Halt right there, goblin - unless you want two extra orifices!
Wrathmire has his crossbow aiming at the goblin, ready to fire if he does not comply.
Ceidith runs up to one of the cages, and begins to try and pick the lock Come on....I think I got it
Following the group, will move to one of the prisoners farthest from the remain I no threat, kneel down and ask, "Are you alright?"
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The goblin curls up on the ground, covering his head and cowering, "Don't kills me, pease!"
Ceidith hurries over to the cages, quickly picking the first lock.
As Ceidith begins with the second lock, the man that looks to be an adventurer smiles, "Deft hands, my friend."
The man, that you assume is Millie's husband, gathers his children around, then checks on his farmhands to see if everyone is okay. He then turns to you and asks, "Many thanks, strangers. What will you have us do?"
Uriah sidles into the room
Ho there! Uriah Lewis at your service. he says with a swagger and a bow
These Brave lads and I stormed this place and dealt death to these foul creatures. Uriah flourishes his yet to be sullied rapier.
"First things first," Ander says to the prisoners, "Are you all okay? Does anyone need medical attention?"
Wrathmire ties up the goblin, then picks the lock on the other cage if needed.
He then sits the goblin on a stool and looks to the party, do we have any questions for this on?
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Wrathmire secures the goblin, who sits quietly and patiently as he moves off to pick the lock of the second cage. The adrenaline of the recent battle causes Wrathmire's hands to shake a little too much as he is stymied by the lock. The adventurer-captive looks at him and says, "The Bugbear has a set of keys, if the lock is too rusted."
The patriarch of the peat farm looks to Ander, "Just a few bruises and scratches. We should not tarry, the rest of the tribe is out looking for more captives. Who knows when they will return."
Wrathmire searches the bugbear for keys and attempts to open the lock with the key.
Wrathmire stands over the goblin.
So tell me your story.
Ceidith begins to pick the second lock, while talking to the mysterious man Thanks. May I ask, why are you here?
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Wrathmire, once acquiring the key, the lock opens easily. While inspecting the bugbear, he notices that the shield that the bugbear holds (and was really unable to use) is a strange black ridged material.
The goblin starts, "Well, me name is Buggletup. Me was born in these caves, this many years ago," he tries to hold up his hands, but being tied up holds up his feet instead which causes him tumble backwards off the stool!
The goblin, rolls around a bit and scoots up the wall to a sitting position once again, and continues his tale.
The man from the other cage speaks up as he gathers his things, just throwing his studded leather armor over his shoulder and strapping on his dagger belt, "We don't have time for this. We'd best leave. I can tell you what I know as we make our way back to town."
Hmmm, what do we do with Buggletup? He seems helpful enough...
Ander comes over to the goblin, sword drawn, and speaks.
"I would as soon destroy a stained-glass window as a helpful fellow like yourself. However, since I can't have you following us either—" Ander finishes his sentence with a firm whack on the goblin's noggin with the butt of his sword.
Ceidith whispers Ah, freedom then begins to walk back the way he came from.
Ah, the Noble Sir Ander, vanquishing his foes and giving mercy to them. Ah! The Ballad I will spin of his feats. Uriah says, walking out of the cave.
Why leave him behind? Why not take him with us and question him later?
Wrathmire shrugs and heads out of the cave.
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The stranger laughs at Wrathmire's response and moves to join the young crossbowman.
"The name's Chaab," he says with a grin as he tosses the black shield to Wrathmire, "You might want to sell this. It's fashioned from a dragon's scale, would fetch a pretty penny. The Zhentarim has been investigating some strange happenings in the area. The black that it belonged to..."
His voice fades as he and Wrathmire leave the cave.
Chaab takes a breath as he pulls his foot from the muck of the bog and continues, "The dragon hadn't been seen for a while, but the humans were still skulking around. That's when the Zhentarim sent me to investigate."
Sir Adrian heads out, following Wrathmire.
Wrathmire flashes his zhentarim coin to Chaab.
Thanks for the tip, Chaab. I'll be sure to note your helpfulness in my report.
Itzal shakes her head and follows the others out of the cave. We really needed to know why the goblins are taking prisoners. And other things - where they plan to strike next, how many of them are there, if they're working with non-goblins...
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Chaab nods, laughing, and continues, "Well, I found out that the dragon had actually been slain by a group of adventurers, but in the battle, some were slain while the rest succumbed to their mortal wounds before they even made it out of the bog."
He rubs the back of his neck, "Someone had emptied the dragon's hoard and even began harvesting body parts of the creature. And the damnable part of it all was that I was waylaid by those dirty goblins before I could get back to make a report! Being held in that cage, I saw several humans come and go negotiating with the bugbear to secure the area, but he never pieced together their relationship."
Chaab chuckles, "Lady Tymora smiles, that you came when you did. The lair was practically empty, what with most of the tribe out hunting for more captives."
--
The trip through the bog is relatively uneventful, and you see Millie and her baby boy awaiting you at the peat farm. She waves happily and rushes to embrace her husband. Millie hurriedly checks each of her children making sure that each of them are healthy then thanks you all profusely, "Thank you, thank you! If there is anything that we can ever do for you, please do not hesitate to ask!"
--
As you head back to Phlan, Chaab stops you all outside sight of the gate. You look at him confused for a second as he fishes around in the front of his pants. A few seconds later he produces a small bag of gems, tossing it to Ander and says, "You look like the honest type, make sure that everyone gets a cut. Pay no mind to where they've been. Had to make sure nobody found 'em when I was caught! Take these for savin' my bacon."
He then rummages around his backpack and produces a potion and tosses it to Warthmire, "A potion of climbing, in case you boys need it. Well, that's it for me. You boys take care of yourselves, may I meet you again on nicer terms!"
He throws you all a wink and heads off toward the town gate with some measure of haste!
Wrathmire puts the potion into his pack and gives a brief smile to Chaab, but only if you pay really close attention. Seems Wrathmire doesn't smile much.
Thanks Chaab, I hope we cross paths again.
Ander smiles at the reunited family and promises to come by for a good home-cooked meal sometime.
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Back in town, Ander recommends meeting the Black Fist guards to receive payment.
Uriah beams at a job well done.
Wrathmire relaxes at the Kettle, looking around for any Zhentarim to discuss the findings from Chaab.
Ceidith quietly walks up to Wrathmires table and flashes his Zhentarim badge. Hello He then begins talking in Zhentarim code
So, Chaab....
Presmer goes back to his books in the common room oblivious to the world around him.
Seems like a nice enough chap, I'm sure our commanding officers would like to know of his helpfulness. Also, we need to make sure he provided his report with utmost haste, given he was under orders to investigate the area...
Sir Adrian sits near Uriah and cleans his greatsword with an oiled cloth.
Hmm... Shall we contact our superiors?
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It has been a couple of days since your last adventure, and you are gathered in the Kettle for a Highsun meal. Madame Freona's youngest, Grelinda, is clearing away your table settings after a pleasant meal. Her short hair is tinted an odd shade of coppery green, and she treats the flatware roughly as she stacks it on a tray.
"Stupid, boring work," she mutters under her breath.
Before you can comment, the door of the Tea Kettle opens and a cool breeze runs through the common room. A tall, dour-looking human glances around and his sallow expression finally settles on you seven.
He removes his tall, black hat to reveal a balding pate. "I apologize for disturbing you," he says in a deep, monotone voice. "Would you be adventurers for hire? I am in need for some to deal with a small matter."
Wrathmire looks at the man and nods. That we are...
Ceidith looks at the new-comer, a bit of annoyance in his voice for being interrupted during an important conversations
Adventurer! Sure, that's what you can call us! Now, good sir, what is this small matter?
Itzal nods. Always looking for something interesting to do. What did you need?
I follow this one.. Uriah jerks his thumb at Ander He's an epic poem in the making.
Sir Adrian continues to polish his sword, as he simply looks up and yawns.
Ander gives his best morning smile and says, "What is it you need doing, sir?"
Presmer looks up from his book looking at the man inquisitively.
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"I'm sorry to disturb you," the man says as he rings the edge of his hat in his hands, "I am Brother Keefe. I am a priest of Kelemvor and the Keeper of the Dead of Valhingen Graveyard here in Phlan."
He takes a deep breath before continuing, "As Keeper of the Dead, it falls upon me to see to the interment of bodies, and keeping records. I like to think of myself as the overseer of all permanent residents in Valhingen Graveyard.” Brother Keefe chuckles a bit at his joke then clears his throat and continues, ”I am also in charge of disinterment, which bring me here to stand before you.”
”It seems that evidence has been presented to us that one of our long-time residents of the cemetary, Lady Xandria Welltran, was not in fact human, but rather a green dragon in disguise. Now, the elders have charged me with entering the crypt and inspect the remains to confirm or dispute the validity of these claims.”