Garbund moves in quickly, darting between Ansgar and Zantus, and standing over Denlar's body and tries burning Rippngut again:
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Ansgar lands a powerful blow on Gogmurt, nearly cutting his arm off from the shoulder. Garbund dashes in after Ripnugget and steadies his aim to shoot a ray of fire on Ripnugget, opening himself up to an attack on the process.
Despite the pain, Garbund perseveres and hits Gogmurt with his fire ray, the goblin warchief collapses from the saddle.
The goblin attacks Zantus yet again.
The priest takes yet another wound, but stands his ground.
Without his rider, the giant gecko lizard withdraws to the corner of the room, behind the throne.
The goblin to the west runs toward Ripnugget and pulls out a flask from his belt. But Shalelu follows him, shooting an arrow through Ripnugget's eyes and executing the warchief.
Seeing his allies being killed around him, Gogomurt raises his hands above his head and starts sobbing.
"Gogmurt surrenders! Please spare me longshanks!"
Seeing Gogmurt surrender, the other two goblins drop their weapons too.
Blood pools around Denlars body
Garbund, ignoring the now-pathetic Gogmurt, steps diagonally 5 ft toward Shalelu and flings Quick Fang at the goblin (Red) fighting Zantus:
... which promptly returns to Garbund's hand.
The goblin clutches at his wound.
"Wait, don't kill me, I give up!"
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Garbund waves his Quick Fang at the surrendering goblins, and points to a spot away from where they dropped their weapons.
"Over there, then. Slowly. Then kneel. And keep your hands behind your heads.
"And tell us EVERYTHING about this place and what all the goblins here are doing.
We are not happy about our friend dying.", he says, pointing to Denlar's body...
Panting as the fight ends, Ansgar will step back letting Garbund take center stage.
In the background, Ansgar lets out a quiet prayer to Ragathiel, and healing energy pours from him.
Scared by the half-orc sorcerer, the goblins almost fight with eachother to be the first to follow his orders, once things calm down, Gogmurt starts reporting.
"This place home of the Thistletop goblins, aways have been. Important place for goblins, we feel the calling, it calls for every goblin to conquer Thistletop and explore lower levels. Goblins have been fighting over Thistletop for long time. But Longshanks convinced warchief Ripnugget to unite goblins and make big goblin tribe, she also told the warchief to raid Sandpoint. I don't like her, the longshanks, I said no, but warchief followed her plan anyway. I knew this would happen, Longshanks take vengeance."
"Where does this calling you feel come from? And how many lower levels are their?" Ansgar asks.
If they give us enough information, I may let them live...
"The calling comes from below, there are two levels below this one, longshanks got to the lowest level some time ago.", he answers.
"If we can get you to the lowest level of the castle, will you serve us?" Ansgar says. "I can think of no better way for you to make us... longshanks... stop trying to kill you than to help us."
"Longshanks should give up, lower levels too dangerous. Get all of you killed, and me if I help you, horrible deaths!", he shakes his head.
Well it was worth a shot...
"If you will not help us then you can either stand and fight or drop your weapons and items and leave here with your lives!" Ansgar says to them. "Decide now."
The goblins drop what they're carrying and immediately run away in panic.
Adding the equipment from the dead goblinbs with the the pile of equipment the surviving ones leave behind, you get two studded leather armors, four shortbows, 100 arrows, three masterwork horsechoppers, a dogslicer and a whip, all small-sized. The goblins also leave behind three potions of cure moderate wounds and a single potion of cure light wounds, as well as 20 gp and a wand of silent image (4 charges).
Gogmurt leaves behind one potion of cure light wounds, a wand of produce flame (33 charges), a wand of tree shape (4 charges) and a cloak of resistance +1.
Finally, on Warchief Ripnugget's body, you find a small-sized masterwork breastplate, a small +1 shortsword, two potions of cure moderate wounds and a key ring.
"There is more work to do, but we seem to have weakened their defenses enough. And we need a rest...", Shalelu says, Zantus nods with a sad look on his face.
---
Taking whatever equipment you find useful and bringing Denlar's body back, you all reach Sandpoint after about five hours of travel, the sun is about to set and the streets are empty except for a few guards and militiamen on guard. As you reach the town, Sheriff Hemlock greets you from afar, accompanied by four other humanoids you haven't met yet, as well as what seems to be a tiger.
A young-looking woman with shoulder-length blonde hair stands with the sheriff, watching the approaching band of heroes. She wears fairly rugged traveling clothes that could almost be mistaken for hunter's garb, except for the touches of bright green, blue and white mixed in with the usual earth-tones. A longsword is strapped to her back, along with a light shield. She is holding the reins of a large piebald warhorse with a long flowing mane. Though the horse seems to be well trained, she stands between it and the tiger. Her stance is ready to draw her blade, if need be, but still relaxed enough to appear at ease. She leans towards the sheriff briefly, speaking something to hear out of earshot.
"They sure don't seem like the conquering heroes-type," Zelinda remarks to the sheriff, noting the blood-caked armor and the body hanging over the saddle of someone's horse. "I don't think things went all that successfully." Her tone of voice is not accusing or negative. In fact, the young half-elf seems sorrowful for the loss, despite her lack of knowing these brave adventurers.
As the woman finishes he comments the smile falls from the face of the young man standing next to her. He runs a hand through his short brawn hair, "That's them though, I saw them while they were staying at the Rusty Dragon... They look pretty banged up. I wonder what happened." He then falls uncharacteristically quiet as the groups trudge closer to one another.
Dressed in rough laborers clothing and a chain shirt with a rapier and a short cudgel at his side, he could easily be one of the many caravan guards that pass through the town or one of the local militia. His easy gambling pace befits a man used to travelling on foot.
Cliff! No! Look at me! That one is not food! Stop starring, you are making it nervous! Look, I'll get you a nice steak....
As the conversation between the others sinks in, Norms attentions shifts from the tiger next to him to the group approaching.
Quickly scanning the group, seeing the blood, the body over the horse and the weary looks on the faces, his smile freezes.
Cliff, down!
Sensing the mood shifting, the tiger lays down with a unhappy growl.
Quiary leans to the side of a building watching the group return, noticing the body slumped over the side of the Horse. "Another to add to the grave diggers roster." He thinks.
"Is he out cold or worse?" A slight quiver of excitement is in Quiary's voice.
As Ansgar approaches Sandpoint and sees the Sheriff with some others awaiting him he takes the lead of the small group and approaches the Sheriff to give a report. Ansgar glances over at Denlar's body again as he step up to the new comers.
"Sheriff Hemlock, thank you for coming to see us on our return." Ansgar looks the others over more carefully then continues, small matters such as an introduction could wait. "I'd like to report in that our mission was a success. We infiltrated Thistletop and killed the goblin chief. We also uncovered some information that there is more to be explored there. I intend to head back there tomorrow with whatever help I can muster."
To the remainder of the group, "I am Ansgar. The four of you, and your furred companions, look to be of a hardy sort. Are you willing to volunteer for a trip to Thistletop? Be warned, casualties may occur." Do not dwell on it...
Ansgar awaits their reply, his face a blank mask as he stands there covered in goblin blood, his own blood, and his friends blood.
How many will I see die by our quests end, I wonder... I shall mourn Denlar in time, for I failed him... The only solace I may find in this is that retribution was swift and by my own hand in a manner that I can live with...
Cael gulps audibly, "um, well that's why I, er, we are here. Is he...? I'm sorry... Anyways, my name is Caeldren Shoreman, but mostly I just go by Cael. I know my way around a blade, and a bit of magic. I'm ready to do my part to keep Sandpoint safe." He then does a mock salute and grins. Becoming more serious again he mutters, "Hopefully it will go better this time..."
I’m sorry to hear about your friend. My name is Norm and this fur ball is Cliff
Norm puts his hands on the side of Cliff’s neck.
We would also like to help out. I might not be worth much in a fight, but he is and I got a magic trick or two to help him
Is there anything we can do for you while you get cleaned up?
I’m hungry. That furry runner smells sooo good! But Norm said not to eat it. Stupid people-rules!
Cliff puts his head on his front paws and waits for Norm.
"Ahh sorry. I can help you with your friend." Quiary moves forward to help with the body. "I will go with you when you go back."
The young half-elf woman steps towards Ansgar, hand held out in greeting, an soft smile on her face. "It's good to meet you, sir. My name is Zelinda Petri. My uncle Boian once helped these folks with a goblin infestation, so how could I do any less in good consciense? My blade and skill are yours to use, should you need them. I dabble in a little alchemy, as well."
Zelinda steps back again, giving the cleric some room, and asks in a slightly more somber tone, "Is there anything that I can do to help you right now?"
"You've done more for Sandpoint than we can ever hope to repay.", says sheriff Hemlock to Ansgar before casting a look at Denlar's body.
"I'll arrange for his soul to ascend in piece.", says Zantus, taking Denlar's body.
"As you see, we have more volunteers to help the town.", says Hemlock. "From what I've seen they all look competent."
"Thank you Father Zantus. For that and for your help today." Ansgar says. "And you Shalelu. Will you be accompanying us tomorrow?"
To Zelinda and Norm, "Right now, nothing much. Knowing I have reinforcements for the battle ahead is heartening enough for me at the moment." Ansgar says, "I would suggest that everyone get a goods night rest and we can meet at Rusty Dragon for breakfast. I will give you a brief on the journey and the layout of Thistletop as we know it then."
Ansgar cuts off the conversation suddenly, nods to the Sheriff, Zantus and Shalelu, then begins walking toward the Rusty Dragon. When he arrives he asks Ameiko, "Could you setup something for me to wash myself and my equipment that won't disturb anyone?"
Zelinda nods at his response and keeps her silence as she watches Ansgar walk away. The poor man has probably seen a great many things already, and losing a comrade probably doesn't help matters.
Zelinda mounts up on Uma and turns to face Sheriff Hemlock. "Is there anything you need of me, in the meantime, sir?"
"Guess I'd better head back to the inn too. Sheriff, you know where I'll be if you need me. See y'all in the morning," having said as much Cael turns and he gonna heading back to the Rusty Dragon.
Norm and Cliff also find their way back to the inn where he settles down with a mug of ale and a piece of meat for Cliff and awaits the morning.
Quiary will help Father Zantus with the body of the fallen, once he is placed where he needs to be Quiary will walk around town for a bit listening to rumors and other things about the return of the heroes. As night sets he will find a place to rest and get ready for the morning.
When he gets back to the inn Cael seeks out Ameiko. He gets there just in time to hear Ansgar make his request of a place to clean up. After they finish and Ansigar leaves Cael steps up to speak with Ameiko.
"Pretty stone-faced isn't he? He came back with the body of one of his companions, hardy said a word when they met us with the sheriff, just business. hello sheriff, we were successful, going back in the morning though, hey you guys look like you can fight, wanna come and maybe die tomorrow? and then he walked away, just like that. Weird"
Ameiko stares into the distance at the hallway Ansigar had left by, half listening as Cael's chatter washes over her. Then she cuts him off abruptly "Shut up Cael, just... just shut up."
"What?"
Then she sighs, "I know you mean well Cael, but you just don't have any clue. You love the hero stories right? Where the good guys triumph and the villains are vanquished and all is well. You even enjoy the ones where one of the heroes dies tragically but his sacrifice saves everyone."
"Yeah..." he says a bit confused.
"Well it doesn't usually work out that way in real life. Real life's messy, things happen faster than you can imagine, and good people die, and often for no better reason than bad luck. They catch an arrow and they're gone... it leaves... scars. You don't, you can't understand what it's like to see a friend die and not be able to do anything about it." she pauses and then quietly says, "I hope you never do."
"I see, so you're saying I should cut him some slack?"
Ameiko chuckles a bit, "you can't take anything seriously can you? Yes, as you say cut him some slack. Are you going with him tomorrow?"
"Yep. Gotta write my own story somehow, and no one wants to hear about the ever illustrious life of a simple caravan guard, believe me I've tried it. Everyone just leaves, or if they're in a bad mood you get the leftovers tossed at you. I wanna be somebody, I want to live on in stories, Caeldren the Brave, Slayer of Monsters, Hero of the Ages. Not just Cael, the guy who washed dishes and watched the backside of the oxen for 30 years."
"Well, keep yourself safe, ok?"
"I will. Hey, I'm going to go down to the common room for a mug or two, do you need me to do anything before hitting the sack tonight?"
"Just don't stay up too late tonight, I'll handle everything, I managed everything just fine before you got here. You need to get your sleep if you're leaving tomorrow."
"Thanks," and with a grin Cael turns back and heads to the common room where he sit down with a mug and listens to the chatter.
"No need.", Hemlock answers. "Just rest for tomorrow, you'll need it."
At the Rusty Dragon, Ameiko answers to Ansgar.
"Sure, just talk with Bethana and she'll arrange anything you need."
Both at the Rusty Dragon and on the streets, some gossip starts about the four adventurers returning with Denlar's body, the townsfolk don't seem to have much idea of what is going on, but that doesn't seem to stop them from speculating.
As the night sets in, Shalelu approaches those of you who are still by the common room.
"I'll be going ahead to keep an eye on the roads, see if the goblins won't try any counter-attack or set up any sneaky ambush.", she tells you. "See you tomorrow."
---
Early next morning, Zantus holds a small cerimony as Denlar's corpse is buried on the boneyard, his gravestone is more elaborate than those around him, an effort by the town council to honor his death.
"He fought to his last breath to protect us. May he find the victories he deserves on the afterlive.", says Zantus.
As the small crowd disperses and the townsfolk start going about their business. Zantus turns to you. "I'm ready, let us finish what they started.", he says, tired.
Do you want company, Shalelu?
Both Cliff and I can be pretty stealthy when we need to and its really nice to have Cliff on your side if you have to fight at night in the forrest. Saved my bagside more than once, I can tell you that!
Norm starts to get up, expecting to go with her.
"I'm...", she glances at Normorginan's short legs. "Looking to move fast."
"No need.", Hemlock answers. "Just rest for tomorrow, you'll need it."
Not expecting a different answer, but a little disappointed anyways, Zelinda rides Uma slowly back to the Goblin Squash Stables, mulling through her thoughts. She insists on handling her tack and cleanup herself, though doesn't squabble about any stablehands that might want to brush Uma down or get her some hay for the night. "I know we haven't been together for very long yet," she absently says to the mare, "but I think we've already gotten to know each other pretty well. Let's watch out for each other, and the others, okay?" The warhorse responds with a sighing gust of breath from his nostrils, spraying a bit of fluid all over the place.
After briefly wiping herself off, Zelinda finds a think pile of hay and rolls up in her cloak to sleep.
The next morning, Zelinda finds a bath to clean herself up (who knows when she next get the chance), and gets Uma tacked up and ready to ride, securing her equipment properly. Once ready, she bids Daviren well and promises to be back as soon as possible. Then she rides to the Rusty Dragon to meet the others.
After securing Uma with some water at the hitching post, she makes her way inside, sword and shield strapped to her back. And finds a table with whomever is already awake. "Morning!" she greets warmly to Ameiko and the others. "Who's ready for some adventure?"
During the funeral Cael keeps an eye on Ansgar and Garbund watching their reactions. When Father Zantus finishes and asks if they're ready to go Cael speaks up before anyone else has a chance to, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd like to know a bit more before we leave. Killing gobbos is fine and all, but stoneface here made it sound like there's going to be more than that where we are going. I'm fine with danger and all, but I'd like to know what we'll be up against, makes killing things easier if you know what you'll be killing, catch my drift? Also I need to grab a couple of things. Won't take long, but I'd be loath to leave without a few basics."
"Who's ready for some adventure?"
"Ugh, not so loud ok?" Cael did not listen to Amieko's advice to get to bed early the night before and it shows. Though he is not hung over (he rarely drinks much) Cael's not a morning person. "I think there's a funeral to attend before we go much of anywhere."
Having nearly forgotten about the funeral, Zelinda goes with the others to pay her respects.
"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'd like to know a bit more before we leave. Killing gobbos is fine and all, but stoneface here made it sound like there's going to be more than that where we are going. I'm fine with danger and all, but I'd like to know what we'll be up against, makes killing things easier if you know what you'll be killing, catch my drift? Also I need to grab a couple of things. Won't take long, but I'd be loath to leave without a few basics."
I'm sure that they can fill us in on the road. It sounds like it a bit of a trek, so we might as well spend the time conversing and planning. Nothing worse than travel with no conversation."
I'm sure that they can fill us in on the road. It sounds like it a bit of a trek, so we might as well spend the time conversing and planning. Nothing worse than travel with no conversation."
"True enough, but by then we won't be able to buy anything to help with our quest. Don't worry too much about not having conversation on the way, I'm sure getting to know each other will occupy the lot of us for quite a while. I'm always ready to hear or tell a story or two."
"I'm...", she glances at Normorginan's short legs. "Looking to move fast."
Please, call me Norm. Only my mother calls me Normornigan and then I know I'm in trouble!
Norm grins
I know I don't move as fast as you longlegs, but if we are in a hurry, I can always catch a ride on Cliff. He doesn't mind....much.
But you go ahead, I go with the others in the morning, then
"Morning!" she greets warmly to Ameiko and the others. "Who's ready for some adventure?"
Ready to go when you are! Can't wait to see whats inside that place! I hope it's really old with lots and lots of interesting stuff
Norm looks up at Zelinda eagerly.
------------
At the funeral, Norm will stay in the back as he didn't really know the man, except from reputation.
When the funeral is over, he joins the others. He is all packed and ready to go.
Quiary attends the small funeral, staying off to the side letting those who knew the dead to be closer.
"We should avenge him, kill all the goblins up there and then take it for our own."
"Think there is much to fill us in on? They killed the chief, unless the goblins have got another chief in the waiting I bet they have fled."
Ansgar thanks Ameiko, then goes and talks with Bethana. Once its setup, he spends over an our bathing and washing his clothing and armour back to perfect condition.
.
Knowing Denlar has no one from here to mourn him, and being his comrade in arms, Ansgar stands at the front during Denlar's funeral. Ansgar stands straight, his armor gleaming and his holy symbol of Ragathiel pulled out and hung out side his armor for all to see. Ansgar holds Denlar's ranseur throughout, a warrior should have their weapon near until the last of the soil is placed. The service is well done, Father Zantus performing it well in Denlar's name.
I shall take your blade Denlar and finish slaying your foes with it...
As the service comes to a close, Ansgar step up to Father Zantus, "Thank you for the service, and for coming to help again today. I hope we can keep you safer than you were on our trip yesterday."
As he turns to the rest of the group, Ansgar sighs. Now, now, there is no reason they can't be excited to go on a mission like this...
"Let us head out. I can fill you in on the story on the road, though there really isn't much to tell of the place."
"Very well stone face," Cael says with a grin, "I'll meet you guys by the gates then. See you soon eh?" Then he gives the same poor salute he gave before and takes off at a jog.
After stopping by the inn to tell Ameiko goodbye and grab his pack, Cael jogs off to the general store to purchase the few things he needs before heading to the gates where to promised to meet the adventurers. When he does arrive he's a bit winded.
Shortly after everyone is gathered and they begin their journey, Zelinda rides Uma beside Caeldren. "Cael, right?"she confirms with him, glancing at the odd human that seems to walk with almost a swagger. The rapier at his hip moves in harmony, like it was a part of him. She hops down to the ground so that she can walk beside him, so that her voice doesn't carry. "You shouldn't tease Ansgar so much, especially before you actually get to know him. I could be wrong, but I suspect that there's a lot going on behind the gruff exterior. No sense making him regret bringing us along, despite our best intentions."
"Cael, right?"
"You shouldn't tease Ansgar so much, especially before you actually get to know him. I could be wrong, but I suspect that there's a lot going on behind the gruff exterior. No sense making him regret bringing us along, despite our best intentions."
"Yeah, you're probably right. Ameiko said much the same thing to me yesterday. I don't mean any harm by it though, I hope he knows that. Maybe I should tell him so. All the same it doesn't hurt to crack a smile once in a while you know?
Anyways, you're Zelinda yes? Where are you from? I'm from Sandpoint, but I've been on the road for the last couple of years working as a caravan guard. You have a fine horse there, a lot better than the pack mules and oxen I'm used to walking with, but if you don't mind me saying so the beast looks a bit feisty. Have you ever heard the story about how Desna tricked..."
Cael's friendly chatting continues as the two walk along. While he isn't yelling, unlike Zelinda, his voice is loud enough that anyone of the group can hear what he is saying. All the while he wears a contented smile, enjoying being on the road again and the start of what he is sure will be a grand adventure
Zantus nods, absentminded, and the group leaves Sandpoint towards Thistletop. Ansgar and Zantus fill you in on the details while you travel.
After nearly five hour of walking, you have already traveled most of Nettlewood and can see Thistletop as well as hear the crashing waves below. You've seen no sign of Shalelu so far, however.
"I hope trouble hasn't found her...", Zantus mutters.
A minute later, a Goblin Dog comes running in your direction, he is clearly injured and having problems to move, and likely running away from something rather than running towards you. He trips and falls on a tree root, and seems about to lose consciousness.
Quiary walks beside everyone but just far enough away that he can get a shot off if something comes to attack those who prefer closer combat.
"You guys are awful loud for a group of people who don't want to draw attention. Talking is fine but the continousness of it will give your position away and deny you any advantage you may have." Quiary
At the sounds of something coming crashing through the woods, Quiary draws his bow and arrow quick as can be, siting down the shaft as the dog crashes into the tree.
Quiary slinks back a bit hoping to not be seen so he can press any advantage possible.