"Looks like this one has some stuff on him" Belliken says, grabbing the stuff and bringing it over into the cave to add to the pile from the trunk. He sorts through the pouch and sees the measly two gold pieces and frowns. "Not a whole lot on this guy. Hope we can find a way to split it all up".
Seeing the Phedran has stabilized the other goblin he heads over. I ain't no good with rope, but you look pretty handy. Should we tie him up and get some answers?"
As Sofia turns the key, the chest unlocks with a soft click. Inside, assuming you open it, are a small red gem, a glass vial with an orange liquid inside, a well-made dagger, and a sack containing 20 gold pieces.
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Sofia opens the chest and is relieved that the Goblins had not set a trap. She pulls out the contents Let us share the spoils of this battle companions. I would be happy for one of you to take this fine looking dagger. Trust me, it looks well made Phedron, can you offer some insights on this vial? This red gem also looks valuable and I will take my share of the coin it is worth, though I do not have an idea of its value
Sofia takes 5 gold pieces and leaves the sack on the floor for others to take their share
"I would love a sharper dagger if no one else is opposed. I also know I thing or two a about potions as well". Belliken checks to see if he knows what potion this is. He casts detect magic on it to see if can get any hints as he takes four from the pile and keeps the two he took off the golbin.
Belliken identifies the potion as cure light wounds. Also, Sofia's assumption about the dagger is correct.
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Before Phedran can get a word out, the diminutive sorcerer grabs the vile of liquid and determines its contents.
Astonishing. Perhaps I've misjudged this one. I would find it most fascinating to pick his brain, certainly when it comes to everything magic. Pickling his brain? No, he's a travelling companion. Focus. Back to the task at hand.
"Excellent deduction, Belliken!"
Phedran allows a proud smirk to escape his typically grim visage.
Hank weighs in: Well if we got the treasure split up let's be movin' on. Anyone can put whatnot in Cammy's saddlebags if yer worried about anywhat slowin' you down. I'm a take a peek.
Hank nudges Cammy out of the way of the double doors, and unless somebody interrupts him, he opens them carefully, peering through the gap.
Hank, realizing that he was getting a little ahead of his friends, draws the doors carefully shut. He needs to learn how to be patient.
"Uhhh... any of you guys speak goblin? I could barely learn druid. Mama always says you don' need a masterwork mind to be a hero. I feel kinda bad for the lil' bugger. We kill'd his bro and now we're haulin' him back from the Abyss to ask him stuff? I mean I know he was all stabby but still."
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"Well, in addition to the common tongue, I'm fluent in Elvish... my Orc is passable, but with a smoother accent than what is normally grunted... Oh, I spent three semesters decoding Draconic scrolls... and learned the Sylvan whispers in my studies abroad for a summer...
Phedran pauses, having realized that he is prattling on.
"I assure you, the chittering of goblinoids has no presence in my verbal repertoire."
"I've picked up enough to talk to the dwarves and elves that come into the shop, but ain't never seen a goblin before" Belliken says, putting the masterwork dagger into his wrist sheath to replace the old one. "But he did scream 'horse' in common when he came out, we might be able to speak with him in that. Maybe it is a waste of time but being armed with information is often as useful as having a sharp blade".
Belliken approaches the other goblin slowly, and kicks his weapon away, keeping his dagger lightly in his right hand. He pulls the lizard out from behind his back and lightly nudges the goblin with his foot to wake him.
Belliken hands the goblin the fried lizard from the other goblin. "Look here. We have no quarrel with you. We are after a beast with large black teeth. Tell us what we might find inside the cave we will let you go."
The goblin continues to lie unconscious, having been seriously wounded.
"Leaving anywhat out cold and bound up in the wild is bad. Like real bad. Ants about these woods and such. While my gut says Sofie's right, we either oughta gotta heal him. Or we gotta put him outta the reach of suffering."
"Sofia, I don' mind doin' the deed but I reck you will make a cleaner job of it."
Hank thinks to himself, All things end. Mayhaps my hunt for the beast that preys on my flock is no more than this goblin slingin' blades at those what gather outside his cave. Why fear so much 'bout friends and foes, life and loss? We all go back to the mothers of nature some time.
"Alright well let's carry on then. We still gotta find the thing that lost that tooth" Belliken says. He replaces the masterwork dagger in to his sheath and readies his crossbow.
"Ill Let someone a little heartier take the lead this time". Belliken trains his crossbow down towards the door waiting for someone else to head in.
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Phedran straps his buckler to his off-hand, then removes a vial of a volatile-looking compound from his bandolier. He then draws his rapier from its scabbard.
"Anything that aims to do us harm on the other side of these doors will experience a slight... burning sensation. Mistress Sofia, I trust your spirited blade will at my flank?"
His studded leather harness looks a little awkward on the slim elf, but it looks hearty enough to protect from chipped and half-broken goblin steel. He turns his head over his shoulder. "Once you're ready, at your signal, I'll open the door" he whispers.
"Might as well get you a lil' virtue"
Hank casts virtue on Sofia and Phedran right before the door opens. He's got Cammy's lead in his hand, and is more toward the back.
Belliken peers around his friends torsos when he does not hear the din of battle or the chattering of goblins. All that prep for nothing. Well at least we are safe for another moment.
Coming just inside the room Belliken notices the fountain.
"Interesting, there looks to be some sort of magic here." He tilts his head and scans the rest of the room. His nose wrinkles as he notices the runes. "Oh great, can't speak goblin and now I can't read whatever this is. Perhaps I can discern this mystery another way." Belliken sits and does the only thing he knows to do when he encounters magical aura's, cast detect magic and check his spellcrafting!
In a whisper, "Hush! Somewhat's talkin' up a-ways! Anyone make out what they are sayin'?
He strains his ears:
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Sofia approaches the fountain quietly, with one ear on the voices in the distance. The water looks so good she thinks.
She sees Hank straining to listen to the voices and kneels down at the stone fountain to examine the markings in more detail. I recognise these markings from somewhere. I'm sure I do
These markings are those of the Goddess Desna. This water will be of benefit to us if we partake of its refreshing qualities, if we offer coin in return
Sofia reaches into her pack and retrieve one of the gold coins taken from the chest in the previous room and flips it into the fountain. Sofia cups her hands and scoops a mouthful of the refreshing water into her mouth.
As Sofia drinks from the fountain, she feels a bit quicker, heartier, and bolder.
Belliken can't identify the magic of the fountain, but it is definitely magical in nature.
As Hank listens to the voices around the corner, he discerns that they are talking in some harsh language that he doesn't know. They sound like they are fighting, but there is no sound of weapons.
In a further whisper, "Friends, there's somewhat ahead of us speakin' in a strange tongue and they don' sound happy. Let's amble over and check. We gonna assume angry means bad and charge in there, or head in peaceful-like? I vote parley first."
Hank's good heart leads him to try to explore peaceful options first, even when that might not be the smartest plan. If the party votes to proceed aggressively, Hank casts "virtue" on Sofia before we proceed. If we decide to go forward peacefully, Hank opts for "Guidance" to give a +1 to Sofia's potential diplomacy roll... or attack roll, if that becomes necessary. Both cantrips last a minute.
"Judging by what we just faced, doesn't seem like the goblins are much in the talkin' mood. We might be able to spook one, or leave one left alive to intimidate into givin' us some info."
Belliken readies his crossbow again and keeps back from the door, training his attack down the hall.
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Easy my halfling warrior Sofia says to Belliken. No doubt you would provide a lethal shot but I am with Phedran and Hank. I am quite happy for them to know that two of their brethren lie rent in two and that they shall suffer the same fate if they choose it. I say we offer an olive branch but be ready should it be needed.
Belliken seems to perk up when Sofia praises his marksmanship. "Alright, it's not the goblins we're after anyway. If they prove peaceful no need risking another cut for nothin'"
Despite the talks Belliken still appears weary, and keeps the crossbow at his side.
Hank moves forward with Cammy, casting "Guidance" on Sofia as planned. He draws his scythe, holding it in one hand, Cammy's lead in the other.
"We're right behind you and ready fer nigh anywhat"
As you proceed to the next chamber, you see the source of the voices, or rather sources. In the southwest corner of this relatively large chamber, there is a throne made of a mixture of small animal bones and scraps of wood. On top of it sits a goblin wearing a crude crown of feathers and bones, plugging his ears and looking very exasperated. In front of him, four goblins seem to be arguing over something in their native language, but stop and look up when you come into view.
As the goblin on the throne sees you enter the room, he sits up straight and says in what he seems to think is an impressive, scary voice, "Who you? This is throne room of me, King Fatmouth!"
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...and a fine room it is too King Fatmouth. Make no mistake, my companions and I have no quarrel with you lest you bring one to us but my strong advice would be to consider that two of your brethren lie outside having not offered the opportunity to talk first. What say you, King? Will you talk with us, or will you choose a darker, and from your perspective, a much less successful path?
"Me sister Bucktooth stole dragon toy. Her missing now. These idiots too scared to go into webby cave to find toy. If you go find toy, me let you live. And, me let you go through throne room as much as you want!"