"Stoopid trog be dead now. We be winners! Cave all safe and stinky. Need new air!" Kwiazy says, having no idea how to get fresh air into the cave. He wanders away a bit after the refugees are shown the cave, he's hungry and starts wondering how trog meat tastes. he sings softly, but absently, to himself in goblin, a song from his youth, long forgotten:
"Elves too thin and dwarves too thick
Half-orcs will just make you sick
Humans can be quite a treat
Roasted Gnome is hard to beat
But for something that is finger-licken
Halfling sure does taste like chicken."
He notices Poxy and seeing a strange new gobbo wandering about, hides and listens to him sing... He steps out of the shadows. "You sing nice song. Me no want get sick.. me no touch your bumpies. Me Kwiazy... Not know Poxy. Me know Splodeygobbo.. but he go way. You friend of Splodeygobbo? I know! You make soggy cheese trog soup for us?"
"Wonderful, yes, thank yous for welcomes! Ummm I dunno no Splodeygobbo, achey Poxy is far from second home which was far from first home, and never met any Splodeygobbo on either one of the ways."
Poxy rumbles through his bags and pulls out some cheese, triumphantly holding two handfuls in the air.
"AHA! Yes these cheeses is perfect for soup. Now we just find a good puddle and stomp the cheeses in it with our feets until the cheeses are footy and soggy. Then we just stick the cheeses where it smells the troggiest and tomorrow stompy Poxy can makes everyone his secret Soggy Troggy Footy Cheesy Soup!"
"Villains never win!" Trinket exclaims happily as the troglodytes are finally defeated. She does a victory dance, waving her arms in the air, wiggling her hips back and forth and jumping up and down in joy. "Good job, Hero-Friends!"
"To the victors go the spoils!" she exclaims, diving onto the troglodytes and taking every possible object of interest off of their corpses. As she picks each object up she waves it around, describing it absurdly and hands it off to whoever wants it.
---
"Nah, don't worry about the smell." Trinket remarks when her friends all complain about the stench. "I can make it smell like anything! Liiiiiiiike... flowers!" Then she waves her hands around, mutters some weird words and suddenly it smells like flowers! "Or apples, or soil, or poop or anything really! Neat, huh? I like the smell of victory, so I'm gonna make it smell like that, okay?"
Trinket proceeds to cast spells all around the caves so it smells like trees, sweat and blood. "Ahah! Victory!" she takes a deep breath and smiles. "Yeah!"
---
When it's time to go get the others, Trinket bids Sparkle Gem Glitter Stinger Shiny Face goodbye and packs up her things. When everyone's ready she 'leads' the way back to the refugees, running off in random directions until you guys correct her and she heads a different direction.
When she meets the refugees she's thrilled.
"Wow! Look at all these people! Amazing!" She goes up to every single one of them, introducing herself, telling them epic tales of heroism, and asking their names and what they like to do for fun. She is THRILLED that they speak back to her without yelling and that they don't even throw things at her! GREAT!
Trinket helps carry all kinds of heavy stuff to the caves, cause that's what heroes do! She tells stories the entire time, and makes jokes.
---
When they arrive back at the caves Trinket loudly proclaims: "TA-DA! We're HOME!" she waves her arms around flamboyantly, and casts a spell to make the entrance look like it's glittering and sparkly clean. "Come on! I'll give you a tour!"
Trinket then happily guides the refugees through the caves, telling them epic tales of exactly what happened in each room. She helps them carry their things in and uses magic to make each room clean and smell like whatever each person wants. She seems exceptionally thrilled to be so helpful. "It's great being a hero!" she proclaims happily, completely content.
---
Whenever she hears someone sing, Trinket breaks out into a dance, happily jumping, clapping and wiggling around.
"That was GREAT!" she exclaims after every song.
Eventually she tells everyone "We should have a dance party! Everyone loves to dance! Especially Heroes!"
---
Upon Poxy's arrival Trinket sneaks up quietly and then hops out and exclaims: "BOO!" really loud. She then bursts out into laughter. "Ahahahaha! I'm not a ghost! I'm a hero!"
Trinket Sparkleplume is a nimble little goblin with bright green skin and big floppy ears. Her eyes are bigger than normal, and bright yellow. She wears extremely flamboyant clothes in a variety of colours and styles, a bright purple wig on her head (styled in a short bob with the ends curled outwards) and a very fine hat with a peacock feather plume that sparkles brightly.
Trinket reaches up, doffs her magnificent sparkling hat and bows to Poxy. "Greetings, Poxy! I am Trinket Sparkleplume, Hero Extroardinaire and champion of many adventures! My last one was the Epic Tale of Fitting too Much Stuff into a Backpack! And before that I fought a terrifying foe, with way too many arms, a big strong body, a toxic bite and powerful sticky nets!"
Trinket returns to standing and places her fine hat back on her head. She gestures grandly at her companions. "These are my fellow Hero-friends! But they already told you their names!"
As Poxy sings his little song, Trinket dances happily.
"That's great! Are you a Hero Bard?"
---
Trinket moves into her new cave-room with great excitement. "This is my ROOM?!? I've never had a room before! Or a roof! Or a home! Or a bed! Or a friend! THIS IS AMAZING!" She thanks each and every refugee personally for letting her stay with them in her own room. "You are all the best fans I could ever have!"
---
Trinket wanders around to see if anyone needs help or hero-ing.
vs Trinkets 21 Oratory to believe the spider was impressive.
Poxy feels like being particularly helpful to Trinket since she seems so nice, so he wants to set her straight about spiders.
"You know spiders is not so scary and they are pretty squishy and their squishy insides tastes like squishy spider guts which are really tasty!"
"You're a good guesser, Poxy!" Trinket exclaims happily. "But I didn't eat THIS spider. He was a villain! And Heroes don't eat vanquished Villains. It's too VILLAINOUS!" Trinket nods sagely.
"But I did eat lots of spiders and bug and rats and things before I was a Hero." She smiles happily, lost in memories. "Sometimes to be nice people would put out good food for me, as thanks for all my Amazing Hero-Deeds. but they'd forget to use plates and put it in the garbage!" Trinket laughs hysterically at this. "Ahahahaahaha! Those silly fans! But I ate it anyway. It's nice to get Hero-Gifts! And they were really yummy."
"Do you ever get Hero-Gifts, Poxy?"
"Heroic Poxy only be hero one time, saved beardy man's human puppy so he gave me stuff and a piggy."
Poxy sniffs around for the cheese.
"Oh cheeses is readies! Now I makes soup and we all have tasty meal"
Poxy harvests the soggy trog flavored cheese, which smells just wretched. He starts combining more ingredients, disturbingly from his alchemy sack, and looks back over his shoulder at whoever may be watching. "No peeking! Is sneaky Poxy's secret recipe!" Poxy sings another song as he works.
"The cheeeeeese is alive with the taste of footses
Or too many worms
Cuz they writhe and squirms!
The woooorms is alive till I cooks them hotter
Then the soup is all dead
Put it into your head!
"Is all done! Everyone eats it now!" Poxy pours out some bowls and pushes it on anyone in the area oblivious of any reaction they have.
The soup turns out great, the flavors of goblin footstink and trog odor are subtly balanced by the sharp cheese and worms. It might possibly taste good to non-goblins if they either can't smell or don't mind the trog smell TOO much.
Trinket dances happily to Poxy's song, occasionally adding background vocals:
"Oh yeah! Woooooooorms! Squiiiiiiiiiirms! Deeeeeeeeead! Heeeeeead!"
She then plops down, pokes at her food once and eats it happily. Ahahahahaaha! It tickles!" she exclaims. "You're a good cook, Poxy!"
Kwiazy is kinda used to longshanks food, but still has fond memories of yummy goblin eat-anything food, and gobbles soup greedily. "Yummy soup in tummy... Poxy good cook!"
Alaka doesn't eat it.
Xakroo lets the goblins have their talk-he was fine with the newcomer, as long as he didn't cause any problems (mainly involving illnesses with other people). In fact, for the next couple days he remains by himself, rather quiet-usually only speaking when he has to, but not sticking around for small talk of any sort.
Jarvak takes the soup.
"Soup good! Nice, with depth of flavour. Make one mighty!" Jarvak says.
The next few days Jarvak trains and learns to play some new tunes, as well as practises with his weapons.
Alaka goes to visit her friend at the church, and when she is coming back she is being very careful, as always, so that no bad guys get her while she is alone, and she sees a bush moving.
She thinks this is very strange, that a bush would be alive, so she looks a lot closer.
She sees a dinosaur. She doesn't know how dangerous they are, so she goes in and tells her friends
Hey... there is a dinosaur out there, in a bush. I mean, I think it is a dinosaur. It isn't giant like... a giant, but it is lizardy, but ... bigger. That's a dinosaur, right? Or just a big lizard maybe. I first thought the bush was alive, but then I saw that it isn't, but I don't know anything about dinosaurs. Or big lizards. Or plant-lizards either. Do you guys?
Xakroo shot up, and raced over to Alaka. A dinosaur, you say? How big, how close? I've heard a few things about dinosaurs, but there shouldn't be any here-the kobolds of my old clan used to say of a traveling caravan that would have a few for their attractions, but that's it.
He grabs his bow and arrows, and looks at the gobliness, Show me where you saw it-perhaps it isn't a threat. But just in case, I'm taking my bow. If I should be attacked, back me up.
Okay. Yay. A dinosaur hunt! Anyone else want to come?
After waiting (briefly) to see if anyone else wants to come, Alaka leads Xakroo and anyone else who wants to outside to the bush.
It isn't shaking anymore, but it is still in there. Do you see it? Do they eat goblins? Should we shoot it?
Xakroo tried to see in the direction where Alaka is pointing, and to identify as to what kind of dinosaur it was.
He has some difficulty finding it at first, but then he sees it-completely covered in dark green feathers-except for the brown, scaly snout-with a cream underbelly, it at first looked more like a large, abnormal hawk than a dinosaur. Then he could make out the sickle claw on each of its feet.
I've heard of something like that...and read it in the town before those damn hobgoblins took it. A dromaeosaur, I think it's called-but most call it a raptor. Looks disoriented. You think the Iron Fang caught those caravans and this little one managed to escape?
He walked slowly, trying to be calm with the animal, as it raised its head quickly, and gave a small hiss and puffed up its feathers, like an angry owl.
Easy there, I won't hurt you, he said calmly, trying to ease the raptor of its worry.
After some time, the raptor decides that the small walking lizard won't be much of a threat, and Xakroo pulls out a slab of mutton to try and entice it.
The raptor gently takes the slab of meat, and swallows it whole. It then nuzzles against the Arrow Shooter, as if thanking him-but he knows better, and figures that it's probably looking for more to eat.
Alright, come on, he says calmly, guiding the "ground hawk" back to the cave, seeing Alaka. Alaka, let everyone know that I got a raptor with us-don't let anyone disturb it, touch it, aggravate it, or anything else stupid. Also, see if you can get the survivors-or anyone else-to find some food, and make a nice place for it to sleep.
Alaka, excited that they are going to have a dinosaur friend, and proud that she had a part in it, relays the information to everyone, and prepares a little dinosaur nest for it herself.
Kwiazy would have followed out and watched the proceedings. "It cute. Is edible?" Me not hungry, but good to know for later.
Xakroo shoots a deep glare at all the goblins. No, we are NOT eating this raptor, do I make myself clear? he hisses with a serious tone in his usually calm voice.
The little dinosaur happily settles down in his nest in the big room that is the kobold lair (which is right next to the goblin lair).
"Of course not!" Trinket exclaims. "He's our second hero-pet! Heroes aren't for eating, even if they are edible..."
Trinket nods sagely.
"What's his name?"
"Hmmm curious Poxy not know if this is flappy birdy or slithery lizard. Does it like soup?"
Poxy approaches the raptor with a bowl of Soggy Troggy Footy Cheesy Soup held out for it to taste.
The raptor sniffed the soup, but turned her head in disgust.
Uh, sorry Poxy, Xakroo chuckled, I don't think she likes that...hmm...Zarvak...a word some of the elders of my old tribe used for a stubborn young kobold... He petted the raptor's head, and she laid her head on his lap with a content purr.
As you and your followers settle into the cave system, you start to hear rumors of patrols of hobgoblins looking for you. So far, your followers have always managed to hide and escape, but it is clear you cannot depend on remaining safe. Eventually, Aubrin takes a small group of the survivors with the most training in woodcraft. She invites Xakroo to go along. You manage to sneak up on one of the patrols and overhear them talking. They describe the new camp in the woods near you, dedicated to finding you and finishing off your entire group, including your followers. You also are able to learn approximately where Camp Red Jaw is located from their conversation. Aubrin leads the group of scouts back to the cave system where you live, and calls for a meeting of your entire party, plus a few leaders of the surviving NPCs. She shares what she saw and heard, leaving plenty of opportunities for Xakroo to speak if he wishes.
Xakroo, anything you want to say?
Xakroo clears his throat and manages to get everyone's attention. Ladies and mentlegen, he starts, I have heard of the rumors of hobgoblin patrols looking for us. While scouting alongside the woodworkers I have come to say...the rumors are indeed true. I do not believe that they have actually found our location-despite having a perverse desire to wipe us all out-but they have talked about a different camp, one called Camp Red Jaw, not too far from where we are. I assume that they have mistook that camp for ours-either way, they plan to destroy said camp. And I can safely say that if they succeed in such a task, it won't take long before they find us-and where can we run to safety if we are trapped in a cave? Those who think we should find another place to stay...that would be the worst thing to do. Yes, we have the possibility of being trapped-but if we can drive off the patrols, that won't be an issue. So, we need a plan-a way to drive off the patrols, or at the very least, make sure they won't find our location. Anyone have ideas?
Meanwhile, Zarvak was nestled in her little home, ripping off flesh from the corpse of a rather large rat that managed to cause a small ruckus a few hours ago.
"We've go to stop those villains!" Trinket exclaims proudly as she leaps to her feet. "But don't worry! The Great Hero Trinket is here!"
Trinket poses dramatically and smiles bravely, tipping her hat at the assembled audience.
"I'll save you from the Ironfang! I will destroy Camp Red Jaw and all the villainous hobgoblins in it! You can count on me!"
Trinket turns to her fellow comrades. "What say you, fellow Heroes? Which of you will join the Great Hero Trinket's Adventuring Party, and travel to the terrifying, and dangerous camp to triumph over Evil and Villainy and do Hero Stuff? Who is with me?!"
Xakroo clears his throat and manages to get everyone's attention. Ladies and mentlegen, he starts, I have heard of the rumors of hobgoblin patrols looking for us. While scouting alongside the woodworkers I have come to say...the rumors are indeed true. I do not believe that they have actually found our location-despite having a perverse desire to wipe us all out-but they have talked about a different camp, one called Camp Red Jaw, not too far from where we are. It is, from my understanding from eavesdropping on the patrols, that Camp Red Jaw is their very camp-in which they are sending the patrols to find our location. And I can safely say that if they succeed in such a task, it won't take much to trap us like rats-and where can we run to safety if we are trapped in a cave? Those who think we should find another place to stay...that would be the worst thing to do. Yes, we have the possibility of being trapped-but if we can drive off the patrols, that won't be an issue. So, we need a plan-a way to somehow get into this camp and either kill or drive off the hobgoblins, with the former being a priority. Anyone have ideas?
Meanwhile, Zarvak was nestled in her little home, ripping off flesh from the corpse of a rather large rat that managed to cause a small ruckus a few hours ago.
We sneaky sneaky in and set fire and burn down camp? Story for the ages! Jarvak says, as he chews on some rat tails.
Sounds like good plan! much sneaking and burning. Also stabbing and slashing!"
"Weird. Maybe this is one of those times when setting fire to things will actually help?" Jynnjun shakes her head, "I thought those times were just myths."
"How many hobs are there in one of those patrols, anyway?" she asks.
"Yes, helpful Poxy say we burn and smash and stab and explodes!" He's very excited by the prospect of the chaos and destruction all in the name of a good cause.
Alaka says, with a glow in her eyes,
I'm in for burning stuff.
'Wonderful! Destructive Heroes are some of the best kinds!" Trinket exclaims happily.
"Tell us, great and wise Xakroo, where is the camp, and how many villainous Villains and evillish Evils lurk inside?"
I'm not sure how many were in each patrol; I just overheard two hobgoblins talking.
"Excited Poxy can't wait!"
He heads off to his room to pack up. "Hmmmms I thinks me needs more spices for spicier bombs..."
Poxy runs off to the kitchen. "Aha! Cimomin! Turmanic! Paisley and pikrika! There is great for bombs and also for frog head sandwich!" He stashes several of the misnamed spices into his ingredient bag.
Poxy bursts into horribly off key song again as he rejoins the group.
There is some nasty hobgoblins
Get burned and stabbed by us goblins
And the Kobolds too
Like my friend Xakroo
Jynnjun the sorceroooor
And a dinosaaaaur
"Has anyone seen any froggy?" Poxy inquires.
"That's the spirit, Poxy!" Trinket exclaims, then she starts dancing to his off-key song.
Trinket quickly scampers off to make sure she has her Hero's Gear, and then rushes back to the front entrance of our cave-base.
"Ready!" she exclaims happily. Then she points to the cave exit, posing in a very dramatic fashion. "Onward, Great Heroes! To Adventure!"
She stands there frozen mid-point until everyone else is ready to go.
Xakroo prepares all of his arrows, adding about 20 more, and making sure that he still has his hobgoblin bane arrows. He pats Zarvak as he meets up with Trinket, the little raptor walking right beside him.
Ready.
Kwiazy waits by Trinket's side for the others to gather. "Ready too! We maybe get close and send scout?"
Alaka gathers with the others.
I have a map up for you guys. Considering Jynnjun can cast invisibility and a small team of you can scout that way and then rest until the next day so it costs you nothing to do so, I've not blocked any of the map. Xakroo heard enough that he takes you all near the bad guys' camp. You know that they have one patrol out in the woods at all times, and send more patrols out to investigate any disturbances. You have seen bugbears, hobbogobbos, and gobbos, as well as wolves and worgs, and are not sure you have seen all the occupants of the camp.
Alaka asks about the plan.
Should we go get the ones in the woods first, or go for the camp. Or... I know. Should I summon some skunks and stink them out? Then they might run out and we can get them.
Let me get a good look at the entrance first, he says, looking out to see if there's anything interesting to note.
Trinket starts to laugh and then realizes she should be sneaky and quiet. She slaps a hand over her mouth.
Slowly she removes her hand and giggles. "Skunk!" she quickly slaps her hand over her mouth to smother her laughter.
"Skunks! That's perfect!" Jynnjun grins. A shadow passes over her face again as she rethinks. "Don't you have to be really close to summon things though? They're sure to hear that."
Well, yeah, but not THAT close. I could still stand outside the camp and put them inside, so that they might run out.
Kwiazy frowns deeply.. not because the plans are bad but because thinking is hard ... "Bad smells might work... or they be gobbos and hobgobbos... might like bad smells. Mebbe we hit patrol... then camp?"