.: Researching Maps - Garbund :.
"Oh, I see now!", he squints through his glasses. "You're one of those goblin-killing heroes that stopped the cathedral from burning. Of course, just like me you're a cut above those ignorant townfolk who don't appreciate solid research even when it dances in front of their faces! Well, let me show you my findings! You see, my friend, I believe the destroyed lighthouse we call The Old Light is not a lighthouse at all! As you can see in my maps, it has been here since the first varisians came upon this lost coast, and their oldest maps, drawings and oral stories tell of ruined towers who once cast fire upon the surrounding lands. Many people think this is just a mistranslation, but no me! You see, I've studied varisian story for decades! I believe the tower was not a lighthouse, but a Thassilonian war machine capable of spewing fire to a range of more than a mile!"
The old man goes on and on, showing Garbund all his maps and ancient Varisian tales.
Garbund takes as many notes as he can from the old boy.
He'll try to compare the location of this lighthouse to the tunnel complex, if he can.
Garbund spends a long time looking at the maps, and at least for now he is sure that there is no connection between the tunnel complex and the lighthouse.
.: Meeting with the mayor next morning :.
You wake up early and head to the Town Hall, where you find mayor Kendra Deverin, sheriff Belor Hemlock, Father Zantus, and the elven scout, Shalelu Andosana. Viridi is notably absent.
"I spoke to her yesterday, she was adamant about staying close to her mother, so I think she won't join us in a while.", says Zantus.
Once everyone is ready for the meeting, Hemlock starts.
"Yesterday Kendra briefed me of the situation, if those notes we found in Tsuto's possession depicting a large scale attack from hundreds of goblins are true, then we are in dire straits, and I'm afraid five guards from Magnimar won't be enough to save us."
"I've been around Thistletop recently, patrols around the area were a lot more frequent so I couldn't get as much information as I would've liked, but it does seem to be true that they're amassing goblins from all tribes in the region.", says Shalelu.
"At least we know what is coming our way and can prepare for it.", says Kendra. "Would we be able to defend this attack if we prepare?"
"It depends on how much time we have, they could attack us today for all we know. And even if I trained more townsfolk and fortified the town, we'd still lose a lot of innocent people to the battle."
The three turn to you. Kendra asks:
"You've proven before that you can make good decisions in desperate moments, what do you think we can do?"
"We take the fight to them, a small strike force to get in, cause some mayhem and make them fear that grouping up causes more problems than it is worth." Denlar stands up and bangs his weapon on the ground.
This is going to be interesting work...
Thinking for a moment, Ansgar places his thumbs in his belt.
"Our best chance is to use the town's defenses. We prepare to collapse both Tanner's and Sandpoint bridge at a moments notice and have archers ready to fend off anyone trying to cross the river. Then we can concentrate on defending the wall. We may also want to collapse the tunnels under the glassworks so they can't be used." Ansgar says. "Our best bet though is to send out a small force to kill whatever leadership has managed to bring them all together. I am certain that without them the goblin horde will fall apart."
"I agree with Ansgar. Without leadership, the goblins will forget us and go back to fighting amongst themselves again."
"I think that is a sound plan.", says sheriff Hemlock. "We still would need to prepare defenses just in case they send an attacking force while our own group is trying to get in. And truth be told, its not like my guards would be very good for other purposes."
"Would you three be willing to mount an assault on Thistletop?" asks mayor Kendra. "I know you're not natives of Sanpoint, and while most townsfolk already consider you honorary citizens, I understand that you may not be motivated to risk your lifes once again to save our town. Our coffers aren't very full at the moment, but we can offer a monetary reward for your efforts."
"And the cathedral can offer divine items to assist in your journey. I could even accompany you if you need a healer, though I'm not of great use in combat.", says father Zantus.
"We have some spare equipment in the Garrison that could be useful to you as well. And if you need a combatant, I can go with you." comments sheriff Hemlock.
"The goblins won't threaten just Sandpoint if left unchecked, they'll be a danger to everyone in the Lost Coast. I've scouted these woods for decades, so I could show you the way.", says Shalelu.
"Ameiko Kaijitsu from the Rusty Dragon has had her share of adventures in the past as well.", says Kendra. "Maybe she would be willing to help as well. This way we can form a group to attack Thistletop as well as one to defend Sandpoint."
"Someone to tend to wounds would be beneficial, extra people to watch our back and strike from afar would be nice as well. We can have all of you assist us?" Denlar asks
"The more the better, I say! Especially dealing with Goblins."
"We should prepare to leave tomorrow morning. The sooner we can get this done with the better." Ansgar says "And it will give us the rest of today to ask for what aid we can from those willing to provide it."
"Provisions and maybe a detailed map of where the goblins are? Some healing items." Denlar says
"We'd still need people here to defend the town in case an attack happens, so I'd say no more than two of us could accompany you.", says Hemlock.
"I don't really have a map of the area, but Thistletop is an ancient site, so there might be some maps of it from before the goblins took over.", says Shalelu.
"I suggest that Father Zantus and Shalelu accompany us. And we can stop by the Cathedral and the libraries to pick up what assistance we can find and try to find a map." Ansgar says
"That sounds good. I couldn't find anything that corresponded with where those tunnels should come out."
Just in case this is needed in the cathedral for looking at maps:
OR take 10 or 20, time permitting, with a roll like that!
"I agree with Ansgar, Father just stay in the middle and you will be fine." Denlar says with a bit toothy grin
"Then it is settled, I'll stay back to guard the town.", Hemlock says.
"Thistletop is only half a day's walk from here, but we'll get you some provisions just in case.", says Kendra.
"Make sure to travel light, I can keep us fed.", Shalelu points at her bow.
"Let us meet tomorrow then, I'll get what items I can from the church.", says Zantus.
"Make sure to pass by the Garrison, I might have some things as well.", Hemlock says.
"Then our meeting has concluded. Good lock on your mission.", says Kendra. "Come back later for supplies."
As you pass by the Garrison, Sheriff Hemlock shows you the arsenal.
"We have a couple of weapons and armor that haven't seen use in a while, the townsfolk who form the militia aren't very good with them so they mostly just sit here gathering dust. Maybe you could use them."
Mayor Kendra gives you water and good quality food for five days as she wishes good luck one more time.
The next day you meet Shalelu and Father Zantus at the northgate. He gives each member of the party a Potion of Cure Light Wounds.
"I also have two that help against diseases, but lets hope we don't need them."
You walk on the road for about two hours, the road is empty the whole time.
"Merchants have been avoiding this road for a while thanks to the goblins.", Shalelu comments.
The road eventually comes into a brigde over Thistle River, but here you turn left, going into the forest of Nettlewood, Shalelu keeps leading the way, knowing exacly where to step.
"The goblins have left a few trails here.", she points, as you're heading north.
A couple of times you think you hear the sounds of goblins in the vicinity, but you never see any of them.
After another two hours in the wood, Shalelu finally stops, you are at an elevated rock near the coast, from which you can see a building in a small circular island 80 feet above the water, connected to the shore by a wooden bridge. You can also see a dense and tangle section of vegetation close to the shore that blocks the way to the bridge.
"That building is Thistletop.", she says. "As far is I know, it can only be accessed by that bridge or by scaling the cliff of the island. That section of vegetation is full of goblins, they've molded the briars and thistles into cramped tunnels that are very difficult for bigger creatures to navigate."
"I'm not a good climber, or swimmer.", Father Zantus says.
Denlar looks the armor over, "Fine suit but missing the spikes for added punch."
Keeping the Ranseur at all times, Denlar is a bit jumpy but ready to fight anything that comes at the group.
"I can climb well, could we burn out the vegitation? That will announce that we are here though. If we cross the bridge they will know we are here as well." Denlar chews on what to do
"I too am not a very good swimmer nor climber", Garbund admits.
Ansgar gratefully accepts the armor, a sword, and the potion of CLW.
This blade is better than my current one... Ansgar thinks eyeing the shorter weapon.
.
Upon arriving at Thistletop, Ansgar takes the measure of the area, and listens to his companions before talking.
"Its probably best if Garbund and I advance through the thistles, cutting a path as we go. Shalelu and Garbund come behind us to provide support, and Father Zantus stays well back until we are clear of danger." Ansgar says
"I've tried burning it before, but those briars are fairly resistant and the fire wouldn't spread, on the contraty, it just made a lot of smoke and signaled my position to the goblins. You could probably burn it with a more potent fire, though...", Shalelu says.
"How many goblins would likely be in those briars?"
"Hordes?!" Denlar's question sounds more like a statement
"That wouldn't surprise me!
"Maybe if we all take the boat and the skilled climbers go first.
"Then use ropes to help us scale up.
"That might work better than trying to slog through hidden goblins."
"From what I've seen before, most goblins are stationed inside Thistletop, only a few patrol the briars. Then again, I've never managed to go very far.", Shalelu says. "Despite being united in the same place, the goblin tribes still squablle among themselves and don't work togheter very often, so they're likely occupying different parts of Thistletop and not communicating."
"I believe I can ask Desna for a blessing of strength should one of you decide to climb. It would be of some help, I think.", Father Zantus says.
"If they don't work together well, then I suggest we hit them hard and fast, and clean up the individual pockets before they can mount any kind of organized defense." Ansgar says.
Ansgar will prepare to leave, shield in one hand and loaded sling in the other, with his swords stowed but easy to get at.
"So we need to get in quickly then find a place to strike and hit it hard?" Denlar asks
"I was thinking just go in the front door, figuratively. Right through the briars and over the bridge, clearing out the threats we find as we go. I don't fancy my chances with climbing at all." Ansgar says.
"Well, since we have no boat, and Denlar is the only good swimmer, I guess we'll have to go the way of the briars and bridge.
"Otherwise, there's an excellent chance of some of us drowning trying to get to Thistletop.
"At least we have skills and wits the goblins lack."
"Head long sounds like more fun, I would have to take off my protection and spikes to swim and climb well and if they come at me without that I will not have the fun of poking the little bleeders." Denlar says, he then heads to lead to the way through the briars.
Ansgar heads off with Denlar.
"I'm sure it'll be a slog, not matter how we do it", Garbund adds as he falls in behind the others.
"Then it is settle, lets face them head on.", Shalelu smirks and nocks an arrow on her bow.
You take a few minutes to aproach Thistletop by land, the briars and thistles that grow so rampantly in Nettlewood are even more dense and tangled here, close to the shore. Although not quite dense enough to block the sound of waves crashing on the unseen shores to the west, the undergrowth is certainly thick enough to block sight and access to the coast. Few trees grow this close to the edge of the sea, but the briars themselves often reach heights to rival them; here, the patch is nearly twenty feet high.
Shalelu searches for a while before lifting a patch of briars to reveal a 4-foot-high tunnel leading into the briars. A four-foot-high tunnel winds through the dense briars and nettles. The floor is hard-packed earth, with patches of wiry plants growing stubbornly here and there.
"Not built for longshanks like us.", she says, crouching to enter the tunnel.
Once inside, you see that the thistle tunnels spread into three directions, each of the tunnels seem to lead into bigger chambers.
Denlar begrudgingly goes through the tunnels, mumbling to himself the whole way. Once inside and able to stretch a bit Denlar looks around more.
"Damn little things, think they could make the tunnels a bit bigger, nearly wrecked my armor coming in here." Looking at the tracks, Denlar looks up at the group.
"Something large got dragged through here recently, and lots of goblins and their sickly dogs come through here as well."
"Should we follow? Looks like we have to head East anyway to reach that bridge."
"Let's head east. Like Garbund says, we need to go that way to get to the bridge." Ansgar says
You follow the drag marks towards the eastern tunnel and arrive in a a large cavelike chamber. Above, the thorny canopy grows thin enough that tiny slivers of the sky above can be seen, while below, the ground consists of trampled dirt. To the west, the distant sound of sloshing waves echoes up from a hole. As you enter the chamber, you also hear a loud howling sound from the hole. The drag marks lead into a tunnel to the east.
"I'm afraid this howl has alerted the goblins, we should decide a direction and move fast!", says Shalelu.
"The tunnel with the drag marks? Maybe someone is still alive in there." Denlar moves to the head of the tunnel.
"Let's have a bit of light."
Garbund will cut a branch off one of the briars and cast a spell on it: « પ્રકાશ » . .
and holds it up, following Denlar, for a better view:
The way east opens up north to reveal another chamber, the floor and walls of this musty-smelling chamber are covered with matted, wiry fur. Well-gnawed bones lie scattered about the floor, and a dozen wooden stakes have been driven into the ground near the walls. Four goblin dogs are tied to the stakes with leashes of hairy, fraying hope.
As they see you, they immediately start barking and run towards you, but the rope prevents them from getting close enough.
The tunnel also splits into a T-intersection, with one path going south and the other going north. The drag marks go north and you can see part of the rope brigde in the distance.
"I think we should head toward that bridge. It's where the drag marks are heading, at least."
Denlar shuffles forward to stab at a dog with his Ranseur.
"Stupid ugly beasts"
"We should probably clean these four up. I don't fancy having them set loose to corner us later." Ansgar says as we steps froward to help Denlar.
"You're probably right. Those ropes don't look they'll last long anyway:" « એસિડ સ્પ્લેશ » . .
.: Round 1 :.
Turn Order
Goblin Dog (Pink), Shalelu, Goblin Dog (Regular), Goblin Dog (Blue), Goblin Dog (Red)
Denlar, Garbund, Zantus, Ansgar
As they see you aproaching, the goblin dogs ready themselves to attack as soon as someone gets in range. Shalelu shoots two arrows with her bow.
The two arrows lodge themselves in the goblin dog's head, and the creatures goes down immediately.
As Ansgar steps up to deliver his blow, the goblin dog tries to bite him, but Ansgar dodges.
Ansgar, Garbund and Denlar all try to hit the dogs, but can't connect with their attacks.
Father Zantus mutters a prayer to Desna and touches Denlar on the shoulder.
.: Round 2 :.
Shalelu shoots two more arrows.
Another goblin dog falls.
One of the goblin dogs tries to bite Ansgar once again.
But can't reach him with his jaws.
The other goblin dog gets as close to the group as the rope permits, but can't reach anyone with his bite.
--
Turn Order
Goblin Dog (Pink), Shalelu, Goblin Dog (Regular), Goblin Dog (Blue), Goblin Dog (Red)
Denlar, Garbund, Zantus, Ansgar <- Can act
Denlar grunts and stabs at the dog again