You all enter the great room of the manor. It's a mix of oak and marble and like the rest of the settlement a wonderful merger of cultures. In the center of the room a table set low to the floor and several small chairs. Though they sit low and rare primarily suited for those of Dwarven stature but they are designed in such a way that a larger guest would still be comfortable.

The governor gestures to some attendants in the room one elf and one dwarf, "Gather some food and drink and bring a chair suitable for our guest." He nods his head in Jurassic's direction.

He turns and address you, "I am Governor Hawkryn. I am responsible for security here on the surface. This camp is called "The Root" as it translates to this common speech.  Please have a seat, " He gestures towards the table and chairs.

Once you have all joined him and Nalisha sitting around he continues, "Buymark Relcarin tells me you are here on a mapping expedition. You are also missing, from her report, an Orc and a human, may I ask where they have gone? Have they been taken captive?"

Elodie took a seat, gazing admiringly at the furnishings. Even among nobles, having Dwarven crafts and furnishings was a mark of distinction. The small folk wouldn't sell just for money. You had to build a relationship with them, become trusted, and that could take decades. Some families had survived and prospered solely off of a centuries-old connection to them.

"Well, governor, unfortunately both of them were called away. They haven't been captured, so far as we know, but they had to part company with us. It's a real loss, but we've managed to recruit more since we came here."

The disappearance of Krak hurt.  He would have been considered Booth’s first mate.  Not that the half-orc even liked the idea of getting on a ship.  The sailor didn’t comment on him.  There was a lot of history there and he was one of the few people Booth would have called a friend.

“Human?  You mean the wack-a-doo?”  Booth laughed.  “That would teach them.  She would drive any one nuts.  Hey…  Captured by who?  Is there someone else out here imprisoning people?”  This whole thing had started with each of them meeting in a cage.  Not something Booth recommended for any one to suffer.  They already knew of the giant.  Hopefully that was the reference the dwarf meant.  Otherwise, there might be another party out there.  Better to learn about it now.

He had a sickening feeling that they got captured after leaving.  That would mean the goodies they had might be in the wrong hands.  The armor, the sword, the ring.  Any of those could bite the group in the ass.  “Oh, fuck me.”  He involuntarily commented out loud at the thought.

Jurrasic sat quietly. He had no place in the conversation, but kept his ears open.

"Indeed you have," Hawktyn says. He turns and looks at Jurassic and Tauroak.

"I am Hawkryn Fortellamight Bozerlin. Son of Gorinth and Jormall. But a handful of your kind have ever set foot within these walls goliath and you good dwarf from where do you hail? What are you called and how do come to be the company of those a Buymark would vouch for?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Tue 30 Nov 2021.

Booth's usual irreverence toward Mara got an eye roll from Zoccola, but she otherwise left it without comment rather than leap to the Necromancer's defense the same way she did for Elodie.  "They've said the long and short of it.  We left our other two companions back at our base camp on the lakeside, along with a small ship they could take to return down-river whenever they chose.  From the sound of things when we parted, they had every intent of returning south to civilization." the Goblin clarified.  Mara's skeletons could readily crew the barge they'd 'inherited' from their previous foes, after all.  A gesture was lifted to indicate Jurassic and Tauroak at either side.  "We were fortunate enough to encounter these two while we explored the southern region.  Jurassic here helped us contend with a Bone Devil on the lake's island, and we rescued Tauroak after he fended off an entire pack of hungry Allosaurus on his own."

Zoccola wasn't one to boast; a partial explanation of what they'd gone through prior was for the sake of context and, to the strategic ear, an implicit warning.  They were presently in the valley as researchers but were far from a helpless gaggle of academics.

“Oh, fuck me.”

She bit her tongue to prevent herself from popping off with the easy joke.  No, mind your manners, she scolded herself inwardly.  Instead Zoccola followed the obvious worry Booth fretted on and offered him a reassuring look.  "I can contact them with magic at any time, if you want to make sure they're okay."

When the Governor prompted Jurassic for a greater explanation of his presence, Zoccola quickly raised a hand to interject before the Goliath might reply.  "First, if you don't mind: how about explaining to us who you worry might have captured our other companions?  Your camp here has a rather... controlled... atmosphere, so I'm also curious about what sort of threats you recognize out here."  Frankly she just wanted to know that the lot were also against the distant Giant Tyrant before Jurassic popped off with any oaths of righteous revenge.  If they weren't all on the same page, that'd be quite a problem.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Tue 30 Nov 2021.

Zoccola interjection draws a quick sideways look from the governor.

"It may be common in goblin circles to interrupt while greetings are being made but that is not the case here. I will know who you are and how you all came to be acquainted. There is plenty of time for answers."

He looks back towards the two natives of the valley.

"Browden Jurassic Wunguava." He continued in Dragonic, [Language unknown: "Ck prthe p reaatiureyin p escewi toio le ingalloer koressate. O a lesho, ar ingesster yin di ie."]

Booth didn’t see Zoccola’s eye roll.  He was looking at Nalisha.  The fact that she vouched for them meant a lot.  He was making progress on that gruff exterior.  He gave her a very slight nod of respect.

The introductions left him a little self conscious.  He didn’t have a long title.  Hell, most of the world just knew him as Booth.  Even his last name was stolen.  Sure, he could tack on stuff like Bone Devil slayer, Coven crusher, Fey-lord friend.  Doing so would make him into the braggart Nalisha claimed.  Heck, he could just go by Jon Snow.  Captain worked well enough when needed and he was good with that.  Although, when this was over, Tyrant Toppler might need to get added.

Booth liked the Governor.  He seemed shrewd and wanted to hear from everyone.  The sailor turned to Tauroak, curious to see what kind of introduction the dwarf would make.

Having let the acquaintances handle their meeting, and beeing addressed directly, Tauroak replied to the Governor, "My greetings Governor Bozerlin. I am Tauroak Felnkinder, Guardian of New Moons. I have not claimed any one place as home for more than a few decades now, so I am from the area as a whole. Two days past, I encountered an allosaurus kettle. I fought them off myself, but blood loss got the best of me before I could heal my wounds, and I slipped into unconsciousness. This assorted group found me, healed the most grievous of my wounds, and offered me shelter and a bath while I recovered my strength in full. As they are new here, and I am not, and I can provide some assistance in their current business, I have lent them my aid for the selfless service they gave to me."

"Well met good Sirs and Madams," Hawkryn begins. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance and your mission here in the valley has caught our attention. I would be very interested to know how far along you are? I understand you have questions for me as well and I will do my best to answer them. The first I will take the liberty to answer without you asking it. I will also make the comment that while I speak many languages the language of this conversation is the common speech, To deviate from this again will be considered the foulest insult." He looks at Jurassic out of the side of his eye as he says the last.

He sits back in his chair slightly after grabbing a hand full of cherry tomatoes and some salted pork.

"It was us, The Collect of Dugderonn who hired the Buymark. We brought her to this valley to ferry contracts between us, the dwarves of the valley, and the merchants in the city laughably named Dwarven. We are not so unaware of the outside world as you are of us. The Buymark Relcarin approached us with a request to find a group of adventurers mapping in this valley we were intrigued. The outside world has shown little interest here and to be frank conditions out on the plains keeps it that way, repelling the odd venture year after year. She was certain it would not do so to you lot, and here you are, sitting at my table. The Buymark Relcarin has information to impart on you and I have a request of a group so bold to walk the surface of the valley."
This message was last updated by the player at 12:17, Thu 02 Dec 2021.

Booth had a few choice words he could add, but saved them for another time.  Now was the time to be serious.  He nodded at the statement and was sure the information she had to ‘impart on’ him would be memorable.

The sailor addressed the dwarf.  “What is this request of yours, Governor?”

Jurassic sat back in his seat and nodded. They had an understanding, he wouldn't talk to Jurassic and Jurassic wouldn't talk to him. He had told the dwarf he would give no information about himself and the dwarf had told him only to speak in common. Since he had no intention of speaking in anything but Dragonic while among these dwarves, it held that the limit of conversations had been reached with him.

"I think we're all interested to hear it, certainly. We've got a full plate already, but I suspect that we might be talking about dishing up some of the same food." Elodie said, stumbling a bit in the middle but pleased with the metaphor she'd constructed by the end of it.

The governor leans back and looks between Booth and Elodie. "I will get to that shortly. The Buymark Relcarin has a message to deliver and I know with the quirks of Buymarks she must be bursting to complete her charge. We will discuss our need afterward."

He looks over to Nalisha and nods his head, "Go ahead the floor is yours."

"Thank you Governor," Nalisha leans forward in her chair and looks between you all.

"As Gov. Hawkryn as said I am currently in the employ of The Collect of Dugderonn, the alliance of dwarven settlement located here in the valley. They entrust their contracts with the outside world to the Buymarks who guarantee secrecy during these transactions. The details of this are not mine to divulge but leave it to say it is a practice that has gone on for close to a century," she takes a brief look in Hawkryn's direction making sure she hasn't overstepped. His expression shows she hasn't but shouldn't stray much further into this.

"Now as to the contract involving you. I have association with The Cartographer, one of the few residents of Dwarven to know of this arrangement between the valley dwarves and the outside world. Knowing I was contracted to them at this time he commissioned me to deliver to you a message if I could. I left word with the dwarven authorities here to watch out for your group hoping you would stumble your way to one of the settlement. Here we sit."

"The cartographer wishes to inform you that under no circumstances are you to enter the outpost of Rocky Point on your return. Elodie's father has agents there waiting for any sign of you. Dwarven is also not safe, hell as a matter of fact you might as well make a home in this valley as far as your father is concerned, he will not stop until you are dead or his resources run out. You're a hunted woman. That's my message from the Cartographer to you. One of warning and caution"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Fri 03 Dec 2021.

There was a lot to take in.  Zoccola remained silent while the others said their piece and, sat patiently with legs folded knee-over-knee and hands crossed in her lap; if anything the flick and twitch of her broad ears showed more response to what she was hearing than her demeanor.  There was something in the Governor's choice of phrasing that piqued her curiosity, but she filed that bit of questioning aside for a more opportune moment in the conversation.

The details of Nalisha's task, however, brought a knowing look cast Elodie's way.  "Looks like the old man's upset about his hunting dog." she scoffed gently.  The Hound gave a little whine at that particular choice of words but was soothed by a prompt bit of patting atop the head.  "The message is a bit late; we've already been dealing with his assassins just getting here.  Still, it's worth knowing he hasn't given up the chase just yet.  We'll have to deal with this directly sooner or later... but, for the time being, I'm sure the valley itself can shield us quite a bit.  He's not going to waste resources chasing us blind through hostile territory."  Her concern remained with Elodie more than their own safety.  Threats were inevitable but it was up to her how to contend with her 'family' rivalries, one way or another.

Of course, that did leave the notion in mind that Krak and Mara might've been intercepted if they'd traveled into Rocky Point... she'd have to try contacting them sooner than later.  Though it wasn't as if either of them would've been an easy capture.

Tauroak looked over at Elodie to gauge her emotions at hearing that her father wanted her dead. He was surprised at her lack of surprise, but only until Zoccola mentioned it was not news at all. What could have possibly possessed the man to want to kill his own child? It was a story he would like to hear, but one for another time.

Elodie, for her part, looked more annoyed than anything else. She pinched the bridge of her nose and scowled.

"The old fool is growing desperate. He lost his prized hound, so he's sending every mangy mutt after me. I wouldn't be shocked if we run into some fur-clad nut even in these woods wanting my scalp. He's desperate because he knows that once we get back to civilization with some resources, I can tell my story to his peers. Fellow nobles, maybe even his suzerain. He won't stop trying to kill me then, of course, but it's quite gauche to murder your heir when everyone knows you're trying to do it. He'll have to hold back."

She waved a hand dismissively.

"I have no time for this idiot who is married to my mother. I'm much more interested in how we can help you fine folk."

Zoccola nodded in agreement on Elodie's sentiment of focusing on the local task.

"We'd planned on returning south if we needed to restock vital supplies or equipment but, with that option no longer on the table, it really does give us all the more reason to build a strong relationship here." she gave a look to Nalisha.  "Do you need anything from us to confirm the completion of your contract before we move on to the elephant in the room?  Or should I just contact The Cartographer myself later with an update and let him know we heard from you?"

Nalisha looks over at Zoccola, "No thank you. I have means to contact my clients and I will do so immediately if I may." She looks towards Gov. Hawkryn.

He nods and waves towards the door, "Go, don't let this old dwarf hold you. Finish your contract. We can speak more in the morning," he says to the Buymark.

Nalisha smiles and takes her leave walking out of one of the room's large oaken doors.

Once she is gone gov. Hawkryn again looks over in your direction,"So what truly brings you to the valley? What are you really seeking because I have trouble believing a band as capable as yourselves are simply here to make maps."
This message was last updated by the player at 12:26, Fri 03 Dec 2021.

Booth shook his head.  He spoke to Elodie.  “You win the prize for shittiest father.  Who knows?  Maybe Booth’s dad was worse.  Since many of the low born that passed through his birth place could potentially have spawned him, there was a possibility.  Hell, maybe he had multiple fathers.  But Elodie’s dad seemed rather determined where Booth’s were likely totally ignorant of his existence.  He was willing to give her the crown.

The sailor watched Nalisha go.  He figured there would be time later to chat.

Booth replied to the dwarf.  “Oh good.  Enough of this crap where we tiptoe around stuff and never get to the point.  I’ll be straight with you and you be straight with us. We came here for treasure.  I got plans and need some funds to get there.  Although, I hate those who crush freedom.  I hate them a lot.  I hate them more than I like the shiny.  I was imprisoned.  Not a fan.  Those guys are dead.  My friend Brody, chained up.  Freed him.  Sorceress ensorcelled a friend.  Drowned her.  Devil tortured a noble soul beyond death.  Destroyed it.  Now I hear of a Giant enslaving people.  He’s next.  Do you have any problem with that?”

Elodie shot Booth a glare from where she sat, reaching over to place a hand on his shoulder to slow his roll.

 "We are not, however, adventurers of the sort who seek to upset the apple cart in some misplaced ideological zeal or bottomless greed. Our goals are not disruptive, but constructive, as I believe our leader Zoccola can explain."

"Fornoxmyn is no friend of ours. His sway over the peoples of the valley is regrettable. Nomadic as they are he controls them as best he can but will never be able to organize them in such numbers as to challenge the union of The Dugderonn and Elforishlynn. The plains are his, the forest and the mountains are ours. This vexes him but he is powerless against our union."

Gov. Hawkryn leans forward his elbows on the table, "As for treasure I take it you seek entrance into the tower of Hexten Grenn? That would make sense as to your presence in this valley. Interesting how outsiders learned of it. Certainly it would be a worthy prize to those such as you. What do you know of this trickster wizard and his legend? Hexten the user, the betrayer, the fool. How prepared are you for this?"

He looks at Elodie, "My good dear. What happens to the giant is of no concern to me. I will not be bothered the least in his passing. As for the tower that needs some consideration before blindly attempting to open the un-openable."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:43, Fri 03 Dec 2021.

Zoccola had just begun to open her mouth to respond when Booth barreled right on ahead with his by-then-familiar level of brashness.  Rather than try to cut him off, she just sighed through her nose and reach to sort about through her satchel to remove a few stout scroll cases from within, passively working while he spoke.

"Thank you, Elodie." the noble's chiding saved Zoccola having to do it herself and she offered the Governor a weary shake of her head.  "You'll have to forgive Booth's lack of tact.  He's used to rougher crowds and doesn't quite grasp the difference between genuine candor and misrepresentation through gross oversimplification."

Booth may have been weary of the back-and-forth of such dealings, but his blurting everything out like that completely let the cat out of the bag.  Zoccola found herself with no choice but to roll with it; he'd given away all the pertinent information she could've withheld for a more opportune moment out front without the Governor having yet answered a single question of theirs.  No leverage left beyond what they could try to ply after the fact.  The Goblin popped open one of her scroll cases and unfurled a map in progress; one of their earlier routes she'd been referencing for a secondary draft.

"We are indeed mapping the region, as The Cartographer is paying us a fair rate to do so.  Lest you get the impression that's just some kind of cover story for our presence here.  If he's got ties and hopes of managing trade with your lot then it's no surprise he was so keen on getting updated charts." she offered over that map for perusal in the meantime.  "To give some much needed nuance to Booth's interpretation:

We're not treasure hunters and grave robbers looking for plunder.  I've been scouting, in concert with several other interested parties, for Hexten's Tower for a few years now.  Not to pillage it--" she shot a sour look Booth's way "--but for its historical, academic, and arcane value.  I'm also personally interested in learning the fate of Hexten Grenn himself; whether he still lives through some means or if he's become an Undead in need of rescue from his fate.  But we're not looking to rush in without suitable preparation and care, despite Booth's trademark impatience, especially not if it could endanger the native population."

She spared a momentary look to Jurassic and Tauroak alike before continuing.  "Fornoxmyn was a non-factor in my original plans.  Information about this valley was extremely limited and The Cartographer failed to mention any connection with your factions, presumably for security's sake." She'd need to have a word with him about that later... "When we learned he was also searching for access into the Tower, my first thought was perhaps forming an accord with him and consolidating our efforts.  But it's been made pretty clear by now that was never an option and he's likely intent on making an enemy of us.  Direct conflict seems inevitable at this rate."

Insight check; did the Governor show any sort of recognition to the various things Booth mentioned, especially Brody?
Zoccola rolled 19 using 1d20
This message was last edited by the player at 21:59, Fri 03 Dec 2021.