Suddenly you are riding out of the base of another cliff, a smaller one, perhaps 100' feet high. A broad grassy clearing lies before you, encircled by a mixed forest of coniferous and deciduous trees. Beyond that, the ground slopes down into a narrow valley which opens up father into the distance. All about are forest clad hills, rising perhaps to altitudes of 2500'.
It is an overcast day here, very hot and humid. Your clothes start to stick to you. The air here smells...different.
"Oerth," mutters Robert, "I'd know that smell anywhere."
You see a middle aged man in leathers approaching you. You also become aware of the presence of a number of wolves, bears, cougars, deer and rabbits in the clearing.
"Welcome home, Malbar," says the man, stopping.
"Thank you, Oakivy," replies the warrior, "And what day is it?"
"The tenth day of Reaping in the year 584," Oakivy replies without smiling, "It is just past midafternoon. If you hasten you could make it to Radcliffe by nightfall."
This guardian does not want you to tarry, it seems.
Malbar nods.
"And what news?"
"Little has changed in the weeks since your departure," the druid replies, "War still engulfs the lands to the east, the west and the north. Also, there are rumours that the Pomarj is stirring. Around here, I have heard that there are several tribes of humanoids raiding the gnomish settlements in the hills."
"That is disturbing," says Malbar, "Let us ride quickly, then."
He spurs his horse and rides across the clearing, making for an opening in the forest. You follow him. There, at the edge of the woods is a trail winding down the hillside.
Malbar rides as quickly as the terrain allows, following the trail down the hillside. After awhile it cuts along the side of a small valley, then descends into a larger valley. Despite your haste it is late evening before you reach Radcliffe Gnome Hold.
Radcliffe is built into a bluff overlooking the Neen River, a broad, comparatively shallow flow perhaps three quarters of a mile wide. The gnomes put you up for the night in one of their inns.
Over dinner, Malbar gives you a bit of an overview of the state of affairs on Oerth.