Anna yawns, but the party is hard at work, so she lights a torch and searches with them.
"Goblins?" she repeats, wide-eyed. They show up in stories a lot, but she hasn't has to deal with them before.
Observing the actions of the group, I stay back in shadows of a nearby tree. and keep an eye out while they search.
Cao pulls his ioun torch and sets in orbit about him to light the way.
If its just goblins that may be good. Pains to deal with in some way, easy to manipulate in others...
The eliciter walks the perimeter of the scene hopping that the criss crossing search of the group will reveal something of note.
Mei stays near Cao (he has a light source). those bodies in the trees, has me a little concerned. is such behavior common among goblins?
As the group of would-be bounty-hunters looks at the scene, a few things become clear. First, the guards were caught unaware of their attackers. The second thing is the thoroughness of the looting. Finally, it seems that Alruc has the right of it. The stench of smoke and urine is hard to miss as you survey the scene.
Anna moves closer to the others. "There are two things out there watching us," she whispers. "And it looks like three people were dragged off that way." She gestures vaguely, unnerved by being watched, and then slips off into the shadows to lie in wait. She's good at taking an enemy by surprise, but not much of a planner, so she'll let the others figure something out then follow their lead.
Bruno's grip shifts on his rocks and his eyes flicker in the direction of the watchers. He's ready for trouble.
I remain hidden and watch the group. [ooc]If i hear Anna, I make a perception to locate goblins.
I wait for Bruno or another "team" member to take action. Then I "jump" to the branches of the tree next to the main trunk just above the highest hanging body.
"So, what do you say, all? Camp here and set out in the morning? Or press on and look for these rotten little buggers?"
Alruc continues to ride around the group, lance at the ready.
As Anna moves to the shadows with the warning, Cao makes it a point to tap on Mei to make sure they are on the same page as he tils a lazy head towards where Anna indicates. The elf idly fiddles with the ring on his finger as he stands by Bruno and waits raising his voices a notch, I think, Alruc, they are here all ready. They should come say hello.
Shortly after Anna seeks a hiding spot, the eyes turn away and leave. Who or what they belonged to is unknown.
Mei takes a position beside Cao she removes the sheath covering the blade of her spear, watching for signs of trouble.
I'll take first watch if you decide to make camp here.
I don't think moving in in the Dark would be wise... Bruno comments.
Anna pops back out of the shadows, though she keeps an uneasy watch on the area the glowing eyes were in.
"Were those goblins?" In response to Mei, she says, "I can take the next watch."
She already knows she won't be sleeping much tonight.
Seeing the group s preparing to camp and that they were on alert for something, I "move" the pouch on Bruno again to let him know I am nearby. I then "jump" into the tree at a large intersection of branch and trunk and settle down. Just loud enough to be heard, I'm Here
Cao is happy to set up for camp, it had been a busy day. Let's stay far enough away from the ambush site so we can review it in daylight and not destroy any signs or information yes?
perception, Darkvision 60'
Bruno will take second.
Third watch
darkvision 120
Staying in my tree.
Last watch.
-Posted with Wayfinder
The night pass without incident. The next morn dawns cool and refreshing, though it is shrouded in mist.
Cao is content to let others go ahead and keep Mei nearby, Pretty bold move for goblins and then to be so disciplined as not to attack if they saw us? I'm wondering if something more...sinister might be guiding their actions? Perhaps I have goblins all wrong. I always though them impulsive and prone to a lack of proper foresight...
You spot several goblins following at a distance. They seem to be shadowing the group to observe instead of attack. Something about them appears to be off though.
The air beneath the trees is calm and cool, though the parts that are bathed in sunlight are growing warmer that is comfortable in the summer sun. Strangely, there are no bird songs or animal calls.
Anna hangs back when she sees the goblins to let the party catch up with her.
"Goblins following us! Something strange about them..."
Mei stops at Anna's warning. she looks to her "employer", Cao. I will investigate.
Mei falls back looking to find what Anna has warned them about.
Cao nods at the warrior but cannot help but murmur, be careful as she walks away.
A stone appears in Bruno's hand...
The goblins fade into the underbrush, staying well clear of the party.
After about an hour, the party comes to a clearing. Ahead are a half-dozen goblin warriors armed with crude halberds. Each of them wears some article of feminine clothing, stockings on ears, other more intimate garments on heads, and one is even wearing a corset. Behind them is another goblin wearing what was once a fancy dress of midnight blue and black that is obviously too large on him.
"Longshanks! Why have you intruded on Glug'lurch lands," The goblin in the back demands in a surprisingly deep and gravelly voice for a goblin.
"Intruding?! If course not! We are here on a diplomatic mission, a matter of great importance that we have been sent to investigate. If you'll just invite us into your impressive territory, we can get started."
Mei un-sheaths her spear and readies for a fight
"Is there a reason we're talking to goblins? Did I miss something, and they are creatures of reason and civility?"
Alruc holds his bow at the ready, wishing he were mounted with his lance in hand.
Bruno fingers his rocks.
" wait... uh? what did you say?" the goblin, all of the goblins really, stares at Anna, not believing his pointed ears. Their attention is fixed on the small, young woman that just asked to be invited into the territory.
Bruno keeps his big trap shut and waits for the fighting to start. He's probably about as confused with the parlay as the goblins, and his hands are ready to bean a greenie.
"We have important matters to discuss! Hurry, there's no time to waste!"
From my perch in a tree at the edge of the clearing, I watch and listen.
I scan the ground for objects I can"push" into others should the need arise. I also make note of where several stones are that are similar to the ones I have seen Bruno throw and make note to "help" them closer to him.
Cao smiles after Anna and raises his hands to show he is no threat, My companion speaks the truth! We are here to talk. Important...work.
"Hmm. I must speak with chief about this. He say not let anyone through. Wait here," the goblin that is probably their leader says before marching further down the path.
You spot rocks in the meadow just the right size for throwing, they are also the only thing you can see to use against the goblins. There are ten such rocks that you can see.
"I am confused, but if this works, I think we'll owe you a few beers, Anna. At the very least it'll cost less arrows."
Alruc looks at the rogue with a questioning look on his big green face, shrugging and gently testing the string of his bow.
Alruud paws the earth at the rear of the group, unhappy to be around goblins and not stomping them into the dirt.