augustin to struggle. Within a couple of hours Augustin's damaged leg is aching.
A few animals are seen, deer, a boar, and of course, the ubiquitous squirrels. The boar stood its ground and the party detoured around it, but everything else, including some beasts not seen but heard, fled the approach of the party.
Just after midday the party see a rectangular upright stone the height of Augustin, carved with words both in elvish and common.
It reads:
"Here is the boundary of the human-elf lands agreed to by the Baron of Harkenwold and the Great Elder of the Woodsinger clans in the human-elf accord. Crossing this boundary without invitation violates this accord."
It has the names of Baron Justin Stockmer and Eriyel Silmë of the Woodsinger Clans.
Actions?
RL is in favour of waiting a while at the marker. Does Augustin knows a way to summon the elves?
I don't think he would.
Esa knows, however (she has a very good History proficiency) plus interaction with elves in her home, albeit these were eladrin rather than wood elves.
She rolls her eyes at the party not knowing basic etiquette and flutters forward at the boundary and yells in Elvish.
"We seek permission to travel in elvish lands for the purposes of making a request of the Woodsinger Clans."
The forest soaks up her words, and her voice sounds small and high pitched, even to her own ears.
As the party peer into the forest gloom, hoping to hear a response, they hear a voice.
"Hold there, travellers. We will speak with you."
A moment later an elf dressed in a short tunic of brown and green steps into the open and advances towards you, a bow in his hand but no arrow is nocked. He stands before Esa.
"I am Israfen, of the Woodsingers," he says. "I see you are not regular Harkenwolders, and you do not look like the mercenaries of the Iron Circle. Who are you and what is your business on our ancestral lands?"
We seek an audience with those who will listen. Evil is upon is in the form of the Iron Circle. We respect that you have little concerns for the actions of men, but perhaps you would consider an audience to exchange information regarding the Iron Circle engaging with the goblins in the area. The Iron circle will have offered something in return to the goblins and it may not be long before they come for you. Please, heed our request for an audience.
"what he said"
Israfen listens to Augustin and then replies, "This is a matter for Eriyel. Come, follow me."
Two more elves step out of the shadows to join him, and the three elves lead the party deeper into the Harken Forest.
After an hour you come to a small elven encampment in a clearing by a forest stream. There are elven houses high up in the massive trees.
Israfen introduces you to the Great Elder of the Woodsinger clans - Eriyel, an elf woman of middle years (which means some centuries old) with dark eyes and long hair that is both blonde and brown.
She invites you to sit and eat with them, announcing they do this without obligation; as Esa knows accepting food and drink can put you in a situation of obligation to fey races.
"You are in great haste," Eriyel speaks slowly and softly. "What do you wish of my people?"
While you are sitting and talking, the party notices some elves pointing at you and whispering. Some seem annoyed, some seem puzzled.
Grimbald looks to check if there are crumbs in his beard, then smiles back broadly.
Augustin gives the spiel, much the same as he has done previously. He lets the conversation ebb and flow again, he’s not sure how elves discuss these matters but he tries to be…. More respectful. He speaks of his 3-4 cuts theory and explains in detail about the goblin.
he guestures towards the bag, indicating the proof is in the bag, however, acknowledges it may be quite difficult to look at.
Augustin finishes by asking if the Elves would like to be another cut to the iron Circle, and how they think they might help.
He points at his Gammy leg and indicates the personal costs are high.
Esa will sit beside Grimbald, aware that with his history, he is likely to speak out of turn or without respect, and quietly warns him to show restraint, and follow Augustin's example of proper manners. She tells him that his voice does not need to be heard here, and beyond a "please and thank you", he should watch what he says. Elves are not to be trifled with.
Eriyel gestures for a goblin head to be produced. Augustin wrinkles his nose, but pulls it out. The Great Elder looks at it and gestures for you to put it back.
"A southern goblin, we saw them coming up the King's Road. We depleted them a little, but there were many goblins, hobgoblins, and humans. We withdrew, we do not want to be caught on two fronts," she says. "We grieve for the evil that has come over Harkenwold, but it is not our fight."
Eriyel. I understand your gaze is long and you will see more than we will ever know. But I implore you to look closer. The Iron Circle is consolidating their power and making alliances of there here and now. If we do not try and stop them now, we may not be in a position to do so in the future. You speak of being spread too thin amongst many lines. When the Iron Circle comes for you in these woods, and they will. They will scorch the ground we stand on to prove their point. They will enslave and trap your people like they have done ours (he points at the party). We have forged uneasy truces with the Bullywogs and your neighbours outside these forest. They have not made a commitment to fight, they cannot, not alone, but together we can make a difference by doing what we can.
I recall an eleven saying and speaks in Elvish “The best time to plant a tree is 200 years ago. The second best time is now.”
Do not look to plant a tree in the future when there is no one to help you tend to it.
Guidance and what assistance RL can provide given the first is his home as well.
DM: Augustin can have inspiration if he doesn't already.
Eriyel replies: "There could be truth in what you say. Evil left unchecked cannot help but spread. Still, I deem it better to wait and watch for now. Given time, the Iron Circle may simply move on."
Augustin thinks she is less sure of her argument than she was a minute ago.
Esa speaks up. "I understand your reluctance. Humans can be petty and greedy, malicious and destructive. But the Iron Circle takes those traits and compounds them. They are a disease, and if left unchecked, will spread and kill. Once they have done away with the humans, they will come for the elves, only stronger than they currently are. Their power will not fade, it will bloom."
"I thank you for hearing us and our cause. May I ask you to not give your answer right away? Please think on it, consult those you wish, consider our humble words."
Augustin looks around at his friends nearby who have all given a lot of themselves over the last few days, more then anyone of them could have really expected.
He stands up dramatically, really struggling with his double leg.
He looks around the room at the elves and briefly considers what the lives of everyone in the room is going to be like when the Iron Circle comes for this land.
He draws his great sword (I imagine to much alarm) and pauses for dramatic effect before kneeling to the ground, offering his sword up to Eyriel and speaks in elvish.
Eyriel of the Woodsinger Clans. History will remember what choice you made here today, and we will write songs of it. We will write songs, not of the choice to hide in the woods and wait until the enemy is at your doorstep. No, we will speak the other truth. That you are fulfilling your Oath to the Ancient traditions of your land and its people. That you honoured the values of your ancestors.
Today I take an Oath to uphold your values and protect your Ancient traditions and way of life. I Augustin, will go forth and fight and defend the land upon which we stand in the name of the Woodsingers. I pledge myself, my sword and heart and soul, to protect your way of life, so that one day, when I am dead and gone. Your children’s children will be able to continue the same life you have today, free from tyranny and the threats of others.
Regardless of what you response. I will devote myself to protecting your Ancient ways. I will fight and if so, die, protecting your way of life.
What say you, Eyriel of the Woodsingers?
There is stunned silence from everyone, even the elves.
Eyriel looks serious as she considers Augustin's words.
"You offer one life, your life, for risking many of ours. I do not devalue your offer, and we are obligated to match your selfless oath. There is a task you can do for us, but it is almost certain death for you. If you were to succeed somehow, then we will aid you. There would be no argument from other clan elders."
Her eyes fall to Augustin's horn at this side. Elves don't do comedic double takes but Eyriel came very close. Her voice is almost a whisper.
"Tell me, Augustin of Harken, whereby did you gain that horn? May I see it closer?"
Augustin stands back up and passes over the horn and says quite solemnly. We will do this task for you, his eyes now a vivid emerald green.
This horn is a family heirloom. It is now but one of the reasons I fight. You are not the only ones who hold traditions close.