Goblins are late sleepers, you find out, and none too hasty about cleaning up camp (something they don't do a very good job of anyway) and moving out.

Thus, it isn't in the dark that you finally pass them, but several hours after dawn.  It's either pass them, or wait for them to get moving again.

They are out there, now on "their" side of the river but hidden away from the river bank, apparently still unaware that they have been tailed, or there would probably have been some kind of a reaction.

Once past them, there is little chance of them catching up unless you choose to let them.  The land clearly is easy for you to move across, and difficult for them.

It stays easy, even as you move into rocky uplands.  There are some stretches of white water which would be difficult to handle in boats, but whenever you need to bypass, there are convenient paths where the rocks form convenient natural stairways.  By now, you have figured out that Goblins would probably not have such an easy time of it.  When they reach it, the rocks will probably be extra slippery and there will much cursing and slipping.

You see one of the local inhabitants- a Dragon, with scales that look like polished gold, cruising serenely through the air.  The Goblins are probably not happy wit this, you can imagine them ducking under heavy brush, trying to be invisible.  This dragon is not far off in the distance like the one you saw the other day- this one is doing broad orbits of this area.  Eventually, it might even pass near you.

Mae is fascinated.  Gold Dragons are held in the highest regard by the Order of Paladins.

Abadon twisted his fingers, gesturing to the sky.  A series of ululating cries burst into being high in the sky, turning into high-pierced shrieks that could carry sound for miles.  When it looked like the dragon had turned attention their way, goblin shrieks replaced the cries.

When the gnome judged the dragon was close enough to see it, a 5' large goblin head appeared in the sky, 30' up.  Clearly magically-created, that image disappeared, to be replaced by a large directional arrow back downstream, on the goblin side of the river.    Three goblins, hiding in a section of trees.  Arrows back downstream, goblin-side.  Repeated.  Repeated.

"That should do the trick."  He looked to the others, and gestured to continue onwards. 

"Shall we venture forth?"

---

OOC: Minor Image for sounds, then images to direct the dragon towards where the goblins have been travelling, etc.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Sat 03 Apr 2021.

Centuries ahead of his time, Abaddon invents the concept of Forward Air Controller for the Dragon.

A short time afterward, there is some roaring and shouting in the distance.

No fire or smoke, just a lot of noise.

And some time after that, the Dragon is headed back... and this time seems to have a better idea of where the party is.  It is headed in the party's direction and will arrive very soon.

Abaddon looked about for the best clearing to permit a dragon easier landing.  "It does seem that you should have opportunity for your desire, Mae.  I should imagine that he or she will arrive in relatively short order."

When a helpful clearing presented itself, Abaddon sent a tree-height signboard, angled so the image would be visible to a flier, but not to, say, goblin scouts in the trees.  A smiling gnome waiving, then an arrow down to the clearing, with a teapot and cup - might as well be social.

Alison sighed, "Tea with a dragon...this should be interesting."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:47, Mon 12 Apr 2021.

It's a Dragon, it's big, it's bright gold, and it's scaly.  Lots of them, from snout to tail, and they all settle in great draconic crescent shape alongside and partly around the party.

Mae bows reverently.  Qui stares in silence.

It's hard to tell one Dragon expression from another, unless you've seen a great many Dragon faces over many years.  Even so, you get the impression that the Dragon is not angry.  It looks everyone over.

When it speaks, it comes out in a deep, clear sound... layers of low tones, and there must be more layers, too low to even here coming from a throat that big, give it a remarkable resonance.

"You've no doubt seen how gentle this land is for you.  That's good.  But there is danger here that is hard to understand.  You risk much, if you travel further."

Alison nodded, "We have indeed. I can understand much. We are searching for a Paladin."

The deepgnome bowed deeply, respecting both the majesty of the great creature, as well as the simply massive size that made him feel snack-sized.

"Simply magnificent.  Many tales of your kind in my home, but as grand as the tales were, they pale before the sheer grandeur.  Simply magnificent.

"I must apologize, for the rarity of your kind belowground means we know not the proper greeting of you, nor the proper naming.

"I am Abadon Crystalfist of Azuth; these my companions.  As the helpful soldier notes, we seek a specific paladin, Derne of Fidelis, a member of the same fellowship as fine Mae, here.  We have followed Derne's trail to here, and seek to find his situation, that we might report hopefully good news to his friends seeking word; if not good word, then at least closure to their worries.

"Yet we have been both encouraged by the lands, and concerned at the presence of so many goblins, and unrelenting despite the clear disparity in power and welcome they face.  This much magic blessed by Azuth into the land speaks of great importance, and perhaps even greater need."

Alison nodded, "You obviously know we are here to help. We need your help as well. How can we obtain this?"

The Dragon seems to take a deep Dragon breath.

"Derne of Fidelis.  You have come here to find your friend?  That's a worthy cause.  Derne did not expect it, though.  I wish he had."

"Why?  What happened to him?" Mae asks with sudden anxiety.

"The dangers here are of the soul, and not even a Paladin is immune.  This is why I ask of you a solemn promise to never reveal what you are to learn about this place.  We have foreseen what would happen if it were to become common knowledge.  We cannot accept it.  The secrets must be preserved, at all costs."

Alison nodded, "Agreed."

The gnome nodded gravely at the dragon's suggestions and submission."A concerning comment, great guardian wyrm, with respect to Derne.  I should clarify - we were asked to find word of Derne by his friend Thaller of Fidelis, who accompanied us as far as Veritas.  With the exception of Mae, we have not met Derne, though have heard only good and inspiring things of his desire to do good works.

"Of course, I have no qualm in abiding by protecting word of here - I would simply suggest that something be told to his friend, to stop additional queries or helpers inadvertently drawing more attention to this region.

"Tea?

"Is there a name by which we might discuss with you - it seems terribly poor manners to not call you something - I appreciate that TrueNaming has implications - I simply refer to a name for purpose of discussion, instead of 'hey you' or somesuch parlance."

Atraxus nods in agreement as the dragon asks them to swear to keep what they learn of this place a secret.

"You have my word," Atraxus says. "To respect and keep your secrets, to leave the land as untouched as possible, and do what we can to rescue Derne."

"What we are told to keep secret by the Dragon, we must withhold even from Thaller," Mae says.  "He is a devoted friend, but in the scheme of things, if this knowledge can bring great harm, then the secret must be kept regardless.  I am beginning to suspect it is already known, to some degree, in the inner circles of the Order of Paladins."

"That is true," the Dragon replies.

"On our journey here we were beginning to suspect that there is something here that if known by our enemies would give them great advantage," Mae speculates.

"Not really," the Dragon says.  "Perhaps you know already, scattered through all of the Southlands are places where the boundaries of different worlds- Planes, the scholars call them- touch this one.  The effect is so strong that the power of those other Planes leaks into this one.  In the heart of our land is the is nexus of pure Law and Good.  It is the reason this land is so welcome to you.  It would be for you, for all of your kind, pure bliss to live in our land, to lie in the meadows and feel the sun above you and live happily for the rest of your lives."

The monk with you gives a very skeptical look, one that carries the unspoken comment:  A great threat indeed.

"And we are not meant for this," Mae concludes.

"That is not the half of it," the Dragon says.  "Your souls are not ready for it.  For along with the physical comfort there can come torment of the soul.  If you give in to the beauty and joy of this land you will be drawn closer to the center, it will become irresistible.  But as you get closer, the Celestial power emanating from another Plane sweeps the land.  If you are touched by its perfection and purity, you will see your own failings as unforgivable and abominable.  You risk being overwhelmed in shame and guilt... even such as the Goblins risk this.  Many of them come to see themselves as irredeemably horrible and take their own lives in despair.  We try to warn them of this, but they are stubborn and often take our attempts to be attacks.   Derne is a Paladin, and for those committed to the cause of Good this can be all the worse.  He was struck.  He is still alive, his body is whole but weak as it is hard to feed him, his mind is afflicted and he does eternal penance for minor errors no Human should feel more than ordinary shame for.  We do not know what to do with him.  We do not know what we can do, if even taking him away now would cause him to suffer more.  We are not Human, and though we are wise our knowledge of the Human soul and its workings is far from complete."

"Humans are complex, and varied - it makes sense their souls be similarly." The gnome replied thoughtfully.  "And yes, we have seen the chaotic planes imposing their presence upon lands to north, so balancing would be expected.  It is concerning that the planar boundaries are so weak here as to be having that broad an impact on the prime plane, here.

"As to Derne, it would seem a few options.  Remain here.  He hasn't been improving, and since presence here is concerning, and seemingly overwhelming, it would suggest he is unlikely to improve, and likely only worse.

"Option2, remove him quickly.  Pull the bandage, as it were.  Fly him quickly out.  Quickest, removes the overpresence immediately.  Potential downside, if the presence is overwhelming him, is that it may have become the new resistance against which what is left of his psyche is balancing in effort to hold onto his mind.  Like the old adage of the tree resisting the wind, only to fall over when the wind drops.

Option3: remove him gradually.  We take him back to Thaller across land, or water perhaps.  Retrace our route.  Reduce the pressure upon his spirit gradually.

Option4: find something that can magically aid him.  With the length of time the planes have been imposing upon the land, we know at least the ancient dwarven society had markers to help magically stabilize the boundaries, and protect those within the regions.  It would also seem reasonable that other longer-lived folk of the various regions might well have created items for travellers, workers, explorers, or studious folk.  Something carrying a fragment or overlay of the natural plane should help stabilize things in his form."

Alison nodded, "I agree these are the best options. Of those, I think our best bet is to move quickly so as not to be overcome by this...beneficent malaise."

"Is it possible, O Dragon, to grant us some insight or boon to help us safely reach Derne and resist the land's pull?" Atraxus asks. "I would think it best for us to move quickly to reach Derne and then determine how best to extract him. That being said, I think the less time we spend here the better..."

Alison leaned over to Atraxus, "That is what I just said."

"Not quite," Atraxus replies. "I was voicing agreement while also asking our host for aid, and adding my thoughts on Abadon's plans. I prefer to be flexible in response, especially when there are so many unknowns."

The Dragon nods.

"Magic is not a good tool for the kind of help to bring to Derne.  It is a cheat, an illusion.  This is a matter of the soul, nothing less than truth will do.  What pain there is must be faced, and overcome, or there will be no chance of success.

"But mind you, be careful, and be of strong will, do not think yourselves immune to the draw of this land.  Do not take the danger lightly, as Derne did, if you want to return home."

The monk responds.

"So there is a risk of not wanting to return home... I understand.  Our order is trained with discipline.  But it helps to have a focus.  I suggest, those that want to press on, put something in your minds that will keep you wishing to return home, or... we lack homes at the present... to where we where before.  It might help if you have some physical token.  Am I correct, Dragon?  Would that help keep ourselves from being overcome by the blessings of this place?"

"I do not know," the Dragon says.  "My kind do not have that problem, and we have never really concerned ourselves with solving it.  But it seems sound."

"How many have become lost to this place?" Qui Lin asks.

"Very fortunately, less than you might suspect.  We do  try to warn people off, even if they are Goblins who assume our warning is an attack.  Most people obey Gold Dragons.  But some slip past, now and then.  Derne is the latest... him and a few Goblins, who are still roaming around somewhere despite my efforts.  Are you ready to proceed?  And willing?"

Alison nodded, "I have my horn, my uniform, and the flag of my former company. Any of these three will be adequate. I am prepared."

The gnome's nose twitched as the dragon termed magic "a cheat", replicated a second later at "an illusion."  Courtesy still governed as the priest of magic waited his turn, but the tension was certainly different.

"Great wyrm, such slurs are beneath one such as you.  Your kind is likewise steeped in gift of magic, and to demean it so is less than one would expect of a great bastion of good.  Like Derne's noble efforts, there is a reminder that good and true may still be in err, from an absence of good information.

"Azuth's gift to the world can provide illusions, I grant, but there are many great healings that can only be done through divine magics, or amazing crafts and supports created through arcane magic.  The ancient dwarven kingdom to the north used magical planar anchors to abate or resist against the invading chaotic planes, to protect their people.  Closing one's eyes or mind to other forms of assistance is literally short-sighting yourself.  Without the magic gifted by Azuth to my people, we would have been hunted and destroyed many times over.

"Magic is most certainly not a 'cheat'.  A person who breaks his leg and has stick and linen to bind the leg straight to heal is not cheated any more than if a walking crutch is provided to him to walk around as he would do so.  Magic is a gift and a tool, and can be used correctly or misused incorrectly - so not that magic is false or shallow, but that it, like wisdom and good intentions, must be applied correctly to provide assistance.

"As my training and learning with magic continues, it will open more and more doors to provide assistance - some with protecting against harsh effects, or other magics, or perhaps ability to divine the truths that must be faced.  It is a skill of great discipline, and should be respected in kind.

"I am certainly prepared to assist Derne in facing and overcoming his challenges.  And I am most certainly willing to aid, and to face the challenges.  I respect the good in your words, and your suggestion on dealing with it.  I simply keep my mind open to additional options, especially when your form of structured thought has, as you have noted, not been able to determine how to address the harm, because you do not have the problems, and so do not lend your great minds to overcoming the problem not existent to you.

"I have my anchors - my symbols of faith, and my book of study."

Atraxus takes a moment to think as he hears Qui-Ling and the Dragon discuss strategies on how to survive. He sets down his traveling pack, and pulls out a bird of prey feather. It is about the length of his hand, brown and mottled.

"I have no item to focus on," he says to the Dragon. "Only my will to prove that I am able to give respect and worthy to earn it. However, I have this memento from my first attempt at trapping a hare. My trap was well-set, and a hare sprung it. However, an eagle swooped down and took my prize before I could claim it. I have kept it as a reminder that no plan is perfect, and that life requires us all to grow. Perhaps this place will show me my failings in painful detail, but I have always aspired to recognize them and improve."

The Half-Orc pulls a thread free from a tattered spot on his cloak. He knots it around the feather, at the spot between the after feather and the downy barbs. He then ties the string into a makeshift loop, and slips the memento over his head.

"I would not presume to know more than the host about his home," he says after Abadon's lengthy dissertation on magic. "I took the Dragon to mean that we must rely on our own strength of will to face what lies ahead, and brave the nature of this place. In short, Derne must overcome this trial on his own---without reliance on an intervention by the mundane, arcane, or even divine."

"Certainly sensible, and quite likely," Abadon agreed, not angry or ranting, simply ... well, disappointed at the disparagement of magic.  "Merely to not disparage the gift of magic, nor discount it.  Especially in a context where the treatment is unknown, and efforts limited as not an issue to them, keeping minds open to consider other things, other ways to address... that may very well also provide answers needed, if not previously sought."

"What I meant was..."  the Dragon searches for words.  Some elements of philosophy do not carry well over language barriers, especially when one of the those languages is Draconic.**

"When there is a test of the soul, when your being is weighed on the scales, magic will not help you.  There are magics that may make an evildoer seem righteous, but no magic will make such a being be righteous, that must come from oneself.  Now this place, we have been here a long time, and still we do not understand it fully.  Is it better to be Good, and thereby sooner embrace the power here, or Not, and try to resist it?  But if you are prepared and anchored, you must come with me.  You must be honest with yourself, if you feel yourself failing, make no show of excess will, there is no point to that."

The Dragon begins walking upstream, holding itself to a pace the others can follow easily.

Travelling upstream, you begin to feel what the Dragon was talking about.  At first, it's just an appreciation of the land's beauty, and the uncanny way it helps you, as if it wants to make your life as pleasant as possible.  No one trips, no one slips, or gets caught in thorns (though it seemed like the Goblins faced all of this.)

There's even a conveniently placed apricot tree when you are hungry.

And then a thought emerges:  why, really, would anyone want to leave such a place?  It's wonderful.  You could be happy here, for the rest of your life... and if the Dragon was right that would be real happiness, and not an illusion of it.

And then another thought:  Do you deserve it?  Are you worthy of it?  Have you earned this paradise?

For a while, these are just ideas... that come...and then come back with increasing frequency.  But you can feel them getting stronger.  It does not help that these two ideas conflict.




**They have over thirty words describing different kinds of scales.  The language is filled with words denoting the age of a thing.  Along with the language of the Treants, theirs is the only language that would use different words for Tree, Old Tree, Very Old Tree, and Really Really Ancient Tree.