Norwick's envoys and the goblins of the West Rawlins
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((to keep this clean and streamlined i am going to delete any non-connected comments to this closed thread. Everyone is welcome to read it, but unless you were involved from the beginning you cannot comment. Please send me a PM if you have any questions.
Thanks.
-Dwin))
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//Please Nae-J, I hope you would read the instructions I had written in the opening of this thread before posting anything.
As a reminder:
This thread is only reserved for those who are participating in the plot and I kindly ask that it is not to be hijacked by those not involved.
Thank you.
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_For the remainder of the exchanges or possible dealings involved, Harmony speaks little to none. Instead she observes the rest of the group participating the remainder of the exchanges, only speaking up when asked or inquired.
She takes her place and positions in the sidelines, so as she is deemed to be insignificant compared to the other companions travelling with her. Watching the others without intervention in the following dealings that may be made between Norwick and the goblins._
"Norwick is no longer in my hands. Perhaps they may represent the future generation instead."
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Seeing no obvious reaction to the flurry of introductions, Wren presses ahead with the pitch…
<goblin>"For a long time you have fought with Norwick and Norwick has fought with you. Much blood has been shed and that is good. We would have killed you all and taken your lands if we could have. You would have burned Norwick and sacrificed us to your gods had you been able.
"That is how our two peoples lived together, and it was tolerable to both.
"Now the Tainted Ones have come. We know they are stronger than you are. We watch as they push you ever westward. Soon you will have nowhere to go, nowhere in the woods to retreat to. Then you will die.
"We do not care if you live or die. We would prefer you to die. But we are not stupid. We know that once you are gone the Tainted Ones will be able to turn their full strength on us. We do not know if we are strong enough to prevail against that.
"We learn things from watching goblins. We learn that one tall human warrior can beat a goblin shortie… but a swarm of many at once can bring him down.
"We propose to work together with you to fight the Tainted Ones. Not because we like you, or because we want to be your friends. Because unless something is done, they will kill you, and then they will come to kill us."</goblin>
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Already standing a few steps behind Ragnhild, at Wren’s feigning of submission to her, Elyl lowers his head in deference as Ragnhild is introduced. When possible during the interchange he scans the room.
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Belin hulks in a surly unmovable wall fashion. She is either stuck or just refusing to move perhaps for fear she'll touch or draw her weapon. Her dark brown almost black eyes hawk the goblins her keen dwarven trading skills sizing up each goblins worth in gold.
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Celebring bows to Ragnhild courteously, although his eyes are focused anywhere but her, looking sidelong to the left and right as he scans the darkness skeptically. Eyeing the goblins, uncertain of them as he waits for a reaction.
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Harmony follows on with a submissive bow to Ragnhild, taking some steps back until she stands behind Ragnhild's leading form, waiting for the next response the group may be receiving from the lair of goblin chiefs.
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Standing tall and proud, Ragnhild calmly accepts Wren's cringing submission as if it was nothing more than her rightful due. She touches her fist to her chest in a strict, formal greeting gesture as she is introduced, her ice blue eyes seeking out the chieftains, nodding respectfully to each one in turn. As her gaze passes the empty seat, a deep sorrow fills her eyes, the emotion threatening to break through the formal mask.
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Wren nods and steps forward to survey the goblins, hand on weapon hilt, arms and legs cocked in a casual, somewhat aggressive manner, posture indicating disdain… good goblin 'manners'.
<goblin>"I am Wren, One Who Speaks for us, killer of many, Enforcer-Of-Whims for the chieftain of Norwick…."
She lists through the others in turn (although she fumbles briefly on how to translate 'Harmony' into goblin, finally settling on 'Amusing Tune Pleasingly Akin To Hin Being Throttled At Regularly Spaced Intervals') until she gets to Ragnhild. There, her posture changes; she cringes in Ragnhild's direction and allows tones of abject fear and submission to enter her voice when she speaks of the woman.
<goblin>"…Ragnhild, daughter of Grahk, chieftain of the Bloody Tooth."
Turning her gaze back to the goblins, Wren's posture and tone snap back to a slightly aggressive, slightly relaxed mode.
<goblin>"We would speak to the tribes regarding the Tainted Ones."</goblin></goblin></goblin>
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Harmony speaks in a soft tone, loud enough for her group to hear, incomprehensible for the goblin council to hear.
"It would be best it seems Wren, now be the best time for self-introductions.
Mayhaps Wren, you could assist us in introducing each of us present on our behalf, with the tongue of the goblin?
As far as the introduction goes, I would propose that when it comes to introducing Ragnhild, she would be done last, with the tone of yours changed into a respectful kind compared to introducing the rest of us. We will all follow the respectful gesture you make.
For Ragnhild it seems, is a daughter of a very highly respected tribe chief in this council we see."
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Sqee turns around and motions to the armored goblins and begins to head off into the depths of the woods. Two mailed goblins march in front of Sqee, two behind. Their armor is of exceptional make and well kept unlike typical goblin gear. An observant eye might catch the insignia of the Union stamped on their gear. A handful of lesser goblins approach Sqee and have hushed words with him only to then go running off deeper into the woods.
Sqee: Stay close and keep to the path we walk. No one will bother you as long as you stay with me, should you wander I will not protect you.
For hours the goblins march and quite frequently a band of goblins will approach eager for blood only to shy away seeing Sqee. After what seems like an all day march without rest or food the sun begins to set and the woods begin to darken. Sqee heads towards what appears to be an impenetrable thicket and as the first set of guards approach it a doorway in the thicket opens to reveal a short passage thru the brambles clear of thorns though only goblin height. The sounds of goblins cheering, fighting and whatnot can be heard ahead. The passage fills with the smell of earth, burning wood, cooking meat and unwashed goblins. At the end of the passage a warm glow can be seen.
After 30 ft of walking (crawling for some) the passage opens up to a domed room the walls made of seemingly solid trees and brambles. The trees arch upwards then across the clearing not quite touching leaving an oculus to the night sky. The floor is bare earth, in the center lies a large bon fire some 30 ft across though still not big enough to illuminate the whole room leaving the edges in darkness. Arraigned around the fire is a series of spits laden with game being tended to by goblins in blue livery. As you enter the chamber the room goes suddenly silent of goblin sounds though more then a few blades can be heard clearing their scabbards. Two mailed guards stand at either side of the tunnel as Sqee walks towards the fire. As your eyes adjust to the flickering light it is quite apparent that the outer edges of the room are filled with goblins from at least a dozen tribes by the hanging totems. By each totem a stone big for one person rests. On all but one stone a goblin sits eyeing the newcomers with dozens of armored and robed goblins behind them. The only sitting goblins seems to be those on the stones. The one empty place hangs a standard with a fang dipped in blood. By this spot rests a small cask and silver goblet.
By now Sqee reaches the fire and seemingly walks into and up the bon fire to stand at the very summit seemingly unperturbed by the flames. A quick eye will note a narrow path lined with stones up the bonfire leading to a large stone at the top. The room then fills with the screeches and yelling of very angry goblins. Sqee raises his right hand and the screaming stops.
Sqee: <gob>The Bloody Feather tribe has called a council. As long as they do no harm they are protected as any other tribe gathered here. :: Sqee locks his gaze on each seated goblin then moves to the next then looks towards the party gathered at the tunnel entrance.::
The blue liveried goblins return to their work periodically turning, basting, or cutting a hunk of meat off and brining it over to the nearest seated goblin.</gob>
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looks between Ragnhild and Wren
I'm completely out of my element here. I won't cast anything or draw my weapon unless either of you give word.
nods to both, carefully watching the goblins
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Ragnhild returns Sqee's smile with a touch of pride, touching her fist to her chest in formal greeting. As the party prepares to follow, she notes in a quiet tone to the others:
"I have been recognized as daughter of chieftain, which is morr than could have hoped for. Such status vill give opportunity for talk, but also responsibiliti. I vill not shame my father vith ill behaviour, and I trust you vill not do so either. I ask you all to follow customs, even iff they may seem strange. I not ask you to trust, but remember that they too have rules of conduct to follow, same as us."
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Harmony nods gently in return to Wren and proceeds to trails on behind Wren while at the same time, urging everyone else present to follow on.
"I had heard of a goblin by name of Sqee who was once one of Norwick. However I was led to believe he was slained in the invasion.
It is also interesting to know, that he be aware of Ragnhild's status and sees upon her in light with prestige, as a chieftain's daughter. Mayhaps Ragnhild, when the time comes, your words be worth more weight than ours can give in the exchange.
At the meantime, let us abide to their words to show one's respect and restrain oneself from aggression. However we must be prepared for the worst as well, thus I remind all to maintain one's vigilance."
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Belin finishes an ale looking over the green skin. She belches in true dwarven fashion such that some of the smaller and weanier goblins might be startled. Smacking her lips a few times she tucks the ale away and rubs her belly region.
That was un good un.
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Wren's eyes widen a fraction, then narrow, as she examines the robed goblin thoughtfully for signs of the Sqee she knew, mentally adding in several years and a good deal of sartorial splendor. Her hand stays clamped on the hilt of her undrawn saber.
<common>"Hello, Sqee. It's been a while. You're looking well, considering. Thanks for the invitation, and yeah, we'll keep the warnings in mind. We didn't come to start trouble, though any does start, we'll finish it." She shrugs. "But only a fool fights in a burning house, and that describes the Rawlinswood at the moment. Lead on."
She glances briefly to Harmony for confirmation, then says in goblin:
<goblin>"We follow One Who Talks to meet the chiefs. Make plans with them to kill other. Any trickery, we kill everyone and leave. We are watching."</goblin></common>
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The assembled goblins eye the party warily. One particular ferocious looking goblin in studded leather armor obviously from a larger creature grabs a nearby smaller goblin whispers something in his ear and the smaller goblin runs deeper in to the woods. The ferocious goblin then takes a few step towards the party eying the woods on either side before addressing the party.
<gob>"We no kill you now, maybe later. We wait now. One with many words comes. Maybe kill you then."
With that the goblin beckons several smaller goblins over and whispers snips at them causing them to scurry off only later to come back with some dead animal and a gourd. The goblin waits and watches the part while it eats the raw meet and drinking from the gourd. A dozen other goblins mill about making sure the ferocious goblin is between them and the party. Other then the orders given, the goblins seem uncharacteristically subdued and quiet.
Some hours later a group of five goblins arrive, four in mail and shields seemingly guarding the fifth goblin dressed in an expensive elven robe cut to goblin size bearing many rings and earrings. The robed goblin motions the armored goblins to either side of him and looks at the leathered goblin. The leathered goblin drops into a praying position with his forehead on the ground not looking up at the robed goblin.
Leathered goblin: <gob>Them want kill others. Want talk to chiefs. Want us kill them now?
Hearing the leathered goblin's words the mailed goblins tighten their grips on their weapons and wait. The robed goblin seems to mull the words for a moment then looks at the party as he reaches a hand into the left sleeve of the robe.
Robed Goblin: :: smiles:: <com>I am Sqee. :: narrows his eyes:: You wish to parlay with your enemies and I am intrigued. :: looks to Rag and smiles. You wish to meet the chiefs? Very well, normally such a request would not be heeded but a chieftains daughter request regardless of their background should be heard. I will take you to a meeting place and summon those that wish to meet. I warn you. Your kind is not well liked here with good reason. Keep your weapons close, if you draw them it may be considered an act of aggression, you cast a spell, no matter how benign, it will be on your heads. Understood?</com></gob></gob>
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Belin doesn't so much loom as hulks in a compact dwarven fashion. She seems to be in a fine mood in her lavender, blue and grey armor. Her shield and battle axe, highly polished, are loosened, but not in hand. She is keeping her deep brown almost black eyes sharply focused on their surroundings like a stall vendor in an open air market looks after their goods from shifty hands. However, she appears to be picking her teeth with a sharpened bone of hopefully an animal, but it might have been a goblin finger once, likely just a rat leg… maybe
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Elyl stands just to the right of Ragnhild and is staggered a couple of steps back. Shield on arm, but not in the ready postion. The other hand resting on his belt in front of his sheathed sword hilt. His eyes sweeping the area.
