“I think we should try to discover what is making the growling noise amongst those boulders before we investigate the distant cave,” says Alton, and creeps back along the trail towards the clearing.
Laithe shrugs and replies "Ok, but bare in mind I think it best we avoid any unnecessary combat, so if it proves to be a predator of some sort guarding its lair, then we should leave it be and continue on to the cave".
He follows Alton back down the trail until they are drawing near to the clearing where he stops, allowing the Swashbuckler to continue alone and utilise his stealth unhindered.
“I think we should try to discover what is making the growling noise amongst those boulders before we investigate the distant cave,” says Alton, and creeps back along the trail towards the clearing.Laithe shrugs and replies "Ok, but bare in mind I think it best we avoid any unnecessary combat, so if it proves to be a predator of some sort guarding its lair, then we should leave it be and continue on to the cave".
He follows Alton back down the trail until they are drawing near to the clearing where he stops, allowing the Swashbuckler to continue alone and utilise his stealth unhindered.
Keildrithe stands back with Laithe, not sure what to say as he watches Alton sneak away... "I hope he knows what he's doing," he mutters to the druid. "The last thing we need now is for him to become a wild beast's meal..."
The bard loads a bullet into his sling, but keeps his sword in his off-hand... "Alton Hilltopple... I shall tell the world of your exploits, most fearless of the little folk... Though I pray that you will still be by my side as I tell the tales..."
"Damn, it can smell me." I think as I crouch in the grass, unmoving while I mentally go through a checklist of anything in my possession that can help me escape from this situation. I can think of nothing so I ready my blades and continue to crouch, hoping to remain hidden but keeping my blades ready should the beast attack.
The beast seems to know you are there, but does not seem to have seen you. It growls again, but makes no move to leave the boulder that it stands atop.
The beast seems to know you are there, but does not seem to have seen you. It growls again, but makes no move to leave the boulder that it stands atop.
Keildrithe hisses at Alton... "Get back here, you fool! You're going to get yourself killed for no reason! Leave it alone!"
I throw Keildrithe a mildly irritated glance and hiss back "I know what I'm doing. I was taught that when confronted with a creature like this you should just stand perfectly still. If you flee then it marks you as prey. I'm just going to stand here until it loses interest and goes away. Now, stay still and don't provoke it."
After several moments, the cat, obviously seeing that nothing is intruding into it’s clearing, turns with a swish of it’s long tail, and disappears back into the crevice between the boulders.
Once Alton has rejoined them, Laithe leads on towards their destination of the cave in the cliff face. Drawing near he suggests Alton scouts ahead to see if he can spot anything before we have a chance of being seen.
He suggests to keep out of the grass if possible, to avoid any unnecessary contact with the snails.
"Don't worry, I'll avoid the snails. Only thing they're good for is dinner." I say as I go ahead to scout, darting from whatever bits of cover are available while keeping an eye out for anything unusual.
The trail through the tall grass heads north, towards the cliff face. As the group approaches the cliff, the taller members spot the cave mouth above the grass – indeed, the path seems to head straight for it. As previously agreed, Alton goes ahead to scout.
Moving as quietly as he can, the Halfling approaches the cave. There is a small clearing in front of the cave, and a narrow trail runs off through the grass to the west, following the north cliff face of the valley. The cave itself is about ten feet wide and fifteen feet high, and dark within. However, stepping inside and allowing his eyes to slowly adjust to the darkness, Alton sees that there is a faint light – the glimmer of natural daylight it seems – towards the rear of the cave, and soon enough his eyes have adjusted well enough to make out the features of the cave.
The cave entrance opens out into a grand cavern, perhaps sixty feet deep and thirty feet wide, with a stalactite covered ceiling about twenty to thirty feet above. A faint movement from the ceiling catches Alton’s eye, and he realizes that dozens, perhaps hundreds of small, black bats roost upside down on the roof of the cave. The bats also presumably account for the musty, unpleasant smell of the cave, and the chalky substance coating the floor.
The cave floor is uneven, but seems to slope gradually upwards towards the back of the cavern and the faint light there. Being very careful not to make any sudden movements or loud noises to disturb the bats, Alton picks his way across the floor, noting that there appears to be a faint trail through the guano leading in the same direction. Reaching the far wall of the cave and looking up, Alton sees a rocky shaft leading upwards at a slight angle, with bright daylight at its apex. This shaft must lead right up to the top of the cliff surrounding the valley. He can also see that iron spikes have been driven into the wall of the shaft at regular intervals, presumably to assist in climbing.
Alton leaves the cave to report his findings to Laithe and Keildrithe, as the afternoon sun casts long shadows over the valley.
Alton leaves the cave to report his findings to...
Whilst awaiting the return of the halfling, Laithe watches the entry to the cave and reflects on the past 2 days. Speaking softly to Keildrithe he says "It was less than a month ago that I was leading a care-free existence, living with my friends and family, and travelling the wilds. Yet it seems like a lifet-time ago. It seems that more has happened in these last 2 days in particular than has happened in my whole lofe up till this point." He falls once more into silent contemplation.
Upon Alton's return and description of the cave, he stands. "Perhaps we should all venture in to give it a slightly more thorough search, and I can check for tracks. But we should hurry as the sun will not long be up, and the bats will start to head out for the evening."
He starts towards the cave, studying the ground around the entrance for any obvious tracks before heading in himself.
Just inside the cave entrance, Laithe finds the impression of a boot print in the guano on the floor. It appears to be of the same type and size of the boots that Jarred wears, and is perhaps a month or more old. Further inside the cave there is not enough natural light for Laithe to track any further … and he suspects that bringing a bright artificial lightsource within would startle the bats.
"I think that we should come back tomarrow, perhaps around noon, when there will be more light. Let us return to the camp site. It'll be dark soon and I'm getting hungry." I whisper as Laithe looks for tracks.
Just inside the cave entrance, Laithe finds the impression of a boot print in the guano on the floor. It appears to be of the same type and size of the boots that Jarred wears, and is perhaps a month or more old. Further inside the cave there is not enough natural light for Laithe to track any further … and he suspects that bringing a bright artificial lightsource within would startle the bats.
Conscious of the failing light and assuming the bats will soon be on the move, Laithe exits the cave and reports his meagre findings to Alton and Keildrithe.
"I think it would be worth heading back to camp now. Though a more thorough search here, or a climb up to the cliff face may garner more information, I am skeptical and with the failing light any information could easily be lost in the gloom. We have had a long day, with another perhaps tougher day facing us tomorrow. We could all use the rest, and still have Jarred to deal with back at the camp. Plus I also need to gather some dinner!"
"I think that we should come back tomarrow, perhaps around noon, when there will be more light. Let us return to the camp site. It'll be dark soon and I'm getting hungry." I whisper as Laithe looks for tracks.
You make your way back towards the camp, the return journey taking a little longer as Laithe forages for food on the way, netting a decent haul of edible roots, berries and fungi.
By the time you reach the clearing where you first encountered Jarred, not far from your camp, there are probably only about fifteen minutes of late afternoon light remaining before twilight truly sets in.
"Lets go back to camp. We don't have time to do any more scouting before it gets too dark." I say as I trudge back towards camo.
Once we get back to the camp I sit down on a log and begin to examine the damaged sword that we found earlier, lookig to see if I can repair it with my meager experience in such matters and even lesser equipment. As I examine it I say "I was thinking earlier that since so many creatures speak Karandic it might be a good idea for me to have at least a rudimentry knowledge of the language. My mento was teaching me before he died but all I know is how to say 'Not my fault!' and how to insult ones parentage. Not the most useful of phrases. Perhpas one of you could help me learn it."
Just inside the cave entrance, Laithe finds the impression of a boot print in the guano on the floor. It appears to be of the same type and size of the boots that Jarred wears, and is perhaps a month or more old. Further inside the cave there is not enough natural light for Laithe to track any further … and he suspects that bringing a bright artificial lightsource within would startle the bats."I think it would be worth heading back to camp now. Though a more thorough search here, or a climb up to the cliff face may garner more information, I am skeptical and with the failing light any information could easily be lost in the gloom. We have had a long day, with another perhaps tougher day facing us tomorrow. We could all use the rest, and still have Jarred to deal with back at the camp. Plus I also need to gather some dinner!"
"Yes, let's head back. Truth be told, I doubt that we would find much here, anyway. It merely seems to be an easy access out of the valley for some if its residents. I would suggest that we concentrate our efforts elsewhere tomorrow, but we can discuss that with the others..."
Reaching the camp, Alton, Keildrithe and Laithe discover Jirkin still resting, and Yruch with his mace in hand, keeping a close eye on Jarred’s trussed up form. The man is snoring lightly. The dog, Grall, still lies nearby, awake but looking drowsy.
“He looked like he was about to awaken about fifteen minutes back,” says the paladin, indicating Jarred with a nod of his head, “but he settled back down. Still, I’d say it won’t be long before he comes to.”
---
Alton, you realize that you don’t have the equipment or experience here to repair this sword’s hilt to a useable level. However, on your close examination of the sword, you notice a tiny coat of arms etched into the center of the cross-guard. The coat of arms is split into three fields, and seems to depict a bird, a circle (perhaps the moon?) and a tower.
Keldrithe sits down near the fire ring, groaning as he does so. "Is there anything in camp that might enable us to prepare that mushroom broth for Jarred? Anyone have a pot?"
Keldrithe sits down near the fire ring, groaning as he does so. "Is there anything in camp that might enable us to prepare that mushroom broth for Jarred? Anyone have a pot?"
Laithe potters around the camp ensuring everything is in order before sitting down at the fire near Keildrithe. "I am no great cook, but I know enough to get by; I'll brew the broth, and we can add the mushrooms to Jarred's portion. I believe Alton carries the pot from Gosia's home?". He looks to the halfling for confirmation.
"Yes, I have one of her pots. Here." I hand Laithe the pot and then pull out a bag and start pouring a thin line of it in a circle around the campsite.
"Yes, I have one of her pots. Here." I hand Laithe the pot and then pull out a bag and start pouring a thin line of it in a circle around the campsite.
Laithe thanks Alton for the pot and sets about preparing his simple meal. Once done he provides some for Jirkin so that he might rest on a full stomach, also taking the opportunity to change his bandages and ensure he is comfortable and resting well.
Once done he offers a portion of the stew to the yellow dog, before eating himself. He then takes 2 of the mushrooms from Alton, slicing them up and adding them to the remainder of the stew, to be given to Jarred when he awakens.
Finally, he moves a little away from the main group so that he might find a spot to study the stars, reflect on the events of the day and communicate with Ehlonna.
"I will be happy to extend my watch so that Jirkin can get some well-needed rest." Then, with a guilty smile, "it will also give me more time to appreciate Jarred's book of fine Karandic folk tales. Would anyone care to hear some of the stories?"
As Laithe begins to prepare his supper, Keildrithe looks at Jarred. "Would it be easier to try to feed him some of the broth while he is asleep? I can just imagine him trying to spit out if we feed him while awake... However we feed it to him, I hope that it works, and that it won't have horrible side effects..."
As Laithe puts the finishing touches to the broth, Jarred begins to stir. “Ehlonna…” he groans, struggling weakly at his bonds, his head lolling to the side.
As Laithe puts the finishing touches to the broth, Jarred begins to stir. “Ehlonna…” he groans, struggling weakly at his bonds, his head lolling to the side.
"It's feeding time, methinks... who shall do the honours?"
"It's feeding time, methinks... who shall do the honours?"
Laithe looks up as at mention of Ehlonna's name, and then turns to Keildrithe. "Of all of us here, your countance is the softest and I think you will have the best chance of winning his trust." Handing him the bowl, he lowers his voice "Make no mention of the mushrooms; offer him the meal but do not force it upon him. His own hunger should cause him to eat."
His eyes snap open and he looks around. Although the wild look has faded from his eyes, he still seems … disoriented. (In Karandic) “Who are you? Why have you restrained me? Where is my head, what have you done with my head? You are taking me to the goblins? What is that possessed, traitorous dog doing here?”
Despite the angry sounding words, he does not appear to be getting worked up or angry, just asking the questions loudly, whilst looking around.
His eyes snap open and he looks around. Although the wild look has faded from his eyes, he still seems … disoriented. (In Karandic) “Who are you? Why have you restrained me? Where is my head, what have you done with my head? You are taking me to the goblins? What is that possessed, traitorous dog doing here?”
Despite the angry sounding words, he does not appear to be getting worked up or angry, just asking the questions loudly, whilst looking around.
After a moment, Laithe responds, in quiter tones. "It would be wise to lower your voice, lest you alert the goblins to our hiding place. Now to answer your questions. We are friends of Gosia of Barg, in this valley to find Jarred Hale so that we may help her."
He pauses, pointing at the rope which binds Jarred. "We have restrained you as you would brand us goblins and would attack us. It is the goblins who have left Gosia in trouble, and they we hunt".
Another pause, before continuing "Your head is on your shoulders; you are Jarred Hale, not the Boar King. We will not take you to the goblins; they are enemies of ours." Finally, he points to the yellow dog and finishes. "The dog is here of its own accord; traitorous or not, it seems to be concerned for your health and well-being."
Giving some time for the information to sink in, Laithe poses a question of his own. "Tell us what happened to you; how your house came to be burned down?"
Laithe looks up as at mention of Ehlonna's name, and then turns to Keildrithe. "Of all of us here, your countance is the softest and I think you will have the best chance of winning his trust." Handing him the bowl, he lowers his voice "Make no mention of the mushrooms; offer him the meal but do not force it upon him. His own hunger should cause him to eat."
"<sigh>... I guess the book can wait..." Keildrithe takes the bowl and spoon from Laithe and kneels beside Jarred.
His eyes snap open and he looks around. Although the wild look has faded from his eyes, he still seems … disoriented. (In Karandic) “Who are you? Why have you restrained me? Where is my head, what have you done with my head? You are taking me to the goblins? What is that possessed, traitorous dog doing here?”Despite the angry sounding words, he does not appear to be getting worked up or angry, just asking the questions loudly, whilst looking around.
Keildrithe speaks to Jarred in a soothing, sing-songy monotone, in Karandic, while looking him straight in the eye.
“Jarred is dead,” the man (Jarred?) says calmly. “He was ambushed by those fiendish goblins, and killed. The traitor dog was not there, was he?” He looks to the dog, who whines. “Although perhaps he did hear barking as he fell ….” His expression grows thoughtful, then he shakes his head and looks Laithe in the eye.
“So fair Ehlonna has sent the Boar King to rid this valley of unnatural things and despoilers of nature! And you have taken my head!”
At this point, Keildrithe cuts in, and begins his soothing chant, offering a ladle of broth to the man. His eyes glaze over, and he stares at the bard, mutely accepting the broth.
He swallows a few mouthfuls, and then the spell seems to be broken – but Jarred’s mood seems improved. “Mmmm, that is good stew! Thankyou. So, you are against the goblins too? And helping a woman whom Jarred lo – knew? Then the Boar King shall help you! Fetch my head! Fetch my spear! We shall make those goblins rue the day they killed Jarred Hale!”
The dog looks at Keildrithe, whines again, and drops it’s head back onto it’s paws. Well, at least the man’s mood seems to have improved…
I sigh as I eat my meal and think t myself "Off his rocker. Completely off of his rocker. Still, mabye Laithe and Keildrithe can help him. But if they can't how to disprove the accusations against Gosia?" and then I sit there staring into space, trying to think of a solution that doesn't involve breaking her out of prision.
“Jarred is dead,” the man (Jarred?) says calmly. “He was ambushed by those fiendish goblins, and killed. The traitor dog was not there, was he?” He looks to the dog, who whines. “Although perhaps he did hear barking as he fell ….” His expression grows thoughtful, then he shakes his head and looks Laithe in the eye.
“So fair Ehlonna has sent the Boar King to rid this valley of unnatural things and despoilers of nature! And you have taken my head!”
At this point, Keildrithe cuts in, and begins his soothing chant, offering a ladle of broth to the man. His eyes glaze over, and he stares at the bard, mutely accepting the broth.
He swallows a few mouthfuls, and then the spell seems to be broken – but Jarred’s mood seems improved. “Mmmm, that is good stew! Thankyou. So, you are against the goblins too? And helping a woman whom Jarred lo – knew? Then the Boar King shall help you! Fetch my head! Fetch my spear! We shall make those goblins rue the day they killed Jarred Hale!”
The dog looks at Keildrithe, whines again, and drops it’s head back onto it’s paws. Well, at least the man’s mood seems to have improved…
Laithe considers the words of the man, discouraged by his apparent continued delusions, yet encouraged by the fact that he seems to have accepted them as allies. He quickly relates what has been said thus far to the non-karandic speakers, before questioning the man further, while his mood is good.
"We will avenge the attack of the goblins, but first you must tell us where we can find them, and what has caused them to venture forth and attack? I understand Jarred lived side by side with them for many years without such bloodshed? What has stirred them up in the past month?"
“Jarred is dead,” the man (Jarred?) says calmly. “He was ambushed by those fiendish goblins, and killed. The traitor dog was not there, was he?” He looks to the dog, who whines. “Although perhaps he did hear barking as he fell ….” His expression grows thoughtful, then he shakes his head and looks Laithe in the eye.
“So fair Ehlonna has sent the Boar King to rid this valley of unnatural things and despoilers of nature! And you have taken my head!”
At this point, Keildrithe cuts in, and begins his soothing chant, offering a ladle of broth to the man. His eyes glaze over, and he stares at the bard, mutely accepting the broth.
He swallows a few mouthfuls, and then the spell seems to be broken – but Jarred’s mood seems improved. “Mmmm, that is good stew! Thankyou. So, you are against the goblins too? And helping a woman whom Jarred lo – knew? Then the Boar King shall help you! Fetch my head! Fetch my spear! We shall make those goblins rue the day they killed Jarred Hale!”
The dog looks at Keildrithe, whines again, and drops it’s head back onto it’s paws. Well, at least the man’s mood seems to have improved…
Keildrithe gives the man a moment to respond, and then carries on with his interrogation. "You seem to know something of Jarred's relationship with Gosia. Do you think we might be able to bring Jarred back from the dead? Only Jarred can save Gosia from the Artonite inquisition in Barg... they mean to burn her at the stake in five days, for her alleged witchcraft. The Artonites believe that she has sacrificed young women from Barg to some dark powers... all lies, of course. Do you know if the goblins are responsible for the disappearances? We have only five days left to prove her innocence... and only Jarred has the knowledge that can save her... only Jarred's love can save her... With the powers that Ehlonna has granted you, do you think that you could perhaps call Jarred's spirit back from the great beyond?
"By the way, you seem to be doing fine without your... head... are you sure that you really need it?"
Then, with a bashful expression: "Where are my manners... you're really wolfing this down! More stew?" He holds the spoon out for Jarred to take another bite.
Keildrithe darts a sudden glance over his shoulder at Alton and Laithe, and quickly mumbles to them in a mixture of Atuskan and Karandic: "Can we make more stew? This man's starving... And don't skimp on the mushrooms, will ya? They seem to add alot of... 'flavour'... to the meal..." He then returns his attention to Jarred, spoon still held out toward him...
I nod at Keildrithe and begin to chop up some of the mushrooms (out of view of the madman) and add them to the stew, trying to replicate what I saw Laithe do when cooking the stew. When Its done I take it over to the man and spoon some more into the bowl while saying "I hope its as good as Laithe's was. I'm afraid my skills lie in other matters. Enjoy.". Then I get out my weapons and begin to do some wepon drills a little ways off.
“ah, this stew would be easier to eat were my hands untied,” says Jarred hopefully. “Ah, poor Gosia, poor Jarred. Alas, he is dead, dead as a corpse he is. The Boar King could save Gosia though, were he not tasked with purging the valley from evil and taint. And of course I need me head, are you mad?!” He looks at Keildrithe in surprise.
“Ah, yes, goblins, tricksey mischevious sprites they be! They left Jarred alone for the most part, and he them for many years, but something riled them up no doubt, and they killed poor old Jarred for it! Killed their chief maybe too, least wise I’ve not seen him. The – that is,” his voice reduces to a mumble and trails off, “another leads them now….”
“ah, this stew would be easier to eat were my hands untied,” says Jarred hopefully. “Ah, poor Gosia, poor Jarred. Alas, he is dead, dead as a corpse he is. The Boar King could save Gosia though, were he not tasked with purging the valley from evil and taint. And of course I need me head, are you mad?!” He looks at Keildrithe in surprise.
“Ah, yes, goblins, tricksey mischevious sprites they be! They left Jarred alone for the most part, and he them for many years, but something riled them up no doubt, and they killed poor old Jarred for it! Killed their chief maybe too, least wise I’ve not seen him. The – that is,” his voice reduces to a mumble and trails off, “another leads them now….”
As Laithe continues to translate for Alton and Yruch, his ears prick up at mention of the goblins and who leads them, and he leans forward, eager for more information.
“This stew is good, although I prefer the first bowl to the second. You have made a friend of the Boar King! His friendship would be firmer still would you unbind his arms…” quothes the Boar King.
“Give me my spear, and my head to see, and I shall watch over you this night! Those tricksy goblins do like the dark, and the sky dims now.”
"Well, what do you think? Should we let him free? I don't think that he'd attack us but we do need his help and I'm not entirely sure that he wouldn't flee." I look over at him, carefully studying his face and body language for any hints of deceit.
“This stew is good, although I prefer the first bowl to the second. You have made a friend of the Boar King! His friendship would be firmer still would you unbind his arms…” quothes the Boar King.
“Give me my spear, and my head to see, and I shall watch over you this night! Those tricksy goblins do like the dark, and the sky dims now.”
"Boar King... I'm glad you like the stew, and I'm glad that we may call you our friend. Do you know where Jarred might have been buried? And who leads the goblins now? Where is their lair? We should know these things, if we are to take the fight to them..."
Then, with some hesitation: "are you certain that YOU were not once Jarred? And I'm sorry that we have you tied up... but what oath can you swear that will guarantee that you'll not attack us as you did earlier, or flee and abandon us to those evil goblins?"
As you are fast realizing, talking to Jarred (if it is indeed him) whilst he is in his current state is a frustrating process – logic does not seem to be able to persuade him of the fantastic nature of some of the things he is saying. Whilst the blue mushrooms seem to have improved his mood, as Laithe feared may be the case they do not seem to have cured his madness.
“Ah, I’m afraid that fair Ehlonna sent me to this place once Jarred was already slain, and I know not the fate of his corpse. Dead? Of course he is dead, you do not see him here do you?”
“The goblins? Ah, but their leader is dead, or so I believe, as I told you earlier. Who leads them now? Erm ….. they …. I am not certain ….
“I can lead you to their lair, they try to hide it of course, but the Boar King is master of this valley, they cannot hide from me! But attack their village? There are many of them. … although I have picked many of them off since they laid Jarred low, as Ehlonna has bade me! Yes, perhaps they are few enough now…. But … perhaps not wise ….” He trails off again.
“Oh, you have my word, I thought you agents of those evil things, but I see now that I was mistaken! You had the chance to kill me, and you did not, so I will return the favour! And I will not flee! There is a difference, youngin, between fleeing and seeking positions of strategic advantage you should know!”
Alton tries hard to read the man as he speaks, but his madness is so evident that it distracts the halfling from the sincerity – or lack of – in his words. And of course the language barrier does not help.
Keildrithe is more discerning. He has the feeling that the man truly believes (almost) everything he is saying, including that Jarred is dead, and that he will ally with the band. Unfortunately, much of this may be a product of his madness, and he has already shown some remarkable changes in character … who is to say what is real and unreal to him, and how long his word, firmly given though it might be, would last?
One thing that he is obviously evasive about (and Keildrithe strongly suspects lying about) is the nature of the goblins “new leader”. Keildrithe picks up a definite under-current of fear there. He also believes that the hesitancy in the idea of attacking the goblins lair may be related to this same fear.
Keildrithe is more discerning. He has the feeling that the man truly believes (almost) everything he is saying, including that Jarred is dead, and that he will ally with the band. Unfortunately, much of this may be a product of his madness, and he has already shown some remarkable changes in character … who is to say what is real and unreal to him, and how long his word, firmly given though it might be, would last?One thing that he is obviously evasive about (and Keildrithe strongly suspects lying about) is the nature of the goblins “new leader”. Keildrithe picks up a definite under-current of fear there. He also believes that the hesitancy in the idea of attacking the goblins lair may be related to this same fear.
"There is strength in numbers, great King, especially when those numbers are bolstered by reverence for Ehlonna. What strategy would you advise, o wise and strong one, in order to defeat this new leader of the goblins? Please describe him to us... what does he look like? Be he man, goblin, or demon? What terrible powers does he (or she?) wield?"
Laithe listens attentively to Keildrithe's questions and Jarred's ramblings. Once done he calls the others over to the otherside of the camp from where Jarred currently sits to discuss what they should do with him.
In a low voice, so as not to be overheard, Laithe speaks. "I'm leaning towards agreeing with Alton; I think we should untie him tonight, and encourage him to rest for the evening and lead us to the goblin lair tomorrow. I would be hesitant about returning his weapons to him until the morning. And of course we should take watch as planned, keeping an eye on him as well as the surroundings. What do you think?"
"There is strength in numbers, great King, especially when those numbers are bolstered by reverence for Ehlonna. What strategy would you advise, o wise and strong one, in order to defeat this new leader of the goblins? Please describe him to us... what does he look like? Be he man, goblin, or demon? What terrible powers does he (or she?) wield?"