Gren pets the wolf and gives it excellent scratches behind the ears, while the hobgoblin looms above him. When the hobgoblin falls, he helps Nigel in feeeing the wolf, and says in a low voice to Nigel, ”This loyalty is temporary- it will last a little less than four hours more. We have to ply the wolf with things to improve it’s attitude towards us as much as possible. Wolves are loyal to the pack and I supspect this one is no different. At the least, if we bring that hobgoblin to uh, justice, it should be out of sight, or we should be prepared for retaliation in a few hours.” He continues to pet the wolf with rump and behind the ear scritches, and requests a bit of meat to give to the wolf.
He peers at the map and replies in a low voice so the hobgoblin can’t hear, after Father Noelan speaks, ”Oh, I can follow the map easily enough too, as could, I suspect, Robert and Ratel. It’s a pretty good map, and I know the forest well enough. But don’t forget there’s that caravan and the boar still out there. ”
"Ok, but nothing excessive. If you want to hang him, by all means." Father Noelan answers, not entirely convinced.
Cavall also whines at Nigel.
Yeah, torture, for whatever reason, just isn't right either. And don't overdo it.
When Nigel starts looking for volunteers, to vent frustrations everyone, except Veld volunteers, claiming it's really none of her business and she has better things to do then watch hobgoblin executions. Azriel and Edran however, state they will just stand by the side and watch. Father Noelan sighs at the gathering crowd. "Oh dear," while rubbing his temples. He then moves a part of the clearing where he has a clear view of the hobgoblin, with Cavall at his side.
As Nigel explains the nature of things to the prisoner, Ratel stands back, watching and waiting. Nodding his head in agreement as the 'Expert' offers a quick death for information. He follows as the father pulls Nigel aside and explains there would be no torture. Ratel interjects, "Will you stop the people from Phaendar from taking their justified frustrations out on this raider. I, personally have no desire to take revenge, but it wasn't my family or friends that they put to the sword."
Turning from the priest he looks over Grenwold's shoulder at the map, "Do we still have the compass? I may be able to read the map as well."
Seeing as Nigel has matters already en route, Hedran leaves the hobgoblin and goes away as he is not interested in witnessing any of it - "I'll be with the leshies, please let me know when we are following the map?" - he informs Ratel.
"Depends if I deem it to be excessive or not. I understand their frustrations, but a taste for blood can do can make people more impulsive. Like wanting to go after hobgoblins without proper plans." Father Noelan replies. Then in a more somber tone, he adds, " Also, he who fights monsters should see to it that he himself does not become a monster. If you start adopting their methods, you're putting yourself one step closer to becoming like them."
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"He vill remain friendly towards me, unless I do somezing zat vould break his trust. I have alvays had an... affinity... for volves. Zat said, your recommendation about how to deal viz ze Hobgoblin is a good one."
Nigel raises a pacifying hand towards Father Noelan.
"I am not a fan of torture. Doing it makes me more like zem, and I find zat abhorrent."
With the townsfolk, Nigel takes the Hobgoblin to a nearby clearing (away from the campsite), then ties him to a tree. He then invites the townsfolk (on a count of three) to fire whatever ranged weapons they have at it.
Upon returning, he makes sure to feed Fernir some more jerky, and brushes down his coat, before introducing him to the other wolves.
He then returns to talk with Gren.
"Ze caravan seems like a limited-opportunity target, so ve should probably hit zat ASAP. However, ve should zen head straight for ze camp, and put an end to ze local forces. I am sure zat vould be another morale boost for ze refugees, if nothing else."
"Keek ah dinnae hae a ranged weapon. Tis bias!"Kinning complains.
Look I don't have a ranged weapon. It's bias!
Thomas gets a rock and tries to throw at the hobgoblin. He somehow manages to miss the hobgoblin completely.
Geran and Victor are more accurate, as are the members of the Hunters guild, as they send a volley of arrows at him. He twitches briefly and gasps though his gag as the first few arrows hit him before he passes out and expires as more arrows turn him into a pincushion.
Jet fires her crossbow bolt, but by the time she loads it, she is just shooting into a dead body.
The execution is carried out swiftly, and Father Noelan nods. "Justice is served."
Gren shrugs, ”Perhaps your affinity is stronger than the hobgoblin’s was, but I wouldn’t let it loose or leave it here while we travel.” Gren looks a little skeptical.
And to Father Noelan, ”No, I don’t think there will be any more executions like there was before. We can press the point if need be. He deserves a fast, clean death. We can keep no prisoners. If need be, I will do it... I do not care to see another creature strung up and struggling for air.” Gren looks a little deflated.
Later, he looks better once the hobgoblin is dispatched and he didn’t strike the killing blow.
Fernir happily leans into Grenwold for more scratches, and rolls on his back to allow Grenwold and Nigel to belly rub him.
Fernir leans against against Nigel and barks as Nigel brushes his coat.
Ooooh that felt good. So good. There were like all those burrs in my fur that came from all that running through the forest.
"Well I don't know much about hanging but I don't think an oak branch is the best of tool for that. You'd probably need something more stable." Father Noelan speculates. "Killing should be done swiftly and cleanly." Father Noelan agrees. "There's always Raincaller if it comes to that."
Gren spends a little while with the dire wolf, trying to reinforce the fact that they, especially Nigel, are all it’s friend now. He talks to the wolf in low, soothing tones, and points at all the other wolves that Nigel has befriended. He uses positive reinforcement and occasionally uses Nigel as a translator.
Afterwards he turns to Nigel, ”I know you like wolves, so I was hoping to charm this one for you... and the situation was unique here, but next time if you can, give me a chance to deal with them a little bit before you take possession, if I have them charmed. I don’t even know why this matters to me - you’re much better with wolves than anyone I’ve met, so you’re a natural fit, but it just rubbed me the wrong way. I thought it would be best if I was honest with you. You’ve already given me a lots, so I don’t want to look a gift elk in the mouth...” he mumbles, already embarrassed to be bringing this up.
Robert takes a look at the map.
"Yes, I can find the camp. But, first things first. That supply wagon is probably heading to this camp. If we take it out first, the camp will be less difficult to deal with. Shall we gear up and head out?"
Fernir leans against Grenwold and licks him, as well as sniffing at the other wolves. Grenwold also finds seeing slime in the troglodyte caverns.
The party then sets off from the Troglodyte caverns when Nigel's wolves come howling at him.
We saw 4 hobgoblins with a dog. They look like they're marking their territory. About 2 hours from here, south west.
Cavall barks at Father Noelan, who relays it to the party.
"Cavall said the wolves have spotted 4 hobgoblins with a dog patrolling their territory south east from here, about 2 hours away."
Grenwold collects and stores the seeing slime according to the correct method, then finds Ratel and Robert. ”Hey guys, I found this slime that you can use on your eyes to get nighttime and underground vision if you want. Who wants it? A word of caution, repeated use of the slime will color your eye sockets purple, possibly permanently.” He will hold on to the slime if nobody wants it right now.
They make progress turning the loyalty of the dire wolf over to Nigel, and Gren hopes that the bond will last past the magic. ”Nigel - I think Fenrir will let you ride him into battle; he should know the appropriate tricks for that, as far as I can tell. Further training will require more work and I think we have to leave soon. It was great working with you with the wolves, you are so sweet to them and really have a great rapport.” He smiles at Nigel, and unprompted, hugs him, then embarrassed, runs into the cave, ”I’ll be back in a bit!”
Gren runs and finds the svirfneblin. When he does, he breathlessly says, ”I’m so sorry for running off like that, I think some of my friends pitched in and we’re buying a few things. Also, if you could see if someone in the darklands has made a cleric’s headband, I need one soon. Thanks so much for everything you’ve brought us. Um, you never mentioned your name and I rudely forgot to ask. I’m Grenwold.” and he extends a hand in belated greeting.
Once he’s done, he runs back to the cave entrance, gears up, and readies to move out with the rest of the party based on the report of new adversary movement. ”It sounds like this is escalating. Let’s start taking out these targets. The longer we wait, the greater risk to the refugees. He ties on his bandana and readies to move out.
The party makes their way towards the last known location of the wagon, but before they get there, from the vantage point of a forested hill, spot the wagon making its way through the forest, with two hobgoblins riding on it, being pulled by 2 horses, itself, while four Ironfang recruits follow on foot.
The gnome agrees to look out for the headband of inspired wisdom, and also tells Grenwold her name is Novvi. Ighiz is also sporting one of those breastplates the party traded over to Novvi.
I moved myself into the trees on the left. Father Noelan should stay where he is, to provide crossfire. The log barricade is half down the map, just below the wagon. Once the Hobgoblins begin to move the barricades, we should attack. The melee fighters will engage the Hobgoblins while the archers snipe targets of opportunity. We'll wait until everyone's moved into position. If this plan's okay with everyone else, that is.
The hobgoblins on seeing the log barricade, curse as the four foot soldiers move to clear it. The crossbow welders on the wagon remain on the lookout for an ambush.
"Versteen dit, hierdie pad was veronderstel om duidelik te wees."
"Wel, die logs gaan nie self beweeg nie."
"Dink jy iemand het dit doelbewus gedoen?"
Damn it the road was supposed to be clear.
Well the logs aren't going to move by themselves, so get to it.
Do you think someone did this on purpose?
+1 Longbow, left Crossbow Hobgoblin
Good night, all. Mort, please bot me.
Grenwold has his bow out as he approaches with the party, and when he sees the new set of enemies, he activates his tiger focus, moves up a short distance with Ringo and fires his bow at Robert's target - halfway through his movement.
Robert and Grenwold shoot at the left crossbow hobgoblin, with Grenwolds arrow clanking off a breastplate but Robert's shot hitting his arm.
Father Noelan calmly knocks his longbow and lets loose at the same hobgoblin, but it strikes the wagon beams instead.
He then directs Cavall to move around the log barricade.
"Ag nee, dit is 'n hinderlaag!" The left crossbow hobgoblin yells.
Oh no, it's an ambush! Defend the wagon!
Having sprung the trap, Ratel moves forward, scizore and shield in hand, telling Bear, "Attack Bear, but don't eat the horses, we can use them."
Hedran casts a spell and a layer of slippery grease covers the ground beneath some of the hobgoblins.
"Oorgawe en jy mag nog leef!"
"Surrender and you may yet live!"
Green and red manage to keep their footing despite the slippery grease.
Nigel throws a javelin at the crossbow wielding hobgoblin that has an arrow sticking out of its arm, but the javelin clangs off the breastplate.
For next round: +1 Longbow, same target
(+1 from Longbow, +2 from Favored Enemy)
Hedran draws his longsword enhances it, then strikes at the hobgoblin on the wagon, putting a nasty gnash on his waist.
"Ons is die Ironfang Legion! Ons gee nie aan pinkskins oor nie!"
We are the Ironfang Legion! We don't surrender to pinkskins!
The wounded hobgoblin takes a total defense action then stands up.
Hedran tries to slash at him but misses.
The other hobgoblin drops his crossbow, draws his longsword, moving over to assist his companion with Hedran.
Father Noelan fires an arrow at the wounded hobgoblin, one of them striking him in the chest felling him. He then switches target to the cyan hobgoblin, hitting him in the torso.
Father Noelan directs Cavall to attack the green hobgoblin.
Cavall bites at his leg, trying to drag him to the ground, but fails.
The colourless and cyan hobgoblin moves up to engage Hedran while drawing their longswords. Hedran gets cut on his leg by the colourless hobgoblin.
Weasel lunges from Hedran's shoulder at the eyes of the cyan hobgoblin as he is about to strike, and he hastily raises his shield to block the attempt, making his sword strike go wide.
Red hobgoblin draws his longsword and attacks Ratel, while the green hobgoblin attacks bear. Ratel gets a nasty gnash in his side but the green hobgoblin's longsowrd bounces harmlessly off Bear's hide.
Robert sends an arrow flying into the cyan hobgoblin's shoulder.
It's 9 PM. Going to bed. Mort, please bot me. Good night, all.
Not able to duck away from the attack, Ratel is cut deeply on his arm, he snarls, and attacks the Hobgoblin with scizore and shield, while Bear rear up on his hind legs, attacking with tooth and claw.
Ratel stabs the hobgoblin with his scizore then bashes him on his face and he collapses onto the ground.
Bear bites, then swipes at the green goblin, felling him.
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Nigel looks suitably contrite.
"I am sorry; you are quite right. It vas rude of me to take over like zat. I guess zat I am just used to being ze only one to have a real knack vith volves. I find zem, often, to be better zan humanoids; zey make no pretense at subterfuge - you alvays know vhere you stand viz zem."
"Ah, vell, ve have some additional items to sell..."
Nigel pulls out his new Alembic, and busily boils a few of the party's potions, deriving a few drops of liquid from each, which he tastes.
Thereafter, he starts writing in a heavy, leather-bound book.
Nigel politely asks Fernir to move forward and attack Pink, following that up with a whack of his own with his hiking stick.
Grenwold and Ringo turn back, and Gren drops his bow. Drawing his new morningstar, he moves to flank a hobgoblin with Hedran, and he whispers a prayer to himself as he moves. He then strikes out at the targets with his weapons.
Free Action - drop bow
Swift action - switch to bull
Move action - move with Ringo to flank Cyan with Hedran, drawing morningstar
Standard action - attack Cyan
Ringo standard action - attack cyan, or colorless if cyan falls.
Fernir obligingly savages the hobgoblin's leg, while Nigel pokes him in his ribs.
Ringo carefully makes his way across the greased forest floor.
Grenwold smacks the Cyan hobgoblin on his head and he goes down, then Ringo stabs the colourless hobgoblin with his horns.
Hedran slashes at the pink hobgoblin with his longsword, stabbing him in his heart.
The remaining hobgoblin continues to attack Hedran.
Weasel leaps for his throat and the hobgoblin jerks back, and his sword swing going wide.
Father Noelan fires twice at the remaining hobgoblin, with one shot going wide while the other sticks the hobgoblin on his shoulder.
He then orders Cavall to finish the hobgoblin off. Cavall barely manages to get through the greased forest floor without slipping, then with a savage growl, leaps on the hobgoblin and tears his throat out.
On the crossbow welders, the party finds potion of cure light wounds (3), potion of endure elements, alchemist’s fire (2), antiplague, antitoxin, scent cloak, mwk breastplate, mwk buckler, dagger, mwk cold iron scimitar, mwk light crossbow with 20 bolts, backpack, bedroll, compass, crowbar, manacles, Provision Points worth of dried rations (4), signal whistle, silk rope (50 ft.), small tent, 16 gp each.
On each of the other hobgoblins the party finds studded leather armor, a longsword, a longbow, a light steel shield and 20 arrows.
On the wagon, the party finds 40 Provision Points’ worth of dried meat, ale, and fruit, as well as two masterwork chain shirts, 300 feet of silk rope, a healer’s kit, and a crate containing 10 bottles of alchemist’s fire.
A locked chest lies under the wagon seat.
The horses, looking rather malnourished, with whip marks on them are bucking, whining and rolling their eyes with so many wolves around them.
Father Noelan channels to heal everyone up.
Robert tries to pick the lock on the chest without much success, and ends up taking out his chainmail, and trying many, many, many times, with Father Noelan's guidance before he finally gets it open.
Inside the chest is 500 gold pieces and another 500 gp worth of crafting reagents.
Fernir gives Nigel a whine.
Hey...if you want me to bite people as opposed to carrying you around, that's another medium sized grass eater please.
"We should take these supplies back to the camp."
The chest is not trapped.
Sorry Mort, still wearing the +1 Chainmail. :)
Seeing the hobgoblins finished, Ratel helps strip them of gear, throwing it on the wagon. He nods his head in agreement with Robert "I think your right we should take the wagon back to the cave, I hope we will be able to find a place for the horses."
Seeing the finely wrought chain shirts he asks, "Would anyone mind if I try on one of those chain shirts?"
Ratel eventually manages to coax the horses to head towards the troglodyte cave as they evade the hobgoblin patrol on the way back. "Hello Ratel!" Azriel waves cheerfully at the party they pass by the troglodyte cave entrance, where some of the troglodytes are constructing a palisade, with Veld supervising. "At least they don't smell that bad today." Veld remarks.
Heading back to the troglodyte cave, they find that the troglodytes do not seem to stink as badly as before, and when they get down to the cavern, they see a couple of troglodytes busy with their mining picks in the chamber the party first found the gelatinous cube in, with Ighiz supervising the the mining efforts, while holding a map in her hand.
"So Ighiz came up and asked to borrow my sickle, then passed it to some thing that looked like it was made out of rocks, and that thing looked at my sickle, made rumbling noises, returned it, then sank into the earth." Geran describes. "Then it came up and rumbled to Ighiz, who started getting troglodytes digging there - she said that's where the ore is."
Then they here a cry of triumph from Ighiz. "Eureka!"She gets the party's attention, then leads them over to the new chamber where an ore vein has been uncovered. "We should be able to get some ore out of here tonight."
Grenwold helps catalogue and load all the gear, and readies himself for the next expedition. Gren takes one of the potions for emergencies.
”I certainly don’t mind, Ratel. That said, when we are ready, I think we should take out their camp. I don’t know how much longer before they find the cave has refugees and troglodytes are working together. We must make the Fangwood a liability for the legion, so that they won’t even send scouts in here.”
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Nigel smiles cheerfully to the refugees.
"Ve vill definitely be eating vell for a vhile!"
He then smiles wider.
"Ve also managed to 'requisition' zis vagon, and ze horses, from ze Legion. I am sure zat ve vill be able to find a use for zem."
When Nigel hears that the ore vein has been uncovered, he nods with approval.
"Vonderful! Now ve can shift from simply surviving, to actually rebuilding a flourishing community..."
"I wonder how long it will be before that Legion camp realizes that it's not getting supplies."
"Id say take back what was rightfully ours. Some of those sacks of dried fruit came from my shop."Oreld claims.
"And I saw some of those meats being stored in the Phaendar Trading Company."Kaelan adds.
"That barrel of ale has Borek's mark on it."Billy answers. Father Noelan winces. "Borek would have wanted us to have it. We can always drink a toast to him, he's currently the proprietor of the Oasis in Sanctuary."
"I wonder if it was all taken from Phaendar or how many other small communities have been overrun."Father Noelan says darkly. "I know Korus and his buddies occasionally come to Phaendar to sell their smoked meats."
"The wagon, maybe not at this point, we don't have that much goods to transport."Aubrin answers.
"If we're going to be chopping down trees for more farmland, I could hitch the horses to a plough to plough that."Geran suggests.
"We could hitch the horses to a mill to turn grains into flour!"Jet says.
"Thanks Nigel!" Jet thanks Nigel for the bedrolls, tents and signal whistles. "This will make our lives so much easier!"