Maria sat by the stream, scrubbing dirty clothes against a washboard, then plunging them back down into the cold, soapy water.
It was a task she had done hundreds of times.
Her mother died when Maria was just a newborn, and life up in the mountains required constant effort out in the fields or foraging in the woods. She and her brothers used to take turns either going out to work or staying at home to deal with chores like the laundry. That all changed during a Kobold attack. Maria had been out in the woods when a gang of them ambushed her. She was saved by her brothers, but suffered a crippling injury to her right leg. While she wouldn't be able to hunt or farm anymore she still wanted to help her family however she could, so she started dealing with all of the household chores. Cooking, cleaning, and so on.
At first her family protested, insisting she should rest and recover, but soon it became clear they wouldn't be able to function without her help. Laundry is certainly less glamorous than she would like, but there wasn't anything she could do about it.
The mountains are cruel. It takes everyone in the village working together in order to survive. Today that cruelty took the form of a thick, heavy fog that had descended into the Valley.
Hopefully the fog goes before sunset, so they can at least dry overnight. Maria thought to herself. Then the wind picked up. It was not the usual chill mountain air being pulled down from the peaks. This was warm, gentle, and soothing. As it blew the fog melted away. Wherever it touched, the mist disappeared. Soon it was gone, its warmth taken over by the heat of the afternoon sun. Huh. Well that's... new.
Trying to find the source of the strange wind Maria looked up at the nearby mountains, the Three Peaks, as the villagers called them. It was a sight she had seen hundreds of times by now, every time she came to the stream. There was an extra mountain.
An extra mountain?
That doesn't make any sense. It's not like mountains can just... appear!
And yet there it was– clear as day. Where there should be three peaks there were four.
Maria dropped the shirt she was washing and ran as fast as she could. Her injured leg was burning, each step sending another shock of searing pain up through her body and rattling her brain.
But she ran anyway. She had to warn the others.
There were buildings on that mountain.
There were outsiders in the Valley.
Ah tits we've been found out.
Not me specifically, [Perfect Unknown] makes it impossible for anyone around here to detect me. Probably. The brand new mountain on their front door step, though... yeah that seems to have ruffled a few feathers. I was too hasty in having Psyche clear the fog. I should have scouted our surroundings more first. Now the whole village is abuzz with the news of a mountain appearing out of nowhere, and the strange structures near its peak.
I don't think these people are a threat to us or anything. The village is small, probably no more than 200 people or so. No where near enough to present any kind of military force other than a small, ad hoc militia. Still I'd rather not have any trouble with them. I'm sure life out here is tough enough as it is, and I have no desire to make that worse. Ideally we can establish a friendly relationship. These people are bound to know about the world in which we find ourselves, and while food and water shouldn't be a problem for some time I'd still like to secure some supply lines for the Monastery.
Guess I just have to rip this band-aid off, talk to whoever calls the shots around here and try to get relations off to a good start. You know: me. The shut-in nerd who only ever talked to people for the participation grade. Now I get to play the diplomat in a tense meeting between two polities. How fun (This is a lie. It is not fun at all dear god I want to throw up).
First though I have to find whoever is in charge. Looking around I'm reminded how different a place this is compared to what I'm used to.
The village is made up of about 20 structures in total. Each one a circular pit about five feet deep and 30 feet in diameter. Over each pit is a wooden frame which is then layered over with animal hides, tree branches, and then finally a layer of earth. A hatch on the side of each structure is usually left propped open to serve as both an entryway and a path to let smoke escape. Inside, each building is segmented into four areas: a single common area containing a large hearth, which in turn is surrounded by three living spaces segmented by hide curtains. It's a well thought-out design. Insulated against cold mountain winters. Heavy snowfall would slide to the bottom, reducing the chance of collapse due to the weight of the snow piling on top. It's also very versatile, you can use it as a living space for up to three families or set aside a few of the segments to use as storage. You could even put out the hearth in the center and use the whole building like a warehouse.
Did I learn all this information by sneaking into people's homes? Yes. Am I doing so to try and avoid social interaction?
Also yes.
I am a little surprised they would dig such deep pit-homes in the mountains, as flash floods can be a big problem in mountain communities. While the village is built on a somewhat raised area it's also right next to a large stream which serves as the main watershed for this whole valley. If they get really bad precipitation for a while there's a chance the water could break through the roofing and totally flood the inside while people sleep.
They must have a reason though. You can't survive a place like this if you don't know what you're doing. A part of me wonders if its a kind of camouflage. At first glance you could easily mistake any of these buildings for a small hill or mound. But what could they be hiding from out here? Any human with a working pair of eyes is gonna see right through it almost immediately, and a wolf or bear is going to just smell their way around.
Well, I guess that's all the information 'scouting' (breaking and entering) is gonna get me. If I want more answers I'll have to talk to the people who actually built this place. Despite the crisp mountain air and warm sun, the birds chirping and the stream bubbling; no one is outside. Most of the houses I inspected were empty save a few children left to tend the hearth fire. I assume most of the villagers have gathered together to decide what to do about that whole 'random mountain appearing' thing that I’ve brought unto them, so they're probably all gathered in one house.
None of them are labeled so I have no idea which house is supposed to be the meeting house versus a normal house. Thankfully, I have just the tool for the job. [Sense Life] Splotches of green highlight all living things around me. Birds, dogs, the kids in their houses. One house, located near the center of the village, is filled to bursting with adult shaped splotches. Bingo.
The village elders all sat around the hearth while Maria huddled next to her father.
They had all seen the mountain– not to mention the structures on it.
It had been over a decade since the last time outsiders had entered the valley. A group of armed men claiming to be soldiers from some lowland Kingdom marched into the village and demanded tribute. They took almost all of the food that had been stored for the winter and left– never to be seen again.
The elders said that such incursions would take place every one or two decades. The lowland kings on either side of the mountains claimed the whole range as their territory, and taking tribute from the small villages within was a way to try and cement those claims.
It was possible that one of these kingdoms employed a powerful sorcerer, and used magic to create a mountain fortress right in the middle of this territorial dispute. If that were the case then the tribute problem would go from an occasional crisis to a constant threat. Almost all of the adults in the village had gathered to discuss what to do, but as is tradition the discussion would be led by the village elders.
"So... should we flee?" Said Yara, the youngest of the Elders and widely considered the best hunter in the village.
"And where would we go?" Asked another elder, Gram, slightly older than Yara and who spent most of his days working the fields.
"We could travel to another village, warn them about what's happening. If enough villages band together we may be able to form an army." Yara retorted.
"Hmph. Reckless." Said Merrig, the eldest in the whole village.
"Oh?" Said Yara, raising an eyebrow. "And what, then, would you suggest Merrig?"
"There is nowhere near enough food stored in the village to make the journey, not to mention the strain it would put on the children."
"It's true." Added Gram. "The fields won't be ready to harvest until the Fall, many moons away."
"I get it you two! I asked what you would suggest instead!" Said Yara.
Merrig closed his eyes to consider for some time, meanwhile the others in attendance began whispering among themselves. Some siding with Yara, others advising they wait until Merrig offers his solution.
Finally, Merrig spoke.
"We could petition the Mountain King for assistance."
There was an audible gasp in the room followed by an immediate cacophony of voices all trying to make themselves heard. Yara jumped to her feet and pointed a finger towards Merrig.
"Have you gone mad?! You want to ask that– that overgrown lizard for help?!"
"I have to admit Merrig–" Interjected Gram. "That's a pretty bad plan. Its taken a lot of effort to hide from the King for this long and we've been lucky so far. I don't like the idea of allowing that thing to follow us home."
Merrig raised a hand, and the room fell silent once more. "Sit, Yara." He said.
Yara, her gaze still trying to bore a hole through the space between Marrig's eyes, acquiesced. Sitting cross-legged opposite from the eldest.
"I understand your concerns, and know that I do not suggest this path lightly. The Mountain King may be ravenous but he is also vain. He would not allow any permanent incursion into his territory. Should he learn of an army at his doorstep he would be forced to eliminate the threat. Swiftly."
The others remained silent, considering his words while Merrig continued.
"Any force capable of transporting an entire mountain will be difficult to dislodge– even for a Dragon."
The adults in the room shuddered. The word no one wanted to say: Dragon.
"While the two sides battle for supremacy, we will relocate the village to prevent getting caught in the crossfire, and to keep the King from knowing our location should he emerge victorious."
"But who will speak to the King, Merrig?" Gram asked. "Nobody who’s entered his lair has ever returned... how do you know this time will be different?"
"I will go– and I don't know."
"Merrig..." Yara said. "I can't just let you throw your life away like that."
"Please, Yara. I am old, I have lived a long life. If going a little early can ensure the safety of everyone in the village, then it is a death I am more than happy with."
"You are a man of great nobility, Merrig." Said... a new voice. A voice no one in the Village had ever heard before.
In the entry hatch sat a figure, wearing jet black armor over purple silken robes.
They had an androgynous appearance, crowned by long silver hair. Most shocking was how they... glowed. It was subtle. At first Maria thought it was simply a trick of the light, or her mind being struck by the figure's ethereal beauty.
But no, it was there. Behind their head was a soft glowing light, a halo around their silhouette.
"Very few would so willingly offer their lives for the sake of others–" the figure continued, "but I can assure you no such sacrifices are necessary."
While the crowd stood slack-jawed in awe of this luminescent stranger, Yara jumped to her feet, pulling a stone knife from her side.
"Who are you?" She asked. Brandishing the blade.
"Please, Hunter, I don't mean you nor anyone else any harm." The figure was calm, raising both hands into the air as they spoke. "I come from the mountain that has appeared in your Valley, and I wish to explain our presence here and, hopefully, establish friendly relations between our two groups."
Yara eyed the stranger with suspicion, but Merrig held up a hand to calm her.
"Wait, Yara. Let us see what this person has to say." Yara nodded, though made no move to put away her weapon.
Merrig returned the nod before meeting the stranger's gaze.
"Well met, stranger. I am Merrig, eldest of this Village. May I ask your name?"
The stranger bowed deeply towards Merrig, the movement causing Yara to tense, but the stranger made no hostile moves.
"Thank you, Elder." They said, "I am called Philo, founder and Sage of Gentle Shade Monastery."
"Monastery? Then those buildings on the mountain..."
"Yes, they are the various structures in which our community resides."
"You are monks?"
"Something like that, yes."
"If you are but simple monks, how in the world do you possess the power to transport an entire Mountain into our valley?"
The stranger– Philo– closed their eyes for a moment, as if contemplating how best to explain...
Ah shit I forgot to come up with an excuse for the teleporting mountain.
Think Philo, think! It's like a short essay question on a test we didn't study for, we just need to be simultaneously vague and sound like we know what we're talking about! Bullshit, Philo, it's your one talent!
"A-ah, yes, about that. You see..."
Think. Think. THINK!
"The Mountain on which our home is built is greatly attuned to the inherent spiritual energies of the universe–"
Okay, I know you're doing your best but that doesn't actually explain why the mountain is HERE.
"You see– every one hundred years or so there is a shift in the... ley-lines, yes– ley-lines of the earth which redistribute areas of intense spiritual energy around the world. When that happens, the Mountain moves to a new location of intense spiritual energy."
Many of those in the crowd gasped in amazement, though the elders still eyed me with scrutiny.
"Why would you choose to build your monastery on such a mountain?" The Hunter– Yara, I think it was– asked.
"Simple: It takes us with it. Rather than having to scour the world once every century to find spiritual hotspots, the mountain takes us and everything we've built with it."
"...I see." She seemed unconvinced but still had refrained from stabbing me, which I appreciated.
I think I'll have to be a little more proactive in getting them to trust me though. Maybe I should make a more concrete offer. "Again, I wish only to establish friendly relations with you. We have no knowledge of this area beyond its spiritual intensity, and are willing to offer our services in exchange for information and trade relations."
"...What kind of services can you offer?" The well muscled elder, Gram, asked.
"Among our number are many skilled practitioners of magic and other esoteric arts. It was one such practitioner who cleared the fog this very morning. Should you request it, we can change the weather in other ways as well."
This caused yet another hubbub amongst the crowd. Seems my pitch has intrigued some of them, best to keep pushing while we have the advantage.
"We also have many skilled healers, capable of mending otherwise life-ending wounds, and skilled agriculturalists and hunters who would be more than happy to exchange knowledge with your community."
All right! Seems like it's gone okay so far, still haven't been stabbed, but now lets bring things to a close before we overstay our welcome.
"I understand I am asking you all to trust a stranger's words alone, please do not think I need an answer from you right now. If any of you wish, you are more than welcome to come visit Gentle Shade Monastery yourself. We would love nothing more than to be given a chance to offer hospitality to those whose home we have so boorishly invaded."
With that I give a bow to the assembled crowd and the elders. Not very American of me but it seems appropriate given the situation.
The others begin to murmur amongst themselves, discussing my offer.
Merrig, the oldest Elder (the Eldest-er, I guess) judging by his long white beard, nods at me.
"I see. Master Philo, would you mind allowing us a moment to discuss what you have told us?"
LETS GOOOO!
"Of course, Master Merrig."
I give another quick bow then leave.
Thank GOD. That was more social interaction than I've had in years.
It seems my intentions made it through for at least a few of them- and my offer seems to have intrigued a few more. I don't know if much will come of it just yet. My negotiation skills are nowhere near developed enough to hope for anything beyond them not fleeing at first sight of me. Still, it should be enough to at least get us off on at least semi-positive footing. I just hope they don't think I'm too much of a dork.
The assembled adults were quiet for a long time. The stranger had given them a lot to take in.
For one, apparently their little Valley was some kind of spiritual hotspot which had summoned a mountain of weather controlling monks. For two, the leader of those monks had personally come to offer magical assistance in exchange for only basic knowledge of the area?
It was either a miracle, or a trap.
"I don't like it." Yara said.
"Why not?" Gram replied.
"Because it's all too good to be true."
"Is it? If they were actually hostile in intent, why even negotiate with us in the first place?"
"It could be that this is just the vanguard of a larger force, and they were trying to buy time for reinforcements to arrive."
"Then why offer to let us visit their home? It would be hard to hide such a plot while we're wandering their barracks."
"They may not mean to kill us, but to subjugate us. To demand constant tribute. In such a case, they would want to avoid us fleeing before enough troops arrived to keep us in place."
"I believe we can trust Master Philo." Merrig interrupted. "But I understand your concern, Yara, so I have a proposal."
Yara raised an eyebrow.
"Go on?"
"We were considering asking the Mountain King to intervene in this conflict. Why don't we invert that plan? Ask Master Philo if they can defeat this tyrant for us."
Yara's eyes widened in surprise. "Why on earth would they agree to do that?"
"Whether or not their intentions with us are genuine, these monks will find themselves in conflict with the Mountain King sooner or later. Giving them a warning will allow them to prepare for that fight. If they win, then it is proof the strength they possess is more than enough to have imposed their will on us by force. And if they agree to slaying the monster on our behalf then it will be proof they truly seek our friendship."
Yara sighed. "I hate to say it old man, but you're making some sense."
"Thank you, Yara."
"I have one condition before I agree to this plan though." Yara said.
"By all means."
"I want to accompany this Philo when they hunt the Mountain King."
"What?! Are you suicidal?!" Gram exclaimed while jumping to his feet.
"Someone needs to lead her to the monster's lair, and this way she can't form a secret deal with that thing without our knowledge."
"That's assuming you survive!"
"I'm not an idiot, Gram. I'm going to let the monk do all the fighting, I'll just hang back and watch."
"A single stray use of the dragon's breath could freeze you dead, even hanging back."
"Then the monk will need to be quick about killing it." "Yara–"
"Enough, Gram." Merrig interjected. "If this is what Yara asks in exchange for her consent, then we must let her."
Gram gave a pained look, but sat back down.
"Now then!" Merrig said. "Anyone else who wishes to make their opinion known do so now– otherwise we shall proceed with the vote, recall Philo, and give them our answer."
Maria had been waiting for this exact moment ever since the stranger had made their offer. Her hand shot to the air.
"It's less an opinion, and more a request..."
11,333... 11,334... 11,335...
Yep. There are 11,335 ants in the surrounding area. God I'm bored.
"Master Philo! We have made our decision!" Merrig called. Finally!
I bolt back inside, hoping to get this encounter resolved. Inside all three elders stood in a row before me, along with a new figure I had yet to meet. A young woman, probably in her early to mid twenties, stood alongside the Elders.
"Master Philo, thank you for your patience." Merrig said.
"It was no issue, Master Merrig. It gave me time to meditate on the abundant life that surrounds us."
"Very good. In that case let me get right to the point. Our answer is thus: we are more than willing to accept your deal–"
Oh wow, that was fast. I thought we were going to need to spend at least a couple months buttering them up. That's awesome!
"However..." Merrig continued.
Ah fuck they're gonna ask me to kill something aren't they.
"There is an issue which plagues this valley… an issue we believe you should be informed of before anything else."
"In that case please do so."
Merrig looked to the other elders before continuing. "This valley is inhabited by a monster known as the 'Mountain King,' a terrible dragon who slaughters indiscriminately. For decades now he has kept his lair in a nearby peak, and the valley has been his personal hunting grounds."
A dragon, eh? I guess I shouldn't have expected things to be simple. This is some classic RPG bullshit.
"I see. What kind of dragon is this Mountain King?"
The elders seemed confused by that question. They looked to each other for support, though none had any to offer.
"I'm sorry Master Philo, this is the only dragon we have ever encountered."
"My apologies, I should have been more specific. What color is this dragon's scales?"
"Ah. They are silver."
Hmm. A frost dragon then. In Shangri-La, dragons tended to be around levels 50-70. This would be a good test of where exactly I and the others fall in terms of the power level of this new world. If it looks like I'm going to lose the fight I'll just sneak away and retreat. Then I can come back with Oberon and the Grail Knights and we'll take it out together. Probably.
"I see. You want me to slay this Mountain King then?"
"Ah... well– we would not impose upon you with such a demand, but it is likely the monster will soon be aware of your presence and act to destroy you of his own accord..."
Hmm. So they are proactive creatures, unlike the mobs in Shangri-La.
"I understand, and thank you for the warning. I will set out to slay this dragon as a symbol of the trust between our two groups."
I tried to give a confident smile. You know, the kind a hero in a video game or novel would give. So someone utterly unlike me, basically.
There was a sigh of relief amongst the crowd.
"Thank you, Master Philo, we will not forget your bravery."
Hey, quit talking like I'm already dead!
"There were a few other matters we wished to discuss with you."
Merrig continued.
"Please, go on."
Merrig nodded and gestured to the older woman beside him. "Our most experienced hunter, Yara, has offered to guide you to the monster's lair."
Yara gave a clumsy bow. "It will be my honor to accompany you on this mission."
Well that's very nice of her. I'm not sure how much use she'll be in the actual fight, but at the very least she can tell me more about this world while we travel.
I return the bow. "I thank you for your assistance, Master Yara." "The other matter has to do with those magical services you mentioned."
"Ah, yes. Did you have something in mind?"
Merrig gestures to the younger woman standing beside him. "This is Maria. Some time ago she was injured during a Kobold attack which has made movement difficult and painful. She asks if you could heal this injury and allow her to join her family in hunting once more."
The woman, Maria, had been avoiding my gaze this whole time, but when her family was mentioned she seemed to find her courage and meet my eyes. There was a burning determination in them. She must have felt utterly useless not being able to hunt out here, poor girl.
"Of course, that will not be an issue. Let me summon my companions, while I am gone they will be able to tend to your wounds or any other needs you may have."
I need to inform the Inner Disciples that I'm gonna be fighting a dragon anyway. Best kill two birds with one stone and summon them here.
I put a finger to my temple and focused: [Farspeak]
Sophia, can you hear me?
Yes, Teacher. What is it?
It took a few moments, but Sophia was able to respond. That's good, I'm getting a hang of using my abilities.
I would like you, Psyche, Morgan, and Titania to all meet me in the village. I have succeeded in establishing friendly relations. I will bring them down shortly, Teacher. What would you have us do once we are there?
That is best saved for when we are speaking in person, but simply put I would like you to assist the villagers as best you can while I am away on a mission.
Understood, we will be there soon.
Very good. With that out of the way there’s only one thing left to discuss.
"So then. Where is this dragon's lair?"
The Mountain King gnawed at the Kobold between his teeth.
The fool had failed to deliver a proper meal, so the King sated his hunger by feasting on the fool. A shame, really. Kobolds are thin and gamey, a poor meal for a King of his stature.
"M-Master!" Another Kobold came rushing into his lair.
Buzzing gnats all around. Can they not see it’s dinner-time?
"Why have you interrupted my feast, worm?"
The Kobold squeaked and froze in place, barely managing to stammer out an answer between chattering teeth.
"I-I-Intruders! Outsiders! A Mountain– full of people! It just appeared this morning, Master!"
This was intriguing news. Who would be so foolish as to invade the hunting grounds of the great Mountain King? It was no matter, he reasoned. He would feast on their remains all the same.
For now though, he was still hungry. And this fool had interrupted his meal...