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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Manbearcat" data-source="post: 6541536" data-attributes="member: 6696971">[MENTION=6775039]Binks[/MENTION], as you said, you aren't going down the crevasse after Otthor so I'm going to transition you and your motley crew directly to Earthmaw.  If you want to scribe a prologue capturing events from the loss of Otthor to the short jaunt ;eft to Earthmaw, feel free.[HR][/HR]As the last rays of the day's sun work impotently on the frozen ice and snow, the expansive cavern, looking eerily the part of a huge mouth with two vast boulders-as-eyes resting asymmetrically atop its stoney roof, greets you with a tempered bustle.  The multiple goblin clans, the human settlement that you just left, and the barbarian tribes of the northern Coldlands make up the humanoids of this mountain realm.  This neutral setting is the highland center for trade and has long been claimed by the strongest of the goblin clans.  Their clan name literally translating to "dragon-favored" from the goblin tongue, they are strong because of the sponsorship of the great white dragon Averandox, this due to their consistent tribute.  His glacial lair serves as the gateway to the northern Coldlands.  With it abutting their home, they have no need to fear any enemy reprisal nor any raids from the northern barbarians.  Their tenured, good stewardship of this place is mutually beneficial to all communities of the realm and this is well-understood and respected.  Goods flow freely.  Communities get what they need.  Tribute is given to the dragon by proxy of the trade.  The dragon stays fat and happy.  Everyone gets to keep their heads on their shoulders.  The peace is kept.  For the most part.There are three wooden signs prominently on display as you take in the view of the enormous cavern, lit by torches on stanchions.  All are pictorial in nature:* An open palm with coins accompanies an arrow pointing in.  An empty palm has an arrow pointing away.* A figure is shown stealing.  The figure is then shown losing their hand.* A figure is shown on its knees begging another figure.  The beggar is then shown shackled and leashed.Regarding the last, you see one such figure, shackled and leashed, amidst the quieting clamor of the "marketplace".  Not all, but most of the stalls for jewelry, woven items, trinkets, dry goods, totems, foodstuffs, charms, weapons etc have closed up shop.  However, the huge, iron portcullis in the back of the massive cavern lies 1/3 still open as hobgoblins and goblins still mill about, bartering last minute deals.  Speaking of the last sign, nearby, a human male of middle age pours water on the frozen earth and mops up a large blood-stained area that probably served as a slaughterhouse where a butcher peddled live wares or good omens were purchased from a shaman/oracle.  His hobgoblin master is clearly agitated by a deal going south as, while gesticulating to another goblin, he indifferently yanks on the chained leash tied to the man's neck and leg manacles, sending the man toppling to the ground, covered in the blood he is cleaning up.  A young girl flashes into view trying to rush over to attend to him.  She is immediately pulled back by the hobgoblin holding her leash who castigates her and points at a collection of laid-out furs that she, presumably, was rolling and binding.The cowardly little goblin pulls a pouch from inside his coat, upturns it and empties it into your hand.  2 coins.  He shrugs his shoulders.What are you doing?</blockquote>

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