Sarah comes bursting into the door with a large tray, followed by Mallie with a tray, and a powerfully built dwarf who is clothed in expensive clothing.
Sarah comes bursting into the door with a large tray, followed by Mallie with a tray, and a powerfully built dwarf who is clothed in expensive clothing.
In the common room
Dissy is beaming after his dance with Evia. “Thank you for the great time, it is hard to find good dance partners in this small town. Whenever your meeting is finished come on back and lets dance some more!” Evia makes her way to the private room.
Meanwhile in the private room.
Mallie reaches out to grab the letter Lanliss is holding up. She reads it and her head drops in her hand as she lets out a long sigh. When she looks up her eyes have welted up with tears. “Thank you..... I was beginning to think no one was going to answer our call for help. You do not know what this means to me... to us that you have come to help us.”
She wipes her tears away with her hand towel draped over her shoulder. “We have no militia, and no guards. We’ve already lost too many good men.... and women to the goblins. We sent out the call for help to find out why the goblins have suddenly turned violent towards our community.”
Looking between Lanliss and Scarlet, Mallie continues; “Wait, you can understand these creatures? I don’t know what the she is that they are talking about... What else have you figures out?
The dwarf finishes his study of the group when his eyes land on Brunner. The dwarf stands up and begins to speak. “My beard is graying and now my eyes must be failing. Sparks from the great forge shines on us all! Brunner Hammerfell, I wish it was under better terms but it is a joy to see you!” He reaches a hand out to embrace Brunner.
Evia reaches the room and sees a scene. Scarlet and Lanliss are talking to the owner of the establishment. She is currently fighting off tears as she is talking to the group. Looking further in you see Brunner and another dwarf talking and about to embrace. Barnabus and Dalron and feasting on their food. Just beyond them you see a tray of stew and loafs of bread. You see pitches of wine, ale, and water with goblets ready to be filled.
"I am sure that this has been... difficult," Lanliss says carefully. "I can only imagine what your town must be going through, right now. Unfortunately, we haven't learned much that makes much sense to us. Perhaps if you can tell us what you know about the attacks, we can start putting some of these puzzle pieces together.
"How long ago did the attacks increase? Was anything else going on at the time? Harvest? Any festivals? Newcomers?
"Are the attacks more prominent in any specific area? Do they come from the same direction?"
Lanliss invites the others to ask questions.
Quickly climbing out of his chair, Brunner grasps the hand of his elder, "By Torag, it's guid tae see ye master Durgedoon, Ah was hopin' we woods fin' ye whole an' hale."
He nods back toward the Goblin, "We hae a prisoner ay war, dae ye hae anyplace we can lock heem up?"
He looks at the Innkeeper for a split second, Then turns back to his old acquaintance, "'at city-wall their buildin' worries me. Ye can clearly see 'at a coople ay spots main actually faa oan someain."
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Brunner sets the smaller serving of stew withing reach of the goblin, and tosses a small piece of bread nearby
Dalron stops eating with his spoon held in mid serving, mouth open and watches with wide eyes as Brunner feeds the goblin.
That's my coin he's feeding that thing!
Dalron catches himself as Mallie walks in and listens to her tale.
"Have the goblins always been here, or are they new to the area? Not to sound rude, but is there anyone in town able to profit from the attacks?"
Using some bread he mops up the last of the stew in the bowl.
"Do either of you have an idea how many goblins we are talking about or perhaps what hole they may have crawled out of? Very good stew by the way."
Between mouths full of stew and bread, Scarlet states. "This 'she' the goblin was talking about is probably holdup at where the goblin's village is located."
"Hmmmm...." Barnabus mused for a moment as he thought.
His right hand, holding a mug of ale, seemed to drift down to a point just around his lap.
As if by cue, the tiny whiskered face of a weasel appeared out of a satchel at Barnabus's waist and the creature leaned forward to help itself to a drink of the dwarf's ale.
"It seems that a likely course of action would be to question the git." at this Barnabus gestures to the bound goblin.
"It's type aren't known for loyalty. If we convince it that it will live and perhaps profit by telling us the location of the nest, I'm sure it will come around."
"We can leave it in captivity here with the village folk until after the deed is done. That way it won't warn it's fellows. Although the ones that escaped us on the road are likely to do some warnin' on their own"
"It'll mean letting it live, but it's kind reproduce so fast that one more or less in the world isn't likely to make a difference." Barnabus concludes his ramble.
and the weasel takes another drink.
Scarlet nods, "I don't like letting the goblin live, but I'm a thief not an assassin. Killing someone when not needed doesn't sit right with me."
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Dalron leans back in his chair and looks at all who is assembled.
" Lets find out what it knows and how truthful it is before we decide if it should live or not. Remember it's some type of spell caster which make it even more dangerous then your normal goblin. All we know this could be their chief or a high leader in it's clan. So if we just let it go, how long will it be for them to gain their numbers"
Pointing his finger at the goblin
"For this one to lead the new clan and maybe come back to this town to seek revenge?"
Turning his head and looking right at Brunner
"Just something to think about, yes?"
Mallie takes in all of the questions and begins to think. “About four months ago the attacks started. It was manning out the outlining farms and on travelers on the roads. Then they began to get bolder and bolder. They started to attack our community. They came in at night taking things that were not locked up, and even started to break into sheds and out buildings... None of really makes sense, up until that point we knew the goblins were around but had no real issues.Hunters might have come across them, but not real attacks.”
Mallie takes another swig of ale before continuing; “They live in the mountains. Not exactly sure where. Like your dwarf friend said, maybe you could question your prisoner there for more information....”
Arvel continues his conversation with Brunner. “We unfortunately don’t have anywhere for your goblin friend there. We have no jail or holding cells. We can keep him tied up and watch him while you all investigate the clan.”
Scarlet turns to the goblin. "Al'dec. Ar o kaaruuc dokhol'dec dech draakhaagekaan ar daaraan hon dech dac duun kaagaan o draal or al'degaan."
"Tuun daach an daagaan den 'taan' an ac or rharaan shal."
"So tell us where this 'she' is and your base camp."
'No jail or holding cell, attacks four months ago, so this is a new conflict. I wonder what changed. We should take the goblin with us. Maybe have someone watch it when we resupply.' Nodding as Arvel explains, he keeps an ear open to the other conversation as well. Brunner shake his head, "We shoods tak' th' gobo wi' us. It an' it's companions attacked us unprovoked. but if they waur ordered tae as part ay a military unit, it woods be wrang tae kill it, as a prisoner ay war.If someain woods watch it while we resupply 'at woods help thocht, sae as nae tae scaur th' locals."
Nodding toward it as Scarlet asks it questions, "Besides, if we tak' it wi' us, it can shaw us whaur it cam frae."
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Dalron shakes his head and give a long sigh
"If we have to take it a long, we need something better than rope to keep it from running away. And being a spell caster we need to prevent it from casting spells, Barnabus do you have any ideas on that or even what type of caster it is?"
Looking back to the goblin
"Alch den duaak me o gaar daukk 'tann'"
"Kikki kacki wooka woonka"
Scarlet thinks for a moment. "I once robbed a place where a woman was dressed in leather and holding a whip along with a man tied up and a ball stuck in his mouth. Since most spells seem to need some talking to go with it, maybe we can find a ball or rock to shove in the goblins mouth until he has to speak."
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Lanliss does airquotes behind Scarlet's back and silently mouths the word "robbed."
Your diplomatic effort has made the goblin think over his current situation.
Looking towards Scarlet, Mallie says; “Whatever your history might be, I am glad you have answered our call. I don’t know how much longer we would be able to hold out with these goblins attacking us. We will pay you 500 gold once we have proof that the goblins won’t attack again.”
The dwarf who seems to know Brunner speaks up. “I am Arvel Durgedown, son or Voric Durgedown. It pains me to say but I cannot defend our community. You must take the fight to the goblins. I am wondering, however, how you plan to find their lair.”
"Greetings Arvel. I am being Barnabus Black, and my companions and I are happy to take up your town's cause. Our best plan for the goblins seems to be getting the git over there" (gestures at the goblin) "to put us on the right trail to find their lair."
"G@%+ da dook. Bobba wagga snagga kik."
Evia watches the two exchanges with interest, index finger tapping her chin as she thinks.
She says to Mallie, "Well I assume my companions here are getting the captive goblin there to tell us where the lair is. Failing that, we have a very capable tracker in our ranks that could determine where they are striking from. Finding the goblins' lair I don't think will be the difficult part, confronting their leader, well, I think that is where the challenge lay."
Unconsciously, her fingers play across the handle of her rapier.
"I think we're agreed to the sum, unless there are any objections from the others. I am fine with our payment."
"As am I!" Lanliss adds brightly.
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"My apologies, I am Dalron a hunter and tracker, This is Lanliss a prest of Desna, that one there with the strange hobbies is Scarlet, our entertainer Evia, and master Arvel seems to know Brunner and you have met Barnabus our arcane specialist."
"I think Sten might have something in that store of his, that could restrain the goblin well enough that we could leave it here in a shed or something while we are gone."
Dalron takes another drink of mead
"This task will be very dangerous, Sten has offered credit at his store, is there others that would donate to the cause like that magic shop we saw on the way in? Expecially in the healing realm, as you can see Brunner is still injured."
For that can't speak Goblin, "Our little captive here says he will take us to their base. But perhaps it is best not to take him with us and just get him to tell us where it is."
Scarlet leaves negotiate for reward to the others, being the youngest and all.
Arvel makes his way around the room making sure to give everyone a firm handshake. “The pleasure is all mine. I am happy to see you all here to help us out. As far extra rewards, between Mallie and myself this is all we could put together... with being such a small community and all, this is a rather large sum of gold. Anything you find within the goblins lair can also be yours. Sten is a great lady, she is good to her word about her credits. If you need someone to tend to your injuries you should head over to the Temple of Erastil and see Listra. If you let her know you are aiding us in this, she will gladly help. As far as the Mysticality goes... Thamior holds on a bit tighter to his coins.”
Mallie joins in; “While you are helping us with our goblin problem you coin is no good in my inn. Rooms are on the house with all the food and drink you can partake in. Evia my dear, if you feel the urge to join in with the musicians I would have a sum of coins each night for you. If there is nothing else I must see to the guest in the main room. If you need anything don’t hesitate to ask. Sarah will show you to your rooms when you are ready. Eat, drink, and relax. It’s getting late so I take it you’ll start in the morning. Thank you all!” Mallie gives a slight nod then leaves the room. Sarah checks the drinks and food then quickly follows after Mallie.
Arvel sits back down and eats his fill of the stew and drinks his fill of the ale.
It’s past dinner time and the weight of the days journey is heavy on your bodies. You all feel like a bath and sleep would work wonders for you. When Mallie and Sarah leave you still hear the music, cheer, and conversations coming from the main room. From most of the town you have ever visited you know that at this time of day only two places are ever open. The tavern and the temples.
Barnabus gets another drink and some stew.
He turns to Brunner "Take turns watchin' tha git overnight?" he gestures towards the goblin.
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" I would be happy to take a turn at watching our little friend."
With a little gleam in his eye.
Oh, please try and escape on my watch rat, just give me a reason to put you down. Burnner couldn't say much then.
"Thank you Mallie for your most generous offer. Is there anything that the Goblin's have taken from the village that stands out that we can be return if we come across it?"
Lanliss also volunteers to take a turn watching.
"Have we resolved if we're taking him with us, or not?"
Scarlet chuckles, "We can always flip the goblin. Heads he stays and feet he goes with us."
Mallie turns towards Dalron. “It has been about two months... Harold led a group of men to find the goblin problem and take care of it... Like I said, it started off small... They thought they could handle it... If you find my husband... alive, or dead... please bring him back to me...” Mallie tries to collect herself the best she can.
As the party wraps up the conversation, Lanliss casts cure spells on Brunner to heal his wounds.
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"We will do, Mallie."
looking at his companions
"So the Goblin wants to show us where it comes from. I think this is a bad idea, one loud scream and the whole clan could come at us at one time. Numbers are on their side not ours. We should leave it here and have the towns folk keep an eye on him until we get back. But first things first we need information."
Stepping over to the goblin Dalron kneels down on one knee looks the goblin in the eyes and in a quite, soft voice says
Shac o daach an daagaan o agaan dhuul or druun o magaan duun tuul an? Ac draarekaan duun or dar an or kaarthaar ac dec agaan o akhalec den duul?
for the goblin's answer
’What is he thinking? Telling these people about his delinquent behavior.’ Rolling his eyes, Brunner reassures Mallie, ” Uir laddie, Scarlit, has reformed his ways since he has joined uir merry bain. we accept yer generoos offer an' will rid thes toon ay it's gobo infestation.”
Hearing Scarlets idea, he smiles, ” A gag? A’ isnae a bad idea, boy-o’”
Nodding in agreement with Dalron, ” Yer reit Dalron, we will need tae restrain th' gobo better. if mistress Sten doesnae hae somethin', a blacksmith shoods be able tae make a collar easy enaw.”
Hearing the room and board would be free, Brunner nods graciously, ”Thenk ye mallie an' torag's blessin' oan ye.”
Shaking his head, ” Nae scarlit, th' gobo is uir responsibility, it isnae reit tae saddle thes wee toon wi' it.”
He looks to Barnabus agreeing, ” Keepin' watch is aye a guid idea, especially wi' th' gobo an' his tribe aboot.”
Ah, so her husband is one of the missing, a shame. I will not promise more that we can guarantee.’ Wanting to say more to their host, but not willing to say what he feels isn’t true, Brunner breaths a heavy sigh, acknowledging Mallie’s loss. ”We will dae whit we can, ma'am.”
’we have put ourselves in a conundrum. We told this goblin that we wouldn’t execute him, if he helped us, we cannot go back on our word now, but we shouldn’t saddle this town with our responsibility.’ As the conversation about their prisoner continues, Brunner, moves over near Dalron, speaking plainly. ” Ah was willin' tae execute th' gobo fur his crimes, up until someain trysted we woods lit it gang if it cooperated.” He nods at the goblin, ” An' cooperate it has.”
He gestures towards Mallie and Arvel, ” Th' gobo is uir responsibility, it wooldnae be reit tae lae fur these guid fowk tae deal wi'.”
Looking Dalron in the eye, ” If we gag it an' chain it, thaur shooldnae be a problem. If thaur is, ye ur Ah will kill th' wee bugger.”
Brunner the looks at the goblin hard, to see if he can tell if it’s truly evil or not.
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After speaking to the goblin Dalron stands up and turns to Brunner.
"I just asked it if he had to show us the way to his camp or if he could just tell us. I also asked about his leader."
Looking back at the goblin
"I really don't want to take it with us if it can be helped. But we hmay not have a choice but to take it a long. And if we do, we would need to tie it up to a tree or something far enough a way from it's camp so if he does start to make noise the rest of the group won't hear it. So how I see it it's really up to how the goblin answers if we take it or not."
He shakes his head. "We ne'er shoods hae trysted nae tae kill it, a quick death woods hae sufficed. but a tryst is a tryst."
'Responsibility is a heavy thing.' Brunner draws nearer to Dalron, "Th' monster is uir responsibility, we brooght it haur. it's nae reit tae push it aff oan thes burg. If need be Ah will tak' personal responsibility fur it, raither than lae it haur."
Bruner cast his detect evil within the room and receives no evil aura.
Arvel stands up and stretches; “Well that about does it for me tonight. If you want a collar or something for the goblin you should head on over to the smithy at sun up. I am sure he can hammer something out for you all before you go.”Arvel gives everyone a nod then heads out.
"We can get a collar and a piece of used rope. Like a leash around the goblins neck. So if he tries to run away or do something, one good tug and he falls down chocking. Like a dog leash."
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After the goblin speaks, Dalron turns his head to Brunner
"Well the Goblin says it's home is in the mountains, a place called caves that howl. And says that he never met the leader. Looks like we will be taking the goblin along with us as a guide, mountains are a big place to be poking around on."
Dalron walks over and grabs his gear.
"I will take first watch with the goblin, who wants to be with me?"
Info on caves that howl
"I'll join you on the first watch Dalron."
Lanliss asks either of their hosts if they know what the "caves that howl" could be.
Lanliss is able to catch Arvel as he is walking out the door. “Caves that howl? Hummm, I guess he could be talking about the abandoned mines. In the mountain to the East of here there is an old mine that has been depleted of its iron ore. When the storms are bad and the wind picks up it howls through the mines. The kids say its haunted, but thats just an old tale. I can tell you how to get there before you leave.”
'Hmmm, not evil, or at least not evil enough.' Hearing that Arvel is taking his leave, Brunner clasps the dwarfs hand one more time, resting his other hand on his shoulder. "It was guid tae see ye again auld mukker. we will gab tae th' smithy in th' morn."
As Dalron explains what the goblin said, Brunner nods, "Caves, ur mines mebbe. either way, Ah dornt hink it woods be auld Ah th' horn tae tak' th' gobo in wi' us. mebbe chain heem tae a tree loch ye said."
As the conversation winds down, Brunner turns to Scarlet and Dalron, "Th' morn will come early sae aam gonnae sleep. woods a one ay ye tois rascals wake me an' Barnabus when yer watch is dain?"
He then looks over to his fellow dwarf smiling, "Assumin' yer nae stayin' up ay coorse."
Everyone heads to their own room and scrapes the grime of the day off of their boots and clothing. Everyone has the opportunity to take a hot bath and spend some time relaxing this evening. Everyone rotates through their watch of the goblin through the night, everything goes as planned.
The next morning everyone wakes with the smell of fresh baked goods. Once you make your way down into the main room you find apple and honey rolls, milk, and hot coffee waiting for everyone. Mallie is sitting at the table welcoming everyone as they make their way down.
“Good morning! I hope the bath and sleep is what everyone needed! I know you have a full day but feel free to eat and run. If you need anything let me know, and I will see what I can do.”
Barnabus wakes early and studies on his spellbook until the sun is up.
He checks to make sure the goblin is still secured and then ventures down to the common room of the inn.
Not thinking that they'll be leaving the town immediately, he leaves his pack behind, but he still carries his hammer and the satchel containing his spellbook and his pet weasel.
He will see what's available for breakfast, preferring some buttered bread, eggs, and a mug of ale (all of which he shares with Stoat the weasel) and then he inquires of the bar staff.
"Would you good folks be knowing the location of one Master Thaimor? I have matters of some import to discuss that gentleman if he still resides in this town."
"Hello there!" Evia says, feeling better than she's had in a long time. "This is amazing. Normally city food is so much more bland compared to homecooked goodness like this."
She stuffs herself full, not knowing when the next time she'll have a good meal like this again, and then belts on her rapier, adjusts her armor, and keeps the wand she was given wedged tightly in her belt and looks at the others expectantly.
"Where to first?"
Scarlet joins everyone in the dining hall as he stomach growls from the smell of food. He smiles at everyone but goes directly into slicing up an apple and making a sandwich with the honey roll around apple slices. He munches on those, taking sips of milk in between every other bite.
He clears his mouth to say, "I've got nothing I really need to buy or get. But I'm willing to go along with you guys." He then goes about eating again.
Mallie turns to Barnabus; “Master Thamior? Well, I can say I honestly have never heard him called that before. But Thamior owns and operates the Mysticality, he is a curious but kind elf. Being a spell caster, I am sure you two will have plenty to talk about.”
Looking toward Scarlet; “Young man, you might want to slow down. There is enough to go around. If you eat like that you are going to get sick.”
“Oh Evia, you are a sweet lady. But, all the compliments must go to Sarah. She is a very skilled baker. I’m afraid she will go off one day to a bigger city and open up a sweets shop. I would be proud of her though.”
“If you’d life feel free to head where you need to go while everyone is still getting ready. I will let them know where you’ve run off to. I know you are all ready to get going.”